4 Ways to Find Relaxation in Belize This Winter



Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. It is a country filled with natural beauty, miles of white sandy beaches, and mystique ancient Mayan culture and owns the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Did you know that it only takes one hour 32 minutes to fly from Miami to Belize City? While it takes two hours and 11 minutes from Miami to New York City.

The Belizean refer to their country, as “JEWEL” and they are proud of their diverse heritage. You can see Caribbean, European, Asian, Mayan, Latin and African cultures all over this 8,867 square miles country (which is smaller than Massachusetts).

Winter in North America means dry season in Belize. It’s the best time to visit from December to March when the rainy season is over and humidity is lower. Belize’s subtropical temperatures average between 75-85 degrees.

If you are planning on taking a break from the cold this winter, think no further. Belize may be just the right place to spend your time with your family away from the snow and cold days of winter.

Here are 4 ways you can find your piece of paradise in Belize this winter:

The Sea
The many colors of the underwater world of Belize are paradise to divers and snorkelers. Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, after the Australian Great Barrier Reef. This 185 mile long natural wonder has over 70 varieties of hard coral and 500 species of fish and still counting.

The Blue Hole is a Belizean icon, with a depth of 410 feet and 1,000 feet in circumference. It is here that you may find the whale shark.

Take your adventure to the next level snorkeling and scuba diving in the deep blue sea of Belize. For some, it may just be a time of relaxation, sun-bathing at the sandy beaches with a bottle of Belikin beer. The best beaches are found at the Placencia area and Ambergris Caye.

The History
The biggest concentration of Mayan archaeological sites is found in Belize. Many of the ancient cities were found and archaeologists are still actively digging today.

According to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, the Mayan are referred as the ancient Greeks of the Americas. They had incredible knowledge of astronomy, planetary cycles and mathematical calculations. December 21, 2012 makes the winter solstice and it is the completion of the great cycle of the 13th B’ak’tun, a period of almost 52,000 years and new age will unfold after that day.

2012 is celebrated in a big way in Belize and you may get to participate in visiting Mayan sites, attend workshops or unique tours about the Mayan culture, history and beliefs.

Here is a list of Mayan sites you may want to visit:

Altun Ha – a short 30-mile drive from Belize City and the easiest to reach. Archaeologists discovered the Jade head here. This is a popular site for cruise passengers visiting Belize.

Cahal Pech – located just outside downtown San Ignacio in the Cayo District.  This was the royal acropolis palace of a Mayan ruling family with 30 structures making up seven plazas that are still visible today.

Caracol – a ceremonial center and believed to be the supreme Maya city during Classical Period.  The largest pyramid stands 140 feet tall. It’s located in the forest of Chiquibul near Guatemalan border.

Lamanai- located in the Orange Walk District. Visitors take a jungle boat ride down New River to Lamanai where a nine-foot Mask Temple greets visitors.

Xunantunich- located near the village of San Jose Succotz, visitors take a short hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River to Xunantunich, also known as Stone Maiden. It has Belize’s second tallest Maya structure called El Castillo pyramid (135 feet tall).

Since Belize is a small country, you may be able to visit all of these sites and learn all about the Mayan culture. Excavations are still going on all over Belize and history is still being written as new discoveries are found. Could you be one of those discoverers?

Luxury Resorts and Spas
Belizean resorts in tropical rainforest or by the waters offer a relaxing atmosphere and a full range of spas and massages. One example is The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s rainforest spa. Imagine an open space overlooking lush greeneries in the foothill of the Maya Mountains by the Macal River. The only sound you hear is your own breathing and the birds singing.

If you are by the waters, stay at The Inn at Robert’s Grove by the Caribbean Sea and Placencia Lagoon. Get a Thai massage, Swedish massage or Hot Stones Massage in your room or at a thatched roofed private area.

Caving
In Toledo District, southern part of Belize, head over to Blue Creek Cave (Hokeb Ha Cave) or drive through Mennonite neighborhood to Barton Creek Cave in Cayo District. These underground worlds are fascinating where canoeing, tubing, hiking and swimming are activities that excite the young and old.

Belize could be the best-kept secret to your winter escape this year. For a list of hotels please check out Travelmath's site. For your convenience, we have a booking search form to find flights to Belize City Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.

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