Our month-long journey through Belize began in the country’s largest city, Belize City.
As the capital and financial center, we expected hustle and bustle but were surprised by the laidback, small-town feel. Wandering the streets, we saw schoolchildren in crisp uniforms, fruit vendors with baskets of fresh produce on their heads, and locals chatting outside colorful colonial buildings. Though English is the official language, we heard many melodic Caribbean Creole dialects. Despite Belize’s British roots, there are no imperial palaces or cathedrals here. The country has an independent spirit, evidenced by the lack of big box stores or resort chains.
After getting a feel for the culture, we headed north to the Cayes.
A short ferry ride took us to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the most-visited of Belize’s islands. We checked into a rustic beachfront hotel and spent sunny days swimming in the turquoise sea and sipping cocktails under swaying palms. I haggled for deals at the craft market, buying a mahogany bowl engraved with marine life. We rented a golf cart to explore the island, driving all the way to the Mexico border. Puttering along the sandy roads overlooking the reef was bliss until the cart sputtered to a stop. Luckily, a friendly couple gave us a lift back to town. Islanders here look out for one another.
Seeking adventure, we charted a small plane and flew south to the village of San Ignacio.
Surrounded by rainforest and Mayan ruins, this area pulsated with nature’s energy. We checked into Chaa Creek Lodge, an eco-resort with treetop cabanas overlooking the Macal River. During guided hikes we learned about medicinal jungle plants, sampled tangy mammee apples, and swam in cool pools beneath waterfalls. The lodge owners proudly shared their work supporting local schools and sustainable agriculture.
As we crisscrossed Belize, the diversity of its people stood out.
Descendants of Maya, Garifuna, and Mestizos mingled with Creoles, Mennonites, Lebanese, and Chinese immigrants under a unified national identity. With only 300,000 citizens and massive stretches of wilderness, Belize maintains a small-town charm. But the Caribbean culture, blended cuisines, and ecological wonders made it a big destination for us. We were awed by ancient Maya temples, thrilled by adventures in the sea and jungle, and warmed by the friendly locals. Though off the main tourist track, this Central American nation packs wonders into its modest borders. Belize may be small, but we found it mighty.