Belize, Unique Among Its Neighbors

Belize     Destinations, Food
Colorful wooden houses on stilts speckle the countryside
Colorful wooden houses on stilts speckle the countryside
Here's my quick "What to Expect" take on Belize after an unfortunately short (less than 2 week) visit.
I was surprised at just how different Belize was than other Central American countries. It has the obvious awesomeness we all think of like Mayan ruins, jungle, wildlife, and beautiful Cayes, but also has some other qualities very unique to the country.

First, it is a very ethnically diverse country. English is the primary language with Kriol (Creole) second and "Spanglish" after that. There is much more of what I consider a Caribbean feel with the darker skin, dreadlocks, and the Kriol language. But there is a big mix of people. You have Belizeans, Mesitzos (Spanish / Mayans), Caribs (Garifuna), Mennonites (i.e. Pennsylvania Amish), Kriol, and Chinese!

The small stilted wooden houses are painted in bright colors and if you are there in December, you will see more holiday lights that you'd expect! They are indeed into the holidays but apparently the government runs a contest. They'll drive around and give a prize to the most decorated homes.
Colorful houses of Belize
Colorful houses of Belize
Colorful houses of Belize
Colorful houses of Belize
Some of the houses in Belize are over-the-top decorated for the holidays.
Some of the houses in Belize are over-the-top decorated for the holidays.
Almost everyone you pass on the street (drunk or not LOL) will smile or say "good morning/night". The locals are friendly to talk to and have a general sharing and giving vibe.

The food itself is not overly interesting. A typical local meal is the same plate over and over again: fried chicken, coconut rice & beans, coleslaw or potato salad, fried plantains, and rum punch. So yeah, being vegetarian I had a good bit of rice & beans with slaw. Yay. Because of that I did splurge on some Indian food one night that was only barely worth it. But there are other things to be found like salbutes and fry jacks and the rum & coke is not only delicious but sometimes the cheapest drink on the menu.

Very strangely, the Chinese run all the supermarkets. The prices are high and the selection is crap. Someone told me that they started out with super low prices to run everyone else out of business, then they jacked the prices up.
Typical Belizean meal of chicken, rice & beans and coleslaw. (Wikimedia)
Typical Belizean meal of chicken, rice & beans and coleslaw. (Wikimedia)
Belizean
Belizean "fast food" - salbutes - $4 bze for four
Marijuana is offered everywhere. It was almost funny how often it came up. Even once when my travel-mate asked in a restaurant if she could smoke, the waitress asked if she meant cigarettes or pot. LOL It seems that 10g is legal in Belize, but it must be smoked inside.

It's pretty well known that Belize is more expensive than most other Central American countries. That's definitely true. But although there are pricey options at every turn, some of them are avoidable. Local "fast food" is an inexpensive option ($3-$5 bze), the public transport is pretty reasonable, and accommodation can be found for $15 - $30 US. You'll still want to budget a bit more than usual to visit this country though.

I still have sticker shock at the cost of tours in Belize! I supposed it's because so much of the country's economy relies on cruise ships, so the tours are cruise ship-priced. Many sites are not easy (or not possible) to visit independently. Expect to pay between $45 - $95 US per tour! And yes, they are actually priced in US dollars. That's never a good sign when you're budget traveling. If you can, choose your tours on non-cruise ship days (Tues, Wed, Thurs at time of writing).

Now here's the biggie. Belize is MILES ahead of its neighbors (or any other developing country really) as far as protecting their resources, nature conservation, preserving ancient sites, and keeping the country clean from litter. In 1 1/2 hours on a river and a separate 3 hour drive on back roads to the Caracol ruins I saw only one piece of litter, one! It's really outstanding and it's not just on the tourist track. It extends into the rural areas. There are strict rules for visiting the historic sites, sometimes with armed guards to protect the relics (and tourists!). Water refill stations are ubiquitous in hotels, on tours, even in some shops for a massive decrease in plastic bottles.
Belize is the most litter-free developing country I have ever been to. By far.
Belize is the most litter-free developing country I have ever been to. By far.
It's definitely a bit tougher to budget travel in Belize, but for now I'll give it a thumbs up. I'll definitely have to make another visit to get to know the country even better.
The country is full of amazing Mayan ruins. This is Caracol.
The country is full of amazing Mayan ruins. This is Caracol.
Rivers, jungles, caves. Tons of nature to explore in Belize.
Rivers, jungles, caves. Tons of nature to explore in Belize.
From the jungle to the perfect waters off of Caye Caulker, Belize does have a lot to offer.
From the jungle to the perfect waters off of Caye Caulker, Belize does have a lot to offer.

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