Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Itineraries
Belize is not a very complicated place to visit. There's just one main north-
south highway, parallel to the coast, while another road sets off inland,
running west to Guatemala. In addition you can either fly or take a boat out
to the islands. That gives you three basic itineraries of between a week and
ten days each, which can be combined to create a longer trip.
THE BARRIER REEF AND CAYES
The idyllic islands of the Barrier Reef are the most
popular destinations in Belize. Give yourself at
least four nights to enjoy Ambergris Caye and/or
Caye Caulker, and a few more days to explore the
sites and wildlife reserves on the mainland.
1
Belize City
Almost every visitor flies into and
out from Belize City. Spend a night or two in this
ramshackle colonial port to see the treasures in
its museum and meet the local wildlife at its
excellent zoo.
See p.42
2
Ambergris Caye
Readily accessible by plane
or boat from Belize City, the country's largest
island faces directly onto the Barrier Reef, with
beach resorts lining its western shore.
See p.92
3
San Pedro
Still small enough to explore on
foot, this lively former fishing village holds superb
seafood restaurants and nightlife.
See p.94
4
Caye Caulker
A sunny, sleepy little island
renowned for its fresh-caught lobsters, Caye
Caulker abounds in well-priced hotels.
See p.106
5
The Blue Hole
No diver can resist a descent
into this deep circular shaft, to reach the
labyrinth of caves beneath Lighthouse Reef,
Belize's outermost atoll.
See p.115
6
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Belize is a
magnet for birdwatchers, and there's no better
place to see species like the enormous jabiru
stork than this diminutive sanctuary.
See p.63
7
Lamanai
Canoe down the river to reach this
ancient Maya site, festooned with images of
crocodiles.
See p.74
8
Sarteneja
This attractive colonial fishing
village is perfectly poised for spotting wildlife in
the nearby swamps and lagoons.
See p.80
BEACHES AND WILDLIFE OF
SOUTHERN BELIZE
In a ten-day trip to southern Belize, you can
combine time on the beach with an island trip or
two enjoy jungle hikes with visits to ancient site
and experience Garifuna fishing communities and
Maya farming villages. Base yourself for a few days
in each of Hopkins, Placencia and Punta Gorda, as
well, ideally, as some sybaritic island resort.
1
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
A
delightful little reserve with great hiking and
zip-lining as well as its own excellent overnight
accommodation.
See p.187
2
Dangriga
This appealing relic of colonial
days is also the prime centre for Garifuna
culture.
See p.178
3
South Water Caye
Of the countless tiny
islands off southern Belize, this palm-studded
beauty has the best mix of upscale lodging and
pristine sands.
See p.184
4
Hopkins
Fishing village turned backpackers'
idyll, Hopkins holds beachfront hotels to suit all
budgets.
See p.187
ABOVE
CARACOL; AMBERGRIS CAYE
