Belize may not be as well known a travel destination as some of its neighbors in Central America or the Caribbean, but it’s quickly becoming a top choice for everyone from vacationing families to honeymooning couples. There’s a good reason for that. Belize offers one of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems in the world. The second-largest barrier reef in the world looms a mere mile from the shoreline, while hidden Maya temples still lurk deep among the lush and imposing jungles of the inland countryside. The culture here is equally diverse.

Despite being an English speaking nation, Belize is home to ethnicities as varied as the German-speaking Mennonites and the Mestizos who blend together indigenous and Spanish sensibilities into a truly unique culture. In addition to being one of the more popular local vacation destinations in recent years, Belize is quickly becoming a refuge for American and European expatriates thanks both to the affordable real estate and the natural beauty that this country has to offer. And with Chinese, Muslim, and Indian influences playing their own part in Belize’s cultural heritage, that means that there are tons of culinary specialties to explore that go well beyond traditional fresh seafood dishes like ceviche.

And wherever you go in Belize, you’ll never be too far from where you want to be. The entire country is smaller than the state of Massachusetts, and while the barrier reef is the crown jewel to Belize’s name, it’s just one piece of a much more diverse environmental landscape. This is a country that takes ecological preservation seriously, and it shows in how much enthusiasm the locals devote to the mangrove swamps, ruins, and coastlines that make up the landscape.

Due to its ideal position in relation to the Equator, you can count on Belize to provide you with mild and enjoyable weather all year long. While the stretch of June to November brings with it rain and thunderstorms, these usually strike in the morning or evening, leaving plenty of time to explore what the country has to offer. The subtropical climate wavers pleasantly between the low 60s and the high 90s all year long.

If you do decide you want to make a visit to Belize, we recommend you book your trip with Ray Caye. Our award-winning private island resort is close enough to all the important landmarks, and you can trust our staff to lavish you with the treatment you deserve.

With its rich melting pot of local cultures, ancient Maya cities, and a diverse ecosystem that extends from flatlands to the jungle to beaches, Belize is like a microcosm of every paradise mankind has ever imagined, but there’s no territory in Belize that captures the country’s unique magic and personality better than the Placencia Peninsula. When you decide to settle in on this thin slice of a peninsula, you’re never far away from the beach, and it provides you with easy access both to the islands surrounding the Belize mainland and the beautiful interior of this Caribbean paradise.

Formed as a humble fishing village in the 1800s, the village once known as “Punta Placentia” (or “Pleasant Point”) has developed into one of the most popular travel destinations within Belize, but it’s still managed to maintain its humble, friendly, and down to earth personality. You won’t find Hard Rock Cafes or Hiltons, but you will find a welcoming community that’s eager to share their little slice of heaven with guests from abroad.

No longer a remote fishing village but not yet a tourist trap, Placencia occupies a perfect Goldlicks Zone of diversity without being too overcrowded or overly marketed. That’s perfectly typified by Placencia’s “Main Street”. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest main street in the world, this thoroughfare is representative of the more laid back and laisezz-faire personality that Placencia evokes. But you’ll find plenty to do in town. The restaurant and bar scene is lively, featuring a mix of both traditional seafood dishes made from fresh catches of the day to more cosmopolitan fare that draws on the talents and eccentricities of the region’s talented chefs.

But while Placencia Village is a charming little town in its own right, it’s also a gateway to a world of natural beauty. There’s no better launching point for exploring the Belize Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re looking to venture out onto the calm waters to haul in a big catch or get more up close and personal with the local fauna by way of a snorkeling or scuba expedition, there are plenty of charter groups in Placencia Village that will be eager to help make your dreams come true. And that holds true for Belize’s rainforests as well. You can go venturing out into the jungle with a tour group on a simple day trip. However, there’s no better way to explore Placencia than via nearby Ray Caye, a private island resort located off the coast of the peninsula. You’ll get easy access to the village itself while having access to your own remote wonderland with staff ready to heed your beck and call.