Belize Guide

Snuggled between Mexico and Guatemala along the Caribbean, this tiny Central American country boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Miles of sandy beaches, scores of limestone caves, mountains, waterfalls, jungles, mangrove lagoons, more than 500 species of birds, the world’s first and only jaguar preserve and much more await the active traveler.

For centuries Belize was one of the centers of the Mayan world, serving as a major trading and agricultural hub. The Mayans carved great cities out of the jungle and many of these sites are excavated and open to the public. Altun Ha is only 30 miles north of Belize City. Astonishing artifacts including the largest jade plaque ever discovered have been excavated from this ceremonial center’s tombs. Beautiful towering temples loom out of the jungle from Xunantunich, Lamanai and Caracol. Carved stelae tell the story of this ancient civilization, the largest of which can be found at Nim Li Punit in the Toledo District of southern Belize.

The long British influence is evident throughout the largest city, Belize City. Formerly British Honduras, this sleepy outpost became independent in 1981. Constant development over the past 20 years created a tidy, efficient airport, beautiful resorts, hotels and jungle lodges, a substantial tourism infrastructure, and more eco-tourist sites and water sports opportunities than can be enjoyed in a typical vacation.

The barrier reef cays: Ambergris Cay, Turneffe Islands, Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and many uninhabited tiny islets are favorites with fishermen and divers worldwide. Easy access to the cays is available by plane or boat from Belize City. The sand streets of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Cay are typical of this tropical paradise. Small, comfortable hotels, diving and fishing lodges welcome offshore visitors. Famous dive sites such as the “Blue Hole”, Half Moon Cay, Hol Chan Marine Preserve, Caye Chapel, and the Sapodilla Cayes in Southern Belize keep divers coming back again and again.

The subtropical climate has a mean annual temperature of 79° with rainfall varying from 180 inches annually in the rain forest and jungle interior to 50 inches along the coast. Cooling trade winds keep the cays comfortable, with occasional storms blown in from June-December. Heat and humidity are the norm as you travel inland through small towns, large agricultural areas, and over the many rivers and streams crisscrossing the hilly landscape.

A variety of mainland tours featuring the Mayan ruins and natural wonders of Belize are now as popular as the diving. Belize offers 4,000 species of native flowering plants, howler monkeys, jaguars, 500 bird species, and pristine rain forests accessible from several mountain lodge resorts. Comfortable accommodations forged out of the wilderness as thatched roof cabanas or adobe cottages allow guests the opportunity to get close to nature and apart from civilization. Enjoy native cuisine with breakfast served on your porch. The mystique of the Mayan culture lives on in Belize.

With its many diverse attractions, you’ll have to return again and again to experience all Belize has to offer.

Located on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is a small country with a rich and diverse history. The land that is now Belize has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human presence dating back to 9000 BC. The first inhabitants were the Maya people, who developed a complex civilization and left behind impressive ruins and artifacts.

In the 16th century, European explorers began to arrive in Belize, initially seeking a route to Asia. These explorers, including Christopher Columbus and the famed conquistador Hernán Cortés, encountered the Maya people and claimed the land for Spain. However, the Spanish did not establish a permanent settlement in Belize, and the area remained largely untouched by European colonization.

In the 17th century, British pirates began using Belize as a base for their attacks on Spanish ships. This led to conflicts with the Spanish, who saw Belize as their territory. Eventually, the British were able to establish a presence in Belize and began to log the hardwood trees found in the area. The British also brought African slaves to work on the logging operations, creating a diverse population in Belize.

In the 19th century, Belize became a British colony and was known as British Honduras. The country continued to rely on logging and exporting timber, but sugar and banana plantations also became important industries. British control of Belize was solidified with the construction of the Belize City port, which became a major hub for trade in the region.

In the early 20th century, Belize saw an influx of immigrants from neighboring countries such as Guatemala and Honduras. These new residents brought their own cultural influences, adding to the already diverse mix of people in Belize. In the 1950s, there was a movement for self-governance and independence from British rule. In 1981, Belize finally gained independence and became a sovereign nation.

Since gaining independence, Belize has faced challenges such as natural disasters and political instability. However, the country has also made strides in developing its economy and promoting tourism. The beautiful natural landscapes, including the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef, and the diverse cultural heritage of Belize have made it a popular destination for travelers.

Today, Belize continues to evolve and grow. It has a diverse population, with influences from Indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and neighboring countries. The country also boasts a unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions. Despite its small size, Belize has a fascinating history and a bright future ahead.