While there are a decent number of expats living in Belize, it does not have the same expat network and support system that you will find in countries such as Costa Rica. However, life in Belize can be much more pleasant, afterall, you don’t necessarily have to learn to speak Spanish!
Life in Belize is not for everyone. Before making the decision to move here permanently, you should come and stay for an extended period of time and see if you really can handle what living here means. Even before you make that trip, however, it is important to do a self-analysis to see if you fit the mold of the kind of person who can make it work in Read more
Planning a trip to Belize and concerned about your health? There are only a few things to keep in mind before you come here.
Malaria pills are generally all that a doctor will prescribe for visitors coming to Belize.
That having been said, make sure you get a full check-up by your doctor, explain the length of stay in Belize and any special activities you will be doing. That way, they can make sure you have everything you need.
Make sure to ask about any additional shots.
Pack enough of your prescription medications for the duration of your trip.
Bring insect repellent, and USE IT!
Bring sunscreen, and USE IT!
Bring lotion for bug bites for the times you forget
As with any country there are things that we love about Belize and things that we hate. At the end of the day, the good usually outweighs the bad, and that is why so many of us decide to stick it out here in our little patch of paradise.
One of the most frustrating things can be not being able to find the exact product you want, or not being able to get something you really crave from back home. Most stores stock some imported goods, but the selections can be extremely lacking in smaller towns. The solution: fall in love with the products of Belize! You won’t find fruit this good back in Montana!
Chaa Creek is a great place to have a nice romantic getaway or bring the whole family for some great Belizean adventure. Chaa Creek is a 365 acre natural reserve that lies in-between the banks of the Macal River and the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
Chaa Creek offers a variety of Inland Expeditions that provide physical and intellectual stimulation centered around the environment, culture and archaeology of Belize. But that’s just what their website says.
Take it from me, the Belize Gringo, Chaa Creek is my home away from home in Belize. They have a lot of great packages and tours (which you can see on their website) and the accommodations Read more
The Belize government together with the National Tourism board are working together to protect Belize’s natural beauty and regulate how it is enjoyed by visitors, thus preserving the natural ecosystem in Belize. To that end many areas of the country are being set aside as National Parks, one of which is Laughing Bird Caye.
Located thirteen miles southeast of Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District, Laughing Bird Caye gets its name from the large number of laughing gulls that once lived there. Sadly, because of increases in human presence, a great majority of the birds have left the island. Now the government has put restrictions on the area.
The handmade island complex of Thatch Caye is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the very best of Belize. This 12 acre marine park in south-central Belize is just 9 miles from the city of Dangriga and the Stann Creek district. The half hour boat ride from the city makes Thatch Caye one of the most accessible offshore Cayes in Belize.
Set two miles inside the Great Western Barrier Reef, the resort is a launch pad for some of the most fantastic marine exploration in the world. Premier snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving and saltwater fly fishing are some of the Caye’s biggest attractions. Capable guides are on hand to lead you deep into the sea.
My guess is going to jail isn’t on your list of things to do while in Belize, but if a trip to this converted 19th century brick prison isn’t, then maybe it should be. In 1993, the government decided to convert the prison into the Museum of Belize. Despite the fact that it is a national museum, it is quite small, although its permanent collection packs a punch.
The first floor has a number of different exhibits that showcase the history of the City of Belize. On the second floor there are a generous amount of artifacts from the Mayan civilization, including pottery and masks made from ceramic and jade. The bug room contains an amazing collection Read more
If you have a chance to head off of the mainland to Caye Caulker while visiting Belize, make sure you head to the Rainbow Bar. The large deck out back is perched overlooking the sea, and the prices are more than reasonable, at less than 10 dollars per plate. Portions are large, and filling. The vegetable wrap comes highly recommended, as does the shrimp. Of course, every meal is made complete by a Belikin, Belize’s favorite beer.
The laid back attitude that draws everyone to Caye Caulker reigns at Rainbow Bar as well. While the locals urge you to take it easy, you will find yourself more than relaxed sipping a beer and dining on excellent burgers Read more
Deep within the Tapir Mountain Reserve, an hour from San Ignacio, is the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, an ancient site of ceremonial worship for the Mayan civilization. Inside the limestone cave visitors can see thousands of artifacts left behind, as well as 14 skeletons, most of which were sacrifice victims.
Upon entering the mouth of the cave, you have to swim about 10 meters before reaching the rock shelf. Climbing up there a half hour long hike/swim leads you to a hidden dry chamber where the majority of the artifacts are found. It is considered to be sacred ground, and visitors are asked to remove their shoes.
The trip is challenging, but it’s also quite rewarding. Read more
If you have a long list of people to bring souvenirs home for, then do your shopping at the National Handicraft Center on South Park Street in the Fort George District of Belize City. Over 500 Belizean artisans sell their works here, which range from hand-made jewelry to ironwood and black slate carvings.
While you may tend to head straight to the Mayan textiles, rosewood bowls and coconut shell necklaces, there are other shops offering less than a-typical trinkets. The real treasures found here are the homemade condiments and spirits. If you’ve never tried guava jam, Belikin beer or pineapple habanero jelly, this may be your chance.
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