Journey Through Belize: Mayan Mysteries and Coral Wonders
A mosaic of islands, beaches, and cliffs with strips of land suggesting themselves into a deep blue sea, ideal for immersion in the light and colors of the tropics, South America boasts a unique place. Among the most beautiful in the Caribbean, the area boasts sacrificial altars, millennia-old Mayan pyramids, emerald forests and caverns, subterranean rivers, waterfalls, and coral beaches. Considered the last frontier of adventure, this little state, smaller than Lombardy but sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize presents the chance to investigate a legendary people, its long and intriguing past, its vivid colors, a forest full of archeological secrets, and descend to the atolls of the Caribbean Sea.
Actually, this tamed environment is a paradise for ecotourists searching wild areas and enigmatic Mayan ambiance. Declared a “protected area,” three remarkably beautiful archeological sites—Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai—coexist in more than one third of Belize. Impressive is the enigmatic grandeur of temples and squares, sacrificial sites, and bas-reliefs still in good condition of preservation. Among the four thousand or so distinct species of trees and plants found in Belize, the ancient Mayan curanderos and shamans found herbs, leaves, and fruits with extraordinary medicinal ability.
Exploring the Heart of Belize: Cities and Countryside
Belize knows how to leave you speechless not only on the plains but also in the mountainous region of the nation. From the doors of Belize City, you find vast farms, horse and cattle farms, and little colorful villages crossing grown fields, lemon groves, coffee, pineapple, and spice plantations. This leads to the Caribbean Sea; from here, you can commit yourself to amazing adventures including a boat trip to the neighboring islands, the Cayes, created by the massive coral reef, which stretches 290 kilometers in front of Belize.
Ambergris Caye: The Jewel of Belize
About 40 km long and with a long and narrow form, Ambergris Caye, the isla bonita, is the biggest “caye” in the whole Belize territory. It provides a seductive environment of leisure. About a mile long east of the most significant town of San Pedro, snorkelling and underwater exploration aficionados will have the chance to embark on many excursions, some very special, aimed at the other cayes in the area, including Blue Hole, a cobalt blue reef down to 124 meters deep, one of the legendary sites for divers. Your only concerns will be to go on catamaran or trolling trips or abandon yourself to the pleasures of the coral archipelago; rest on the shoreline caressed by the sea, far away memories of the Mayans and the dark embrace of the forest.
Diving into Belize: Coral Atolls and Marine Reserves
Among the few coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, Turneffe Island and Half Moon Caye present an undisturbed show of underwater life.
First marine reserve in Central America, the Hol Chan (small channel) reserve is a naturalistic paradise for a variety of fish species. One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the extreme southern region of Belize, Placencia, with a population of about 600, is known for its lovely and long beaches shaded by palm groves. Belizeans, who live on a lovely sandy peninsula, often say that Placencia is “the island you can reach by car.”
