My Beautiful Belize Travel Blog

Travel Blog

Los Finados, cultural belief in life after death

For many of our North American friends, October is synonymous with the arrival of fall, the excitement of costumes for the big Halloween party, and a fun night of trick-or-treating. However, for the Mestizo community in northern and western Belize, October is when we come together for the traditional celebration of ‘Los Finados.’ This celebration honors loved ones who have departed to the other world and is a time of unity and shared remembrance.

Discover the Wonders of Birding at the 4th Annual Belize Birding Festival!

Did you know Belize has 585 bird species? The Belize Birding Festival celebrates our unique avian treasures with an annual event honoring our diverse and rich birdlife, attracting bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and ornithologists worldwide. The festival typically takes place in October, and this year, the highly anticipated event will be held on October 5th at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District.

Make what you read a reality in Belize

There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing wildlife in Belize, especially if you’ve just read or are reading about it! Here are a few ways to safely and respectfully get up close and personal with our wild royalty.

Are you ready? It’s September Celebration time!

It’s that time of the year when all Belizeans are ready to jump up and wave our flag with pride. We are eagerly counting down to the start of our September Celebrations 2024! September is a month filled with holidays and celebrations in Belize.

La Luna Spa: Massage magic at Victoria House Resort

We all have guilty pleasures when we indulge in something that brings us joy and happiness that might not be all that good or healthy for us or even our wallet. We treat ourselves to these personal gifts in moderation, making the “you deserve this” justification even more delicious. I used to think that spoiling myself with a massage was one of these things until I realized that the benefits, physically and mentally, are not a guilty pleasure but part of taking good care of my health.

Feel the rhythm of steel pans and enjoy the vibrant Caribbean culture!

Some sounds can fill our minds with vivid details of a place as they replay in full color: the gentle waves lapping at the beaches in Hopkins Village, the chirping birds and the whistling breeze in the Mountain Pine Ridge, and, of course, the unique musical tunes that make Belize special. Many people, including myself, can’t live without sound and music. Music speaks a different language to every individual, and music lovers find themselves drawn to the sounds they grew up with. One of my favorite sounds is the rhythmic play of Steel Pans to classic calypso tunes.

Joseph Pate awarded for his mixology skills and contributions to the tourism industry

On June 27, 2024, Joseph Pate, also known as “JoeDaBartender,” was honored by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in Belize City for his exceptional bartending skills and his contributions to the tourism sector and community on Ambergris Caye. Pate has been devoted to the art of preparing mixed drinks since 2014 and has been creating craft cocktail drinks. He plans to continue contributing to the community by sharing his knowledge of barista skills and aims to expand his bar.

Lizard Tales: El Cadejo

Folklore is any of the beliefs, customs, and traditions that people pass on from generation to generation. Much folklore consists of fairy tales, folk tales, legends, myths, nursery rhymes, proverbs, riddles, and superstitions. As soon as a people developed a writing system, they began to record folk stories. However, folklore does not have to be written down. Much folklore is passed orally from person to person. My Beautiful Belize embraces the many cultures that make up our community and we recognize the importance of preserving our heritage. Through the Lizard Tales column, our readers will enjoy some of this colorful folklore while in turn we preserve these tales for future generations.

The charismatic national bird of Belize – the Keel-Billed Toucan

Regardless of whether you are a bona fide birder or just someone who enjoys nature, there’s no doubt that spotting our national bird, the Keel-Billed Toucan, when visiting Belize is always a treat! Although some people associate this beauty with the goofy “Toucan Sam” caricature seen on the popular Fruit Loops cereal box, let me tell you, these birds are sophisticated and worthy of great respect. For one thing, Mr. Keel-Billed would never be caught eating cereal for breakfast! A nice bowl of fruit, along with some insects and perhaps a lizard on the side, would be more like it!

A sustainable fishing tale from the Lopez family

Fishing in Belize is more than a profession; it is also a tradition that has been maintained and practiced for generations. As a vital livelihood, those depending on it are also aware of the importance of protecting this vulnerable industry from abuse and overfishing. Among the hundreds of fishing spots along the Belizean Caribbean coastline, there is a particular area that a dedicated family sustainably uses out of Sarteneja Village in northern Belize. The Lopez family fish and look after a fishing area around Middle Long Caye, rich in fisheries stock and a mangrove haven southeast of Belize City.

Navigating Belize Real Estate with Keller Williams

Keller Williams Belize can supply the expertise you need, offering invaluable guidance and support to investors. Whether you’re seeking a serene beachfront property, a lush tropical estate, or a vibrant urban dwelling, Belize provides a diverse range of options to suit every preference. Keller Williams can help you succeed in bringing your dream to reality.

The Tropical Education Center: A Hidden Conservation Oasis

Nestled in the lowland savanna of the Maya Forest Corridor is a wonderful lodge called the Tropical Education Center (TEC). Popularly known as the “Zoo Lodge,” the TEC is the sister site to the world-famous Belize Zoo and was added in 1991 to promote immersive exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Island celebrations commemorate the growth of our La Isla Bonita!

San Pedro is a vibrant town that celebrates its rich history and culture. Two important events are held yearly to commemorate the growth and development of Ambergris Caye from a small fishing island to a bustling top tourism destination in Belize. The caye is the largest of Belize’s offshore islands, famous for its spectacular coral necklace, the Belize Barrier Reef, located just a short distance from its coast.

Embracing its Maya heritage, Corozal Town is emerging as an eco-tourism destination

A peaceful coastal town located just south of the Río Hondo, which marks the border between Mexico and Belize, Corozal Town is considered one of Belize’s up-and-coming locations for retirees and those looking for an easy-going daily life. Corozal is home to a growing expatriate community, primarily residing in the northern tip of the town at Consejo Shores and along the seaside in the Sarteneja, Progresso, Copper Bank, and Chunox areas.

Eat, drink, and enjoy Maruba Beach Klub at Secret Beach

The hour-long drive via golf cart from San Pedro Town is a memorable part of your day at the beach. And there’s no better place to enjoy the island time vibes than at Maruba Beach Klub, located at the entrance of Secret Beach.
Maruba Beach Klub is a favorite spot for many, offering cool vibes, fantastic food, and some of the best cocktails. But perhaps the best part of it all is the crystal-clear water, perfect for a day of endless beach fun.

From Cocoa to Chocolate: Celebrate the Heritage of the Maya

Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide but holds significant cultural importance for many cultures. In Belize, the cacao plant used to make chocolate has a rich history and cultural significance for the Maya. Chocolate played a vital role in ceremonial beverages and ritual offerings for the ancient civilization, and their descendants still use the cocoa plant today to create some of the best artisanal chocolate.

Peggy the adventurous and inspirational loggerhead turtle

In May 2023, at the remote Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a critical moment unfolded in the ongoing saga of marine conservation. Peggy, a mature female loggerhead turtle, was gently captured in-water by the dedicated team at MarAlliance. This marked a new chapter in both her life and marine research. Fitted with a satellite tag, Peggy spent the following year mostly in the same location in the Atoll and then suddenly in late March 2024 she embarked on an epic journey from Belize towards the U.S., meticulously tracked to shed light on the secretive life of sea turtles. But Peggy is not just any turtle; she was named in honor of MarAlliance’s recently deceased Board Chair, Peggy O’Shaughnessy, a woman whose adventurous spirit and dedication to conservation continue to inspire.