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Tucked between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize is fringed with colorful reefs off its eastern coast, while the country’s interior is dotted with Mayan ruins hidden away in lush green jungles.

Distances are rather short – making a vacation in Belize an easy choice. And did you know that Belize is the only English language-speaking country in Central America?

You might have guessed it, Belize is the topic of this week's edition of Let's Go Places.

Scroll down and you'll learn more about the top things to do, a new locally-distilled rum, the Mennonites of Belize (not related to the rum!). I've also included a raving review of a recent Belize vacation/honeymoon that TropiQ Trips planned.

Reach out to me when you want to discover for yourself what makes Belize so special!

TropiQ Trips Blog

Discover the Top Things To Do In Belize in 2021

Wondering what to do during your time in Belize? With lush rainforest and pristine sandy shorelines, it can be hard to determine the top things to do in Belize.

While Belize’s mainland is perfect for anyone looking for jungle exploration or cultural attractions, Belize’s islands are great for laying out on the beach or exploring the vast Caribbean Sea.

Belize might be one of the smallest countries in Central America, but it offers a surprisingly rich variety of experiences for visitors, no matter if you are looking for a family vacation in Belize or a Belize honeymoon package.

From exploring the first jaguar preserve in the world to stepping back in time at some of the most significant ancient Maya ruins, stick around to learn about the top things to do in Belize on your next vacation.

Tour Of The Week

Belize Honeymoon Adventures

Your Belize honeymoon package takes you to the tiny country of Belize which is, without doubt, an underrated honeymoon destination. Belize is just as charming and slightly more off the beaten path than Mexico’s popular Riviera Maya.

It offers beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, waterfalls with tranquil pools for secluded swims, impressive Mayan ruins, vast cave systems, prime diving, and amazing resorts.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about jet lag. In fact, it will probably take you less time to fly to Belize than it would to fly across the United States.

Belize

Recent review of a Belize Honeymoon organized by TropiQ Trips

"... As far as our honeymoon goes… it was indeed wild and venturesome!

Y’all, Belize is absolutely amazing, and if you ever have an opportunity to go, grab it with both hands (and stay at Black Rock Lodge)! ...

Every day was a new adventure, a new discovery to be made. The food was incredible and the scenery was nothing short of divine. Everything was out of a dream, every moment, every day.

We rode horses to Mayan ruins and climbed to the top, Lo swam with sharks (I kept the boat from floating away), we stumbled into a makers market, we saw tons of giant iguanas, we canoed through the entrance to the underworld, we explored an island by golf cart, we made pit stops at a local artist’s workshop.

We did and saw so many things, but when we were on our way back to the airport and our guide asked us what our favorite part of Belize was, we both answered that it was the people. Never in our lives have we met so many welcoming and warm strangers. Everyone was eager to meet us and to tell us about the birds, about the food, about the horses, about the conservation, about the land, about the trees, about the gods, about everything and anything. We learned so much about the environment and culture around us we were pretty much in a constant state of awe.

But it is because of the amazing people that we will be sure to go back. We made friends, and friends don’t ever say “goodbye,” they say “see you later.” Can’t wait to see you later, Belize."

Thanks Ash & Lo!!!

Rum Journal: Copalli, An Outstanding New Rum from Belize

In the heart of the rainforest in southern Belize, one of the Caribbean’s newest rum companies is doing something very special.

It’s a sustainable rum, a sugarcane rum, and — and most importantly, a very good rum.

It’s called Copalli, and it’s the next big from Belize.

Despite a spectacular Caribbean coastline and what has always been a sizable sugar industry, Belize has never been known as a rum powerhouse.

But that’s changing.

In recent years, more and more producers have launched rums in Belize, beginning with Tiburon back in 2013, and now, most recently, with the particularly fascinating Copalli.

Uniquely for Belize, and for much of the Caribbean outside of Martinique and Guadeloupe, this rum is made from cane juice.

This Is The Best Month To Visit Belize, And It's The Perfect Time To Plan A Vacation

Several months in Belize offer practically perfect weather every day, while the others offer strong winds and plenty of precipitation.

Ideally, travelers can visit Belize between the months of March and April to experience some of the best, most temperate temperatures the islands offer. Hanging around the mid to high 70s, this is the perfect time to do some on-land exploration, including visiting the Mayan ruins. This is also the perfect time of year to take advantage of the tranquil, crystal-clear waters that Belize is known for.

Read on for more details.

Life in the slow lane: meet the Mennonites of Belize – in pictures

Belize is truly a melting pot of cultures including Mayan, Spanish, Garifuna, English, East Indian, Chinese, and Mennonite.

Many people are surprised to hear that Belize is home to a thriving Mennonite population of over 10,000 of Russian descent. Approximately 2,000 Mennonites are converts from local communities.

The first Mennonites came to Belize in 1957 as part of a diplomatic mission. These Mennonites, who emigrated from various Canadian locations, came to Belize (British Honduras) from Chihuahua, Mexico, where they had been living for many years.

Photographer Jake Michaels became mesmerized by the community’s gentle pace of life – which raises questions about the way we live our own lives.

5 things only those who have been to Belize will understand

Everyone’s Belize vacation experience is unique, whether they decided to have a solo trip, a romantic getaway or a group trip with the squad.

However, there are certain requirements that absolutely cement your experience as the basis for any Belize vacation. Here are some of the most popular tropes that every Belize traveler shares with the locals living them out every single day.

There is such a thing as “Belizean timing.” If the motto for Caye Caulker (Go Slow) is any indication to this established notion, Belizeans really do abide by a “Belizean timing.” Here’s a tip for your first trip to Belize: nothing will ever start on time. There’s a good chance any event or friend meet-up will start around a half hour later, the earliest.

We like to take our time, so you should, too. There’s no need to stress over here, leave that for when you return home! Here, the Belizean timing is a blessing, reminding you to not take life too seriously and that everything happens in due time.

Read on...

Hotel Spotlight

Black Rock Lodge - Belize Eco Lodge | Belize Jungle Lodge

Come experience total immersion into nature at Black Rock Lodge, nestled in the dense rainforest on the banks of the Macal River flowing through the Maya Mountains of Belize.

Twenty restful, cheerfully decorated cabins, with en-suite bathrooms, veranda hammocks, and unique views of the stunning natural surroundings create complete jungle relaxation.

A network of hiking trails, a staff of expert guides, and a true commitment to protecting the environment make this a haven for curious, adventurous travelers.

Travel News

The Latest Tips for Returning to International Travel

There are about 100 countries that now accept travelers with U.S. passports, and the list is changing every day.

If you’re fully vaccinated, free of COVID-19, and willing to put up with more uncertainty than usual, now is the time to consider that trip you dreamed about during lockdown.

There's no doubt that planning for international travel is more stressful now than in pre-pandemic times. But upon reaching your destination, you may find fewer crowds and a welcoming tourism sector.

Here are some tips for planning your next international adventure.

About

This travel update is brought to you twice a month by Anja Phillips, owner of TropiQ Trips. If you enjoy these free, curated updates and want to help out a small business, please forward our sign-up page and share it on Social Media. Thanks so much.

TropiQ Trips provides customized tours to Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Belize, and other countries in Central America & the world. We create unique travel experiences - at no extra cost to you!

Tourism is a critical revenue source for nearly every country in the world. We work with local agencies in each of our destinations. When you travel with us, you support small hotels, businesses, and local families, not big cooperations - here and there.

If you’d like to get started with planning your once-in-a-lifetime vacation, please reach out by replying to this email, emailing us, or scheduling a call.

I can't wait to work with you!

Anja