For the Maya Empire, Belize was an agricultural breadbasket that offered both saltwater and freshwater commercial trade routes. For the English buccaneers known as the Baymen, it was a lucrative source of lumber and later mahogany with direct access to international trade via the Caribbean Sea. Today, Belize’s tourism industry thrives on this combination of pristine jungles and amazing beaches. Even as the Caribbean and much of Mexico have become overcrowded with tourists, Belize offers a little bit of everything. Some of Belize’s most appealing tourist towns are directly to the north, while the country also offers direct access to the beauties of the Caribbean Sea and a path through the jungle to explore the rest of Central America. It blends together the best aspects of surf and turf without making sacrifices to either.
The Jungle
The thickest and most vibrant jungles in Belize sit in the Cayo District: an area which is commonly known as the Wild West of Belize. Some of the country’s most popular eco-lodges are here, but it’s also home to some of the most thrilling adventures and most peaceful respites you’ll find in the country. The verdant land here makes agriculture the major industry, but the low population density of Belize ensures that there’s still plenty of jungle left to explore. Some of the most popular and impressive Maya ruins in Central America — like Xunantunich and El Pilar — are located in the Cayo District, and the Cayo District’s Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is one of the most spectacular natural sites you’ll find. More adventurous travelers will find opportunities to zip line, spelunk, and kayak through underwater caverns. But you can also find time for a romantic horseback ride through the jungle, birdwatching at dawn, or a gentle rafting trip down the Macal River. The town of San Ignacio offers a full range of modern amenities and conveniences and is treated as the gateway to the Cayo District’s natural treasures.
The Sea
175 miles of coastline offer plenty of opportunities to lounge along the warm and brilliantly blue Caribbean Sea, but the best way to see what’s out there is to venture further onto the water. More than 400 islands sit off the coast of Belize, and the world’s second largest barrier reef is also positioned within the country’s marine territory. But you don’t need to venture out to islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to see what the waters have to offer. There are plenty of great coastal villages worth exploring, but the Placencia Peninsula stands out in particular. The narrow strip of land that constitutes this peninsula gives it the vibe of an island while still giving you easy access to the interior. Whether you’re looking to fish, snorkel, or dive, you’ll find plenty of options out on Belize’s Caribbean waters.
See Both at Chabil Mar Villas
Chabil Mar offers you the flexibility to explore both the green and the blue of Belize. Chabil Mar Resort offers beachside relaxation on the Placencia Peninsula, while the Lodge at Chaa Creek sits conveniently in the major inland hub of San Ignacio. Our Reservations Team can help you find a Belize jungle and sea vacation package that gives you the perfect ratio of sea and land.
Visit 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.
