About the Covers By Jamil Loskot As a photographer, and as a Belizean, I’ve always dreamed of having a single photo appear in Destination Belize magazine, because of its worldwide reach. That dream came true in 2013, when two of my images of Prince Harry were published. But little did I know that a few years later, I’d…
Find Our Roots Feel (Y) Our Rhythms By Lebawit Lily Girma Bileez! It’s a name that remained shrouded in mystery for centuries, its etymology only recently confirmed to be of Maya origin. And as you begin exploring and making your way around “The Jewel”—as Belizeans call their home–you will quickly realize that this small country in the heart of Central America is, indeed, one big, colorful collage of origins. Belize is roots. And Belize is rhythms. It’s a small place overflowing with ancient customs, indigenous tongues, and traditions passed on from generation to generation. It’s a nation whose people are intent on preserving their ancestry, and fiery in protecting their pristine environment against…
Single-Use Plastic Ban by April 2019 Annual Belize Birding Festival Boat runs from Punta Gorda to Punta Negra & Barranco Orange Walk Holpatin Cultural Trail Annual Cayo West Fest
Show your love the right way as you explore Belize’s colorful land and sea. By Tamara Sniffin Tread Lightly While exploring our jungles, savannahs, and offshore cayes, remember to “take nothing but photos and memories.” Stay on designated paths, leave no litter, and don’t alter the landscape. Respect the Wildlife Enjoy creatures from a distance—do not disturb, feed, or keep Belizean wildlife, as it’s illegal and dangerous. Avoid purchasing items or jewelry made from exotic animal products. …
Getting Around By Air Commercial airlines land ath the Philip Goldson Internationa Airport (PGIA or BZE). Travelling to all major towns and cayes is possible with daily flights on domestic airlines. By Land Bus is the most affordable way, and there are routes serving all districts. Belize has standard international traffic laws, and driving is on the right side of the road. …
Get cultured while making your way around Belize. San Pedro is named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Traditional, medicinal plant healing is still widely practiced around Belize, from Cayo to Toledo. Orange Walk is known as Shugah City, but it’s also nicknamed Tacoland. San Ignacio has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. The typical Q’eqchi Maya greeting you’ll hear in Toledo is “Ma…
Pick your flight, pack, and go: getting here is easier than ever. By Anthony Hunt Flying to Belize from almost anywhere in the world is a simple and stress free experience. It’s almost as stress free as being in Belize. With nonstop flights from 17 cities in seven countries, on seven international airlines, getting here has never been easier or more cost effective. And from most North American cities, it takes between two and six hours to reach Belize City’s Philip Goldson International…
Belize Festivals and Events Month Event Destination January KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic Corozal District Horse Race Burrell Boom Village February Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival Placencia Village Belize Game Fish Association’s International Bill Fish Tournament Carnaval de San Pedro San Pedro NICH Street Art Fesival Belize City Valentine’s Day Cycling Classic Belize City to Benque Viejo Del…
Our experts’ tips for unique roots-and-rhythm experiences around Belize. Helicopter tour of the Belize Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole – Shirlee Arnould, San Pedro Yok Balum Cave – Bruno Kuppinger, Toledo Paranda Fest and Garifuna Culture Tour – Mel Martinez, Hopkins Horseback riding adventures in the jungle – Leisa Carr-Caceres, Belmopan The Belize Chocolate Festival – Delonie Forman, Punta Gorda Fly fishing in Jacinto – Sheila Nale The Cacao Farm Trail in San Pedro Columbia – Nayomi Lara, Toledo Diving the second largest living barrier reef – Melanie Paz, San Pedro Bird…
From indigenous rituals and empowerment retreats to a yoga festival—renew, restore, and reconnect to your best self. By Michelle Williams It’s no wonder wellness vacations have increased in popularity. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle keeps us in constant fight mode, exposing us to toxins, noise, and electromagnetic radiation, among other nuisances. Travel is an act of letting go, and an opportunity to renew, and invigorate one’s system—mind, body, and spirit. …
