Our Story

Here at Taste Belize we are the food and culture experts! From fine dark chocolate to home made corn tortillas or a simple plate of coconut rice and beans, we love sharing our diverse culinary heritage with everyone who visits Belize. Taste Belize founder Lyra Spang grew up on an organic cacao farm off the grid in the jungles of southern Belize. Her family’s passion for good food and organic farming and her childhood eating dishes from the many different cultures of the south inspired her to pursue a doctorate in the anthropology of food.  As she conducted research on tourism and culinary development in Placencia Village, she realized that there were no tour operators offering culinary tours. And so in the summer of 2014 Taste Belize Tours was born, with one passionate guide and a second hand minivan offering unique food and culture focused tours and classes for visitors looking for a different vacation experience.

Today our enthusiastic team explores the breadth of Belizean cuisine from the farm, forest and sea to the table in communities across Southern Belize. We do this in a sustainable manner by partnering with small businesses, almost all of which are Belizean owned, individuals who share our passion for farm to table production and Belizean food and culture.  We strive to be excellent in all we do. This is reflected in our guests’ reviews and we have received the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence every year since we opened in 2014. Our guides undergo specialized training on chocolate and our cultural cuisines that goes far beyond the mandatory tour guide training course that all Belizean guides must pass in order to receive their license. Our little team works hard to make sure that your tour inquiries and emails are answered quickly, to ensure that we answer all your questions and to help you select the best tour and class combinations for you!

We believe the tour begins the minute you step into our vehicle and our guides will always take the time to make sure you are having fun learning about all the hidden history, culture, ecology and unique stories that make up this beautiful country. Our main tour van comes equipped with a headset for the guide that is routed through speakers, ensuring that even if you are seated in the back that you will be able to hear and participate in the conversation.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for? Let us work with you to customize your ideal adventure, just ask! Embrace Belize with all your senses and make unforgettable memories. Explore our diverse food and distinct cultures found in our farms, forests, islands, rivers and reefs. Check out our handy FAQS page for answers to your questions. Read our guests rave reviews on TripAdvisor and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!  You haven’t experienced our country until you Taste Belize! #tastebelize #tastebelizetours #tastetheadventure

OUR SHOP MANAGER

The cheery and kind Gueli Velasquez keeps our store and office running on Placencia’s Main Street. Raised right across the lagoon in Independence Village, Gueli studied at Independence High School and worked for a chocolate company in northern Belize before joining the Taste Belize Team. She enjoys showing guests all the Belizean made products at our Belizean Flavours store. Our tangy organic marmalade is one of her favorites, as is our famous dark chocolate fudge made with our own organically grown cacao beans. Gueli answers emails and phone calls to help you select the best activities and tours for you. Stop by our shop to say hi and get a free chocolate sample!

OUR GUIDES