Are you ready to explore Central America, but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you have always wanted to go, but something has always gotten in the way, like a language barrier or arbitrary safety concern. Most great trip itineraries just need a solid starting point in order to take shape and become a reality. So, here are a few reasons why Belize is the ultimate introduction to exploring Central America.
English is the official language
For a lot of first-timers, language barriers can be pretty daunting. For English speakers traveling to Central and South America, the general consensus is that everyone down there speaks Spanish or some variation of it. In Belize, Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and some Mayan languages are spoken, however English is the official language. Pretty much everyone you encounter will speak English, and they’ll speak it well. If English is your only or primary tongue, you’ll have no trouble maneuvering through Belize at all.
The country is relatively safe
Belize doesn’t have any safety concerns that any other place wouldn’t. As you would while traveling anywhere, be aware of your surroundings while visiting larger cities such as Belize City. This means being subtle about any cash you may be carrying, looking both ways before crossing the street, and sticking to well-visited areas of the city. If traversing the town after dark, it is advisable to catch a cab if possible rather than walking. However, in the less populated towns and jungles outside of the cities, there’s very little to worry about. And as far as your health goes, it’s always smart to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest on Zika and other concerns.
There’s so much to do
Belize is great because there’s a wealth of things to do, and it’s a good sampler for what the rest of Central America has to offer. If you’re up for a party, Belize City nightlife is always hopping. Hit the beaches and catch some sun along the coast in places like Placencia Peninsula, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, or explore some offshore marine ecosystems either from the water’s surface or from below. Belize gets a lot of attention from divers for playing host to the famed Great Blue Hole, but there are countless spectacular dive sites and coral reef systems all along the Belize Barrier Reef.
If you prefer to head inland, there are dense jungles and rain forests to explore with ziplining, cave tubing, swimming in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Maya Mountains. Here, you’ll also find hiking and biking trails, intense climbing routes, cascading waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Not only does Belize impress with its natural wonders, but cultural remnants of past civilizations are available to explore. Visit the Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha, Xunantunich, or Caracol; you may even tour numerous caves containing archaeological artifacts.
It’s a cultural melting pot
A variety of civilizations have waxed and waned throughout Central American history, and Belize has touches of each of them. The language, and even some of the proper nouns, clearly point to British colonization. However, Belize has also been impacted by Spanish colonization, the African slave trade and immigration from the Caribbean islands. Because of its proximity to the sea, Belize served as an access point to the mainland and a port for trade and piracy, making it a landing spot for people from all over the world. Today, traces of each civilization still exist in still thriving indigenous communities, favorite local foods, customs and traditions and a laid-back, tropical vibe.
Belize has something for every traveler type and provides a broad perspective on the cultures and activities you may encounter in your future Central American travels. Book your tickets and go visit Belize!
Caroline Lupini
Latest posts by Caroline Lupini (see all)
- 8 great reasons to visit Fiji right now - November 15, 2021
- How to have the perfect Bolivia Salt Flats adventure - November 18, 2019
- Which side of this Caribbean paradise is for you—Trinidad or Tobago? - October 14, 2019
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
