Belize is a very popular destination among those traveling in the Caribbean and Central America. Many cruise lines often make this stop part of their itinerary.
Belize was previously British Honduras, is located in Central America and is the only Central American country with English as the official anguage. Spanish of course is widely understood as well as Kriol, which is a language (some argue this is a dialect rather than a language) deriving of mainly English, Native American and West African languages. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The Caribbean Sea lies to the East. Belize considers itself to be both Caribbean and Central American. Belize boasts as having the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and second largest in the world only after the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. Three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere are also located off the coast of Belize. Belize has a tropical climate of wet and dry seasons.
Mayan site at Altun Ha-
Famous ruins located about 34 miles North of Belize City. The area was first settled somewhere between 250-200 BC. The complete area consists of more than 1500 acres, but the main attractions are two plazas surrounded by temples. The larger plaza is the site of a mysterious tomb discovered under a temple called Temple of the Green Tomb. There are many treasures such as jade, jewelry, flints and other artifacts that were discovered here. The Temple of the Masonry Altars is Altun Ha’s largest temple is believed to have been where religious ceremonies took place. There is a stairway ascending the temple to an altar located at the highest point. Inside the temple are tombs that were found where researchers have speculated that housed bodies of Altun Ha’s high priests. Archeologists discovered during a dig a priceless piece of jewelry of a jade head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau. This piece is now on display in a local museum. jz85vcyanw
Cave Tubing-
I’ll never forget the Cave Tubing excursion that I took when I was here. It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. I recommend going to the Sibun Caves Branch Archaeological Park. There are many tourist agencies to choose from when booking this tour. From the city you will take a one hour bus ride through the countryside. Then it is an approximate thirty minute hike through a trail which will lead you to the caves. Step into the river and get in your tube at the cave’s entrance. As you float down the cool, refreshing unpolluted water you will see some great cave stalactite formations. Some parts of the cave have openings for light, but other parts are pitch black so the tour guides will most likely give you a flashlight so you can steer yourself through the passage way easier. Near the end of your journey you will float out into the open river and ride until you reach your starting point by the bus.
Belize Zoo-
The Belize Zoo is a very unique zoo, which only has native Belize animals including, but not limited to: the black jaguar, spotted jaguar, puma, margay, ocelot, and jaguarondi. Many of these are endangered species. Another unique feature is that the animals at the Belize Zoo are not kept in cages or restricted by bars or barred concrete bunkers, but instead are kept in large vegetated enclosures of mesh and wood to keep their surroundings as natural as possible.
Travel Tip: Belize is a great place to visit, but there are some high crime areas and it is advised to not wander too far alone. It is important to stay in groups and keep close to the tour areas to minimize risk of danger.
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