Travelers Are Putting Family First
You may have noticed that travel trends are increasing in family vacations, with an estimated 47% being multigenerational trips. Most of us can relate to sharing experiences and making memories as a family, and traveling in numbers, like bringing the grandparents along, can help manage a gaggle of little ones. It can be extra special for the adult child, making memories with your parents while fostering adventure in your kids, while the children get bonus time with the grandparents, a win-win for everyone! No matter how elaborate or humble the adventure may be, it’s all about family time, exploring new environments, and creating lifelong memories.
In Belize, we see more families visiting our country, as we have so much to offer, including family-friendly accommodations and countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Be it a low-keyed stay at a beachside resort where days are spent building sandcastles, playing in the water for hours, and taking delicious naps in hammocks on the beach, or jungle adventures exploring exotic Maya archeological sites, cave tubing, and ziplining, Belize meets the need of families who are looking for a unique and memorable vacation.
With so much to choose from, here are a few adventures that will surely delight the child in all of us.
Exploring Maya Archaeological Sites
Sometimes, getting youngsters interested in historical sites can be a challenge. Still, with a bit of “homework” before your trip, you can fuel their imagination with the legends of the mystic Maya. Youngsters who learn about this ancient civilization will likely be captivated by stories about their impressive pyramid-building skills, complex calendar system, intricate hieroglyphic writing, and fascinating gods while learning about their daily lives. Even the Maya’s unique beliefs and rituals, including their agricultural practices and the use of cacao beans, can be captivating. A simple search online or at your local library should produce a large variety of reading options for all age ranges, such as Maya History for Kids- Captivating History, Ancient Maya Daily Life – Heather Moore Niver, and Heart of a Jaguar – Marc Talbert, to name a few.
Now that your fledgling adventurer is ready for some real-life action, there are several Maya archaeological sites to explore in Belize. Some are more accessible than others, so if you’re traveling with young ones, you may choose the more “user-friendly” sites for families. The smaller size of the compound ensures less time for tired legs or waning attention spans. Wherever you are staying, the concierge should be able to arrange your tour.
Cahal Pech Archeological Preserve
Settled upon two acres of land on a mountaintop overlooking the picturesque city of San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Cahal Pech was once home to an elite Maya family. With evidence of continuous habitation as far back as 1200 BCE, it is one of the oldest recognizable Maya sites in Western Belize.
With over 30 structures, including temples, plazas, ball courts, ceremonial masks, and artifacts, the site offers a lot of interaction while exploring, like climbing stairs, going through cool tunnels, and traversing the maze of structures. Great for engaging a young audience! A tour guide is essential for sharing captivating information and stories about the area and, to spectators’ delight, to spot monkeys and toucans in the above canopy. This site is easy to access and has handy restroom facilities. Two hours is all you’ll need to enjoy this jungle gem with your family.
Altun Ha
This Maya site in the Belize District near the Maskall Village is about 30 miles north of Belize City. The most prominent structure is the Temple of the Sun God’s Tomb, also known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars. Despite its relatively small size (covering an area of about five square miles), this site was once a major ceremonial and trading center. Compared to sites in the area, Altun Ha is one of Belize’s most excavated and restored locations, making it a favorite for tourists and visitors wanting to experience a true sense of ancient Maya civilization from centuries past.
The area around Altun Ha is rich in wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir, and white-tailed deer. Two hundred species of birds have been recorded in the area and spotting any resident creatures while exploring the compound excites children of all ages. The expansive compound takes a couple of hours to tour fully.
