Summer Bucket List Ideas when Visiting Belize
A great time is guaranteed when visiting Belize in the summer! Our jewel offers something for everyone with various daring adventures, laid-back islands, flavorful foods, and body-rocking events. So, if you have a bucket list or haven’t even thought of one, here are a few ideas when visiting Belize.
Meat Pies
Need a quick bite before going on your adventure, meat pies are a must! These hand-held golden stuffed doughs are a local delicacy, whether it be for breakfast or lunch. Be careful though, these mini pies are hot. Meat pies can be eaten in a variety of ways but our favorite is opening the ‘roof’ to a steamy aroma of well-seasoned beef or chicken. After the first bite, you’ll know why it is a local staple.
Horseback Ride to Xunantunich
Ditch the wheels, and gallop along the banks of the Mopan River to the ancient Maya City, Xunantunich. Embrace nature as you ride your four-legged friend through the willowy forest in San Jose Succotz. Cross the Mopan River on the hand-cranked ferry to view the 130 feet pyramid of El Castillo (The Castel). Hiking to the top should be your next bucket list idea!
Billy Barquedier National Park
Tucked away in Belize’s Southeast coast is the village of Steadfast, where you will find one of Belize’s hidden gems, Billy Barquedier National Park. Challenge yourself to trek the emerald forest while spotting tapir trails, blaring howler monkeys, and the famous royal rat, the gibnut. Hiking at Billy Barquedier rewards you with picturesque views of the Maya Mountains and the Stann Creek Valley. Also, if you’re lucky to go on a clear day, you will see pointy Victoria Peak- the second-highest point in Belize- another bucket-list-worthy adventure!
Tobacco Caye
Even though it is one of the tiniest islands in Belize, its swaying palm trees and breathtaking views of the crashing waves along the renowned Belize Barrier Reef is worth the stay. Tobacco Caye is the perfect getaway just ten miles from the culture-rich capital of Dangriga. Grab your snorkel gears and dive in to explore the deep blues of the beloved barrier reef with its vibrant corals and dancing fish. To think of it, isn’t that knocking down two bucket list adventures?
Marie Sharp Pepper Sauce
Feel the heat when you taste the world-famous Marie Sharp Pepper Sauce. The Queen of Habanero started in her home kitchen by creating the habanero-based sauce using ingredients from her farm in 1981. Forty years later, you will find a bottle in almost every Belizean household. Imagine adding drops of this New York City 2016 Hot Sauce Hall of Fame sauce on your meals when dining or even enjoying breakfast! Tap it on your rice and beans or in your bowl of hudut. After trying, you’ll be sure to add it to your grocery list!
Feeding Tarpons
Have you ever seen a fish fly? Hop on the next boat to the easygoing island of Caye Caulker. Tour the small island by bike or foot as you head to the tarpon dock on Calle La Polsa, where, for a small fee, you’ll be given your own bag of your sardine baits. Place the bait between your fingers over the edge of the dock to see the eager tarpons jump for a bite!
Lobster Festival
You can’t visit Belize during the summer and not attend a lobster festival; it’s an absolute must! The festivities begin as soon as Belize’s lobster season opens on July 1. Indulge in various lobster cuisines in Caye Caulker for the weekend from July 1 to July 3. If you’re planning on going to San Pedro, they’re having week-long activities from July 1 and ending with an energy-packed block party on July 9. The lobster affair continues in Placencia on July 15, 16, and 17, with live music and colorful art. Experience the uniqueness of each Lobster Fest when visiting these three destinations.
Belize International Music and Food Festival
Be sure to purchase your VIP and Ultra VIP tickets to the first-ever Belize International Music and Food Festival! This event will showcase the melodious voices of our very own Belizean artists, along with internationally renowned performers such as Koffee, Patrice Roberts, Demarco, and Barrington Levy. The two-day event will be held at the Saca Chispas Field in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on July 30 and 31. Local food vendors will be dishing out mouthwatering foods, providing a unique opportunity to sample Belize’s diverse cuisine at one event. Relax and refuel when you arrive in San Pedro and get ready for hours of non-stop jamming!
Now that you have eight bucket list ideas click here to continue planning your Belize summertime adventure!