If you’re into Jell-O shots at the swim-up bar and all-you-can eat buffets, Belize may not be the vacation destination for you. But if you love jungle waterfalls, amazing history, diverse cultures and white, sandy beaches fronting an ocean that’s too-turquoise-to-believe, you’re barking up the right tree.

Belize has made a name for itself as a luxury destination in Central America that also offers a huge variety of things to do. For a country that’s only about four times the size of Prince Edward Island, it packs a lot of punches.

TravelPulse Canada on Wednesday had a chance to chat with Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler about his beautiful country, which sits just south of Mexico on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.

Mahler said Canadians love the nature and culture they find in Belize.

“We have the largest living barrier reef, and three of the four atolls in the region are in Belize,” he said. “There’s a lush rainforest in the interior, and very diverse cultures to be found. It’s the place to go if you want a life-fulfilling experience.”

Mahler said visitors can explore Mayan temples and even observe local Mayan peoples going about their business and earning a living off the land. They also can explore native Garifuna villages, including Hopkins, a favourite spot for Mahler when guests arrive.

The minister said Belize doesn’t have any traditional all-inclusive properties, but that some hotels offer meal plans.

“We’re really a boutique destination,” he said. “Most of our hotels are quite small; less than 150 rooms.”

Source: https://ca.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/beautiful-belize-not-your-average-vacation-getaway.html