Belize, a surprising travel revelation

There is a famous photograph on the internet of a huge dark blue underwater sinkhole that stands out against turquoise blue waters and that hardly goes unnoticed by a traveler;

an image that always caught my attention and that I never imagined could be found in Belize.

In addition to this amazing underwater cenote, on my trip through the Central American country I discovered other surprising places that made me wonder why this destination is so little known, even among its neighboring countries (Mexico and Guatemala), having so much to show the world.

Its history is particular compared to that of the rest of the Mesoamerican countries: in 1862 it became an official colony of the United Kingdom -British Honduras-, and it was not until 1981 that it achieved its independence, changing its official name to Belize.

This past has given it characteristics, among which the three languages ​​spoken by its inhabitants stand out: English (the official language),

(a language based on English with strong African influences) and Spanish.

Among its population there is also an interesting mix of cultures, including Mayan, Creole, mestizo and Garífuna.

Mexican blogger Mariel Galán at the Rey Maya waterfall, in the jungle of Belize.

MG

This territory has the largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere, with seven marine reserves, more than one hundred keys and three coral atolls, as well as Mayan archaeological sites, coastal mangroves, a lush jungle inhabited by jaguars and one of the largest networks of caves. of American Center.

Madonna's Beautiful Island

Have you ever heard the famous song

by Madonna?

In it she says that she dreams of San Pedro, an island with a tropical breeze and wild nature.

Locals say that the singer dedicated this song to that Belizean destination, since the allusions in the lyrics have a lot to do with this paradise of crystal clear waters, marine reserves and peaceful streets of white sand.

San Pedro is located south of Ambergris Caye and there are two ways to get there: on a Tropic Air airline flight from Belize City or on the water taxis that depart from Chetumal (Mexico) and are operated by authorized agencies, such as Chetumal Tours. .

I arrived in a small plane that took off from the municipal airport of Belize City, and I confess that on the way I did not stop repeating this piece of music that added twice as much emotion to my desire to meet her.

San Pedro has a relaxed, island vibe.

It is traveled on bicycles or golf carts that allow you to take a closer look at the beaches and rustic architecture from the English colonial era that contrasts with modern hotels.

Accommodation options are varied;

I recommend Las Terrazas, a

luxury

located by the sea, an infinity pool, and a good restaurant.

The Great Blue Hole postcard became real

The most anticipated moment of my trip was flying over the Great Blue Hole that dazzled me so much in the photographs.

Tropic Air offers hour-long flights from the Belize City municipal airport for about $250 per person.

Since the plane takes off and begins its flight over the Caribbean, you know that the excursion will be worth it.

The preamble is impressive thanks to the large number of islands and keys that are framed by the windows.

After 20 minutes of flight, the pilot approaches so that the passengers can admire from a bird's eye view this underwater abyss with a dark blue color that stands out against the clarity of the Caribbean and that, due to its size, is visible from space.

It is very exciting to contemplate this geological formation in the middle of the sea.

The Great Blue Hole is one of the great wonders of the world and is located within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

This gigantic underwater sinkhole, 300 meters in diameter, is surrounded by a ring of coral and has walls that descend more than 120 meters into the interior of the ocean;

it is a system of collapsed caves that formed 10,000 years ago and that for experienced divers is a jewel in the rough where they explore hanging ledges with stalactites and stalagmites.

Swimming with 20 or 21 sharks

A group of nurse sharks and other fish in Shark Ray Alley in Belize.

Mariel Galan (Mariel Galan)

Seeing myself surrounded by nurse sharks gave me endless sensations.

That morning I left the dock for Ramon's Village Divers, a company that offers water excursions.

The visit consists of arriving by boat to Shark Ray Alley, where dozens of nurse sharks gather every day to be fed by fishermen.

This tradition is continued by tourist guides who attract these animals by offering them fish remains, allowing travelers to have an unprecedented experience: swimming with sharks in the open sea and without the need to dive.

These animals are defenseless and even friendly.

In the same excursion, the Hol Chan marine reserve is also visited, whose translation from the Mayan is small channel,

Moving the hips to the rhythm of the Garifuna

What I enjoyed the most in Belize were the transfers in small planes.

This means of transport is common and each journey by air is a delight of landscapes full of islands and jungles.

In my days of exploration I reached the southeastern coast and landed in Dangriga, a town located 172 kilometers from Belize City.

The area is known for its marine reserves and sanctuaries such as the Cokscomb Basin Wildlife, where they protect jaguars in danger of extinction, and for Hopkins, a small coastal town that gave me an afternoon of happiness when learning about the Garífuna culture.

A Garífuna woman preparing 'hudut', the traditional fish and coconut soup.

MARIEL GALAN (Mariel Galan)

To explore this destination I had the services of a local guide from the Hopkins Suscut agency,

who took me to Lebeha Restaurant & Lounge to live with the Garifuna, an ethnic group descended from the interracial marriage of the Carib or

Indians with African slaves.

With colorful clothes and a wide smile, they welcomed me to the rhythm of

, typical drum music that is danced moving the hips.

In the midst of this cheerful atmosphere, traditional cooks showed up and taught me how to prepare

a famous coconut and fish soup with a flavor that achieves a perfect mix of sweet and salty.

Without hesitation I can assure you that it is one of the greatest delicacies I have tried on a trip.

Back home I concluded that Belize is a country that is on the radar of few travelers, not because it lacks beauty, but because its natural, cultural and gastronomic greatness has not yet been echoed so much.

If you travel to this country spread the word because its value is greater than many imagine.

Practical Guide

Currency

• The local currency is the Belize dollar.

  One US dollar is equal to two Belize dollars and does not fluctuate.

  Credit cards are accepted throughout the country.  

Idiom

• English (official language), Kriol (an English-based language with strong African influences), and Spanish. 

Where to stay in San Pedro 

• Las Terrazas, a luxury

  resort

  with spacious

  suites

  .   

• Portofino Beach, a complex of

  boutique

  cabins located a few meters from the sea. 

Where to eat 

• Caramba restaurant.

  My favorite in San Pedro for the freshness of its seafood, its crab trotters and its buffet bar concept where you choose the fresh fish that is then prepared to your liking.

• Elvi's Kitchen (San Pedro).

  In this place, prepared seafood and some traditional Mayan dishes are eaten. 

• Lebeha Restaurant in Hopkins.

  Ideal to taste Garífuna dishes, such as coconut and fish soup. 

Internal flights and excursions 

• Tropic Air Belize has flights to much of the country.

• Visit to the Shark Ray Alley

  marine reserve

  : Ramon´s Village Diver´s. 

• Local guides in Hopkins: Hopkins Suscut.

Mariel Galán is the creator of

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