Where is Belize? For the most part, Belize goes unnoticed by majority of the world, and over the years the little country has turned into an attractive asset. Located in Central America, Belize is situated below Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, West of Guatemala and North of Honduras. Unlike it’s surrounded Spanish speaking countries, everyone does speak English since it was once a British colony. But just like the rest of Central America, Belize is very diverse and there’s lots to explore.
Now what I discovered is that Belize has six different districts and I of course decided to explore its Southern District, Placencia to be exact, which is known for it’s gorgeous beaches and great bars. In fact, I hear the town is known for it’s fine dining and filling meals. Being the foodie that I am, it sounds like my kinda town!
For those who follow my blog, you know I always create a check list of the top things I must experience every time I travel a new destination. So besides eating my way through Belize, I also plan to explore a few activities and discover a new culture. So here’s my list of what I hope to experience during my week in Belize.
1. Indulge on Belizean Cuisines
First things first, let’s talk about Belizean cuisine. There’s a few restaurants I’ve read from reviews that I must try, from upscale restaurants to sitting under a shack on the beach. Rumfish y Vino is a famous restaurant in Placencia that serves extraordinary fresh Belizean dishes. Like the conch ceviche and their lobster pasta. I hear you can even spot a few celebrities there from time to time. In fact, I hear its one of Sofia Coppola’s favorite stops when she visits her family’s hotel in Placencia. A hidden gem that I must pay a visit is Yoli’s Bar & Grill that locals and other tourists call cosy and perfect to catch a good dish and great drinks! Two other local spots that I would love to swing by would be Maya Beach Hotel Bistro and De’Tatch.
2. Bike Ride Into Town for the Best Gelato
I hear that the only gelato shop in Belize, owned by two Italians, Tutti Frutti has the best! According to locals and tourists, they use the freshest local ingredients making it the best ice cream and gelato. Some may say it’s the best in the world. I definitely have to take a bike ride through town and find out for myself.
3. Explore a Sacred Mayan Underworld Like Indiana Jones
Actun Tunichil Muknak, also known as the ATM cave is a hiking and adventure experience with the added dimension of being an educational trip for those interested in archaeology. Here I will find Maya artifacts just the way they were left by the Mayas hundreds of years ago. Among the underground we will reach the resting place of the “crystal maiden,” a complete female skeleton that sparkles from eons of crystal calcification. The cave also contains Maya pottery shards, many showing the “kill hole” intended to allow spirits to escape. The cave is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic. In fact it was mentioned as number one on the National Geographic website, along with the Discovery Channel.
4. Kayak Through Crystal Clear Waters
What I’m mostly excited about it is kayaking through crystal clear waters, endless sunshine and Caribbean breezes. The Laughing Bird Caye National Park features warm waters, untouched coral reefs, white sandy beaches and abundant marine wildlife like amazing sea turtles, it’s also known as a favorite beach in Belize for snorkeling and scuba diving.
5. Capture Caribbean Sunsets
And finally, the reason we all take vacations, relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves as the sun sets across the ocean body. Possibly I will also be able to enjoy the scene from a sail boat or my balcony. All I know is that the colors will be different from our sunny Southern California skies. Tranquility is the theme of this trip.
There you have it friends, that’s my top things to do in Belize. Have you ever traveled to Southern Belize? If so, please share below what you recommend I try during my trip.