Exploring Belize: Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Aerial view of a Belizean coastal landscape showcasing turquoise waters, sandy shores, and small islands in the distance.

Belize is a country full of beaches with clear glass-like waters & ancient Mayan ruins. A hidden gem, that movies always seem to mention as the perfect getaway or escape. An unforgettable tropical oasis. Not just because it is my birthplace, but because it truly is La Isla Bonita. So, Come with Me…

Belize is a small country (with a population of 400k); it’s a place we can see plenty in just 5 days. Google translate won’t be needed here, as everyone speaks English, both broken & proper English. The dialect here is known as “Creole,” English creole.

I hope you remembered to pack light cool clothing, because it can get pretty hot here. Air conditioning is a luxury that’s not always available. So maybe bring a mini portable fan (especially during the summer months).

Are you ready to go? Wonderful! Our first stop will be…

Belize City.

I’ve rented a car for us, as Uber isn’t really accessible here. Although there are local taxis, I think we’ll get around better this way. It feels adventurous driving on the right side of the road, through the somewhat busy city. I just love watching the pink flowered trees go by.

A vibrant street scene in Belize featuring two people biking, colorful buildings, and local businesses with tropical plants lining the street.

On the radio there’s calypso and reggae music playing. We drive by old buildings, while chair dancing to “Born Deh” by Lord Rhaburn. This city seems to be going with the flow of life, a relaxed town. Kids in uniform are walking to school. The locals greet each other enthusiastically, as if they haven’t seen each other in years.

A lively street in Belize City, featuring local shops, colorful signs, and people walking and biking.

It’s a place where everyone knows everyone. A native’s last name easily reveals who they are, who their family members are, and probably where they currently live. Information known without needing a computer to look it up, of course.

Time seems to just slow down here, care-free countryside vibes for sure.

A colorful street scene in Belize featuring a yellow building with a porch and stairs, a sign for 'Cellular World,' and pedestrians walking by. Various vehicles and bicycles are visible in the foreground.

I’m hungry. Let’s stop & get something to eat. I highly recommend eating mostly the traditional cuisine, because it’s so good! So try to resist asking for Italian food.

Our first meal will be the classic rice and beans, stew chicken, potato salad & plantains. Washing it down with a refreshing glass of tamarind juice. For dessert, we’ll indulge in Craboo (Nanche) ice cream. If Craboo is not your thing, then Soursop will surely be the perfect alternative…it’s so refreshing!

Two glasses of tamarind juice sit on a table with a pitcher in the background. The juice is brown and served over ice, accompanied by fresh tamarind pods and pink bougainvillea flowers.

A plate of traditional Belizean food featuring stew chicken, rice and beans, fried plantains, and a side of potato salad.

A serving of Craboo (Nanche) ice cream in a waffle cup, surrounded by fresh Craboo fruits on a table.

We are staying at a bed and breakfast. So in the morning, we can wake up to fry jacks, refried beans, and scrambled eggs… Yummm!

A plate of Belizean breakfast featuring fry jacks, refried beans, scrambled eggs with vegetables, and slices of cheese, accompanied by tropical fruit.

But before taking a bite, be sure to splash on a little Marie Sharp’s Belizean hot sauce. It’s perfectly seasoned and flavorful. It’s so exquisite that we can’t help but rock in our chairs while enjoying every bite. Breakfast here is always so unforgettable.

We won’t stay long in this city (maybe a day or two). However, our itinerary here is jammed packed.

An interior view of a cave featuring stalactites and stalagmites, with water reflecting the formations in a serene environment.

First, we will venture to the caves. Kayaking or Tubing on a lazy river, as it takes us through different caves. Three popular caves here include Balankanche, Loltun, and the ATM cave. It so relaxing and enjoyable. The flowing water is cooling and sparkles when the sun shines on it. It’s an incredible experience that often feels short-lived.

A serene cave interior with a calm water surface reflecting the rocky walls, where a group of individuals in a small boat is illuminated by a fire.

A serene view of a cave opening with clear turquoise water and lush greenery surrounding the entrance, showcasing the beauty of Belizean nature.

But don’t be sad, because next well head to the Mayan ruins. The Xunantunich Myan ruins is jaw dropping. Not only are these ruins majestic, but we’ll actually get to climb them! It’s one of the tallest buildings in Belize that predates Columbus (700-900A.D.). Once at the top, we’ll take in the views that are breathtaking and serene.

Ancient Mayan ruins with a large stone pyramid structure and staircases, surrounded by grassy areas and a blue sky.

A person sitting on the edge of a Mayan ruin, overlooking a lush landscape with a cloudy sky. The scene captures a sense of adventure and awe at the view.

Be careful going down!

For lunch well have some wrapped Tamales, Garnaches, & fried Panadas (topped with onion & peppers). Although they’re known worldwide, these dishes are made differently here and will certainly tickle your taste buds. Every bite should be chased with a cool carbonated Belizean Belkin beer…. (sigh..) life is so good 🙂

Close-up of a traditional Belizean tamale wrapped in a banana leaf, partially opened, with a fork resting beside it. — Tamales

Three Belizean tacos topped with shredded cabbage, cheese, diced tomatoes, and cilantro, served on a speckled plate alongside a bowl of salsa. — Garnaches

A plate of traditional Belizean food featuring fried jacks arranged around a small bowl of coleslaw, with a bottle of Marie Sharp's hot sauce in the background. — Panadas

A bucket of Belikin beer bottles on a wooden table, with the Caribbean Sea in the background and people enjoying at a beach. — Belkin Beer… Beer of Belize

Time to rest up, because in the morning we’ll take a boat ride to ….

The Belize Cayes.

Belize has a few different Cayes. Most locals prefer Caye Caulker, while visitors often prefer San Pedro. However, there’s also St. Georg’es Caye & Glovers reef.

We’ll first stop by…

Caye Caulker

The Ferry ride to this Caye is perfectly scenic. The water is a beautiful bluish-green. It’s stunning to behold. After an hour, we arrive to this quaint Caye. We quickly shop for souvenirs at colorful little shops, while waiting for our private fishing boat to take us snorkeling.

Two snorkelers swimming among a school of fish in crystal clear turquoise water.

Once our boat captain arrives, we head out to the Caribbean Sea. It’s such a blessing to be snorkeling in the clearest water we’ll probably ever see anywhere. A true tropical paradise. As you use your goggles, you can see the sea creatures resting at the ocean bottom a far distance away. Yes, it’s that clear. Belize has one of the largest barrier reefs, which aids in better water quality. There’s also the Blue Hole, but that’s a place for another time.

We’ll jump into shark infested waters. Don’t worry, they’re only Nurse sharks. Apparently, these sharks are vegetarians, so as long as you’re not green, you should be fine, I hope 😉

A stingray swimming gracefully underwater surrounded by colorful tropical fish.

Sting rays are also fun swimming companions. You can hold them and even kiss them. Just don’t get zapped! Do you see large conch shells on the sea floor? Perfect! We can eat them later (if it’s in season!).

We take a quick stop at another small private Caye for drinks and fresh fish. The fresh fried & grilled fish are savory and succulent. Seasoned to perfection, every bite is explosive. The flavors will take your tastebuds on a journey to the enchanted land of culinary magic.

A plate featuring a fried whole fish served with rice, plantains, a fresh salad, and a slice of lime on a blue table.

A woman smiling while holding a piece of fish in a restaurant, with a plate of fish and salad in front of her.

After our meal, it’s time to make our way to the next Caye, where we’ll spend the night. Let’s hurry back, so we don’t miss the Ferry!!

Close call! Arriving just in time to board the Ferry, and head to….

Sand Pedro

A colorful sign for 'Toucan Taboo Treasures' hangs above a street in Belize, featuring tropical designs and a toucan. Golf carts are parked along the sidewalk, with a bustling atmosphere and clear blue sky visible.

San Pedro is surprisingly unique, a golf-cart city. Everyone here uses golf carts to get around. I’ve reserved ours, so hop in!. We’ll zip around and head to our hotel.

The Alaia Hotel. A hotel that feels like a tropical paradise.

A serene pool area at a tropical resort, featuring palm trees, lounge chairs, and a beautiful sunset sky. — Alliance Hotel

Feet with painted toenails resting on a lounge chair beside a swimming pool, with a view of a sunset framed by modern apartment buildings.

First, we relax at the pool and then later have dinner on the beach.

I just love observing the peaceful waves. The glowing moon is beautiful and surreal, as we listen to YG Marley “Praise Jah in the Moonlight.” The lobster here is absolutely perfect! There is nothing like a well-seasoned Caribbean-style lobster. We eat with smiles on our faces.

It’s a perfect way to end a perfect day 🙂

A serene beach scene at dusk in Belize, featuring palm trees, a thatch-roof structure, and soft lighting reflecting off calm waters.

In the morning, our golf cart is ready for use. It’s time for exploring this cute town while driving on our speed machine. Living life on the edge! Let’s stop by a beach bar, The Blue Bayou. The tables are positioned in the ocean. Our Pina Coladas are so refreshing; we drink while partly submerged in the soothing beach water.

A tranquil scene of a person floating in clear turquoise waters near thatched-roof cabanas, creating a serene tropical atmosphere.

The clear water sparkles and the colorful fish swim around our legs. The DJ is playing “I adore you” Featuring Dealcolm. His transitions are seamless and really keeps the vibes going. We drink our rum infused coconutty drinks while bopping around in the water to the beat of the music.

Ugghh… This was lovely, wasn’t it?? Yes, indeed. But unfortunately, every good thing must come to an end. Making space for the next good thing. So, it’s time to journey back. How about taking a tiny Jet back to the city, which gives us ample time to head to the airport?

Small aircraft parked on the tarmac in Belize, featuring the registration 'V3-HIA' and a design depicting an underwater scene.

A person seated in the cockpit of an aircraft with a pilot, both smiling and posing for the photo.

It was a short trip, the perfect dreamlike world-wind.

Belize will always be one of my favorite places to travel to. So, I’ll most certainly come back.

Colorful letters spelling 'BELIZE' with a beautiful ocean backdrop and blue skies.

But there’s still so many places to see and such little time to see it all… Let’s do this again. I’ll let you know once I decide where to venture to next, and maybe you’ll want to Come with Me. Till next time!

Check out another on of my written blogs! Blogs