The little country of Belize is sandwiched between the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Guatemala to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Formerly British Honduras, Belize is the only English speaking country in Latin America and it stretches north and south for 180 miles and is approximately 70 miles in width. The northern half of the country is lowlands with swampy coast and a multitude of rivers and streams and the southern half offers beautiful beaches and richly forested mountains rise to the Guatemalan border. These mountains are rich in tropical wildlife and harbor ancient Mayan ruins hidden in the dense jungle including the sites of Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, and Chaa Creek.
There are many jungle lodges in the Maya Mountains and along the many rivers that offer ecological tours, wildlife viewing and trips to many of the ruins. River trips through the jungle morass, affords travelers a glimpse of the fauna including jaguars, ocelots, caimans tapir, monkeys and a plethora of colorful bird life. There are national parks, wildlife preserves and the rainforest has an abundance of caves, creeks and rivers in areas that are yet unexplored.
For the true nature lover and adventurer, a trip to the jaguar preserve in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary will satisfy any explorer. There are extensive trails throughout the sanctuary and the amount of wildlife that may be observed is overwhelming. Jaguars, jaguarondi, ocelots, spider and howler monkeys, crocodiles and a collection of nearly 300 species of colorful tropical birds are abundant. A trip to the preserve is for the self sufficient camper as accommodations are non-existent.
Offshore, in the Caribbean Sea, is the second longest barrier reef in the world and is host to hundreds of islands, coral atolls and an overwhelming abundance of marine life. Ambergris Cay is the tourist hub and many excursions to the atolls and outer reefs begin out of San Pedro. Ambergris has luxury accommodations, fine dining, an abundance of tour operators and all the toys for the traveler to enjoy the multitude of watersports. Ambergris is a busy destination with lively nightlife for party animals.
For those that want a more laid back experience, Caye Caulker is where it’s at. Although not as luxurious as the resorts of San Pedro, Caye Caulker hosts excellent accommodations at bargain prices. Caye Caulker can be reached from Belize City by water taxi or plane; both fares being very reasonable. For an even more relaxed atmosphere, a trip to the remote Glovers Reef Atoll will take the travelers well away from it all. This remote atoll has four islands with a wind and solar powered eco-lodge on Long Caye. Guests enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and kite boarding, kayaking, sport fishing and many choose to just relax on the white sand beach soaking up sun and tropical cocktails. For the die-hard scuba diver, a trip to the famous Blue Hole on lighthouse reef cannot be missed. The hole is1000 feet across and over 400 feet deep, there are underwater caves adorned with stalactites and it is a haven for bull sharks, hammerheads and an occasional tiger shark. Visibility can often exceed 200 feet.
Although small, Belize is a forerunner in ecological awareness and the country’s natural treasures are well managed. The ruins of the great Mayan civilization are protected and offer the visitor a trip back in time and the offshore reefs and islands will satisfy anyone looking for the utmost in a Caribbean vacation. Belize is a small country with big adventure.
Sources:
http://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/parkcockscomb.html
http://belizeadventure.com/2011/08/how-far-is-it-from-glovers-reef-to-caye-caulker/
http://www.slickrock.com/belize-jungle-lodges-map.html
http://www.slickrock.com/belizethingstodo.html