Vacation Rentals in Belize

With its tropical beaches, archaeological remains and natural appeal, Belize is always an inviting destination to pick a vacation rental, and the Central American country offers plenty of choice. Some of the most appealing properties are located by the coast, where roomy colonial-style villas offer private beaches, huge grounds, pools, massive bedrooms and plenty of living space. In other words, they are ideal for family groups.

If you are traveling in a smaller group or want to be closer to museums, restaurants and shopping opportunities, Belize also delivers. Whether you choose a town house in Belize City or an apartment in Belmopan, there will be a compact rental home that meets your needs. With places in serviced condos featuring gyms and pools, as well as standalone homes, it’s easy to find the mix of amenities to fit your requirements.

Belize may look tiny on the map of Central America, but it packs a lot of attractions into its 8,900 square mile area. Tucked away to the east of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsular, Belize has Maya ruins, colonial buildings, great food and some of the least exploited, cleanest beaches anywhere in the world. So it’s unsurprisingly becoming a popular vacation spot.

If you have decided to stay in a rental home in Belize, getting there is simple. The best way to travel is by air. Flights arrive at Belize City’s Philip S.W. Goldson Airport every day from Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Newark and Charlotte – so there should be a departure point not too far away from you.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a Caribbean cruise and dock at Belize City before renting a car and driving to your rental home, or you could embark on an overland adventure, driving through Mexico to your destination.

For most tourists, Belize’s prime attraction lies by the coast. You’ll discover fabulous tropical beaches on the Placencia Peninsular, at Hopkins Valley of Half Moon Caye – many with holiday villages right next door, and palms drooping over their edges.

Belize is also a great place for lovers of archaeology. Visitors can explore incredibly well preserved Mayan ruins like Altun Ha, Caracol or Xunantunich, all of which have impressive temples and plenty of stories to tell.

The Garifuna people of Belize have a distinctive Latin-influenced music of their own, and it’s hard to resist its infectious rhythms. Check out the latest talent at events like the Garifuna Music Festival, held in Belize City every November.

Probably the best preserved of Belize’s Mayan cities, Altun Ha was home to thousands of people in the 10th century, but mysteriously declined. Nowadays, exploring it with an expert guide is a fascinating window into a dynamic civilization.

2. Go Diving at Ambergris Caye

Belize has some legendary dive sites, and Ambergris Caye is the best. Find a dive school and head to HolChan Marine Reserve to swim through the colorful corals and mingle with the rays, fish and – potentially – a whale shark or two.

Home to many of Belize’s most stunning beaches, this peninsula in the country’s south is also tourist heaven, with bars, restaurants and nightlife aplenty. It’s best seen by car, allowing you to hop from beach to beach.

Belize Zoo is a treat for families, with charismatic locals like leopards, coatimundi, tapirs and even a few rhinos, as well as iguanas, and a huge community of brightly colored rainforest birds.

Surely one of the most impressive places to eat in the Americas, Jungle Farm in Belcampo is a gourmet restaurant situated on a hill, overlooking miles of jungle, and serving beautifully cooked locally sourced cuisine.

Timing matters when you organize a visit to Belize, owing to the country’s tropical climate. You’ll probably prefer to miss out on the rainy season, which tends to start in June and end in November. The best weather for sunbathing and sightseeing is usually from January to May, when the weather is warm and dry. June and May could be ideal. You risk a few showers, but the crowds will be smaller, giving you the freedom to roam the archaeological sites and book restaurants without any problems.

It also makes sense to time your visit to coincide with Belize’s major cultural events (if that’s your priority). The independence celebrations in September are a colorful spectacle, June’s Lobsterfest is as delicious as it sounds, while the Costa Maya festival in August is packed with tourist-friendly entertainment.