Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Introduction to
Belize
Despite its small size, Belize offers a phenomenal range of experiences: snorkel
the longest barrier reef in the Americas; dive the inky depths of the Blue Hole;
and embark on thigh-aching treks up soaring Maya pyramids. And while
geographically it may belong to Central America, at heart Belize is Caribbean, a
combination that serves to create a unique blend of both cultures.
Wedged into the northeastern corner of Central America, Belize features some of the
most breathtaking
coastal scenery
in the Caribbean. Throw in vast archeological sites
and wildlife to rival any destination in the region, and it's easy to see why the number of
visitors is steadily rising year upon year.
Belizean territory comprises marginally more sea than land, and for most visitors the
sea is the main attraction. An astonishing natural wonder lies just offshore - the dazzling
turquoise shallows and cobalt depths of the
barrier reef
. Beneath the surface, a brilliant
technicolour world of fish and corals awaits divers and snorkellers, while a chain of
islands known as
cayes
, scattered along the entire reef, protects the mainland from the
ocean swell and holds more than a hint of tropical paradise. Beyond the reef lie the real
jewels in Belize's natural crown - three of the only four
coral atolls
in the Caribbean.
Having long cherished its natural wonders, Belize holds the highest proportion of
protected land in the hemisphere. As a result, its densely forested
interior
remains
relatively untouched. The rich tropical forests support a tremendous range of
wildlife
,
including howler and spider monkeys, tapirs and pumas, jabiru storks and scarlet
macaws. Although it's the only Central American country without a volcano, Belize does
have some rugged uplands - the Maya Mountains, situated in the south-central region,
rise to over 3600ft. The country's main rivers start here, flowing north and east to the
Caribbean, forming some of the largest
cave
systems in the Americas on the way.
Belize also boasts a wealth of archeological remains. The ruined cities of the
ancient Maya
,
who dominated the area from 2000 BC until the arrival of the Spanish, emerge
mysteriously from the forests all over the country, while the caves too, once seen as the
ABOVE
BARRIER REEF; MAYA CALENDAR; BUTTERFLY, GREEN HILLS
OPPOSITE
BARTON CREEK CAVE, CAYO
