Have you ever wondered how big things can often times come in small packages? Belize is one of those. Roughly the size of New Hampshire, Belize has just about every element of paradise that you can imagine. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, dense jungle adventures, impressive Mayan ruins and pristine coral reefs. But that isn’t all, Belize also has a unique and impressive history – it even includes Queen Elizabeth. Oh, and we didn’t even mention the food! There is too much to highlight, so let’s dive in:




The Maya civilization wasn’t the first sign of humanity in Belize, but it definitely emerged as the greatest, and it held that title for a very long time. During that period, Lamanai and Caracol became huge cultural centers for the Mayan people. They were focal points for a civilization that may have included as many as 1 million people at its peak. To put that in perspective, Belize currently only has a population of 340,000 people!




From the 1500’s until the mid-1800’s, the Spanish and British flirted with Belize, but mostly just engaged each other in the coastal areas. Piracy and competition between the two nations was common, but eventually Spain lost interest due to the lack of gold.

In 1862, Great Britain formally designated the land as British Crown Colony and named it British Honduras. It wasn’t until nearly a century later that constitutional reforms began to take place, and in 1973, British Honduras was renamed Belize. Finally, in 1981, Belize gained independence from Great Britain, but as a member of the British Commonwealth, and as such, they still recognize Queen Elizabeth as Head of State today.




While humanity was busy building up a rich culture and history, Mother Nature was busy building an abundant landscape teeming with biodiversity. Hundreds of islands dot the coast of Belize, and they make up part of the biggest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. A great deal of this is protected, such as within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It is also home to incredibly unique features like the mysterious and infamous Great Blue Hole.




If you enjoy animal encounters, then you should put on your swimsuit and jump into Shark Ray Alley. That might sound a bit crazy at first, but don’t worry, it is the nurse sharks that give the area it’s name, and they would be more at home at an oyster bar than starring in a Jaws film. In other words, they are friendly!




For those of you who would prefer to channel your inner Indian Jones, then Belize has some of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Central America. You can’t miss Lamanai in northern Belize and Cahal Pech to the west. Xunantunich is another impressive archaeological site worth exploring. Set off into the jungle with a qualified guide for a trip that with be as adventurous as it is educational.




If you are interested in history but require a bit more adventure, then you can try out one of the most unique activities in Belize – cave tubing through caverns that are often containing ancient Mayan artifacts. You literally hop in a tube and float with the current through the depths of the earth and through thousands of years of history.




You can also try your hand at many of the amazing water sports offered along the coastal areas of Belize. You will find Kitesurfing, scuba diving, offshore fishing and many other activities being offered up and down the beautiful coastline of Belize.




Whatever you do, make sure to sample the local flavor before you leave Belize. Go dine at a local restaurant and try rice and beans cooked with coconut milk. The stewed recado chicken with potato salad is particularly amazing.  It goes without saying that if there is fish on the menu, it is probably quite fresh as well!

If you turn on the radio, you should make sure you aren’t listening to Katy Perry and that you pick up a local Punta station – a popular genre of Garifuna music. These tunes will definitely make you feel like you are right at home in the heart of the Caribbean, and you may even find yourself using your new favorite song as the background music to a photo montage you create down the road.  It never hurts to have a song that reminds you of paradise.  Here is a song to get you started:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsK4_7VtQrI

The international news has also reported that Leonardo DiCaprio is opening an eco resort in Belize, and although that likely won't be available on Project Expedition, we do know that you will discover many more things to do in this Caribbean gem of a country - so register on Project Expedition today, and stay up to date!