Belize is the perfect place for post-COVID travel. There are no crowds. Even before a global pandemic, over-tourism in Belize wasn’t an issue – a fact many travelers appreciate when they wish to escape the world and relax. Belize has been fortunate enough to only have had few cases thus far compared to the rest of the world. A trip infused with relaxing activities and a peaceful atmosphere is not desired, but needed. Fares are low and the U.S. dollar is almost 2:1.
Belize is a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life. Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City.
Belize is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Local guides will help you explore sea life where there is over 500 species of fish and marine life. Divers from all over the world come to Belize for a diving experience. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere. From schools of fish, to turtles, to the occasional barracuda, there’s a lot going on underwater.
For the adventurous type, there are thousands of caves in Belize. They range from easy walks to challenging hikes. In most caves, you’ll find extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations and pottery remains. Others have ancient intact pottery and human remains (sometimes intact skeletons, like in Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave) and other natural formation such as underground waterfalls (Blue Creek, Caves Branch).
Is Archaeology your thing? Only a small percentage of ancient Maya temples have been uncovered. Whether you want to explore for an afternoon, a day or a week, the ancient Maya sites are well worth it. All sites are managed by the Institute of Archaeology and have interpretive centers, as well as trained guides to show you around. From Caracol and Cerros to Lamanai and little villages and forest areas, pretty much anywhere you go here, you’ll find ancient Maya temples.
If you like canoeing, you’ll find the waterways for any paddling traveler. Tour companies and jungle lodges also cater to canoe travelers, with some of the best areas being on the Mopan and Macal Rivers in the Cayo District. There, you can paddle through the jungle, see wildlife, then make your way through little villages to get a look at how life is in less traveled areas.
American Airlines is expanding preflight testing to the Caribbean and Latin America. As of Nov. 16, American will partner with LetsGetChecked to offer pre-flight COVID-19 testing. LetsGetChecked is a home test kit that will allow passengers to self-administer a PCR test at home, under virtual supervision by a medical professional. Results are expected within 48 hours. Present your test results when you board your aircraft. Testing requirements vary by country.
Delta also flies to Belize with one stop in Atlanta and United with one stop in Chicago, Houston, or its new route from Denver which begins Dec. 19.
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