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The second largest barrier reef
in the world, mysterious Mayan ruins, tropical rainforests
teeming with life, palm-studded sandy beaches: no wonder
Belize is one of the world's top ecotourist destinations!
A small country tucked between Mexico, Guatemala and
the caressing blue waters of the Caribbean, Belize is
exploding with subtropical flora and fauna. It boasts
over 500 species of birds including scarlet macaws,
toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, kingfishers, motmots,
egrets and frigate birds. Amidst dense jungle, howler
and spider monkeys swing beneath the forest canopy,
river otters playfully float down streams, jaguars and
ocelots roam at night and tapirs and peccaries forage
the undergrowth. Here you'll find gorgeous orchids,
ubiquitous palms, pine forests, hardwoods such as mahogany
trees, sugarcane, bird-of-paradise and mangroves. Fruit
lovers (birds and humans alike!) delight in the abundance
of bananas, mangos, pineapples, oranges, grapefruit,
cashews, papaya, craboo and coconuts. |
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Offshore another world awaits.
Stretching the entire length of the country from the
Yucatan Peninsula to the Gulf of Honduras, Belize's
barrier reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
More than 200 islands ranging from clumps of mangroves
to scenic sandy cayes decorate the reef waters. Belize
boasts three of the Caribbean's four atolls, enormous
rings of coral. Underwater is home to an extensive ecosystem
comprising shimmering schools of fish, colorful sponges,
coral of all shapes, dolphins, sharks, manatees and
sea turtles. Belize is ideal for water sports: SCUBA
diving, fishing, sailing, snorkeling and swimming. Naturally,
for those less active, leisurely lounging on the beach
as the azure waters lap against the shore is a perfectly
acceptable pastime! |
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Although a small country with only
250,000 people, Belize is culturally rich. Belize comprises
many different ethnic groups, which peacefully and harmoniously
co-exist including Chinese, Creole, East Indian, European,
Garifuna, Lebanese, Mayan, Mennonite and Mestizo. While
many languages are spoken, English is the official language.
Belizeans broadly welcome tourism and visitors are warmly
greeted with large smiles. Near Hamanasi is the most
traditional Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins. The
Garinagu are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans
and still speak the Garifuna language. Continuing their
ancestral customs, Hopkins residents fish in dugout
dories, harvest cassava and weave baskets. On major
holidays, such as Garifuna Settlement Day or Christmas,
and by arrangement, traditional singing, dancing and
drumming will mesmerize you. Neighboring villages comprise
Creoles and Mayans with their own cultural heritage.
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Without question Belize is one of the most diverse
and interesting places to experience. So whether you
are an ecotourist, a diver, a naturalist, an adventurer,
an angler or simply a beachcomber, Belize is the perfect
destination!
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