Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America, is more than just white sand beaches and turquoise water. There is the rich and harmonious blend of cultures, jungles and wildlife, ancient Mayan ruins, and the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.
Maya
Temples and Archaeology
Once at the heart of the Maya civilization, Belize has
the greatest concentration of Maya sites – 1,400 recorded sites. Most sites are still hidden within the lush
growth of the rain forest. But many spectacular and important archaeological
sites are easily accessible. Caracol (the Snail) was once home to 150,000
people and was one of the most important political centres. Climb “El
Castillo, the 130 foot temple and tallest structure at Xunantunich or Maiden
of the Rock for breathtaking views of Belize and
Guatemala. Lubaantun features three Mesoamerican ball courts and is
famous for the Crystal Skull carved from a single crystal of quartz.
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Caves and the
Underworld
Much of the geological structure of Belize is porous
karst limestone, which is ideal for the formation of underground caves and
rivers. The longest cave system, Chiquibul Cave System, is almost 540,000
square foot long and its geological formations have whimsical names like cave
popcorn, snottities, fried egg stalagmites, and broomstick. The caves were used
extensively by the ancient Maya to conduct sacred rituals and ceremonies. Some
of the most accessible caves include Barton Creek Cave, Caves Branch, St. Herman’s
Cave, Rio Frio Cave, and Actun Tunichil Muknal.
Wildlife
Belize may be a small country but offers diverse
ecosystems and habitats that are home to many land species. There are almost 600 bird species…definitely
a birder’s paradise. Look for Belize’s
The Keel-Billed Toucan is the country’s national bird and travels in
packs. There are 145 mammals; the
noisiest is the howler monkeys and the most elusive is the four cats, puma,
ocelot, margay and jaguar. The Cockscomb
Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the first jaguar reserve in the world. The best introduction to the wildlife of
Belize is to visit the small but wonderful Belize Zoo.
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People and Culture
Belize is a blend of traditions and customs that
represent a diverse group of Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, East Indian,
Mennonite, Arabs and Chinese. Each
culture celebrates their culture through festivals, music, cuisine, and art.
Visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum in Dangriga or learn to drum at the Warasa
Garifuna Drum School. Learn to cook or make a clay cooking pot from Maya ladies
in the village of San Antonio.
Chocolate Festival
of Belize
The Toledo District of southern Belize is known for
its superior cacao and every year they celebrate chocolate in late May.
Celebrations begin with an evening of music, wine, Belizean chocolate and
Belikin’s specially brewed Chocolate Stout.
The street fair, the Taste of Toledo, is held in Punta Gorda. It showcases Toledo’s five main ethnic
groups, each with their own display of food and music. Of course, booths feature chocolate or cacao
items ranging from chocolate soaps to hand-carved wooden masks depicting cacao
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Reefs
Not only does Belize have the second largest barrier reef
in the world, it is also contains numerous lagoons, deltas, and mangrove
swamps. These ecosystems are home to a large range of fish and sea life
including manatees, sea turtles, crocodiles, stingrays, whale sharks and
hundreds of fish, coral and bird species. The reef offers some of the best
snorkeling and diving spots in the northern hemisphere. The huge circular Blue Hole may be the
world’s largest hole, about 300 metres across and 125 metres deep and is
considered one of the best dive destinations. Scuba divers can view geological
formations such as large stalactites and stalagmites, some measuring 9-12
metres in length.
Islands
Belize has hundreds of islands or cayes from tiny one
acre islands with a few coconut trees to big atolls. Mangrove cayes uninhabitable by humans
provide a superior habitat for birds and marine life. Humans inhabit island cayes which provide
opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling fishing, boating and sea kayaking.
Some of the popular islands to explore include Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker,
Tobacco Caye, St. George’s Caye, Laughing Bird Caye and South Water Caye.
Okay…There Are Beaches
Belize
has more than 350 kilometres of coastline bordering the Caribbean Sea and more
than 200 cayes. Both have extensive mangrove swamps interspersed with small
beaches. The beaches aren’t world class
when you compare them to Cancun, Mexico but they are plentiful. Some beaches are very popular like the ones
on Placencia and Ambergris Caye; some back right next to tropical rainforest;
and some are reachable only by boat and uncrowded. What Belize lacks in beach
size is counterbalanced by the location to the barrier reef and the many
available water activities.
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Belize Flights With Westjet
From Oct. 31, 2017 to April 28, 2018, Westjet will be
flying from Calgary to Belize City on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and
Saturday. The return flight will be on a
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.