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Belize Prepares to Reopen Schools

The Cabinet of Belize has approved the phased-in return of face-to-face instruction for all levels of schools in Belize. The reopening of schools in Belize has been approved in two phases with the first phase commencing on April 12, 2021 provided that the school meets are COVID-19 safety requirements as set out by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Participating in the phased-in return is optional at this time and Belizeans are encouraged to check in directly with their respective school to establish a plan for the safe return for their children. Phase 1 of the reopening takes place on April 12, 2021, while Phase 2 of the reopening will commence on May 10, 2021.

This phased reopening is to allow Belize schools to ensure that their COVID procedures and learning continuity plans remain practical and to allow ample time to fine-tune them as needed for the upcoming school year.

Schools wishing to participate in the face-to-face reopening may apply using the face-to-face instruction application form.

Where To Stay In Belize

A beach holiday is always a good idea, especially when it offers the opportunity to discover an ancient world that has been preserved. Another perk? It’s part of the Caribbean islands. While this may seem unattainable and expensive, there are travel options to suit every need and every budget.

The affordable option: Caye Caulker

This destination is a tourist favourite and is a lot more affordable than Ambergris Caye. It’s a more relaxed environment that caters to budget-conscious tourists. Booking a stay here is a great way to save money while still taking in the beauty of the country. The island is only five miles long, which means that you don’t need to worry about transport costs while enjoying activities such as snorkelling, fishing, swimming or adventure days on the mainland.

The popular option: Ambergris Caye

If your budget isn’t an area of concern, this is the option to look into. San Pedro is the main attraction and offers a wide range of accommodation options. It is one of the most visited islands, but it hasn’t lost that laid back feeling. It’s close to the Belize Barrier Reef which means that you can take a boat to see the natural wonder or even take snorkelling or diving gear to discover it up close. Depending on when you travel, you may be able to experience some of the island’s festivals.

Explore history and traditions: Cayo

Cayo is located on the mainland and is often regarded as the cultural heart of the country. You can discover the rich history of the country and even visited smaller towns in the area. Hiking in the forests or discovering the waterfalls are all adventure activities that you can experience on the mainland. If you head to the more rural areas, you’ll even be able to find some wildlife.

Peace and tranquillity: Placencia

If you’re looking for something low-key, quiet and undisturbed, the sleepy island of Placencia offers coastal views and picturesque landscapes without the hustle and bustle. While the nightlife is not as active as the other islands, it does offer a serene location for pampering and relaxation.

Discover the culture: Hopkins

This seaside area stands out for its dedication to the country’s culture. You can learn all about the Garifuna culture while experiencing the customs and foods first-hand. It’s a true reflection of Belize without being over-commercialised, just like when you win playing online. As with all of the other islands, water sport is also available here.

So, where are you headed?

To help you narrow down your search, try to create a list of what you would like to do and the budget available. This will then help you to choose a destination which will make the planning process a lot easier. There are so many islands to choose from, so what are you waiting for?

Explore The Mayan World In Belize

Discover The Mayan World In Belize

Belize has been labelled the epicentre of the Mayan world. It is home to sacred pyramids, temples and palaces with relics being found to support the use of advanced science, mathematics and agriculture.

This once-thriving nation was brought to its knees by the Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century, although its decline was already in process as a result of famine and war. The ruins in Belize pay tribute to this cultural history. Let’s look at some of the Mayan ruins in Belize.

10 Mayan ruins worth visiting

  1. Xunantunich

Located on the Western Highway, in the village of San Jose Succotz just across the river, is the Xunantunich. The stone woman only takes up 300 square metres and is a ceremonial centre. You can reach the site using one of the daily ferries between 8:00 and 17:00. It is home to the second tallest temple in Belize – 133 feet tall – and is one of the most visited tourist destinations.

  • Altun Ha

Altun Ha is found 31 miles north of the former capital, Belize City. The area is rich in wildlife and is home to over 200 species of birds. Altun Ha was once a vital trade centre and consists of two principal plazas. One of the greatest finds to date is the Maya Jade Head representing Kinich Ahua, the Mayan Sun God.

  • Caracol

Located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve along the edge of the Maya Mountains is Caracol, the Spanish word for a shell. It was found in 1938 by a logger. While this is one of the more difficult ruins to reach but the journey is worth it to see the Canaa, or Sky Palace, the largest man-made structure in the country at 140 feet tall.

  • Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech means place of ticks and was given the name in the 1950s. Excavations have revealed that the area was inhabited from 100 to 800 AD. The centre of the ruins provides a picturesque view of the area. You can explore different structures that include temples, ball courts, and alter and plain stelae.

  • Santa Rita

This Mayan ruin controlled trade routes, with excavations revealing fishing nets and other coastal objects. To support their role in trade, jade and mica ornaments and golden ear decorations have been found. Check this site and enjoy as much intrigue and excitement.

It’s All About Going Back To The Beginning

When you travel to Belize, you are in for quite the historical and cultural experience, even on a  shoestring budget. Take the time to discover the ancient ruins in all their glory in one of Mother Nature’s best-kept secrets.

If you need a break from it all, speak to your travel agent about fitting in as much of the ruins into your itinerary as possible. In case you need a bit more convincing, keep your eyes out for part two that lists the remaining 10 Mayan ruins that you should visit while in Belize.

Belize – An Unspoilt Gem That Needs To Be Explored

Belize – An unspoilt gem

Belize is truly one of the few remaining unspoilt travel destinations. From the Mayan ruins to the caves, waterfalls and lush jungles, there’s so much to explore.

Belize is home to some of the Caribbean’s best diving sites and has the world’s second-largest barrier reef that’s the same length as the small country. The Belize barrier reef is home to a diverse range of marine life and offers divers a once in a lifetime diving experience.

Many of the other Caribbean dive sites provide the opportunity to dive amongst volcanic rock which is also something worth adding to your bucket list.

In addition to being a fantastic dive site, Belize also has a wide variety of tourist attractions that will make your holiday a truly memorable experience.

10 things that you may not know about Belize

  1. Belize is home to over 900 Mayan ruin sites, giving a glimpse into life 3000 years ago.
  2. There are 450 islands in Belize, called Cayes but pronounced as keys.
  3. The country is the only one in the world to have a Jaguar reserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary.
  4. It’s bad luck to swim in oceans or rivers on Good Friday, which is why many Belizeans avoid the water altogether. Children are often told that if they do swim on Good Friday, they will turn into fish.
  5. You need to beware of El Duende, an evil 3-foot tall dwarf that has no thumbs. This creature is believed to live in the forest and punishes anyone who kills animals.
  6. Another mythical creature to look out for is El Sisimito. This monster has no knees, has backward feet, and loves to eat human flesh.
  7. This is the only country in Central America that has English as its official language. Many people also speak Garifuna, Creole, Spanish, and other Mayan languages.
  8. Hurricane Hattie almost completely destroyed the former capital of the country, Belize City, in 1961. Following the natural disaster, Belmopan became the new capital city. Interestingly enough, the capital is only home to 12,000 people, making it the world’s smallest capital city.
  9. While in many other countries, the tallest buildings are modern skyscrapers, the tallest building in Belize is actually a Mayan temple.
  10. If you’re a fan of fast food, you’ll want to give Belize a miss. as there’s no KFC, Burger King, McDonald’s, or Starbucks in the country. There is however access to the internet, so if you want to play horses today, you can. Just with no fast food to snack on!

An Escape From Reality

When it comes to Belize, it’s all about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday living and rediscovering Mother Nature’s beauty. As with any country in Central or Latin America, there are security concerns so please make sure that you travel in groups or with someone who knows the area.

Isn’t it time you took on the jungle, discovered ancient ruins, and explored the big blue – all in one magical destination?

Discover More About The Mayan World In Belize

Discover The Mayan World In Belize: Part 2

In case you missed out on our previous article, we took a look at five Mayan ruins that you need to visit while in Belize. We listed Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Caracol, Cahal Pech and Santa Rita as part of the ultimate historical and cultural experience.

To add to this, we’ll be taking a look at the second half of our “10 Mayan ruins worth visiting” list.

  1. Mayan ruins worth visiting – continued

6.  Lamanai

The area one of the largest Maya ceremonial centres. This city has been occupied for over 2000 years making it one of the longest-occupied cities. It is home to over 719 structures that related to different periods of time. For example, two 16th century churches and a 19th-century sugar mill.

7. Cerro Maya

This coastal trade centre is located in the Bay of Chetmal. It’s believed that the city fell as a result of changing trade routes. The area is partially underwater, but that doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of the stunning designs and structures and the picturesque views. A Dallas-based company acquired the site a few years ago with the intent of excavating the ceremonial centre to become a major tourist attraction. Unfortunately – for them – the company went bankrupt, and the development never took place.

8. Barton Creek Cave

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cayo. Not only is it a natural beauty, but it also contains all of the cultural remains left in caves by the ancient Mayans. The remains and artefacts discovered along the river’s ledges reveal that the cave formed an important part of ancient ruins.

9. Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit received its name from one of the site’s 26 stelae that resembles a figure wearing a headdress. Nim Li Punit means big hat, in honour of the stela. This site is smaller than the others but is nonetheless breathtaking. It is believed to have served as a royal place of worship.

10. Lubaantun

Lubaantun, or the place of fallen stones, is a ceremonial center with an unusual cultural construction style. The structures are made of stone blocks with no mortar or agent to bind them. The buildings built on top of the pyramids were made using perishable remains and therefore didn’t survive.

It’s Time To Travel Back In Time

Belize is home to hundreds of famous sites and ancient Mayan ruins as well as beautiful waterfalls, volcanoes, lush jungles and, of course, its impressive barrier reef.

When it comes to visiting the country, you’re spoilt for choice, just like when you visit this website. The recent announcement by the Belizean government to allow vaccinated travelers to enter the borders without having to be tested for COVID-19 makes this one of the few global destinations that you can explore during this confusing time.

Tips For Travelling To Belize

When it comes to making travel plans, the process can be daunting – especially when travelling abroad. Where do you start with your research? What do you look out for and who do you contact? Unless you’re a frequent traveller, you may feel lost and confused. To assist you with your next holiday, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know when travelling to Belize.

6 Tips for travelling to Belize

  1. Sort out your passport

As with any overseas trip, your passport is the key to it all. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your date of arrival. You’ll also need to find out if your country requires a visa when visiting, and if you do, you’ll need to get that process started as soon as possible.

  • Make sure that you understand the language

The official language of Belize is English so you should be able to understand most things. Spanish and Creole are also commonly used.

  • Research currency and payment methods

While the Belizean dollar is the official currency, most establishments will accept American dollars. If you need to exchange money, you should be able to do so at your hotel, banks and other businesses. Try to carry different forms of money or payment methods in case one of them isn’t accepted or doesn’t work.

  • What to pack

Belize is home to many islands, so packing beachwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bathing suit should be a no-brainer. You’ll also want to pack comfortable walking or hiking shoes for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins. There are shops where you can buy any forgotten items, so don’t stress about forgetting small things. Your packing requirements will be determined by your holiday itinerary and whether you want to signup to play online from the beach, or go an epic jungle adventure.

  • Where to go

Belize is a beautiful, unspoiled natural gem. You can spend time in the luscious jungles, diving along the barrier reef, or exploring Mayan ruins. Depending on when you’re traveling, you may be fortunate to experiences some of the country’s national holidays first-hand.

  • What about my health?

Belize puts public health high on their priority list, especially given the times that we are living in. Every major town has a public hospital as well as private doctors should you fall ill while on holiday. Tap water is safe to drink in most places and bottled water is readily available should you prefer it. It’s recommended that you visit your doctor before your trip to ensure that you’re healthy enough to travel. Investing in travel insurance is also something that you should look into.

Belize Has Something For Everyone

When visiting this bucket list destination, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to everything you need throughout your stay, which includes world-renowned cape global tents. If you need something or would like to go on an adventure, speak to the staff at your hotel, or set it up through your travel agent beforehand. As long as you have your passport, visa and finances sorted out, the trip should be smooth sailing.

Travelers With COVID-19 Vaccine Don’t Need Tests

Belize Announces That COVID-19 Tests Are No Longer Required If You’re Vaccinated

Travel restrictions have become a reality for many countries as the pandemic forces them to close their borders or block off potential visitors from high-risk countries. As a result, the tourism industry is taking a knock. To help travelers enter Belize, the Belize government has updated its COVID-19 protocols to allow vaccinated travelers to enter the country without needing to present a negative COVID-19 test.

How will this be controlled?

To ensure the safety of the citizens of Belize as well as its visitors, all travelers need to provide proof of vaccination, in a similar way as they would a COVID-19 test. The vaccine needs to have been administered at least two weeks before their arrival in Belize. In the event that they’re unable to prove their claims, they’ll need to undergo a COVID-19 test as a safety precaution.

What does this mean for unvaccinated travellers?

If you are travelling to Belize and have not yet been vaccinated, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result four days before your flight or a negative rapid Antigen test result two days before your flight.

In the event that you do not have the medical certificates to support your claim, you’ll need to go for a COVID-19 test at the airport at your own expense, which is $50.

The bottom line is that to ensure the safety of all people travelling and the country that you’re entering, you’ll need to do your part in stopping the spread of the virus and building immunity.

What implication does this have on people travelling from Belize to other countries?

This will depend on your destination; however, Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has put measures in place to test travellers departing from Belize and headed for countries that require a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

These updated COVID-19 protocols and travel requirements have come about as a result of the drop of daily cases within Belize. It proves that the government’s efforts in slowing down the spread of the disease have been successful and that future efforts to maintain control of the spread should follow the same trend. All that staying at home and having the kind of fun you can enjoy when you check this site has worked.

What does this mean moving forward?

All tourism officials and other travel stakeholders that are on the frontline will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine to ensure their safety when dealing with travellers from multiple countries. Existing health and safety protocols will remain in place and need to be adhered to at all times.

We need to remember that we are still living in a the time of a global pandemic and while restrictions have been adjusted, this does not mean that the virus is any less of a threat.

Belize is trying to position itself as a safe tourism destination and has even received the official World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels that confirms the validity of their claim.

2008 Mazda CX-7

2008 Mazda CX-7 comes equip with 2.4 litre 4 cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and dark interior, with a mileage of 100,000. Asking price is $16,000 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • CD Player
  • Air Condition
  • CD Changer
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Fog Lamps
  • Cruise Control
  • Tilt Steering
  • Cup Holders
  • Floor Mats
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Air Bags

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1111 or call 607-5153

2016 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Big Horn

2016 4X4 Dodge Ram SLT Big Horn comes equipped with 5.7L V8 engine with eco mode and has just under 49,000 miles. Also features keyless entry with remote start, automatic locking tail gate, reverse camera, with front and rear proximity sensors, courtesy lights & bed lights, LED headlights & fog lights, uConnect infotainment system, and original Dodge floor Mats. Asking Price is $58,000 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • Air Condition
  • Power Seats
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Anti Lock Brakes
  • Cruise Control
  • Tilt Steering
  • Cup Holders
  • Floor Mats
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Power Outlets
  • Alarm System
  • Air Bags
  • Running Boards

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1110 or call 615-7077.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta

2013 Volkswagen Jetta comes equip with 2.5 litre 5 cylinder engine, automatic transmission, leather interior, with a mileage of 102,000. Asking price is $17,500 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • Air Condition
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Fog Lamps
  • Cruise Control
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Alarm System
  • Air Bags
  • and more…

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1109 or call 615-6798.

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