Belize - The Caribbean paradise travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Belize is a peaceful, only English-speaking country in Central America. Belize is home to an interesting mix of over ten different cultures including Garifuna, Maya, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, and German Mennonites. Belize also lays claim to hundreds of ancient Maya temples, large tracts of intact tropical rain forest, and this hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. Belize - the small Caribbean l American country with the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.Belize is with over 60% of its land still covered by tropical forests and the center of the once powerful Mayan civilization. Wildlife abounds both on land in the jungle and under water on the extensive marine reef system. Belize is well publicized for possessing the second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three major offshore atolls. In addition to the aforementioned, Belize possesses numerous mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast, thus creating a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles can propagate.
Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond comparison. The Mayan civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until about AD 1200. Several major archaeological sites -notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich - reflect the advanced civilization and much denser population of that period. In a single day, one can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Belize presents unlimited opportunities to participate in a wide range of sightseeing, cultural, and outdoor activities.Significant attractions include the remains of the Maya culture, especially the buildings and ruins at Lamanai, Orange Walk and Xunantunich. Belize is divided into four main geographic regions, including the relatively low Maya Mountains. More than 50% of Belize is covered by tropical rain forest that’s dissected by a network of rivers, mostly small in length.58 miles direct east of Belize City sits the Blue Hole; more than 1,000 feet across and some 400 feet deep, it’s the opening to a former Ice Age cave, and is today one of the world’s most popular dive sites.
Every destination in Belize offers something special. Few places in the world offer such a wide range of ecological and cultural diversity in such a condensed area as the tiny Central American nation of Belize. Hundreds of coral sand islands with swaying coconut palm trees and sun-kissed beaches invite you to snorkel patch reefs, dive the Blue Hole and drop offs, kayak, fly-fish, or just relax. Throughout Belize, the natural ecology varies significantly and adds to the intrigue and expanse of the country’s environment. Each district also possesses a unique history that has contributed to the social surroundings that exist today.So whether it is for our reefs, forests, history or culture, Belize welcomes you to explore! Visit again and again for countless vacation experiences and a lifetime of memories.