Conceptualized by Richard Harrison of Big-H Enterprises for the purpose of launching Vida brand purified water, La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge made its debut on March 9, 1998.
It was an opportunity to bring together many partners in order to build an event that would allow for promotional themes of ‘natural products’ identified with sports, endurance, while at the same time raising consciousness about one of Belize’s natural resources: The Belize Old River.
Today, the Belikin La Ruta Maya is considered one of the longest canoe races in Central America that bring together professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world who take on the four-day grueling challenge of paddling 175 miles of the Belize Old River against rapids and winds.
Day 1 goes from the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio to Banana Bank
Day 2: Banana Bank Lodge to Double Head Cabbage
Day 3: Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom
Day 4: Burrell Boom to Belize
The Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge has now become a major public and tourist attraction and the first canoes enter Belize City to cheering crowds at about 10:00 am on the last day which coincides with the National Heroes and Benefactors Day; a Public and Bank Holiday.
Tucked just below the Yucatan Peninsula is the stunning jewel of Belize. With rainforests teaming with birds, striking ancient Mayan ruins and the world’s second-longest barrier reef, Belize boasts a dizzying array of activities and sites that could keep one busy for a year. If you are like most, however, you will only have seven vacation days. Here’s a list of must-do activities for that one week in Belize.
1. Dive or Snorkel the Barrier Reef!
At 185 miles long, the Belize Barrier Reef is the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere. Off Belize’s southern coast is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest marine reserve in the country where you can spot fevers of eagle rays and schools of Creole wrasse. Just beyond the barrier reef lie 3 of the Caribbean’s 4 atolls.
Snorkeling the Southern Barrier Reef
Glover’s Reef Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of staghorn coral and swim-throughs, as well critical grouper spawning grounds. Made famous by Jaques Cousteau is the Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef Atoll. This trip typically involves a commitment of a 2-3 hour boat ride to see the collapsed cave that is 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep surrounded by a ring of coral. Regardless of where you go, be sure that you choose a reputable dive and snorkel facility.
2. Explore a Cave!
Spotting formations while cave tubing
With its limestone substructure, Belize is ideal for spelunking. Here it’s the real deal. The only lights in these subterranean mazes are the ones on your helmets. Guides lead you past massive stalactites, stalagmites and crystalized flow formations. Caves were sacred ceremonial sites for the ancient Maya, who believed they were the entrance to “Xibalba” the Mayan underworld. To this day pottery chards and skeletal remains are found in many of Belize’s cave systems. Check out St. Herman’s Cave along the Hummingbird Highway or the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a.k.a. Crystal Maiden Cave, in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. For the more adventurous, try cave tubing! Imagine floating down an underground river in the comfort of your own inner tube – with only your headlamp lighting the way.
3. Try Birding!
Juvenile Chachalaca
Never been a birder? After a trip to Belize, you will be! Belize is home to 600+ species of birdsranging from the colorful national bird, the keel-billed toucan, to statuesque jabiru storks to raucous parrots. Along the coasts and cayes you’ll find sand pipers darting in the tides, pelicans scooping up fish and boobie and frigate colonies clinging to mangroves. In the coastal savannahs are a variety of wading birds including roseate spoonbills, wood storks and tiger herons. In the dense mountainous rainforests are red-capped manakins, jacamars, blue-gray tanagers and more. Belize is the type of place where you become a birder, and if you already are one, it’s the place where you’ll add many new birds to your life list!
4. Go back in time with spectacular Mayan Ruins!
El Castillo at Xunantunich
For two millennia Belize was at the heart of the ancient Maya world. Throughout the country are hundreds of Mayan sites, some well excavated, some swallowed by the jungle. Every visit to Belize should include visiting at least one ancient Mayan ruin!
Near the western border is Xunantunich, whose main pyramid has impressive hieroglyph friezes and views for miles over the Maya lowland. Deep in the Maya mountains is Caracol, the sprawling city-state that once defeated Tikal.
Mayan hieroglyphs on pyramid
In the south are several important sites, including Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. Walk amongst ancient Mayan temples and feel yourself transported to a long lost civilization.
5. Swim in a Jungle Waterfall!
Swimming at Antelope Falls
No trip to paradise can be complete without a refreshing plunge in a rainforest waterfall pool! When that paradise is Belize, the only question is which waterfall you’ll choose! At the world’s only jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, there are several waterfalls you can hike to.
In Mayflower National Park a steep climb to Antelope Falls is rewarded with a well-deserved swim in a pool above the main falls AND a fabulous lookout to the Caribbean Sea on the way down. Elsewhere in Belize, there is no shortage of secluded waterfalls to discover – don’t leave without taking a dip!
6. Zipline Through the Rainforest Canopy!
Ziplining at Bocawina
A rush like no other! Try ziplining through the rainforest canopy past towering trees and curious birds, often with the roar of howler monkeys in the background. With extremely safe equipment and experienced guides, almost all ages are able to experience this thrill.
7. Hang with the Locals!
One of the great things about Belize is it is a cultural mixing bowl. Here you can make chocolate with Mayas and in Garifuna communities like Hopkins, catch the beat at a local drumming center. The cuisine combines elements of these cultures, along with Creole, Mestizo, East Indian and even Chinese. And if you see a horse and buggy on the road, you’ve likely encountered a Mennonite. The best part is that English is the official language of Belize and the locals are very friendly. So, grab a Belikin beer and make some new friends.
With only one week, you’ll be busy with the activities above. If you have some extra time, there are a few more adventures you might squeeze in:
Stargazing! With little light pollution in Belize, the Milky Way is yours. If you look carefully, you can even see the Southern Cross constellation, not visible in most Northern Hemisphere skies.
From the verdant jungles to the I-can’t-believe-these blues of the coast, Belize is a small Central American nation that packs a punch for those looking for an affordable paradise. We’ve compiled a list of reasons why you need to drop everything right now and book a trip.
It’s affordable and easier to get to than ever before
Thanks to new flight routes through Dallas and Houston, there are now 8 U.S. cities that fly direct into Belize’s Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE); most flying into Belize from outside the U.S. will still need to connect through one of the eight cities, such as Atlanta, Newark, or Los Angeles. There are also flights on Avianca, Copa and TACA that originate from a select few cities in Central America.
Once on the ground in Belize, it’s a quick, inexpensive flight on one of the local airlines to your preferred destination. Internal flights run often — but on island time – so be prepared and adaptable and make sure you leave plenty of time for your connections. When you arrive, you’ll be able to use US dollars at a rate of two Belize dollars to one US; stores and restaurants are usually pretty lax about giving you back American money if you’re on your way out of the country, saving a stop at a currency exchange.
It’s about as untouched as a place can be these days
Belize might be best known as a place where ex-pats from the US and Canada go to live out their retirement, but as you fly over the lush landscape on your way in, you’ll be captivated by the serene skyline and begin to understand why. There are no chains of any kind, save for one hotel in Belize City, and it’s incredibly easy to slip into the slow ways of this melting pot nation. Small towns and pockets of activity will make you feel like you’re the only person to ever have stumbled upon them, with most businesses, such as the Omar’s Creole Grub in Placencia and the high-class resort Hamanasi in Hopkins, run locally.
It’s incredibly culturally diverse
Mennonites mingle among Maya descendants, and Spanish can be heard mixing together with Kriol (Belizean Creole) and the native language of Garifuna. The country was settled by the British in the mid-1800s and was called British Honduras until the middle of the 20th century, and today you’ll see a few leftovers of colonial rule – English is the official language, and the country is home to a large Protestant population; you can get a good grasp of what the local culture is like by visiting the Lebeha Drumming Center for a traditional dancing and drumming session.
Move over, Costa Rica, because Belizeans also practice pura vida, though it’s not the national slogan. (Unofficially, you might hear ‘You better Belize it!’ more than once.) You can rappel through the jungle, go caving through the largest cave system in Central America, and spot toucans in the canopy. Many activities can be arranged through your accommodations; take flight on Belize’s longest zipline with Bocawina Rainforest Resort (bocawina.com) or head out for some birdwatching with Ramon’s in San Pedro (ramons.com).
It has some of the best marine life in the world
Divers and snorkelers should be ready to gear up, because this is one of the most revered spots on earth for marine life. Serious divers will want to hit up sites such as the Great Blue Hole, best done in conjunction with professionals from a place like the Belize Pro Dive Center. Those who prefer to skim the surface and snorkel instead will be hard-pressed to find a better spot to see fan coral, parrotfish and horse-eyed jacks than at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, off the coast of Ambergis Caye. An outfitter like Seaduced by Belize can offer a full or half day of catamaran sailing, a guided, in-water tour of Hol Chan’s reef and a thrilling time at Shark Ray Alley, where both bull sharks and sting rays can be spotted.
There’s something for history buffs, too
Belize boasts the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America, and they run the gamut from the easily accessible Altun Ha, the closest to Belize City, to more remote structures such as Nim Li Punit in the south and Lamanai to the north. The most well-known and largest of the ruins in Belize is Caracol, a 55 square-mile city that was once one of the most powerful cities in the Maya world. The tallest pyramid within Caracol is Caana, which, at about 140 feet, is still the tallest man-made building in Belize.
Those arriving with low expectations regarding Belizean food might be stunned by the complexity of dishes at establishments such as Victoria House in San Pedro and Limilita, a pop-up restaurant at Itz’ana (itzanabelize.com), a luxury resort opening at the end of this year. The success of both of these restaurants is in part to chef Mara Jernigan, who moved from Vancouver several years ago to help train local chefs to use native ingredients in new and inventive ways, resulting in dishes such as cucumber and watermelon granite with wild Belize shrimp and oven-roasted Cayo chicken leg. Belizean staples like fry jacks and conch are readily available as well, the latter grilled to perfection at Maya Beach Bistro (mayabeachhotel.com) in Placencia and served with a leek flan.
For those looking for more traditional meals, try Omar’s Creole Grub in Placencia, where simple dishes such as eggs and fry jacks or coconut shrimp curry are on offer. Estel’s Dine by the Sea in San Pedro on Ambergis Caye in another local favorite, serving up tasty dishes such as breakfast burritos and Mayan eggs with fry jacks and beans; you’ll be overwhelmed at the extensive chalkboard menu, but rest assured it’s all fresh and hearty.
If you find yourself in Caye Caulker like many visitors do, you will be rewarded with an edict to ‘go slow’ and do nothing. Hang under a palm tree, kayak around the tie-dye blue waters, drink rum punch or wander one of the three streets on this car-less island. Genial Rastafarians might chase you down, asking if you want to buy some of their wares, but that’ll be the most stressful thing that happens to you all day here. If an escape to paradise is what you are after, then hightail it to Caye Caulker now.
Lauren Finney traveled to Belize with support from the Belize Tourism Board (travelbelize.org). Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
Located on the banks of the Macal River, the market in San Ignacio is a truly unique opportunity to experience Belizean life. Farmers, traders, and vendors from all walks of Belizean life gather together to sell their wares. Don’t be surprised to hear a blend of German, English, Spanish, Creole and the Mayan tongue as everyone from Mennonite farmers to indigenous craftsmen use the San Ignacio Market to sell their delicious local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and handmade clothing.
Just beyond the market lies the heart of San Ignacio town, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. A trip to the market followed by additional shopping or a coffee in town is the perfect way to experience local color and to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and delicious local foods.
Why you have to visit the San Ignacio Market
Cayo District is home to a number of different local cultures, including old rite Mennonites who moved to Belize from Europe, indigneous Maya, native Creole peoples, and Spanish-speaking Mestizos. These groups use the Saturday market in San Ignacio as a meeting place, exchanging gossip and news while selling their homemade goods. A trip to the market gives visitors a chance to see Belize at its best, a harmonious blend of different cultures and traditions all on display in one colorful and lively marketplace setting.
Where in Belize is it located?
The market is located in the town of San Ignacio in Cayo District in western Belize. The market can be reached by a landing on the Macal River or inland on Savannah Street across from the main soccer/football stadium in town.
When is the Best Time to Visit the San Ignacio Market?
Even on national holidays, the San Ignacio Market is open seven days a week from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. The busiest day is Saturday, making it the ideal time to visit.
Best way to get to The San Ignacio Market
Visitors can arrive at the market via canoe or other watercraft directly at a marked landing as the market is situated just adjacent to the banks of the Macal River. Visitors coming from overland will easily be able to spot the market as it is right next to the football stadium. The official address for the market is Savannah Street in San Ignacio.
Best way to experience The San Ignacio Market
Bring your camera, as there will be plenty of amazing wares and sights on display at this special exhibition of Belizean culture. Traders, farmers, and vendors come from a wide variety of disparate locations in Cayo District to meet and catch up at the market as well as sell their goods. Bring plenty of spending cash as handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and art is on sale as well as unique traditional medicinal remedies, homemade condiments, and tropical plants.
A contemporary Full-Service Luxury boutique beach resort. The Guest Exclusive Resort on the Placencia Peninsula, exceptionally located on the beach, the closest full-service Resort to Placencia Village. An All-Villa resort, infused with local art, Belizean hardwoods and décor, graced by an exquisite landscape of flora and fauna, inspired by the natural beauty of Belize.
We pride ourselves on 12 years of award-winning service, our passion for Belize cuisine, brought to you at Café Mar, “Restaurant at the Sea”, by Chef Daniel, and our enthusiasm for creating tailor-made authentic Belize vacations.
Verdaderos templos del amor y romanticismo, así son estos hoteles reconocidos con los Traveller’s Choice de TripAdvisor.Foto: Nayara Springs Relais & Chateaux
Centroamérica alberga algunos de los recintos más románticos del mundo. En la pasada edición de los Traveller’s Choice de TripAdvisor, en la categoría de ‘hoteles para el romance’, tres hoteles destacaron dentro de la lista de los 25 de los más románticos en el mundo.
Estos hoteles se han convertido en los preferidos de los viajeros que ven en sus instalaciones el escenario perfecto para los enamorados. Sus paradisíacos destinos los hacen destacar como los nichos de amor que muchas parejas buscan.
Quienes se hospeden en alguno de ellos encontrarán la privacidad y romanticismo; sus instalaciones, así como sus amenidades, están diseñadas para enamorar a cualquiera. A continuación te mostramos los tres hoteles que tienes que visitar en estos países de Centroamérica para vivir el amor en su máxima expresión.
1. Coco Plum Island Resort – Belize
Los atributos que le otorga su peculiar ubicación en una isla de Belice lo hacen el sitio ideal para las parejas que buscan un destino único para su luna de miel, o por qué no, para sellar su compromiso en una boda rodeados del paraíso que es Belice.
El resort todo incluido ofrece 18 coloridas cabañas privadas e independientes donde los huéspedes tendrán a unos pasos las playas de ensueño del mar Caribe. Este hotel ocupa el puesto número dos de los veinticinco seleccionados de TripAdvisor alrededor del mundo.
2. Nayara Springs Relais & Chateaux – Costa Rica
El lujoso hotel para adultos se encuentra en el país centroamericano de la ‘pura vida’, Costa Rica. Su excepcional ubicación tiene a su alcance los más impresionantes paisajes de la selva tropical costarricense a sólo unos kilómetros, entre la cascada de La Fortuna y el volcán Arenal, dos espectáculos naturales imperdibles.
Este recinto proporcionará amenidades pensadas para el descanso de la pareja, pero también brindará la oportunidad de descubrir la naturaleza desde una perspectiva aventurera. Deja que el verde de la selva sea tu confidente amoroso dentro de las instalaciones de este hotel que tiene el puesto número nueve de la lista.
3. La Fortuna at Atitlan – Guatemala
Por último, pero no menos importante, se encuentra este hotel ubicado en Guatemala, a un costado del lago Atitlán. Cinco bungalows de madera noble, bambú y techos de paja podrán ser el refugio del amor para los huéspedes. La exuberante jungla y jardines que lo rodean fungen como atractivos naturales que tendrán al alcance sus visitantes.
La Fortuna está diseñado para, además de ser un escaparate romántico, ser un hotel ecológico, por ello utiliza energía solar para su abastecimiento, mientras que cada bungalow está construido con materiales sostenibles. Este hotel tiene el puesto 15 dentro de la lista.
According to famed diver Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole of Belize is one of the most spectacular dive sites on earth. The crystal-clear sapphire waters are home to colorful tropical fish and several species of reef sharks – ideal for brave divers who love to get up close and personal with sea life. On dry ground, diverse rainforests, mangrove swamps, and Mayan ruins are perfect for exploration. The beaches of Belize are sunny and tranquil spots for a day of relaxation.
Wondering where to stay in Belize? Grand Caribe Belize truly has a place for everyone. From spacious Caribbean-themed, kid-friendly resort condos, to luxurious beachfront walkouts or our cozy studios, you’ll find the perfect place to stay—all with outstanding beach and pool access. https://www.grandcaribebelize.com
A great turn out for the initial 2020 event at this past Saturday’s January edition of Art in the Park. A gracious thank you to this month’s sponsor- National Institute of Culture & History. See you all at February’s Valentine Edition, February 15th!
Destination Belize Magazine 