Belize: Ruins, Chocolate and More

Ruth MacRae • August 15, 2017

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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