Belize
Humid, succulent, sun-kissed, and shimmering. Belize is a delight to the senses. Inspiring utter relaxation and child-like play and curiosity, Belize is a nature lovers paradise. It encompasses lush tropical rain forests, mountain pine forests, pristine white sand beaches, and the longest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere dotted with over 200 islands. The land is habitat to a variety of species of plants, birds, and marine life. For me, it is the perfect destination to both explore and rejuvenate. Think strenuous hike followed by a hammock hang, copy + paste + repeat.
I ended up in Belize by accident. I was leading trips for Wilderness Inquiry and an email circulated announcing three new trip locations: Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Belize. I was the last to see the email, and I was awarded Belize. I had to look it up on the map, I had no idea where Belize was or what to expect. Since 2013, I have been leading 2-3 trips there a year and have taken over 150 happy travelers on adventures there. When I land in the airport I recognize the airport staff and the car rental employees. In a very strange, and very humid and tropical way, Belize feels like home to me. Belize is the only country in Central America using English as their official language and the American dollar as their main form of currency, thus making it a very easy place to travel.
Belize is inevitably changing - over the past 8 years I have witnessed population growth and increases in tourism. If you want to experience what I consider to be the real, authentic version of Belize, go ASAP.
To understand the richness and complexity of such a tiny nation, a brief history lesson is important. Belize is the youngest country in the Western Hemisphere. It will turn 40 this year! Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland (it sits squarely between Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras). It was known as British Honduras, until It became fully independent from Britain in 1981.
Belize is the most sparsely populated country in Central America with ONLY 400,000 (and increasing) residents. Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent, 52.9% are Mestizo (mixed indigenous Mayan and European), 25% are Kriols and about 10.6% are Mayan and 6% Garifuna.
My recommendations in Belize have a quite narrow focus: the Garifuna village of Hopkins, Belize. There are other fascinating areas, but for the purposes of my top 5 Quick & Dirty Recommendations, I focus on Hopkins and the Garifuna culture in general.
The Garifuna people have a fascinating history - I can only scratch the surface here. Here is a very brief history lesson on the Garifuna people. In 1635, Spanish ships carrying West Africans to be sold as slaves shipwrecked near St. Vincent in the West Indies. The West Africans escaped from the Spaniards and hid themselves among the indigenous group, the Caribs. The Caribs and the West Africans began intermarrying and eventually procreating, thus creating the Garifuna people. Today, Garifuna culture is still heavily influenced by both its Carib and African ancestry. The music, language, food, religion and dance provide evidence of the strong presence of both West African and Amerindian cultures. (Historical context from: blackpast.org)
Top 5 Quick & Dirty Recommendations in and around Hopkins, Belize:
The Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef accounts for half of all tourism in Belize. It is part of the MesoAmerican Reef, the second largest reef after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. From Hopkins, the reef lies about 25 miles offshore (a quick and scenic boat ride). The water is tropical hues of turquoise, aquamarine and crystal clear. You will see many colorful species of fish, coral, dolphins and sea turtles by snorkeling or scuba diving. You can book a 1/2 day or full day trip in Hopkins that involves snorkeling at several sites, a stopover at a private island, and all meals. The dotted islands along the reef are a picture perfect paradise. I highly recommend booking this for one or even 2 of your days!
Jungle and Waterfall Hikes:
Two tropical rain forest national parks lie within a quick 30 minute drive of Hopkins. Activities include: hiking, bird watching, zip lining, waterfall rappelling, & tubing.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park - my favorite hike is Antelope Falls, a relatively short - but steep climb - that takes you to the base, and then up a 100 foot waterfall. At the top you are rewarded with views all the way to the coast, and a deep and cool pool to swim and jump in. This hike is strenuous. Take everything you need including water and bug repellant. Mayflower also has ziplining, which is surprisingly great and a mouth-watering, but slightly expensive restaurant.
Cockscomb National Park- you can spend an entire day hiking in Cockscomb. Make sure you bring all the food and water you need, there are no food options in the park. My favorite activity is renting an inflatable tube, hiking 3/4 of a mile up river, tubing down and then hiking to a waterfall. It is best to go with a guide which can be arranged in Hopkins. Cockscomb is also the world’s first Jaguar Preserve - lucky guests can spot the resident jaguars here. There is a Mayan Women’s Center and a chocolate factory on the main road as you turn into Cockscomb. Definitely worth perusing the brightly colored tapestries and delicious organic chocolate.
Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce Factory: what started in her home kitchen as hot sauce for herself and her friends, Marie Sharp’s is now a Belizean empire. It’s decisively my favorite hot sauce in the world and has now expanded to jams and jellies. Everything is organic and made on her property. Take a small detour from the main road and you can find her factory. Tours are available with abundant samples. It’s only open certain days of the week, so check ahead.
Lebeha Drumming Center: the core group of Garifuna drummers perform almost every night of the week somewhere in Hopkins, namely resorts. You get a more authentic version of their talents by visiting the Lebeha Drumming Center on the north side of Hopkins. They teach the local children and guests alike drumming, dancing and the cultural heritage of their Garifuna ancestors.
Culinary adventures: the food, ahhh the food. I dream about the food in Belize. Belize is famous for its rice and beans made with spices and coconut milk. Rice and beans are offered at every meal, usually accompanying chicken or fish. Everything is naturally organic and locally sourced. Belize exports bananas and citrus, as such fruit is abundant and fresh.
Lodging: Jungle Jeanie’s is a dream. The simple beach front cabanas are nestled in between the Caribbean Sea and the jungle. You can’t ask for much more. There is a restaurant on site, bikes & kayaks for rent and a yoga shala. This is the perfect spot for a solo vacation, or a yoga retreat. Jeanie has done everything she can to keep the habitat intact and the environment natural. This is truly a gem.