Belize: Central America’s Best-Kept Secret

I’ve travelled to Belize twice with my family, and each visit has been completely different and equally unforgettable. The first time, we focused solely on Belize - beginning in the remote Orange Walk District, continuing into the mountains, and ending with slow, sun-soaked days on Caye Caulker. On our second trip, we crossed the border by land after exploring Guatemala, returning to Belize with that familiar sense of warmth and ease before heading back to Caye Caulker to meet friends.

Each visit has reminded me of the same thing: Belize is Central America’s best-kept secret, and a fantastic multi-stop destination.

Lamanai: Wildlife, Ruins & Jungle

Our first trip to Belize began at Lamanai Outpost Lodge, an award winning lodge set on a remote jungle lake, offering an immersive, all-inclusive experience.  Reaching the lodge is an adventure in itself, with a stunning river journey through untouched jungle on the lodge’s own boat.

The lodge’s guides are superb, and you plan your activities together on arrival. Think early morning river safaris, night-time excursions under spectacular stars, nature walks, and trips to the nearby village for lunch and a cooking class. A standout experience is visiting the Lamanai Maya ruins at sunrise, arriving well before any other tourists.

This is a place where you are completely enveloped in nature, with vibrant birdlife and the unforgettable calls of the howler monkeys. My daughter bravely held a baby tarantula and still talks about it to this day.

Into the Mountains: Waterfalls, Caves & Adventure

Leaving the jungle behind, we travelled into Belize’s mountain region, close to the Guatemala border. The change in landscape is immediate: cooler air, rolling green hills, dense forests and hidden waterfalls. It’s a beautiful, peaceful area made for exploring. We swam in natural pools beneath waterfalls, hiked through lush forest trails and discovered Belize’s extraordinary cave systems.

With zip-lining, horse riding, river swims and jungle hikes, this is the ideal location for adventure seekers.

Maya Heritage & Ancient Cities

Belize’s extraordinary Maya sites are ideal for history buffs, archaeology lovers, or simply anyone who wants to understand Belize beyond its beaches and jungles. Standing atop a pyramid with the rainforest stretching endlessly around you is unforgettable.

• Caracol – the largest Maya site in Belize, hidden deep in the forest
• Xunantunich – climb El Castillo for sweeping views across Belize and Guatemala
• Altun Ha – famous for its Jade Head
• Lamanai – one of the oldest continually inhabited Maya cities

The Caribbean Coast & Cayes

Belize’s coastline is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and the marine life is exceptional. Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley brings you face to face with nurse sharks, rays, turtles and, if you’re lucky, manatees (we were!). 

And then there’s the Great Blue Hole – you can book a scenic flight over it which alone would justify the trip.

Caye Caulker has become one of our family’s happiest places. Tiny, colourful, car free, slow-paced and full of charm.  Further down the coast, Placencia is often named the best beach in Belize, while the nearby village of Hopkins offers a wonderful blend of beachfront relaxation and Garifuna culture.

Food & People

Belize’s food is a blend of its many cultures. Expect fresh lobster (in season), coconut rice, fry jacks, tamales and ceviche.

But more than anything, it’s the people who make Belize special. Warm, relaxed and genuinely welcoming, they are a huge part of why travellers fall in love with the country.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, December to May, offers the best weather for exploring jungles, beaches and islands.

Getting There

With new flight connections, you can now reach Belize from the UK in a single day - making this incredible destination more accessible than ever.

Getting Around

As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is easy to navigate. The domestic airlines - Tropic Air and Maya Island Air - make multi-centre itineraries easy, with short scenic hops between the jungle, mountains and cayes.

Where to Stay

Belize offers an incredible range of accommodation options - from jungle eco-lodges and rustic riverfront cabins to boutique mountain retreats, barefoot-luxury beach resorts and private island hideaways.

To name a few of my favourites

• Lamanai Outpost Lodge - immersive wildlife experiences and expert guides
• Blancaneaux Lodge – Francis Ford Coppola’s luxurious rainforest hideaway
• Ka’ana Resort – boutique, sophisticated and perfectly located for Maya ruins
• Iguana Reef Inn, Caye Caulker – sunsets, stingrays and island charm
• Thatch Caye Resort – a private island escape
• Turtle Inn, Placencia – barefoot luxury with Coppola style
• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort – ideal for marine and jungle activities
• Victoria House, Ambergris Caye – elegant, refined beachfront living

Travel Tips

✅ Combine Belize with Guatemala for the ultimate culture-jungle-sea itinerary

✅ Always choose guided jungle and cave experiences - the expertise is exceptional

✅Book early for peak dry-season dates

✅Don’t skip the mainland - Belize’s jungles, rivers and mountains are extraordinary

📩 If you’re thinking about Belize, please get in touch. I’ve explored it with my family and I’d love to design a personalised journey that shows you the very best of this extraordinary country

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