Why You Should Travel To Belize On A Guided Expedition

Are you planning a Belize vacation but unsure what to do or where to go? Are you having trouble deciding whether to do all of the vacation planning yourself or leave your itinerary in the hands of local experts? We interviewed our expedition guide, Yalmar Ivar Marchand, to bring you first-hand knowledge and help you discover why a Belize Expedition might be the right choice for you.

Ivar was born in Orange Walk before moving to Belize City for high school and has remained there ever since. As a native of Belize, he is passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge of the country's culture, landscapes, and animals with people like you! His Belize expeditions provide the experience only someone doing this for 24 years can. From exploring waterfalls and ancient Maya Sites to zip lining and cave tubing, these guided expeditions offer an unforgettable adventure. Keep reading to learn what Ivar believes makes these Belize expeditions so unique.

Question & Answer:

Q: What makes travel to Belize different from other locations?

A: "Belize is special because it's the only English-speaking country in Central America, eliminating the language barrier for guests from North America. In addition, it is a small yet very diverse country. From north to south in a straight line, it is only 170 miles long, and east to west, 68 miles. So, you can be two hours deep in the jungle hiking or exploring waterfalls, and two hours later, you are at the Caribbean Sea. There is so much to see! And the roads are good, so it doesn't take a long to travel from one area to another. It’s like different worlds together without having to travel for hours to get from point to point."

Q: What are the benefits of traveling on a Belize expedition with a guide?

A: "Belize Expeditions are small groups led by a personal guide. Knowing the area, I am able to do something we call positioning. Every night after dinner and again at breakfast, you are reminded of where you're going to go, what you're going to do, and what you need to bring. I show and tell them everything I can. You get insights and special experiences that aren't on a typical itinerary or available to solo travelers. With expeditions it's also about being carefree. You don't have to worry about anything. If you have any concerns, you have a guide with you all the time." 

Q: What do travelers mention is their favorite part of Belize expeditions?

A: "They love that everything is different during the expedition. You move from one area to another, the terrain changes, and the views change. Some of them love the reef and the water, while some love learning about the mystery of the Maya culture. It is a mix, and it is a bit of everything. Additionally, guided expeditions are less stressful - you don't have to worry about anything. The guide is with you at all times. If you need anything, you come to the guide. The guide knows who to call and has all of those backup plans."

Q: What can you learn about Belize culture from a guided expedition? 

A: "The beauty of Belize is that it is home to multiple cultures. All ethnic groups have learned to cook one another's food. So, every district you go to presents a different dining experience. You might have more Mestizo here, Garifuna there, or a little Creole. I make sure to diversify where we eat to be more authentic, by planning out the meals for each district. The guided expeditions are more than the fun excursions; they are an immersive cultural experience."

Q: What type of travelers would enjoy a small group expedition in Belize? 

A: "Anyone can enjoy a Belize expedition. I have guided families, couples, solo travelers, and more." 

So what are you waiting for? Belize guided expeditions allow you to minimize your stress and maximize your adventures. They are an engaging way to experience the beauty, nature, and culture of Belize from personal insight. With Ivar as your guide, you can rest assured your Belize vacation will be full of excitement, safety, and comfort. You can choose between the Summer Guided Expedition and the Fall Guided Expedition to explore the best Belize has to offer.