First settled by English pirates, and for many years a backwater of the British Empire, Belize still has a roguish character and remains distinctly off the beaten track, despite being on the USA's doorstep. Years of relative oblivion and a miniscule population have combined to create that increasingly-rare treasure in today's modern world, a haven of nature and an exciting nature destination.
The country features vast expanses of rainforest, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, endless savannah and mangroves, and almost 1,000 Mayan ruins scattered through the mountains and countryside. Tikal, located across the border in Guatemala and one of the most stunning of Maya ruins, is easily visited from Belize. Belize is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Its capital, Belmopan, is both the smallest and dullest capital cities in Central America.
The cayes These are small islands stretched over azure blue waters of the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Of over 400 islands the only two with significant infrastructure are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Some of the remotest lodges sit on their own caye. The whole area is a protected marine park, brimming with hundreds of species of brightly coloured fish and other marine creatures. The beautiful clear water is excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Ancient Maya sites The sites in Belize have fewer visitors than those in Mexico, and are usually set amidst a stunning jungle backdrop. Lamanai has wonderful views across the jungle from its temples. Caracol once ruled its much better-known neighbour, Tikal, in Guatemala, that can be easily visited from Belize. Located en route from Belize to Guatemala (and Tikal) is Xunantunich with its stucco frieze carved with abstract designs, human faces and jaguar heads.
Placencia A peninsula and one of the few places on the mainland with good beaches, Placencia is a laid-back fishing village with some excellent lodges. It is a good starting point for day-trips inland and to the nearby coral reef and cayes.
Mountain Pine Ridge A forest reserve with a marvellous climate, rolling hills, peaks and gorges in western Belize. The area has some great lodges and is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and visiting Maya ruins. Running through the area is the attractive Rio On, which forms a series of natural swimming pools before plunging into a gorge and a 1600ft waterfall.
Rio Bravo This conservation area in the northwest of Belize protects 260,000 acres of diverse country ranging from dry forest through river valleys to plains and swamp. The area has 240 tree species, tapirs, crocodiles, monkeys, river turtles, large cats, and a bird count of over 400. The Chan Chich Lodge, set in a Mayan market place, is a great place to experience this.
Belize City Although most visitors give this a miss, the country’s biggest city is in our opinion a fascinating blend of Anglo-Caribbean culture, known as creole, with its balconied clapboard houses, reggae dancehalls and street culture. |
