Let yourself be surprised in Belize

​If you’re planning to visit Belize, we recommend combining it with a trip to Guatemala. The two countries complement each other perfectly. In Guatemala, Mayan culture is still very much alive, the jungle connects the two countries, and in Belize you can round off your trip in style on one of the dream beaches.

"This archaeological site near the border with Guatemala was a real surprise to me and, without a doubt, one of my favourite Mayan sites that I’ve seen. It was very peaceful, and the six large plazas with 25 temples are very well maintained. We decided to climb the largest temple, after which we were rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the site and the surrounding Cayo District,” said Anke about her visit to this site.

Are you looking for comfort and luxury after a day full of adventure? Then choose Ka’ana, a boutique hotel in the tropical jungle of the Cayo District. This place is an oasis of style, culture, personalised service and modern amenities for both seasoned adventurers and trendsetters. The name Ka’ana comes from the Mayan language and means ‘Heavenly place’.

Southern Belize, also known as the ‘forgotten district’, is brilliant! Punta Gorda is the gateway to everything from offshore fishing and river trips to caving, birdwatching and Mayan archaeological sites. Not to mention some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Here, the Maya, Garifuna and East Indian Belizeans live in harmony whilst preserving their individual cultures.

Not far from the village of Punta Gorda, you’ll find the Hickatee Cottages. The owners are an American woman and her Colombian husband. During their first holiday in the area, she fell in love with the place and they were able to take over the accommodation – which they did straight away. The six cottages are beautifully scattered across the grounds and the owners ensure a warm and homely atmosphere; for example, the host and hostess cook the meals themselves.

As well as other ethnic groups, the south is home to a significant Mayan population. They are delighted to show visitors how the Mayan peoples lived 50 years ago. An important part of this is cocoa, the ‘Gold of the Maya’. They are very proud of the way they make chocolate and are keen to share this with you in an engaging and interactive way. Sample the delicious chocolate here and enjoy a lunch of chicken with… yes, chocolate.

There are over 500 species of birds in Belize. No wonder the national bird of Belize is a toucan. In fact, you can spot birds all over the country. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll set off, armed with a pair of binoculars, to discover the most beautiful and colourful specimens.