Bigger, Better, and Bolder: The Placencia Art Festival 2024 Promises to Be an Unforgettable Event

Placencia Art Festival

In 2024, Placencia will celebrate the 19th anniversary of the annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival, which is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. The Placencia BTIA lauded the 2023 Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival as phenomenal and a lovely experience for everyone. With the aim of showcasing the best of Belizean art and culture in a more impactful and immersive way, the festival will feature local artists from all over the country in the charming coastal village of Placencia.

Placencia Side Walk Festival

Placencia offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend of art, adventure, and relaxation. The festival spans two days, and visitors can explore the various stalls and galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Live music, dance performances, and food and drink vendors are also part of the attractions. There’s something for everyone at the festival making it a must-visit event for art, culture, and adventure enthusiasts.

Chabil Mar Resort’s prime location on the beach and complimentary use of bicycles provide guests with the opportunity to stroll along the shore or hop on a bicycle to enjoy the weekend’s events at their leisure, as often as they wish. Outdoor activities like snorkeling and fishing tours are available for those looking to experience the outdoors. For those looking to relax, the resort offers the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun with its infinity swimming pools and beachfront. Chabil Mar features a full-service restaurant and bar, serving up fresh seafood, traditional Maya dishes, and a range of international cuisine options.

Art Festival Belize

Whether you missed the 2023 Placencia Art Festival or are looking to return to experience it all over again, the 2024 festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Don’t miss out on the beauty, culture, and adventure of one of the most beautiful destinations in Belize. Mark your calendars and start planning your trip to Chabil Mar Resort today!

Photos by Belize Tourism Board

5 Belizean Festivals You Simply Cannot Miss In 2024

One of the great things about visiting Belize is that there’s always something going on. No matter what time of year you come to Belize, you can join in on the fun with one of the country’s many exciting festivals, holidays, and events.

Here are 5 festivals in Belize that you shouldn’t miss in 2024.

Placencia Lobsterfest

 

Summer kicks off with style every July on the Placencia Peninsula with a festive three-day party that celebrates the mighty lobster. Local chefs compete to create the most savory dish from the world’s favorite crustacean while diners work to burn off all those extra calories with fun games, live music, and a beach party that lasts until dawn. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including other seafood treats, face painting, and homemade handicrafts and artwork for sale.

In 2024, the Lobsterfest in Placencia will run from July 5th to 7th.

September Celebrations

Belize Flag

 

Sometimes it seems as though the entire month of September is one big holiday. Beginning on September 10, the national holiday of St. George’s Caye Day celebrates the historic 1798 triumph of British settlers over a Spanish armada which led to Belize becoming the only English-speaking country in the region. Patriotic celebrations, parades, and red, white, and blue (the national colors of Belize) festooned everywhere culminate with big bang on September 21, Independence Day, celebrating the moment in 1981 when Belize became a free and independent nation.

Garifuna Settlement Day

 

More than 200 years ago, the Garifuna people were exiled from their Caribbean home after an uprising against the British. Seeking sanctuary, the Garifuna arrived in Belize on a fleet of dugout canoes, an event which is re-enacted on the morning of November 19 every year for the national holiday of Garifuna Settlement Day. Although the Garifuna compromise only 4% of Belize’s population, their contribution to music, dance, and food has the whole country celebrating on November 19.

Mango Festival in Hopkins

 

Many consider the mango to be the tastiest tropical fruit grown in Belize, and the idyllic coastal village of Hopkins grows no fewer than 20 different varieties. Besides all the tasty fruit and mango-themed dishes, there’s live music, games, contests, and dancing in the street to herald the arrival of the mango crop.

In 2024, the Hopkins Mangofest is scheduled for the first week in June.

Belize Chocolate Festival

belize chocolate festival

 

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is set to make a tantalizing comeback in Toledo from May 17th to 19th, 2024. Celebrating Belize’s rich, ancient chocolate heritage, this festival promises an indulgent journey through the world of cacao. Visitors can look forward to a delectable array of chocolate-themed events, tastings, and cultural experiences, showcasing the unique flavors and traditions of Belizean chocolate.

It’s an unmissable event for chocolate enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

For more information about Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

Save

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins in San Ignacio, Belize

cahal-pech-maya-ruins-belize

Now perched on the highest hill overlooking San Ignacio Town, the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech were originally built as an enclave for the elite. Located in a gorgeous natural setting and surrounded by tropical birds and colorful jungle fauna, Cahal Pech is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Belize. An informative museum on the grounds gives visitors an introduction to the hilltop city and features a dazzling collection of artifacts found at the site.

Layout of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Today, archeologists have excavated a total of 34 structures in Cahal Pech in an area measuring just over two acres in size. The “downtown” portion of Cahal Pech includes several temple pyramids, residence buildings, and seven impressive courtyards. The tallest structure on the site is a temple that measures 77 feet high. Other attractions at Cahal Pech include a ceremonial altar, five historical stelae, and two ball courts.

History of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Archeologists estimate that Cahal Pech was first founded around 1,000 years Before the Common Era. During the Classic Period (300-800 of the Common Era) of the Maya civilization, most of the surviving buildings, including the largest temples and palaces, were constructed during this time. Around the year 800, the citizens of Cahal Pech abandoned the city for unknown reasons, particularly mysterious because nearby Maya sites in Belize continued to be thriving population centers for several more centuries.

Although the original name for the site is lost to history, today it is called Cahal Pech, a combination Yucatan/Mopan Maya term meaning “place of the ticks”. This was the name local cattle farmers in the 1950s gave to the area.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour Information

Visitors to Cahal Pech are encourage to wear comfortable, loose, lightweight clothing and proper shoes. Long pants are recommended over shorts as they will help give additional protection from insects. All visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, and fair-skinned individuals are recommended to make ample use of sunscreen and hats.

The Cahal Pech Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Sunday, and contains a reconstructed model of the entire site.

Chabil Mar in Placencia & Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

The award-winning Chabil Mar resort on the Placencia Peninsula offers its guests organized tours and vacation packages that include a visit to Cahal Pech. Guests can choose to include a tour of Cahal Pech as part of the resort’s popular Belize Reef and Jungle vacation package.

For more information about things to see and do in Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

Discover the Ultimate Honeymoon Bliss at Belize’s Chabil Mar

Belize Honeymoons

Looking for the ultimate romantic getaway for your honeymoon? Belize is the answer. This Central American gem is the perfect place to celebrate your love with its white sandy beaches, verdant jungles, ancient Maya cities, and world-class luxury resorts. To make your experience more special, opt for an all-inclusive honeymoon package that takes care of all the details, leaving you and your partner to relax and enjoy your time together.

Chabil Mar: Intimate Romance in a Traquil Setting

the best honeymoon resort in belize

Chabil Mar, located on the Placencia Peninsula, is one of the most intimate and romantic places to experience an all-inclusive honeymoon in Belize. The resort boasts a placid and serene setting that is perfect for celebrating your love. With the lush gardens and private beachfront as a backdrop, indulge in romantic walks and stargazing at night. Couples can also enjoy a couples massage or a candlelit dinner on the beach under the stars.

Exploring Placencia Village nearby is a must-do for honeymooners staying at Chabil Mar. This coastal village is a stone’s throw away from the resort and offers a variety of activities for couples to enjoy. The village’s quaint shops and art galleries offer the perfect opportunity to discover unique souvenirs to remember your trip. For a romantic night out, head to one of the lively beach bars like Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot, which offer delicious cocktails and live music. The village is also home to some of the best restaurants in Belize, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner for two while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

Tailored All-Inclusive Honeymoon Packages: Unforgettable Experiences

Belize Honeymoon Ideas for Adventure-Chasing Couples4

Chabil Mar’s all-inclusive honeymoon packages are tailored to provide a unique and unforgettable experience. The packages include everything from airport transfers to private beachfront dinners. Couples can choose from a variety of activities and excursions, including snorkeling, hiking in the nearby jungles, and luxurious accommodations. The honeymoon packages can also be customized to include a private island excursion, where you can spend the day scuba diving, swimming, and sunbathing in total seclusion.

Belize is not just about stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and biodiverse jungles in the world. A guided tour of the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter jaguars, pumas, and an abundance of exotic birds and butterflies, is a must-do for nature lovers.

As your honeymoon comes to an end, make sure to take home a piece of Belize with you. Visit the local markets or gift shops to find handmade souvenirs like woven baskets, wood carvings, and jewelry. You can also take home some of the local spices and hot sauces to add a touch of Belizean flavor to your cooking back home.

Escape to Chabil Mar: Your Tropical Paradise Awaits

belize honeymoon destination

Escape to the tropical paradise of Belize and experience a honeymoon like no other at Chabil Mar. From intimate beachfront dinners to fun-filled adventures, Chabil Mar offers the ultimate romantic experience for couples. Immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of Belize, with gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters just steps from your luxurious villa.

Make unforgettable memories together as you explore the vibrant culture and charming village of Placencia. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to celebrating your love – book your all-inclusive honeymoon package at Chabil Mar Resort today and prepare for the ultimate romantic adventure!

10 Best Belize Tours, Vacations & Adventures for 2024

There are some people with an unquenchable thirst for adventure – and for those people, nature made Belize. Home to an expansive coastline, the world’s second largest barrier reef, and a jungle rich with exotic wildlife and hidden Maya temples and pyramids, there’s nowhere else on the world quite like it. Chabil Mar partners with only the best guides in the country to provide one of a kind experiences tailored to a range of tastes.

Here are ten of the best tours available.

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave


There’s a reason why the Mayas thought the ATM cave offered access to the underworld. Widely regarded as the best-sacred cave in the world, the ATM Cave demands adventurers who aren’t afraid to trudge through overgrown forests and swim through an underground river. The reward is one of the most sobering and well-preserved sites of human sacrifice in the world.

2. Xunantunich Maya Ruins

Xunantunich, or “Sculpture of Lady”, was once one of the largest cities in the Mayan Empire, and some say it’s still haunted by the ghost of a woman with fiery eyes and a white dress. But if you’re willing to brave the excursion and make a climb to the top, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of Belize around.

3. Scuba or Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

The whale sharks that populate Belize’s barrier reef are a far cry from Jaws. These gentle giants are a sight to behold, but they’re just a fraction of the beautiful underwater world you’ll experience when you book a scuba or snorkeling excursion.

4. Explore Laughing Bird or Silk Cayes

These twin islands are some of the best spots in the country for snorkeling or diving, and they’re also a testament to Belize’s commitment to ecological preservation. Silk Cayes is home to a number of preserved species that you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s one of the friendliest adventure destinations for families.

5. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Speaking of preservation, Cockscomb is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Central America. It’s also the number one site in the world if you’re looking to meet jaguars in their natural habitat. The trail system is eminently walkable and provides access to some truly gorgeous waterfalls.

6. Monkey River Tour

Howler Monkey Chabil Mar Belize Resort

Just as Cockscomb is known for their jaguar population, Monkey River is regarded for their thriving population of howler monkeys. This trip allows you to explore on the water and on foot. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the monkeys themselves, you’d be hard pressed to miss their signature calls.

7. Zip Lining in the Jungle

Looking for a more immediate adrenaline rush? Zip lining is one of the best options around. The boldest adventurers can start with the 2,300 foot single run, but there are over 12 platforms to try in the Belize jungle, totaling an impressive 2.5 miles in length.

8. Tikal Maya Ruins in Guatemala

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a crumbling edifice of stone. It’s a remarkably intact vision of one of the most thriving city centers in the Mayan empire. While the five temples are a highlight of Tikal Maya Ruins, there are plenty of squares and palaces to venture into as well.

9. Barton Creek Cave

Belize is a country known for its systems of caves, but Barton Creek Cave is a cut above the rest. It’s second only to ATM in terms of fame. Barton Creek Cave was once an important sacred site for the Mayas, and many of the artifacts of the time are still in place within this cave.

10. St Hermans Blue Hole and National Park

St. Herman’s Cave offers direct access to the Blue Hole – one of the clearest and most refreshing pools for swimming you’ll find anywhere. But the park is also home to the sacred Crystal Cave. This landmark is known for its otherwordly, glimmering crystalline structures.

If you want to go on an adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Book a Belize vacation package with Chabil Mar today.

Archives