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A quiet, easygoing nation located in the heart of Central America, Belize is fast becoming one of the top destinations for people wanting to escape the cold and misery of winter. The weather in Belize is always pleasant and warm all-year round and the country features a uniquely harmonious mix of different cultures. Friendly, English-speaking natives will make you feel right at home as you explore some of the many amazing attractions that Belize has to offer.

Below are 10 reasons why you should pack your bags right now and have a winter holiday in Belize:

1 – Maya Ruins

Belize was once the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire. Today, dozens of Mayan cities can be explored throughout the country, featuring a rich mix of towering temples, beautiful carvings, and grand plazas.

2 – The Great Blue Hole

Declared by famed marine biologist Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving sites on the planet, the Great Blue Hole is a unique circular depression adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Divers can explore an enormous underwater series of caverns carved out during the last great Ice Age.

3 – Wildlife

Whether you’re interested in viewing some of the rarest tropical bird species on the planet or want to see the last surviving jaguars in the region, Belize has it all. Visitors can see crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees at play in their natural habitat or embark on exclusive diving tours to frolic with whale sharks.

4 – Drinking in the Scenery

Belize is a relatively small country but has a richly diverse natural landscape. Travel between destinations is affordable and safe, offering visitors the chance to observe verdant mountains, lush fertile valleys, and pristine rainforests on their journey.

5 – Beaches

Beaches abound in Belize, as the country is located on the western shores of the lovely Caribbean Sea. With hundreds of miles of pristine, white beaches, you can enjoy the tropical fantasy vacation of your dreams swaying in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree in Belize. Almost nothing can compare to watching the sun set over the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

6 – Food

Belize is the home to a rich mix of indigenous cultures, resulting in some of the most delicious food anywhere on the planet. Casual food is king here, with plenty of fresh-caught lobster, savory Caribbean dishes, and spicy Mexican food to choose from.

7 – Diving and Snorkeling

The clear waters of the Caribbean make snorkeling and diving in Belize some of the best to be found anywhere on Earth. The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is home to dozens of species of colorful fish, nurse sharks, and unique invertebrate species.

8 – Belize Adventures

Whether you’re interested in tubing down a river through a network of caves, hiking mountains, spelunking in huge caves, or exploring the jungle, there is plenty to do for the adventurous-minded in Belize.

9 – Belize Islands

Locally known as cayes (pronounced “keys”), Belize has hundreds of gorgeous islands, ranging from the laid-back party town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to the diving paradise of atolls fronting the Belize Barrier Reef.

10 – The Belize Weather

With a warm, tropical climate, and sunny skies nearly all year-round, the weather in Belize is fantastic. You’ll rarely need anything heavier than a sweater when in Belize, and T-shirts and sandals are the dress code of choice for visitors and locals alike.

Where to Stay

The award-winning resort of The Villas at Chabil Mar offering outstanding accommodations just minutes away from all the action in Placencia Village in southeastern Belize. With gorgeous views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, each villa is a richly-appointed two-room suite combining traditional Belizean decor with modern luxury.

For more information about visiting Belize or Placencia, 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.

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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.

You’ve probably already heard about all of the amazing things to do and see in Belize, learned that every major airline offers non-stop flights to the country, and that Belize is an unspoiled natural paradise.

Before you depart for a wonderful vacation, here are 10 things you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly:

1 – Money

One American dollar is always equivalent to 2 Belizean dollars (BZD). American dollars are accepted everywhere.

2 – Visas

Citizens of Canada, the United States, and the EU do not need a visa to enter the country as a tourist for up to 30 days. For longer stays, you’ll need an extension.

3 – Language

As a former British colony, Belize is the only country in the region where English is the official language. Many people also speak Creole (similar to English), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, and German.

4 – Toiletries

Be sure to bring sunscreen if you have fair skin. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent as well. In order to protect the environment, choose natural products.

5 – Clothes to Pack

Definitely don’t forget to bring a swimsuit! It rarely gets cold in Belize, so a sweatshirt or jacket is the most you’ll need. Casual wear like shorts and sandals are practically the national uniform in Belize.

6 – Religious Customs

Most people in Belize are Christian, so be sure to act respectfully in and around churches and during important religious holidays like Easter and Christmas.

7 – Electricity

Belize uses the same outlets and voltages as the United States, so all of your gear will work just fine.

8 – Holidays and Festivals

Belize is a country that loves to celebrate, so be sure to check the calendar to find out which exciting festivals, holidays, and concerts will be taking place during your visit.

9 – Health Requirements

Belize has top-quality healthcare, and there are no major health risks associated with visiting the country. The weather is quite warm in Belize so be sure to drink plenty of water so as to not get hydrated.

10 – Get Excited!

Belize is a land of adventure, so be prepared to have a ton of fun. Whether you spend your time clambering around ancient Maya pyramids, zip lining through the jungle, spotting howler monkeys in the wild, or swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling on the reef, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on  Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Few people might think of beer as one of the most enjoyable parts of a vacation in Belize, but the small Central American nation has a proud history of brewing delicious local lagers.

Perhaps the most famous brewer in Belize is Belikin Beer. With their distinctive logo featuring the ancient Maya site of Altun Ha, Belikin is a multi-generational family-owned business based in Ladyville just outside of Belize City. The name Belikin comes from a Maya term for the Belize River, literally meaning “road to the east.” Founded in 1969, Belikin is the largest domestic producer of beer, producing 450 bottles per minute in their state-of-the-art breweries.

Belikin’s beer offerings include:

• Belikin Beer – The flagship brew, Belikin Beer is a classic European-style lager with an alcohol content of 4.8%.
• Belikin Stout – With a velvety, rich head, Belikin Stout has a delightful smoky taste. Made with German hops, Canadian malt, and cane sugar from Belize.
• Lighthouse Lager – A refreshing, crisp beer, Lighthouse Lager is a Canadian Pilsner with a 4.2% alcohol content.
• Belikin Premium – With a malty, hearty taste, Belikin Premium is made with two different hops and three different malts.
• Guinness Stout – Belikin is a licensed brewer of this classic stout featuring a rich color and assertive bitter overtones.

Belikin also makes a number of seasonal brews, including:

• Chocolate Stout – Inspired by a traditional Maya recipe, Chocolate Sout is a creamy beer with a velvety chocolate finish.
• Sorrel Stout – Introduced for the first time a few years ago, Sorrel Stout features a careful blend of German hops, specialty malts, and local sorrel.

Other Beers Available in Belize

Beer lovers can enjoy a variety of other brews in Belize, including:

• Red Stripe – The Jamaican classic in an iconic rounded bottle.
• Heineken – One of the most popular beers in Europe, Heineken is a pale lager with a distinctly crisp finish.
• Carib – This refreshing lager is brewed in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Dragon Stout – Brewed in Jamaica, Dragon Stout has a rich, velvety head with a lovely dark color obtained from barley.

Enjoy Belizean Beers at Chabil Mar

The bar and restaurant at the award-winning resort of Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula has a full range of Belizean and international beers in stock.

Visitors to the resort can ask the bartender for a recommendation of the best beers to try. The experienced, professional bartenders at Chabil Mar can recommend food pairings and other details about the different beers available in Belize.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea make Belize an ideal home for sharks. More than 350 different species of sharks can be found along the barrier reef, coral atolls, and mangrove estuaries, including the elusive hammerhead shark, black tip shark, bull shark, nurse shark, reef shark, lemon shark, nurse shark, and the enormous whale shark, the largest fish in the world’s oceans.

Southern Belize and the area of the reef near Placencia is an ideal place to see sharks. Underwater formations such as estuaries, the roots of mangrove forests, upwelling currents, fore reefs, and deep walls are all excellent places to have a safe and exciting encounter with sharks.

The hammerhead is rarely found in the oceans, but it’s not uncommon to see one when diving in Belize. Hammerhead sharks are very peculiar about the areas of the ocean that attract them, but the edge of the continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets near Placencia attracts large schools of hammerheads. Named for their unique T-shaped head, hammerheads are peerless hunters, twisting their bodies to turn and chase prey. Hammerheads cruise the seafloor in search of crabs, lobster, octopus, and fish, using special sensors on its head to detect faint electrical signals.

Another interesting shark that inhabits the shallower areas of the reef near Placencia are lemon sharks. Named for their yellow skin that serves as excellent camouflage, lemon sharks like to park themselves on the sea floor while waiting for prey to cross their path.

But perhaps the most popular shark in Belize is the nurse shark. Once hunted nearly to extinction, nurse sharks are now a protected species in Belize. Generally docile towards humans, nurse sharks have a distinct mouth with two barbels on their upper lip.

Other kinds of sharks you may encounter in Belize include black tip sharks which often leap out of the water in pursuit of fish and reef sharks that gain their name from their penchant for hugging the shallow waters of the reef. Tiger sharks can be found in Belize, but these are far rarer.

Perhaps the most famous shark to visit the waters of Belize are whale sharks. Every spring, vast schools of migrating whale sharks visit the outer part of the reef, consuming enormous quantities of fish spawn and plankton.

Travelers interested in diving with sharks, including nurse sharks and whale sharks, can book their Belize snorkeling and diving vacation with Chabil Mar.

For more information about sharks 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.