What I Learned About Belize: Its Logging, Cultural Diversity, and Hot Sauce

Enjoying the swings at the Iguana Reef Inn on Caye Caulker.

If you’ve heard of Belize, it’s likely because you’ve visited one of its stunning islands, such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. With the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is not only an island paradise but also a country rich in history, culture, and unique geography. Although Belize comprises over 400 islands, most of its landmass is located in Central America, neighboring Guatemala and Honduras.

Before the Spanish and British arrived, Belize was home to the Maya civilization. Their legacy is evident in the remnants of pyramids and sacred caves scattered throughout the country. Belize’s archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into this ancient past. I had the incredible experience of exploring caves that archaeologists believe once hosted significant religious ceremonies, surrounded by stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour involved hiking and swimming through rivers to reach the cave entrance. Our journey began with a van ride from our hostel, passing through expansive farmland owned by Mennonite families. Settling in Belize in the 1950s to escape religious persecution, these Mennonites, primarily of German descent, have established farming communities, particularly in the Cayo District, and significantly contribute to Belize’s agricultural sector. Their traditional lifestyle enriches the country’s cultural tapestry.

We drove past acres of farm land owned by Mennonite families before approaching the entrance to the ATM Cave.

Today, Belize’s population reflects its diverse heritage, including individuals of Spanish, Indigenous, African, and other backgrounds like the Garífuna people, who arrived in the 18th century after being displaced from the Caribbean islands, have made significant cultural contributions through their music, dance, and language. The linguistic landscape is equally diverse, with English, Spanish, and Creole spoken across the country.

The Belizean flag, adopted in 1981, proudly displays a blue field with red stripes at the top and bottom. At its center, the coat of arms features two woodcutters—one of Creole descent and one of African descent—holding a shield adorned with a ship and paddle, symbolizing Belize’s rich maritime and logging heritage. Central to this heritage is the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum), valued for its deep purple dye that played a pivotal role in Belize’s colonial economy. In the 17th century, this dye was highly sought after in Europe for coloring textiles, which made Belize, then known as British Honduras, economically important to England. Today, hematoxylin, derived from logwood and named "bloodwood" for its red hue, is indispensable in pathology for staining cell nuclei and distinguishing between cell types. While its use in textiles has faded, hematoxylin remains a vital component in modern pathology, bridging historical significance with ongoing scientific advancement.

A grocery store in Caye Caulker.

Despite Belize’s biodiversity, its economy relies heavily on imports, as the country lacks sufficient domestic production capacity for many goods. As a result, prices can be higher. Gasoline is particularly expensive, so we often relied on public transportation. For just a couple of dollars per person, we packed into school buses, sharing seats and traveling along the main road between Belize City (the largest city, not the capital) and San Ignacio, a border town near Guatemala. Many grocery and convenience stores are owned by Chinese families, a pattern observed in other countries as well.

One of Belize’s notable exports is Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce! Marie Sharp, the founder of this successful Belizean company, is renowned for her flavorful hot sauces made from local peppers and natural ingredients. Her business has significantly contributed to the local economy by creating jobs and promoting Belizean agriculture. You can tour her operations in Hopkins, enjoy a hot sauce tasting in San Ignacio, or even find her products at Walmart. Her hot sauce was served at almost every restaurant we went to.

All the hot sauces we tried at our Marie Sharp hot sauce tasting in San Ignacio.

Belize is a country with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and my oh my goodness delicious cuisine. Simple but homie rice and beans, served with stew chicken, and rum punch were served on every excursion. I learned a great deal about Belize’s history and culture, particularly from the owner of the Lower Dover Lodge outside San Ignacio. This hostel, which contains archaeological remains, collaborates with various research institutions to study the rich history of the region. 

My time in Belize was unforgettable, filled with jungle adventures and relaxing island moments. I plan on returning because there is so much more to experience, learn, and enjoy in Belize. It’s truly “un-Belizable.”

Our private room at the Lower Dover Lodge.

Citations

• University of Michigan Pathology

• Britannica

• Minority Rights Group

• Forest Department

• Marie Sharp’s website