The Belize Travelcast is the official podcast of Belize, a new podcast series created by Let's Go Belizing Ltd. (Belizing.com), a brand that is passionate about telling authentic stories, promoting sustainable tourism, and traveling in Belize. Each episode is an engaging conversation that delivers useful and authentic travel tips and experience through personal stories from our guests. We also deliver relevant updates on the Belize tourism industry and important issues affecting the environment, culture, and economy of Belize. Find @goBelizing on social media.
When travel influencer Brian Kelly appeared on The Good Guys podcast and Belize was called a "sh** hole" after a New Year's trip gone wrong, the internet exploded. But was his assessment fair or just clickbait based on one bad experience? Local Belize guide Javier Gutierrez is firing back with the truth tourists need to hear.
In this direct response episode, Javier addresses Brian's viral comments head-on and extends an open invitation for him to return to Belize. This time with a local expert who can show him the real paradise beyond the headlines.
The Truth Behind the Headlines: Is Belize Really Dangerous?
Tired of sensationalized travel warnings? Javier sets the record straight about what actually threatens tourists in Belize, and spoiler alert: it's not gang violence.
What You'll Learn:
1. Why Brian Kelly's assessment missed the mark
2. The truth about gang violence in Belize (and why tourists aren't targets)
3. The REAL dangers: dehydration, heat stroke, and ocean safety
4. How to avoid becoming a crime target with simple precautions
5. Why beach vendors aren't threats and how to interact respectfully
6. Belize City safety tips: when and where to explore
7. What NOT to bring: expensive jewelry, watches, and cameras
Javier shares insider knowledge from years as a resort activities director and tour guide, explaining why Belize's localized crime is no different from major cities like Chicago, New York, or London. Learn how to stay safe by respecting the sun, ocean, and local culture; not by fearing the people.
12 Dec 2025
Tips for Your First Trip to Belize
Host Javier Gutierrez brings over 30 years of expert Belize tour guiding experience and more than 20 years of training and certifying tour guides across the country. His influence reaches nearly every corner of Belize's tourism industry, supported by national radio and TV appearances that have helped travelers and locals understand the true Belize. With a lifetime dedicated to showcasing the country, Javier delivers trusted, insider guidance ideal for anyone planning a Belize vacation.
In this "Survival Guide to Belize," learn essential tips including:
1. What to pack
2. How to handle unpredictable tropical weather
3. Which top Belize attractions deserve a spot on your itinerary.
4. A warning against the resort bubble
Javier breaks down must-see destinations like Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Great Blue Hole, and the ATM Cave, offering expert insight you won't find in typical travel guides and encourages visitors to experience real Belizean culture, authentic food, local communities, and the natural beauty that makes Belize one of the best travel destinations in Central America.
Whether you're researching a Belize vacation, planning your first Belize trip, or looking for real insider travel tips, this episode gives you a taste of the local knowledge you need for an unforgettable Belize adventure.
26 Jan 2023
Chan Chich Lodge: Conservation of Belize's Natural Beauty
In this episode, Cindy from Chan Chich Lodge (https://belizing.com/Chan-Chich-Lodge/) joins us to speak about conservation efforts to protect Belize and Central America’s wildlife and rainforests.
Chan Chich Lodge in the north of Belize is a pioneer for conservation. Its name comes from the Yucatec words for “little bird” and is built on what was an undiscovered Maya city. Originally a residence for archaeologists and researchers, the lodge became popular with the public as word got out about the hidden gem that is this property and people came to visit for themselves.
Because of the location’s isolation, it is a place where guests can go to be free from distraction and reconnect with themselves and nature. It is also due to this isolation that the conservation efforts began. So far from the nearest town, the lodge started growing their own crops and keeping their own animals such as chickens all for on-site consumption. This sustainability expanded and now the lodge takes every step to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact, something that in recent years has become a trend called “ecotourism.”
Cindy enlightens us on all this and delves deeper into the stories of the people who come to enjoy what the lodge has to offer, a unique experience it fights to preserve as organizations contributing to the Belize Maya Forest project. This fund seeks to protect the natural corridor connecting Belize to Mexico and Central America which is inhabited by many treasured and endangered species like jaguars and tapirs.
With over 300 birds in the area and authentic wildlife kept untouched by man, the many trails on the property are a sightseeing paradise that can be explored via the many guided tours offered or simply at your own leisure. The lucky guest might even spot an elusive jaguar passing through.
Let’s go to Chan Chich, where guests can know they are helping to make a difference, traveling with a purpose.
This episode was sponsored by St Leonard's Tours. Book their signature combo tour that takes you from the heights of the Xunantunich Maya temple to Cave Tubing into one of the Maya Underworld gateways.
Let’s go Belizing! (https://belizing.com)
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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