Are you looking for an ultimate summer travel escape like no other? Do you love travelling solo and immersing yourself in local culture and events? A visit to Belize in the summer unveils a tapestry of cultural richness and lively traditions, with the warm breeze carrying echoes of music and laughter, it’s clear that summer festivals in Belize are more than just events—they are vibrant celebrations of life.
Summer is the best time to immerse yourself in entertainment, fabulous beaches, incredible cuisine, artistry and cultural celebrations. With mostly blue skies, radiant sunlight and swaying trees, this time of year is known for energetic activities, music festivals, and vibrant wildlife.
Properties offer jaw-dropping discounts on their rooms and tours or packages with complimentary meals and it is virtually crowd-free at this time of year. The summer season allows you to have the most authentic experience in Belize.
No need to worry about massive crowds at popular attractions and activities. Strike a pose at the Belize sign, at the steps of Lamanai, or on the seashore in Hopkins for the perfect photo-op!
There is something to do every weekend!
Summer is a season to connect with Belize’s soul through food, music and community. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud that not only do these festivals showcase the country’s cultural depth, but they also uphold principles of sustainability for a lasting impact.
Below are just a few of Belize’s summer standouts that you can sink your tastebuds into:
- The Chocolate Festival of Belize (May 17-19, 2024) held annually in Toledo District, is a celebration of cacao farmers, local chocolatiers and Maya heritage. Through chocolate tastings and makings, cultural performances and educational workshops, the festival highlights the cultural significance of cacao while promoting sustainability and providing economic opportunities for local communities. By fostering awareness and engagement, this festival contributes to the long-term viability of Belize’s chocolate industry while showcasing the importance of cacao farming and the country’s cultural heritage.
- What is summer without feasting on lobster in Belize? The Lobster Festival of Belize are sumptuous celebrations that mark the opening of the lobster season, offering a mix of delicious food, lively music, and cultural experiences for both locals and tourists. Explore this vibrant summer festival scene from July 1st to 13th, 2024, featuring Caye Caulker’s festivities showcasing unique lobster dishes alongside live music and games, Placencia’s cultural extravaganza with local art and traditions paired with delectable lobster dishes, and San Pedro’s lively beach parties and music events celebrating the island’s seafood cuisine.
- Savour the rhythm as the Belize Tourism Board presents the dynamic two-day Belize International Music & Food Festival (July 27-28, 2024), a delightful mix of musical and cuisine delights. In July, visitors will be captivated by the country’s diverse musical lineup, filled with top artists and lively performances. The festival provides a fusion of musical genres ranging from Punta, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, and Latin beats that extends to the food court when you immerse yourself in the unique cultures of Belize. Taste the flavours from the kaleidoscopic cuisines and beverages prepared by local vendors from every corner of the country in this vibrant festival!
- September marks a special month in Belize, as the country comes together to revel with pride leading up to Independence Day, celebrated every September 21st. This year, Belize observes its 43rd year of freedom and independence with a day full of activities, colourful street parades, lively music and a celebration of authentic Belizean cuisine across its distinct regions. The Belize City Carnival, held on the Saturday before September 10th, features colorful floats, costumed dancers, marching bands, and drummers parading through the streets of Belize City. Participants wear elaborate costumes reflecting Belizean culture, history, and current events. Spectators can enjoy pop-up food stalls, live music, and other entertainment, making it a lively event.
Solo Travel in Belize
Belize is ideal for solo travellers looking for excitement!
- All travel types: Regardless of whether you’re in an introvert or prefer to party, Belize caters to any type of backpacker out there. From the revelry of the islands to the meditations in the mountains, solo travellers can take comfort that their specific needs will be met.
- Homestays: One of the reasons solo travellers choose to go at it on their own, is their desire to immerse themselves in the local culture of the people. Belize happens to have unique homestay experiences where travellers can both live and learn the Maya culture.
- No language barrier: Being the intriguing anomaly it is, this is the only English-speaking country in Central America. Travellers can be confident in speaking English and hearing English be spoken back (although there’s a high chance some Creole will be mixed in!).
- Size matters: Roughly the size of Massachusetts, getting from point A to point B in Belize is a breeze. You can fit your entire itinerary in approximately three days, which leaves plenty of time for winging the rest of your trip (as most solo travellers tend to do!). This makes for unexpected thrilling experiences to bring back home.
- Easy, safe transport: The main transportation are local buses that run all across the country – including the villages tucked away in the off-beaten paths. You are left to your own devices in the bus, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the scenery as it passes by the window. You can even take a bus – under $5USD – from Belize City down to Western Belize, where many mountainous adventures await.
- Connect with other solo travellers: Backpackers are attracted to Belize like locals to Orange Walk tacos, so it only makes sense you shall meet like-minded individuals while on your travels. Whether in group excursions or at homestays, you are bound to bond with someone who understands your perspective on backpacking through the diversified country.
- Currency exchange not an issue: The local currency is BZD, however USD is widely accepted throughout Belize, and during the off-chance it isn’t at a particular place, ATMs are available in all cities and major towns.
- Plethora of guidebooks: There are countless guidebooks on Belize that can help you on your solo travelling. From detailed road maps to emergency phone numbers, you can get your hands on any of these travel guides directly from the Belize Tourism Board.
Beaches & Diving
For those with an affinity to water, Belize also boasts 386km of spectacular Caribbean coastline and the second largest reef in the world. Belize intends to continue to lead the way in reef protection and sustainable tourism, having launched a reef protection programme featuring a new wreck diving site allowing divers to explore the marine life and waters while reducing strain on these radiant reefs and eco-systems.
Divers come from all over the world for a diving experience like no other. Crystal clear with visibility extending hundreds of feet, you will be surrounded by warm water and plenty of marine life including corals, turtles and stingrays. Apart from the famous Great Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye, and dozens of other sites off the coast of Belize are listed as some of the top destinations for divers in the world.
Culture
Belize isn’t defined by one culture, but a unique blend of influences from all over the world. It’s this blend that gives the people of Belize the distinct ability to make anyone feel welcome. While you may be far from it when you visit, we’ll make you feel right at home. From cuisine to language to dancing, explore the cultures and traditions that make Belize so unique.
Maya: Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize. Today, you can tour authentic sites left by this great culture and, in many cases, be guided through these sites by a direct descendant―a modern-day Maya.
In many cities, you can also find Maya cuisine and festivals celebrating this ancient civilization. Whether you want to explore for an afternoon, a day or a week, the ancient Maya sites are well worth it. It’s not uncommon to come across ancient pieces of pottery or hear that a distant hill is actually a temple.
Creole: From the language to the food, the Creole (or “Kriol”) culture always leaves you wanting more. Its origins date back to the late 1700s when British settlers and African slaves gave birth to this new Creole population and they remain one of the staple cultures of Belize.
Popular Creole dishes are universally enjoyed throughout Belize and include Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice (yes, they are two different dishes), Stew Chicken and Salad, and “Boil Up”.
Mestizo: A culture of the past that is still present today. Mestizo is a vibrant culture whose heritage originated from the Maya and Spanish. Today, the majority of Mestizo descendants populate districts in Northern Belize.
With the blending of these cultures came a fusion of traditions, practices and foods, unique to Belize. Take a trip to the North to immerse yourself in this foodie-haven and celebrate the many festivities held annually to celebrate Mestizo culture.
Enjoy ancient Maya cities, snorkel with luminescent fishes, or visit the renowned Belize Zoo! Travel by private vehicle or bus to see the astonishing views of the evergreen mountains and fields. Catch the boat to feel the breeze of the crystal blue Caribbean Sea when heading to your next destination.
Garifuna: This Belizean culture is known not only for their vibrant colors and delicious food, they’re the creators of a popular hypnotic drumbeat music, Punta. The rhythm of the drums will let you hear, feel and move to the Garifuna culture in Southern Belize.
With festivals throughout the year, it’s impossible not to experience the warm a
Sustainability
Belize holds responsible tourism at the core of its value systems, developing projects that encourage travellers to engage with the country’s rainforests, reefs, and unique culture in a truly sustainable and responsible manner. In an effort to protect endangered species such as the jaguar, Belize is a critical partner of the Maya Forest Corridor, protecting landscapes from Belize’s Maya Mountains, through the tri-national Maya forest of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala – the most extensive continuous stretch of jungle in Central America. Check out https://www.travelbelize.org/sustainability/ for an easy-to-use directory for visitors to Belize to be able to search for responsible tourism organizations within the country when planning their visit.
Hiking
Whatever level of hiker you consider yourself, there is a trail to match what you’re looking for. Take a day tour or spend several days camping—either one provides you with the chance to encounter exotic tropical plants and birds, or to see wildlife, including howler monkeys, crocodile, or the tracks of the elusive jaguar and tapir (just hope they’re only the tracks).
From serene beaches to thrilling adventures, Belize is the ultimate paradise for everyone. Whether you’re seeking excitement and adventure or pure relaxation, it’s time to book your summer vacation to a place where it’s always happy hour and summer never ends!
