 There
is so much to experience in Belize that it's no wonder visitors hail
it as The Jewel. In the North, Belize shares borders with Mexico and
to the West and South with Guatemala. In the foreground, it is graced
with the Caribbean Sea and 185 miles of the longest barrier reef in
the Western Hemisphere. This cherished tropical playground provides
extensive sites for the avid snorkeler, scuba diver or for anyone
with a passion for water sports. Fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing,
boat races and swimming are A+. Belize's exciting underwater world
with unique coral structures, marine caves and extensive marine life
make this area one of the top diving destinations in the world. Miles
upon miles of white sandy beaches and secluded island retreats add
to the picture postcard allure. On the mainland, ancient Mayan temples
and monuments dating back thousands of years are an archaeologist's
fantasyland. With more than 600 Maya cities, Belize is the center
of the ancient Maya world and an active participant in the Mundo Maya
programme. In the interior, an unspoiled world of lush tropical rain
forests awaits you. Here you will find a colorful collage of animal
and plant populations, as well as limestone caves, scenic rivers and
Maya temples. Belize is home to the world's only jaguar preserve,
and the prehistoric tapir, the howler monkey and gentle manatee co-exist
in protected environments.
Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population
of over 60,000. It offers the visitor an unusual combination of rustic,
old-fashioned Caribbean charm and bustling modernity. The Belize river
meanders through the middle of the city; and twice a day, the city's
swing bridge closes to allow sail boats to pass. There are many traditional
street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts in the
city's public squares, especially in the colonial marketplace on Saturday
mornings. Visitors can purchase handmade wood furniture made by the
Mennonite community and many kinds of craft items from the National
Handicraft center, as well as from the vendors who congregate near
the Belize Commercial Center. With its two airports and many car rental
agencies, Belize City is an excellent starting off point for visitors
wishing to explore the country by car (or 4-wheel drive). There are
several major tourist attractions an hour's drive or less from Belize
City, such as the Belize Zoo, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked
Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bermudian Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary,
and the Mayan ruin site at Altun Ha. |
