Tropical Belize attracts visitors with an intriguing mixture of nature and cultural wonders. In Belize you can get excited by the exotic flora and fauna of tropical rainforests, admire ancient Mayan temples, enjoy the incredibly fine diving and fishing offered by the Caribbean Sea, relax on a tropical beach, or just take a deep breath exploring the colorful ethnic diversity of this small but interesting Central American country.
Holiday resorts. Ambergris Caye is the largest of the good two hundred small islands (cayes) that dot the Caribbean Sea coastline of Belize. Visited by almost 50% of all tourists that come to Belize, Ambergris Caye is also the most popular tourism destination in Belize. The smaller Caye Caulker is a relaxed place that offers some great diving and snorkeling as well, and Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef are known as diver's paradises. You can also find beautiful beaches and water sports opportunities along the coast of mainland Belize, in places such as Placencia.
Mayan temples. Of the many Mayan sites in Belize, it is difficult to choose the most interesting one. There are several masterpieces presenting the archaeological accomplishments of the Maya in places like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha. Visiting the many Mayan temples and ancient agricultural terraces found in Belize is a good source of information for those who want to get to know the lifestyle of this ancient Central American civilization.
Nature destinations. The lush rainforests and many Mayan ruins around San Ignacio in Western Belize make this area perfect for sightseeing tours as well as outdoor activities such as trekking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Popular ecotourism destinations in Belize include for example Crooked Tree and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuaries. The famous Belize Zoo between Belize City and the Belizean capital Belmopan and the many national parks in Belize are also well worth visiting.
Maya sites and coral reefs: Attractions of Belize
The most famous of Belize´s numerous natural wonders is the Belize Barrier Reef that is the second largest of its kind in the world. The astonishing colors and patterns created by this living system offer excellent possibilities for diving or snorkeling, and the clear warm water of the Caribbean Sea invites many tourists to enjoy the wonders of Belize's beach resorts.Holiday resorts. Ambergris Caye is the largest of the good two hundred small islands (cayes) that dot the Caribbean Sea coastline of Belize. Visited by almost 50% of all tourists that come to Belize, Ambergris Caye is also the most popular tourism destination in Belize. The smaller Caye Caulker is a relaxed place that offers some great diving and snorkeling as well, and Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef are known as diver's paradises. You can also find beautiful beaches and water sports opportunities along the coast of mainland Belize, in places such as Placencia.
Mayan temples. Of the many Mayan sites in Belize, it is difficult to choose the most interesting one. There are several masterpieces presenting the archaeological accomplishments of the Maya in places like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha. Visiting the many Mayan temples and ancient agricultural terraces found in Belize is a good source of information for those who want to get to know the lifestyle of this ancient Central American civilization.
Nature destinations. The lush rainforests and many Mayan ruins around San Ignacio in Western Belize make this area perfect for sightseeing tours as well as outdoor activities such as trekking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Popular ecotourism destinations in Belize include for example Crooked Tree and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuaries. The famous Belize Zoo between Belize City and the Belizean capital Belmopan and the many national parks in Belize are also well worth visiting.
Practical information for your trip to Belize
Belize enjoys a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. Floods and hurricanes occur occasionally during the hurricane season in late summer and fall. There is a rainy season in Belize that lasts approximately from June to November.
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Developing tourist industry. Although Belize cannot be characterized as one of the world's most popular tourism destinations, tourism in this former British colony once known as British Honduras has been developing fast since the independence declaration of Belize in 1981. This small English-speaking country offers an interesting mix of cultures from the Mayan and Latin American to Caribbean creole and Garifuna ones. Belize sure has interesting sites to offer, and also basic services are sufficient for the needs of most tourists.
Most international flights to Belize land at Belize City International Airport. There are flight connections to Belize City from many US cities. Flights from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are also available, and buses to Belize can be found in nearby areas of Mexico and Guatemala. A boat connection to Belize from Honduras also exists. Belize City airport is the place where you can find internal flight connections when traveling in Belize. There are also frequent boats from Belize City to the many cayes, and good local bus connections inside the country. Car rental and guided tours are available as well.
Safety. Belize is generally a quite safe travel destination, especially if you compare it with some other Central American countries. Belize City is known to be more dangerous than other areas in the country and requires some caution, but most popular tourism destinations in Belize are safe to visit. Price level in Belize is a bit higher than in neighboring Mexico or Guatemala.
hint See also these nearby destinations: San Ignacio (Cayo), Flores and Tikal, Caye Caulker
