Summer is just around the bend, and the beautiful Central American nation of Belize has plenty to offer for families, adventure travelers, newlyweds, and anyone who is looking for an unforgettable experience. A natural wonderland of picturesque offshore islands, misty mountains, thick jungles, and ancient rainforests teeming with wildlife, Belize is just 2-5 hours flying time from major cities across the United States.
Here are some great places to visit on your summer vacation in Belize:
Placencia
Measuring 16 miles from north to south and barely a mile across, the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in a country with hundreds of miles of beaches. The idyllic Placencia Village on the southern tip is famous for being an eco-tourist destination where "barefoot perfect" is the motto by which both visitors and locals live.
Caye Caulker
Known primarily as a backpacking mecca in the 1970s and early 80s, Caye Caulker has successfully maintained its reputation as an affordable bohemian introduction to island life. Located close to Belize City and Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is where the first lobsterfest was held. Beyond the lobster festivities in June, Caye Caulker is also home to fantastic snorkeling and diving as well as being a transit point to islands further out on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Ambergris Caye
More than 1,000 years ago, the ancient Maya dug a channel to create what is now the largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye. Pronounced am-BUR-giss KEY, Ambergris Caye and its colorful capital of San Pedro Town host a week-long lobster festival each June that includes a beauty pageant, parades, and lots of live music. In August, Ambergris Caye hosts the International Costa Maya Festival, a three-day event that celebrates Maya culture, body positivity and beauty, and great music from popular acts all across the region.
San Ignacio
The largest town in the interior, San Ignacio is the gateway to the pristine western Cayo District of Belize. The perfect launching point for exploring waterfalls, caves, jungles, and ancient Maya sites, San Ignacio is also home to a colorful open-air market.
Cahal Pech Village Resort is located just minutes from San Ignacio. With lovely thatched roof cabanas, a swimming pool, and one of the top restaurants in the region, the Cahal Pech Village Resort organizes tours to all of the top destinations in the country, including the nearby Maya ruins of Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, and Tikal.
