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Known for its golden beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and rich history, Belize in Central America, is a haven for both adventure seekers and those looking for a calming vacation. Located along the Carribbean Sea, and bordering Mexico and Guatemala, this part of the coast was an English colony from 1861 and is today the only English-speaking country in Central America. Although English is the official language, I always recommend English-speaking travellers to learn at least a few phrases in Spanish before arriving, since Spanish is the second dominant language here and many people in Belize have it as their main language.
Belize boasts a multicultural society with influences from Maya, Garifuna, Spanish, British, Creole, and Mestizo cultures. Belize is a culturally rich and vibrant country where a fusion of cuisines, languages, music, and traditions can be intensely experienced. From the mystical Mayan ruins to the spectacular Great Blue Hole, from lively street festivals to the tranquil beaches, every corner of Belize promises an unexpected delight. Indeed, Belize is a must on every traveler’s bucket list – a paradise where nature, history, and culture converge to offer an unparalleled travel experience. Surrender yourself to the enchanting allure of Belize and treasure a lifetime of memories.
Geography
Belize is located along the Caribbean Sea, with Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Honduras is not far away from southern Belize, but the two countries do not share any border.
Belize is 22,960 square kilometres (8,865 sq mi) in size, making it slightly larger than El Salvador but smaller than the other countries in Central America. It is the only Central American country with no coast along the Pacific Ocean.
The Caribbean coast and the northern interior is home to an aboundance of lagoons. The Carribean coast line is largely marshy, but there are some very nice beaches here too. Off the mainline, scuba divers flock to explore the long barrier reef.
Belize’s northern and southern borders are largely defined by the rivers Hondo and Sarstoon. The western border runs through lowland forest and a highland plateau.
The highest point in Belize is Doyle´s Delight, at an altitude of 1,124 m (3,688 ft).
Belizean cuisine
The Belizean cuisine is an exquisite blend of its diverse cultures. Delight your palate with the national dish, rice & beans, or the Maya delicacy pibil, a meat dish usually cooked in an underground oven. Seafood lovers must try the ceviche, commonly prepared with conch or shrimp.
Examples of popular destinations
Belize City
Belize City, the country’s capital and largest city, offers an eclectic mix of cultural attractions, from Colonial architecture to the historical Mayan artifacts housed in the impressive Belize Museum. St. John’s Cathedral, a stunning colonial structure, and the nearby bustling market are well worth a visit for a glimpse into the local life.
San Ignacio
A gateway for adventure enthusiasts, San Ignacio is a popular base for exploring the nearby Maya ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich. Moreover, a must-visit is the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, where pottery shards and skeletal remains telling tales of ancient sacrificial ceremonies can be seen.
Ambergris Caye
Hailed as a Caribbean paradise, Ambergris Caye is the country’s largest island. This hotspot offers a vibrant nightlife, exquisite local food, and breathtaking underwater sceneries for snorkeling or diving. The eastern coast of Amergris Caye runs aparallell to the Belize Barrier Reef.
Ambergris Caye is roughly 40 km (25 mi) long from north to south, but only 1.6 km wide. It is bordered by white coral sand and is home to plenty of mangrove forest. Since the island is so small, the main mode of transportation is golf cart.
A Maya community lived here in Pre-Columbian times, as evidenced by the remaining polished red ceramics. In the 17th century, the island was extensively used for coconut growing. The tourism sector did not begin to expand until the 1970s. Today, tourism is very important for the economy of the island. The main settlement on the island is San Pedro town, which is also the only town. The other settlements are just small villages or resort communities.
Travel tips for Belize
- Learn about the seasons before planning your trip. Most travelers prefer to visit Belize during the dry season, which falls between February and May.
- Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD), but US Dollars are commonly accepted everywhere.
- Bring or buy insect repellant and sunscreen to enjoy a safe and comfortable vacation.