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.

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.

In this episode, Cindy from 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!

In this episode, we are joined by Ruben Magana, co-owner of Sak Tunich with his father Jose Magana. Ruben speaks about Maya culture in Belize and how it is passed on and kept alive even today.

Part of this cultural preservation is Sak Tunich itself. The name comes from the Mayan words for "white rock." This is because under the topsoil of the property is a layer of pure limestone. The whole place resembles an authentic Maya site, including a plaza, ballcourt, and ceremonial room all carved and decorated traditionally. It is a place where visitors can see and learn more about the culture and traditions of Belize's Maya people.

The country is unique in part because it is the only nation where people can get married on any archaeological site. This means that traditions such as Maya wedding ceremonies are particularly strong. One practice in these ceremonies introduces the four cardinal points, north, south, east, and west, with their different associated colors and energies.

One thing Ruben makes clear is that the Maya are not gone. In Belize alone, there are three different branches of the Maya people, of which he is Yucatec. However, ancient traditions are being lost to time and change, such as the language and English and Spanish taking over outside the home, as well as things such as traditional farming practices and rituals.

Take a dive with Ruben into the rich Maya culture in Belize, past, present, and future, and see just how it is showcased throughout the country in both architectures like that of Sak Tunich down to the courting traditions of the people.

This episode is sponsored by St Leonard's Tours.

Let's go Belizing!

This episode features Rodwell Ferguson Jr., owner of Untame Belize Tours and Transfers, and a board member of the Belize Tourism Board. In this episode, he dives into all his favorite activities and places to visit in Southern Belize. From rock sliding down waterfalls to hiking the world's only jaguar reserve in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve, Rodwell lets us in on all the top activities he has done and what he recommends every traveler should try when visiting Belize. Through his company, Untame Belize, he can take intrepid travelers on these memorable experiences.

Rodwell refers to the Southern part of Belize as the "bread and butter" of Belize, as it not only offers inland and island adventures from popular destinations like Hopkins and Placencia but it is also home to some of Belize's prime industries contributing to Belize's economy, including citrus and banana. It is also home to Belize's second largest port, Big Creek Port.

There's much to explore and discover in Southern Belize with Untame Belize. Their tours can range from zip lining through lush forest canopies to swimming with the sea turtles in the Caribbean Sea. Rodwell also mentions some of his favorite destinations in the south of Belize, including Davis Falls, the second largest waterfall in Belize, Red Bank, the largest gathering of scarlet macaws in Central America, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the worlds only jaguar reserve.

If you are looking for adventures in Belize, then Southern Belize is the place to go!

Let's go Belizing!

This episode is short and sweet with two guests, Mariel and Carlene, from Blue Marlin Beach Resort on South Water Caye.

The name is a tribute to the island which was once used as a fishing camp and in honor of the rare and difficult catch of a Blue Marlin in the area. True to this, one of the top activities around South Water Caye is fishing, for both beginners and experts. In fact, fly fishing can be done right from the docks. Both snorkeling and diving are also available just off the island for those looking for something more adventurous, as the Caye is located on the Barrier Reef.

Along with snorkel and scuba packages, Blue Marlin also offers relaxation packages for those who want to disconnect, go island hopping, hang out, and maybe get a massage. On the other hand, South Water Caye can also be used as a base for caving, ziplining, and any other trips on the mainland.

When in Belize, Blue Marlin Beach Resort on South Water Caye is nothing if not an ideal destination.

Let's go experience all it has to offer.

Let's go Belizing!

In the episode, Norvani Santoya, Reservations manager at the Blue Zen Resort on Caye Caulker, talks about just why Caye Caulker and Belize as a whole are the perfect wedding destination.

As Norvani states, Zen is about finding balance in relaxation and peacefulness. Located in an accessible yet private and secluded location, Blue Zen accomplishes just this. Along with handling arrivals/departures and general concierge service, Norvani and his team are also responsible for creating completely personalized packages for guests and, most of all, weddings.

As the only English-speaking country in Central America and packed with unique attractions such as lobster fest, the second largest barrier reef, and the great blue hole, Belize is the perfect choice for those looking for a destination wedding. Whether you choose to get married on the beach, on a sandbar, in the jungle, on a Maya temple, or on a waterfall, Belize has you covered.

What's more, the ensuing honeymoon can start immediately after without much need for travel. Blue Zen can take care of all of this. Norvani and his team work with their guests every step of the way and will go to great lengths to ensure you have the wedding and honeymoon experience you envision.

Enjoy Caye Caulker's laid-back fishing village atmosphere with the best food and the best sunsets in Belize.

Let's go Belizing!

In this episode, we speak with the Yucatec Maya healer and owner of Nuuk Cheil Cottages, Aurora Saki.

Aurora speaks about her Maya culture and the tradition of healing that has been passed down through her family. Her mother learned from her grandfather and her uncle became world-renowned, the same uncle who she studied under for 8 years, learning the secrets of countless plants that when combined and used correctly can create nature's remedies for almost anything. She has now been a full-fledged healer for over 25 years, but this is not all she has accomplished.

As a girl Aurora and her sisters almost single-handedly built the slate carving industry, making the form of art popular and widespread throughout Belize with their work. Growing up she learned not to be ashamed of her culture but to embrace it and won an award for writing her Mayan cookbook. She opened a restaurant. Then she opened Nuuk Cheil Cottages, deriving its name from the Mayan word for "forest" because of the surrounding area. In the heart of nature, Nuuk Cheil is a beautiful property just about 6 miles from the jaguar reserve where guests and groups can rent a place to stay while in Belize.

Listen as Aurora details all of this and more, even including her own Romeo and Juliet story of how she ran away to marry her husband of 30 years, Ernesto Saki, a village chairman of the Mopan Maya. In addition, take a tour of her goodie bag of Maya concoctions that Aurora has created from nature: everything from eye drops to bug spray to hair loss treatments to even a dream serum, all of which she sells as part of being a Healer.

So dive into the fascinating culture of the Maya and the well of ancient knowledge that Aurora has to offer.