Belize:
Belize is a small, beautiful Central American country with warm, friendly people. It used to be called British Honduras, until it gained independence from Great Britain in 1981.
Belize is a first-class ecotourism adventure destination. It's close to the U.S., it's English speaking, and it has the second largest barrier reef in the world and an interior of spectacular rainforests where archaeologists are still excavating ancient Mayan cities. It's also politically stable. Belize, which considers itself to be a Carribean country, is the most culturually diverse country in the region. There's a great mix of people; Creole, Garifuna, Maya, and Mestizos are the most prominent groups. Most people are quite laid-back, warm, and helpful.
You can travel around Belize inexpensively on local buses, or you can go directly to a resort on Ambergris Caye and stay there for a week or two living it up like you would on a Carribbean island.
For nature lovers, Belize is a paradise, since so much of the country is protected forest and reef. For such a small country, Belize is doing an amazing job of protecting the environment and making it a highlight of tourism. Most people who go there are thrilled to be so close to the tropical forests, the coral reefs, the fishes, the dolphins and the birds. No matter where you go, you're assured of seeing something that will stun you with beauty.
Placencia is a friendly coastal town that has the longest and best beach in the country. Mountain Pine Ridge, a forest reserve with waterfalls, caves, and the incredible lost Mayan city of Caracol, can be reached most convenently from the simpatico town of San Ignacio, where a number of travel agencies put together tours. Xunantunich, a Mayan pyramid, is just down the road from San Ignacio, and Cahel Pech, another Mayan ruin site, is within walking distance of San Ignacio. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve (home of jaguars) can be accessed from the village of Maya Centre, just half an hour's bus ride from Dangriga. The barrier reef is about 12 miles from the coast, and there are hundreds of cayes on the reef. These cayes vary from piles of sand with palm trees to slightly larger islands with mangroves and sources of fresh water. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the most popular cayes, but if there are dozens of other cayes that are quieter, or more luxurious, or even less developed.
Costs in Belize are moderate. If you've been travelling in Guatemala or Honduras, you'll have to either lower your standards or get used to paying more. You can stay in a decent hotel or guesthouse with your own bathroom, and pay about $20-$25 U.S. per night. Meals will cost you less than at home, and fresh fruit and vegetables in the market are delicious and cheap. (Papayas especially!) Public bus transportation is really inexpensive. The taxi ride from the airport outside Belize City to the city may be the most money you spend on transportation for your whole trip: about $17.50 U.S. (There is no public transportation to and from the airport.)
In May, 2000, the journal Nature reported that some coral in Belize had been destroyed by high water temperatures that were a result of global warming. Hurricane Mitch in 1998 also did some damage. So, depending on where you dive or snorkel, you may not see the spectacular coral you were expecting. The good news is that the reef is healthy, and scientists say the coral is recovering from the damage it sustained. Elkhorn coral, especially, is doing well in re-establishing itself.
Wherever you dive or snorkel, you'll see an incredible number of exotic fish, including parrot fish, barracuda, angel fish, grouper, squirrel fish, and sea cucumbers.
And if you're concerned about preserving the coral reefs, think of ways you can help control global warning.
Email me at lynnes@interlog.com. In December, 2000, I spent 10 days in Belize, so I may be able to answer some of your questions about it.
Belize Links:
This page last updated January 8, 2001.