One of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, explore magnificent rainforests, climb Mayan temples, and not sell a kidney to afford it, is Belize, Central America.
Belize City airport is serviced by a few carriers including Continental, American, Delta, and Taca Airlines. Most have multiple daily flights in and out of the country through a few key hubs such as Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. Flights tend to be reasonable as compared to other international destinations (Continental flights are usually between $550-$700 including all taxes, depending on the time of year). Last year, they were running unbelievable deals during October (about $50 from Houston).
Once you arrive in Belize City, the possibilities are endless. Local carriers, Maya and Tropic Air, offer numerous flights to Ambergris Caye and other popular destinations within the country. On the mainland, there is cave tubing, zip lining, the Belize Zoo, numerous temples to explore, and rainforest excursions among the popular activities. The south of the country is noted for areas such as Dangriga, with its beautiful waterfalls, and Placencia, for great fishing and local seafood.
If you head for the islands, Ambergris Caye has great beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and incredible snorkeling and scuba diving off the Belize Barrier Reef System (UNESCO World Heritage Site and second largest reef in the world). Flights to the Caye are as plentiful as taxis, leaving on the 15 minute venture almost every 30 minutes. Hotels on the island can range from the downright cheap to more luxurious. Every year I stay at a beachfront hotel for about $100 a night in off season. For a portion of the trip this year, we are renting a mansion that sleeps 16, complete with a rooftop pool, private beach, etc., which works out to less than $200 pp total for the 4 nights.
What if you want the best of both worlds, such as lots of activities and great beaches? Ambergris is a 45 minute boat ride back to the mainland and any of the day trips are available from the Caye. Tour companies have regular tours arranged through the hotels and will pick you up right on your own hotel dock! How’s that for service? The ride over is a great way to experience the islands and beautiful turquoise waters. And the best part is the relaxing ride back with the plentiful supply of rum punch and Belikin beer.
Food in Belize is cheap and delicious. An excellent seafood meal on the Caye can run about $10 USD pp, or a little more if you go to a restaurant at one of the fancier hotels. Many hotels include a continental breakfast and most of the all-day tours include lunch as well. Do not look for recognizable chains on the Caye as you will only find "mom and pop" type places. The island is filled with numerous types of cuisine, including Mexican, Caribbean and other regional ethnic dishes, American, and even Chinese. I have yet to have a meal in Belize that was anything less than spectacular!
Belize pretty much offers something for everyone. You can fill your days with excursions, or just lounge on the beach, and still have an amazing time. I love coming back to the Caye and seeing the same people who have become friends through the years. Although the secret is slowly getting out and tourism is increasing, I hope Belize can always retain the same charm and excellent value that bring us back year after year.
