Our Routes in Belize

Our Routes in Belize - Explore the Great Blue Hole…with Senior Product Manager, Catrin Davies

In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our Senior Product Manager Cat explains how her trip to this Caribbean gem included an all-time highlight in travel after discovering Belize’s Great Blue Hole, plus what other wonders await those lucky enough to take a trip to this magical country. Lets dive into Our Routes in Belize.

Cat enjoying the views up high in Zunantunich

What were your main destinations visited on your holiday to Belize?

We visited San Ignacio and the Cayo District, Placencia, Ambergris Caye and witnessed the Great Blue Hole!

How did you get to Belize?

I flew with United Airlines via Houston from London– an overnight stay on the outbound journey is usually necessary but the timings work very well with an early morning flight to Belize City the following day, so no time is really lost from the itinerary in Belize. Sleeping in a proper bed also actually means you are already starting to adjust to a new body clock, and you arrive in Belize feeling much more refreshed!

Was this a first time visit or have you been to Belize before?

It was my first time in Belize, but I’m already desperate to go back to discover more of the amazing country!

What was your favourite location on your holiday to Belize?

I always love being by the coast, and I especially enjoyed the laidback vibe of Placencia, but my favourite area of this trip was definitely the Cayo District as it offered an authentic cultural and wilder side to Belize that I wasn’t expecting, and provided access to so many different experiences – jungle, wildlife spotting, adventure activities, Maya sites, and community experiences.  

What was your most memorable moment on your visit to Belize?

Taking a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had, let alone just in Belize. The whole journey was incredible, with spectacular aerial views of the barrier reef long before we even reached the Blue Hole itself; the vibrant blues and turquoise didn’t look real! As it first came into view, the deep blue circle of the sinkhole initially looked quite small against the vastness of the barrier reef, but as we drew nearer, I spotted the tiny speck of a diving boat within its perimeter, giving so much more perspective of just how huge it is. It’s definitely one of those moments I’ve had that makes you realise just how insignificant we are amongst such incredible natural wonders in the world. It was a real pinch-me moment and one I’ll never forget.

Cat's view of the Great Blue Hole

What was your Belize holiday excursion or experience?

The Great Blue Hole flyover could easily be the answer to this question too, but there were some other fantastic experiences I had in Belize’s interior that offered a completely different insight to the country and made me realise there is just so much more to the country than its beautiful beaches.

Xunantunich is an incredible Maya archaeological site that draws very few crowds, so it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. The stone structures are so impressive and provide incredible views of the surrounding jungle as well as being a great viewpoint to observe howler monkeys, toucans and other wildlife around the complex.

One of my other favourite experiences was a visit to the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative. This project does wonderful work to preserve traditional Maya techniques in local crafts, as well as educating, empowering and providing employment for local women. During our visit we enjoyed a mesmerising pottery demonstration with the opportunity to turn our hand at the local craft, followed by an interactive cooking demonstration of how to prepare corn tortillas using the traditional method of grinding maize on a stone block called a metate. The lunch that was prepared for us was absolutely delicious, easily my favourite meal I had in Belize.

What do you most recommend packing or prepping before visiting Belize?

Cool, loose, comfortable clothing, insect repellent and lots of sunscreen are a must. Belize has a tropical climate so packing appropriately helps to acclimatise as much as possible.

What was your favourite food or drink in Belize?

Lunch at the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative was delicious, and extra special having participated in preparing it and having it cooked in front of us. We also had a street food tour in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) that was a really fun way to experience authentic local eateries and try new dishes where the locals dine, whilst learning about different delicacies. Other than that, I enjoyed any meal in Belize as long as it was accompanied by the renowned, flavoursome Marie Sharp’s hot sauce, washed down with some Belizean rum!

Sum up your trip to Belize in just 3 words:

Beautiful. Awe-inspiring. Enriching. 

Or, as the locals say, simply “un-Belieze-able”!

Ready to book your trip to Belize? Get in touch with one of our travel specialists today on 020 3820 0885