Wedged between Mexico and Guatemala, the tiny and eclectic country of Belize has become one of the most popular eco tourism destinations in Central America for the intrepid traveler.
Lush tropical rain forests, pristine beaches, ancient Maya cities, diverse flora and fauna, and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere are just a few of the many natural attractions that allure the adventure traveler to visit.
Here are 10 reasons why you should travel to Belize now
2. Belize is the only English Speaking Country in Central
America
Belize is a diverse society with many cultures and languages (Creole
and Spanish are widely spoken) however English is the official
language, making it easy for travelers to get around.1
3. Belizean food is tasty and succulent
The food in Belize is as diverse as its population and consists of a
vast array of elements from the different ethnic groups like the
Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, East Indian and Creole. Some of the top
must eats are: Rice and Beans, Fry Jacks, Johnny Cakes, Stew
Chicken, Gibnut, Escabeche, Tamales, Hudut, and Fish Sere.
2
4. The weather in Belize is warm and comfortable all year round
The average yearly temperature is 84° F (29°C), which means that it is pretty much near
perfect all year round. In addition the intact jungle and rain forests provide relief in the
hot summer months, while winter can be cool but never very cold.
3
5. Belize has a potpourri of wonderful islands
There are more than 200 islands in Belize that are known as cayes (pronounced
"keys") that are easy accessible and can serve as ideal bases for fishing,
snorkeling and diving. Some of the top islands to explore are: Ambergris Caye,
Caye Caulker, South Water Caye, Silk Caye, St George's Caye, Laughing Bird
Caye and Tobacco Caye.
4
6. Belize is the epicenter of the ancient Maya world
Archaeologists estimate that more than one million Maya lived in
present day Belize and flourished during the Classic Period from 300
to 900 AD. Maya temple sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha,
Cahal Pech and Lamanai are just a few of the spectacular sites that
can be discovered in Belize.
5
7. Belize is home to the world renowned Blue
Hole
The gigantic underwater Blue Hole off the coast
of Belize is believed to be the world's largest hole
measuring 1000 ft across and 412 ft deep. It offers
divers the ideal opportunity to see geological
wonders like giant stalactites, dripstone sheets and
amazing marine life such as nurse sharks,
groupers and a vast array of fishes and Caribbean
sharks.
The Blue Hole was made famous in 1971 by
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the French Explorer in
the television series - The Undersea world of
Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
6
8. Belize is a nature lovers
paradise
Belize has some of the
most intriguing and
fascinating wildlife in
Central America. In fact
40 percent of the land is
classified as protected and
is habitat to a variety of
species of plants, birds,
amphibians, reptiles and
marine life.
7
9. Snorkeling in Belize is one of a kind
Belize boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world and snorkeling in
its turquoise and clear Caribbean water is a wonderful place to discover the
kaleidoscope of colors of corals, sponges and a range of fish and marine life.8
10. Belize has one of the most intricate cave systems in Central America
Caves were used extensively by the ancient Maya to conduct their sacred rituals and
ceremonies and today a plethora of impressive caves can be discovered throughout
Belize. The Chiquibul Cave System for example is nearly 540,000 square foot long
and is the longest in Central America and offers a treasure trove of geological and
archaeological wonders.
Some of the top caves to explore are: Actun Tunichil Muknal, Barton Creek Cave and
Caves Branch and the Chiquibul Cave System.
9
11. Belize is the only country in
the world that has a jaguar
preserve
Established in 1984, the
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife
Sanctuary is world renowned
for being the only protected
preserve for Jaguars. The
reserve is also home to all
five of Belize cats: Jaguar,
Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi
and Ocelot.
10
12. Want to know about Belize?
Visit www.belizehub.com