Destinations Caribbean
Lauren Richards
Correction 10/3/23: A previous version of this article described Belize as an island. While Belize has many islands off its shores, it is a country on the mainland.
Once the cold weather is upon us, some of us start looking for an escape. A beach and sunshine sound like paradise in comparison to the gray clouds and dipping temperatures. Sure, some of us love the fall and winter and enjoy donning cozy sweaters, but the rest of us seem to long for weather warm enough to go without a coat.
A trip to the Caribbean might just be your solution. If you’re looking for somewhere that offers the best of the tropics, Belize needs to be your next vacation destination. With white sand beaches, shady palm trees, and rich culture, it could be the trip you need. The best time to visit is during the fall and winter months, into the spring: November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier than in the summer months. With that said, the fall is the busiest season, but it’s entirely worth it.
Natural and historical wonders
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You can relax and recharge on Belize’s beaches, but the country has plenty else to offer. If you enjoy scuba diving or seeing natural wonders, the Great Blue Hole is a great place to start. It’s the world’s largest barrier reef at 1,000 feet in length and 400 feet deep. It harbors beautiful creatures underneath the surface, but the sight of it itself is worth seeking out. You can go on a boat tour or fly over it in a plane — the aerial view gives you the best understanding of its large size. “A flight over the blue hole is a must on a clear day if you happen to be visiting the country,” a reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote, adding, “It’s short, fun, [and] offers an incredible view to the Blue Hole and many other sights on the way there.”
If you’re more interested in history, the Xunantunich is just the place to explore. Archaeologists believe these Mayan ruins were constructed between 1000 BC and 250 AD. The whole site is about 1 square mile and is home to multiple elaborate palaces and temples. Admission is free, but guided tours are not. They typically cost around $100 depending on the particular agency and tour.
Unique experiences
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If you’re an adventure seeker, consider booking a cave tour at Actun Tunichil Muknal, a Mayan sacrifice ceremonial site. It’s a fascinating experience that enables you to see artifacts from centuries ago while exploring caves. To get there, you have to hike through the jungle and wade through a river, so make sure you’re prepared for a physically demanding trek. “[It’s] a once in a lifetime experience. I cannot recommend going to the ATM cave enough. It was magical!” one reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor. “If you are very unfit or claustrophobic I wouldn’t go. It does involve swimming, climbing and tight spots.” Tour prices vary depending on the company you use.
As you can see, Belize offers a variety of unique experiences — and we only mentioned a couple of them. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, learn, or all of the above, Belize can provide a satisfying experience. The fall is the perfect time to embark on your own adventure in this Caribbean country.
