Belize

Unique and exotic, Belize is a country in Central America on the Caribbean Sea, the climate is sub-tropical with trade winds from the Caribbean. Belize City is the gateway to the country and makes a good point to jump off and explore the country. The capital is Belmopan and English is the official language. The country is bordered with Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.

You’ll most likely start your trip in Belize City, the primary port of entry. Here you can visit the Belize Maritime Museum and the Belize Zoo. If you’re into Maya artifacts, check out the Bliss Institute. St. John’s Cathedral, built in 1812, is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America. Don’t forget the Community Baboon Sanctuary or the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Western Hemisphere. Last but not least, there is the Swing Bridge, a historic colonial bridge that is manually operated twice daily.

By now you probably see a pattern developing, Belize is rich in history and animal life. It’s best treasure is it’s offshore cayes where the second largest barrier reef in the world exists. The largest of the cayes is Ambergris Caye; here you can go snorkeling, fishing, and sailing – take a cruise, watch birds, and have a look at the manatees.

In Belmopan, you’ll find even more exotic nature. Black Hole National Park includes Belize’s inland Blue Hole, a 25 foot pool of sapphire in a forest and St. Herman’s Cave, a large sinkhole with concrete steps leading into darkness. At Caves Branch there are miles of underground caves, Maya artifacts and carvings, as well as tubing – a guide is required. One of Belize’s oldest nature reserves, Guanacaste Park is here; see the orchid-clad trees, Roaring Creek, birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

If you love the outdoors, Belize is for you!

Getting to Belize

Phillip S Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City is the major international airport. There is non-stop service from North America and other nations in the region. Here you’ll find service to numerous airstrips and air service to all main towns and a few offshore islands.