If the thought of winter makes you dread the promise of having to shovel snow and trade in your cute winter clothes for layers and layers, it's time for an upgrade. The Mayas had good sense when they decided to make Belize a critical part of their empire, and the same traits that made it so appealing for empire-building also make it incredibly appealing as a vacation destination.
In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a nation as geographically lucky as Belize. Its position near the Equator ensures that it maintains a pleasantly tropical climate every month of the year, and it sits directly alongside both the Caribbean Sea and the world's second-largest barrier reef. But just as much natural bounty can be found inland. The western region known as the Cayo District was once the heart of the Maya presence in this nation — and that's largely thanks to the natural beauty and abundance here.
Visit Belize's Cayo District in the winter, and you'll discover rainforests, rivers, and caves. You'll also find that the memory of the Maya Empire here is surprisingly strong. One of the most popular caves for exploring — Actun Tunichil Muknal — used to be a site used for human sacrifices, but there are a huge number of ruins here as well. The pyramid temple of Xunantunich is staggering in its scale, while Caracol lets you see what urban life was like centuries before. There are even ruins directly adjacent to the town of San Ignacio. Cahal Pech is remarkably intact still, and it's accompanied by a same-named resort.
Cahal Pech Village Resort is the perfect blend of new and old. Its location in San Ignacio Town ensures that you'll have everything you need within reach, but its accommodations are tucked away in seclusion. The ruins of Cahal Pech can be easily viewed, but that's far from your only opportunity to explore. Whether you're looking to go zip lining through the rainforest, tubing through underground caves, or jumping off a waterfall, or go on a cultural tour of San Ignacio Town, the staff at Cahal Pech Village Resort will be eager to help.
There's a lot to see in Belize, but one thing you won't see is snow. It might be an unconventional way to spend the holidays, but you're certain to fall in love with Belize as soon as you arrive — and you may feel tempted to never leave.
Questions about visiting Belize? Send us an email. We will love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
