Visiting the unique communities around the world is an enriching experience, yet sometimes little known gems like Spanish Lookout, Belize might escape your notice.
Nestled in Central America’s Cayo District of Belize, this settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into a modern Mennonite community.
We will guide you through its history, culture and attractions, giving you all necessary insider tips to perfectly explore this destination. Let’s dive deep into this hidden gem!
Key Takeaways
- Spanish Lookout is a modern Mennonite community with a unique history in the Cayo District of Belize.
- While similar to the hard working Amish, Mennonites use modern technology and are more open to the cultures around them.
- Spanish Lookout is known in Belize for the production of dairy, chicken, vegetables, cattle, and pig products.
- This community is also the largest imports of auto and truck parts, tires, hardware and steel, making it an important hub of trade in Belize.
- Top attractions and activities include visiting Western Dairies, Quality Poultry Products, Country Side Park, trying local fresh produce at stores and bakeries, and enjoying a meal at several restaurants like Sisiter’s Diner, Midway Diner, or Western Dairies.
The Unique History of Spanish Lookout
Spanish Lookout is a special place in the Cayo District of Belize. The Mennonites set up this community in 1958.
They came from Canada and Mexico to find better soil for farming. There, they built farms and other buildings.
This modern group of Mennonites use cars, computers, electricity, and more.
They are known for their hard work in both farming and industrial industry.
Spanish Lookout is unique as it has Belize’s only oil field that still works today!
While there are two main entrances to Spanish Lookout.
The most commonly used is the Iguana Creek bridge found between San Ignacio and Belmopan.
The next location is closer to San Ignacio at a place called Central Farm. At this location, you’ll drive on a bumpy road to reach a hand-cranked ferry that will carry you across the river.
What Makes Spanish Lookout Special
Spanish Lookout stands out in Belize because it is a Mennonite community with its own unique culture. These people speak a mixture of German and High German. Yet they also speak English and many also speak Spanish; so you can talk to them easily.
It’s Own Separate Community Within Belize
For the most part, when the original Mennonite settlers first came to Belize, they made a an agreement with the Belize Government that they would have their own land for farming and living without much government intervention.
As a result, the Spanish Lookout community is organized as a “mini-government” where they run their own schools, take care of their own roads, have a health care system, their own Health Clinic, Fire Station, and even collect taxes from their own people to maintain their community and to help with future growth projects.
Interestingly, for many years, Mennonites were a very closed community where non-Mennonites were not very welcomed into their community.
Although, Mennonites still do not allow non-Mennonites to own land on their Spanish Lookout property; marriages with people outside of their community has began to be more accepted since early 2000s.
This has not been an easy transition for this community, but they have become more accepting of outsiders coming into their Spanish Lookout community.
Spanish Lookout is the Greatest Contributors to Belize’s Economy
What’s really impressive about this close knit community is how much they contribute to the economy of Belize.
Spanish Lookout is easily the largest producers of chickens, eggs, beef & pork products, dairy, rice, beans, and much more in Belize.
When you visit Belize, you will find many of the following Mennonite businesses scattered across the country:
- Western Dairies – The largest producer of dairy products: milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt. Plus, every WD’s location not only sells dairy products but is a restaurant that offers pizza, ice cream, burgers, chicken strips, rice & beans, steak dinners and much more.
- Quality Poultry Products – This chicken slaughtering plant is located in Spanish Lookout and deliveries chicken products throughout Belize. Besides selling raw chicken, QPP has gotten into the restaurant business as well where they provide a wide like selection of delicious rotisserie chicken, chicken kabobs, chicken burgers, wings, chicken strips and much more.
- Westrac – If you need auto or truck parts, Westrac will have you covered. They offer the largest selection of auto-parts and can be found in every district of Belize. Plus, becuase of their extended network, they can easily check which store location has your part and get it delivered to a location a near you.
- Caribbean Tire – Similar to Westrac, Caribbean Tire focuses on importing tires and dealing with tire installation and repairs. Caribbean Tire has also branched off to offer more services as Caribbean Motors. Caribbean Motors offers auto repairs and imports trucks called Wingles from China.
- Reimers Feed Mill – Reimer’s Feed Mill is one of the largest manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers in the country of Belize. They provide top-quality horse equipment, poultry equipment, veterinary supplies, animal health products, pet supplies, PMI dog and cat, food and poultry, and livestock feed.
- Midwest Steel & Agro Supplies – Although only have a single location in Spanish Lookout, they are the largest importer of steel related products in Belize and is very much worth mentioning.
- Koop Sheet Metal – Similar to Midwest Steel, Koop Sheet Metal only has one central location in Spanish Lookout. They manufacture and deliver a wide range of metal roofing, siding, structural steel and related products for building projects. Koop Sheet Metal also offers Galvanized, Aluminum and Stainless Steel products in different grades, shapes and sizes.
While there are several more Mennonite ran businesses that could be listed, these seven above can already given you an idea of how much the Spanish Lookout community is contributing to the growth of Belize.
Needless to say, the strong work ethic of the Mennonite community has allowed them to thrive.
The Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
Going to Spanish Lookout Belize is a fun-filled adventure. Here’s what you need to know:
- There is no bad time to visit Spanish Lookout. It’s beautiful all year round.
- The best trip time may be during the dry season to avoid heavy rain.
- From Belize City, take a bus going west towards San Ignacio.
- Get off the bus at Iguana Creek Bridge.
- Once at Iguana Creek Bridge, it’s about a ten minute drive to get to the heart of Spanish Lookout.
Top Attractions and Activities in Spanish Lookout
Spanish Lookout offers a lot for tourists to see and do. Here are some top attractions and activities:
- Visit Western Dairies, the only milk maker in Belize. You can tour the place and try fresh dairy products.
- Tour Quality Poultry Products. This is where most of Belize’s chicken comes from.
- For fans of farming, you can watch modern farming happen. The Mennonite community uses new tools to grow lots of food.
- Love good food? Then visit local stores and bakeries for fresh produce, honey, eggs, peanuts, and cheese.
- Check out Country Side Park, it offers beautiful lake to walk around so that you can enjoy greenery around the park. Plus, a mini-replica of how Spanish Lookout looked when the first Mennonite settlers.
- Take a relaxed walk around town to see how people live here.
- Lastly, finish your day with beautiful views of nature around Spanish Lookout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spanish Lookout is a fascinating place to visit.
This unique Mennonite community in the Cayo District offers a glimpse into a modern and industrious society that still holds traditional values.
With its rich agricultural heritage and diverse industries, Spanish Lookout is not only an interesting destination but also an important contributor to the economy of Belize.
Whether you’re interested in exploring their history, experiencing their way of life, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, Spanish Lookout has something for everyone.
How Does the Unique Community of Spanish Lookout Compare to the Splendor of Red Bank Village?
The unique community of Spanish Lookout and the splendor of Red Bank Village are contrasting worlds. While Spanish Lookout thrives as a hub of industrial activity, Red Bank Village holds the allure of witnessing scarlet macaws’ splendor in its natural habitat. Both places offer distinct experiences, each capturing their own essence within their respective environments.
What Unique Cultural Experiences Can Visitors Have in Spanish Lookout, Belize?
Visitors to Spanish Lookout, Belize can immerse themselves in unique cultural experiences. They can explore the Mennonite community, discover traditional food and crafts, and attend local events. From horse-drawn buggy rides to learning about the Mennonite way of life, there are plenty of things to do in Belize.
FAQs
1. What is Spanish Lookout?
Spanish Lookout is a Mennonite community established in 1958 in the Cayo District, known for agriculture and the many businesses that are contributing to the economy of Belize.
2. What languages are spoken in Spanish Lookout?
People speak a mixture of German and High-German. Plus, English and Spanish languages in this industrious community.
3. Can you tell me about farming at Spanish Lookout?
Farming plays a major role here with traditional techniques on arable land. They grow crops and run commercial dairy farms, chicken coops, and raise cattle in open ranges.
4. How do locals celebrate holidays at Spanish Lookout?
Religious holidays like Christmas Day, Easter, Pentecost along with others are observed by this pious Mennonite village. Additionally, you will not find a single store nor restaurant open on a Sunday.
5. Are there any modern conveniences available at Spanish Lookout?
Absolutely! There are grocery stores stocked with high-quality foods and auto parts shops among hardware and building supply stores.
