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SEE MAP
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Belize Highlights
Caribbean magic, Barrier reefs, Nature, Culture...
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Welcome to Belize
Belize lies on the Caribbean coast of Central America and is bordered north by Mexico, west and south by Guatemala and east by the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. It covers an area of approximately 8,867 square miles, including 266 square miles of luxurious islands. Its protected inner waters stretch 185 miles along the barrier reef, with over 3000 square miles of protected water.
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Language
Belize is home to several captivating ethnic groups, namely the Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian, who harmoniously unite to comprise our population of 273,700. English is the official language in Belize, and a noteworthy point since Belize is only country within Central America where this is the case. While English is the official language, many others languages are also spoken, reflecting the diversity of the Belizean people. Spanish is widely spoken, in addition to the indigenous Ketchi and Mopan Mayan languages, Garinagu and Creole, heard throughout the country.
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Brief History
During the 1840's, Great Britain declared the country a colony and called it namely British Honduras. During this era national development proceeded to become more organized and multiethnic through a series of cultural changes. The country’s multidimensional progress spiraled into the twentieth century - a period during which British Honduras took on self-government and was renamed Belize. Belize proceeded to get her independence on September 21st, 1981, and since then, has operated as an independent nation under parliamentary democracy. Today, Belize is a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, OAS and the Association of Caribbean States.
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The Belizean Adventure
Just about any travel desire can be fulfilled in Belize. The country’s undeniable appeal lies in its range of amazing natural attractions. The land has been blessed with lush tropical forests, splendid waters, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, the world’s second longest and most impressive living barrier reef, three of the Caribbean’s exclusive four coral atolls and a fabulous blend of hospitable people. Belize boasts a total of seven World Heritage Sites, and for a reason. Proud of the land and its endless natural attractions, the people have decidedly dedicated 40 percent of their natural habitat to conservation efforts in the form of national parks and reserves. Welcome to Belize: Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret – here below some of our main attractions:
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Mayan Heritage
The Mayan culture is an inherent part of Belize’s rich heritage. Belize was home to the earliest Mayan communities, with an estimated one to two million Mayas residing here at the peak of their civilization. While these societies no longer exist, there remains a strong Mayan presence, not only in the form of a significant Maya population who work ardently at maintaining their astounding culture, but also in the form of immense Maya structures found throughout Belize. Such structures continue to mystify both visitors and locals alike. The awesome architecture connects the individual to something greater than what meets the eye. Much is to be admired about these great civilizations, where the Maya made major contributions even to modern-day society, such as the indispensable concept of zero.
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The individual sites include residential buildings as well as near regal ceremonial temples, where the Maya periodically made human sacrifices to their various gods, such as their sun god - Kinich Ahau - in Altun Ha. The Jade Head, a fascinating masterpiece, was found right there at one of Belize’s premier Maya sites: Altun Ha. This massive jade artifact, appearing in the form of a head, approximately six inches long and 9.75 pounds in weight, is the largest carved piece ever to be found to date.
The opportunities for discovery, whether it be personal, archaeological or spiritual, are numerous, where the majestic aura of this mighty civilization can be felt throughout.
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Marine Wonderland
Belize is truly a marine wonderland. Its clear turquoise Caribbean waters boast the second largest barrier reef in the world, extending some 185 miles. With over 70 types of coral, over 400 species of tropical fish and 200 deserted coral atolls, cays, mangrove and white-beached islands, Belize’s brilliant underwater universe hosts some of the world’s most vibrate and diverse geological formations seen anywhere in the world; truly the most colorful, exotic and unspoiled of undersea delights. Some parts of its waters are of varying hues of blue, while other parts appear to be solid collections of emerald gems.
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Diving, yachtsmen and water sports enthusiast will find Belize to be the Mecca of discovery. Among its many aquatic treasures is the distinct Blue Hole, a natural masterpiece originally said to be a cave whose roof collapsed some 10,000 years ago as the land receded into the sea. It created an almost a perfectly circular hole, 1,000 feet in diameter and 412 feet deep, providing a mesmerizing view of hovering stalactites and stalagmites. If you are a diving aficionado, Belize is a must visit.
How to occupy oneself in this water wonderland, is really just a matter of choice! Here, your most difficult decision will be whether to take out a canoe or kayak, scuba dive or snorkel, wind surf, kite-surf, sail, hobby-cat, water-ski, or bask in the warmth of the Belizean sunshine!
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Natural Beauty
The amazing natural beauty found in the inland territories and mountains completes this natural paradise. Animated rivers, rich vegetation, mysterious caves, spellbinding waterfalls await. Escape into lush pine forests and tropical rainforests within hours of each other, all teeming with incredible wildlife such as Howler monkeys can be heard for miles, magnificent pumas and its counterpart, the breathtaking jaguar. Tapirs, otherwise referred to as mountain cows, are virtually extinct from their natural habitats in other placer, whereas here an encounter is quite probable. Bird watchers will delight in this bird-haven with about 540 different kinds of birds to view. Whether you’re an animal lover or an avid naturalist, Belize is certainly an ideal destination.
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Multicultural People
Speaking of warmth and sunshine, we should also mention Belizeans have come to hold a reputation of being “as warm and friendly as the climate.” The people and their respective cultures are as much a part of the attraction as are the impressive waters, Mayan sites, wildlife and jungles. The montage of cultures features the Creole, essentially a mixture of British settlers and African slaves; the Garifuna, descended from a co-mingling of African slaves, Caribs and Arawak Indians; three groups of Mayas, namely the Yucatec (originally from Yucatan, Mexico), Mopan (arriving here from Peten, Guatemala) and Kekchi (originating from Verapaz, Guatemala); the Mestizos, who are people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent; and East Indians, initially arriving as indentured laborers and remained to work the sugar plantations. Belize is also proud of its Mennonite, Lebanese and Chinese population, who have become an integral part of our society and contributing indispensably to its development.
As you can see, there is plenty to do, see and cherish in our beloved little Belize, offering the best our magical Central America and the Caribbean have to offer. Please come discover just why it’s called “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret.”
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