City overview
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, and it packs an improbable amount into an area smaller than Massachusetts: the second-largest barrier reef in the world running the length of its coast, hundreds of cayes and three offshore atolls, and a jungle interior full of Maya cities and river caves that were used as ceremonial spaces more than a thousand years ago. Most visitors split their time between an island and the mainland, flying or taking a water taxi between them. The Jewish presence is small and recent. Chabad of Belize opened in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in 2016 and remains the country's only Jewish institution, serving a handful of local families and a steady stream of travellers. It runs the country's only kosher restaurant, holds Shabbat and holiday services and meals, and is the practical starting point for any observant visitor planning a trip here.
Bacalar and Chetumal, Mexico
Belize
The Laguna de Siete Colores at Bacalar and the Maya museum at Chetumal, reached directly from San Pedro by international ferry.
Time needed
Full day or overnight
Tips
The international ferry runs San Pedro to Chetumal in about an hour and a half, departing San Pedro at 2:30 PM and Chetumal at 10:00 AM, with fares around MXN$1,340 one way and MXN$2,580 return. Bacalar is about 40 minutes further north of Chetumal by road. Passports and Mexican entry requirements apply, and Belize charges a departure fee.
Neighborhood
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Activity providers
Kosher map of Belize
Pick a place on the map or search an address or hotel to see what is kosher around it.