Conde Nast Traveller lists Astro-Tourism as one of the top trends in travel for 2024. What is it and why is it important to today’s vacationers? Well, simply put, it is traveling to destinations away from major population centers—places devoid of light pollution, crowds, and traffic to focus on the natural views of the skies above. Whether the traveler hopes to view a specific astrological phenomenon or simply wishes to enjoy some everyday star bathing, the Central American country of Belize should be a destination on their star-gazing radar. Belize, with its relatively small population and abundance of remote and wild territory, has inadvertently been ahead of the Astro-tourism trend for years!
Astro-Tourism in Belize: Where to Go
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- Under the stars at Cockscomb Basin. Photo by Eelco Dekema
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- Stargazing on Ray Caye. Image by Duarte Dellarole
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- Hamanasi at night, taken by guest Shaun Hunter.
The least densely populated country in Central America, Belize is mostly undeveloped and wild. They’re a global leader in conservation and over 1/3 of the country’s terrestrial area is protected. Though Belize has gained popularity over the years as a tourist destination, many still consider it somewhat off the beaten path. After all, Belize receives just a fraction of the number of visitors that Mexico or nearby Caribbean Islands host. While hotspots such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, and Placencia serve as humble hubs of activity and action, escaping the crowds is easy!
In the Heart of the Jungle
Photo by Copal Tree Lodge
Head to the lush jungles in the Central and Southern regions of the country to disappear from the rest of the world. The raw, verdant nature of the tropical forest is soothing to the soul. Take in the sights of the night sky, the scents of the rainforest, and the sounds of the wildlife for an immersive nocturnal experience that will re-fortify your connection to the natural world.
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Copal Tree Lodge, located on 3,000 acres of forest and sustainable farmland and bordered by another 12,000 acres of rainforest preserve, feels like a magical and utterly remote oasis. Life moves slowly deep in the Toledo District. It has been nicknamed “The Forgotten District,” and visitors can appreciate the moniker because it surely feels like a land that time forgot.
On the Sea
Photo courtesy of Gecko Vacation Rentals
Belize’s Barrier Reef System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of approximately 190 miles of coral reef, mangrove forest, atolls, and several hundred small islands. Any number of the estimated 450 offshore cayes would make for superb stargazing but I imagine the secluded Gladden Private Island would be a superior venue for sky-watching.
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Dubbed the world’s most private island, Gladden accommodates no more than 4 guests. Situated on the coral reef 20 miles from the mainland, panoramic seascapes dazzle by day and an unspoiled dome of stars bejewels the view at night. Traveling with a slightly larger party? No worries. Kanu Private Island offers a similarly intimate experience for up to 10 adults and 10 children. Plus, it’s managed by the same eco-luxury company so you can expect the same exceptional level of comfort and service at either island.
Pine Forest Escapes
Photo by Gaia Riverlodge
In western Belize, the rugged Mountain Pine Ridge region is a lonesome wilderness with a drastically different look than the rest of the country’s broadleaf forest. The area sits on a granite massif and due to this geological quirk, the predominant fauna of the region is Honduras Pine Trees. Rivers and streams crisscross this craggy landscape of sinkholes, limestone outcrops, and scraggly pine.
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The elevation of the ridge affords it cooler temperatures at night which translate into sparsely clouded skies making this remote locale a perfect place to star watch. The gorgeous Gaia Riverlodge sits perched above the enchanting Five-Sisters Waterfall. It’s a luxurious basecamp from which to explore the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. They have a minimum age (10 years old) for overnight guests to promote the peaceful and serene ambiance of the resort.
