Facts About Belize

Facts about Belize, a geographical diamond. With one foot steeped in the bushes of the Central American jungle and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, there are too many reasons to list why Belize is the ultimate traveller’s haven.

Relaxation

If none of the above particularly speaks to you then that’s ok. Belize has something for everyone. If your aim is to just escape the hustle and bustle of a larger city and you simply want peace and tranquillity, then you have once again to the right place. Belize is loaded with silent retreats which are perfect for the easy-going persons who would just like to unwind and recharge before re-entering society. Whether it be a book on the beach or a hammock in a treehouse set in the tropical rainforest, you will find exactly what you’re looking for here in Belize. Some resorts offer yoga classes as part of their package and most have invested in training equipment for those not wanting to sacrifice gains while on vacation.

Mayas

If you are a student of history interested in learning more about the ancient Mayas who once inhabited this region, Belize has a variety of Maya buildings for you to explore and satiate your need to know and uncover the mysteries of these historic people who left us with so much to marvel at and even more to question.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio and Santa Elena are twin towns in western Belize. San Ignacio serves as the cultural-economic hub of the Cayo District. It got its start from mahogany and chicle production during British colonialism. Over time it attracted people from the surrounding areas, which led to the diverse population of the town today. San Ignacio is the largest settlement in Cayo District and the second largest in the country, after Belize City.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the mainland of Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 300 metres (984 ft.) across and 125 metres (410 ft.) deep. The world’s largest natural formation of its kind, the Great Blue Hole is part of the larger Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Great Blue Hole is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life including tropical fish and spectacular coral formations. The marine life in these areas includes nurse sharks, giant groupers, and several types of reef sharks such as the Caribbean reef shark and the Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus). Dive excursions to the Great Blue Hole are full-day trips, that usually consist of one dive in the Blue Hole and two additional dives in nearby reefs.

Barrier Reef

Fancy yourself as more of a nautical person? Belize has you covered there as well. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometer (190 mi) long section of the 900-kilometer (560 mi) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the north-eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya and down to Honduras, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world. With Belize occupying 33% of the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, there is no shortage of snorkelling destinations or fishing locations if that’s more your speed. The breezy coastal areas are perfect for sailors and wind surfers alike.

Food and culture

It’s an often-overused term whenever describing countries in the modern era, but Belize truly is a melting pot of culture and people. Historically speaking, the country has always consisted of several ethnic groups: The colonial British, the Mayas, The Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, Mennonites, east Indians and Chinese; however, in recent decades this number has increased exponentially to include persons from almost every country you can imagine. The primary cultural groups still practice their ancestral customs despite the temptations of the 21st century. For this reason, there are copious options to choose from when it comes to food selection. The Garifuna people, for example, make a dish known as Huduut which is a fish brought made in coconut milk that is eaten with mashed plantains or coconut rice. This dish is widely recognized as the unofficial dish of the country. Each culture has their own distinct foods and music which are options Belizeans and visitors alike consider themselves fortunate to have in their orbit. In the more rural parts of Belize, there are still villages where technology has not yet made its debut. As a result of this underexposure, these people have managed to maintain the integrity of their heritage and it is truly one of the purest things you can experience

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre is a zoo in Belize, located some 29 miles (47 km) west of Belize City on the Western Highway. Set in 29 acres (12 ha), the zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola. It is home to more than 175 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. The dense, natural vegetation is separated only by gravel trails through the forest. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre receives over 68,000 visitors annually, with 15,000 being students, teachers, and parents. The Belize Zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize through encountering the animals in their natural habitat. The aim is to instil appreciation and pride, and a desire to protect and conserve Belize's natural resources. The zoo was the recipient of Belize Tourism Board's 9th National Tourism Award, "Educational Award of the Year" in 2009.

Placencia

Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia has emerged as an increasingly popular eco-destination on the Caribbean. For those who enjoy outdoor adventure, the Stann Creek region offers a host of activities: hiking through mountainous rain forests, kayaking, deep sea fishing, diving and exploring Mayan ruins. The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east and lots of peace and quiet in the middle. Tour guides and dive centres offer a variety of excursions, with boat rides to the outer cayes an ongoing favourite. Also popular are guided land tours to Mayan Ruins or trekking the jungle trails of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where the first Jaguar Reserve in the world was established.