Destination Guide | Belize
Belize is an incredible destination with a diverse eco-system. There is so much to xplore in Belize including the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, Jaguar Trekking in the lush jungles and river tubing through the vast river system that runs through the country along with many other adventures. No wonder why Belize is listed as Conde Nast Traveler's Top 19 places to travel to!
Belize is truly the destination for the adventure traveler. Top on my bucket list is swimming with Whale Sharks, which can be done off the coast of Placencia typically during the months of April or May. These incredible animals can be up to 40 ft in length and more than 40,000 lbs. Imagine looking into the eye of one of these massive gentle creatures! If this isn’t your thing there are many other adventures to Xplore, both land & sea.
If you are looking for a land tours I highly recommend the popular Mayan Canopy Sky Tour where you will have the opportunity to fly through the jungle on a thrilling zipline followed by tubing down the river and a jump in an incredible waterfall. This excursion is a must when traveling through Placencia. You may also want to Xplore the Worlds Only Jaguar Preserve, The Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, a 150 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Many Yogis are drawn to Belize for the Mayan Ruins. Nimli Punit (which means ‘big hat’ in the Ketchi Maya dialect), is a small and beautiful hilltop Maya site famous for its carved stones covered in hieroglyphs and images of gods and nobles. After experiencing the awe of these ancient ruins, you’ll spend the second half of the day visiting the Rio Blanco Falls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or meditation.
If you are staying in South you’ll want to visit the Placencia Village, which is the most lively destination in the region and also the Guinness Record Holder of the Narrowest Main Street in the World. A walk down the mile long pedestrian-only sidewalk is an experience in itself with local craft artists, performers and places called “Big Titty Rum” and “Tipsy Tuna”. This iconic sidewalk was actually the village’s only road until 1984 when Placencia was only accessible via boat. We learned that before the sidewalk was renovated & widened, it was infamously known by villagers as the “Jealous Man Road”, because of how narrow it was. Today a man can finally walk comfortably beside his lady if he chooses and no longer has to feel like a creepy bodyguard behind her.
I especially loved the local people in Belize and learning more about the culture of the Garifuna people, who are descendants of Carib Indians. Music, song and dance are a significant part of local life in the Garifuna communities of Belize and are featured heavily in the celebrations. A highlight on my recent trip to Naia Resort & Spa in Placencia was the traditional Garifuna Drumming experience on our final night. The video below shows a great clip from the Garifuna Drumming night and our recent FAM Trip for Retreat Hosts to Naia Resort & Spa in Placencia.
For Yoga Retreats we recommend 2 properties in Belize - Naia Resort & Spa in Placencia & Mahogany Bay Resort in Ambergris Caye. Placencia is located in the South and more underdeveloped, while Ambergris Caye is a Caribbean Island off the coast of mainland Belize. Both properties have stellar yoga space, however they are very different.
