5 Places in Belize Perfect for Social Distancing

                     Belize has always been praised for its abundance of nature coupled with flora and fauna. Additionally, having a low population density makes it so easy to enjoy the experiences offered here without worry of overcrowding or long tourist lines. This feature has been long admired and now – during a pandemic – it’s cherished.  Not only will you have way more than six feet apart from others, but you’ll find comfort in knowing you’ll be safe while still making memories that last a lifetime. Here are some places in Belize perfectly curated for social distancing.

1. Mountain Pine Ridge. What better place to social distance than in the middle of the rainforest? The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, located in the Cayo District, covers an impressive 300,000 acres. Some eco lodges have established their luxurious properties among the forest canopies, offering arresting views of the jungle. Here, you can take comfort in the fact that the only ones surrounding you are colorful birds and the broadleaf forest. MPR is located about 5 hours from the town of San Ignacio.
2. Lamanai. This underrated Maya site lies in the Northern District near the town of Orange Walk. Often visitors can boast that they have the entire site to themselves making it easy to appreciate the massive temples. The boat ride to the site is also a thrilling experience to share with family. With the northern district being a hidden gem, there’s no need to worry about congestion in traffic or tours.
3. Caracol. Another Maya site that also happens to be located inside Mountain Pine Ridge is Caracol. Boasting the tallest man-made structure in the country, the temple of Caana is worth the 2.5-hour drive from San Ignacio alone. Deep in the jungle and bordering Guatemala, this region is made to forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the solitude.
4. Rio Blanco National Park. Another underrated district is the southern district of Toledo. About five hours away from the international airport, this region holds many nature-based activities that visitors often seek when detoxing from the world. The Rio Blanco National Park is one of them, a protected wildlife area about 105 acres. Its home to a beautiful gushing waterfall and natural pools, perfect for taking a dip or enjoying a picnic.
5. Laughing Bird Caye. A small island that only holds about 30 people max, it’s easy to see why this protected area is the epitome of social distancing. About 1 hour from Placencia via boat, this reserve holds eclectic marine life that makes for stunning snorkeling and diving. Have a BBQ on the tiny caye before wading into the crystal-clear waters to spot some Parrotfish.

These are only some of the stunning places in Belize that everyone should add to their travel bucket-list post-pandemic. Thinking of booking a trip? The BTB has created an extensive Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program for Hotels and Tour Operators.  This 9-point program seeks to enhance the tourism industry’s health and safety standards by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travellers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s tourism product.