Tropical Belize attracts visitors with a mixture of nature wonders. In Belize you can get enthusiastic by the exotic flora and fauna of tropical rain forests, admire ancient Maya temples, enjoy the incredibly scenic diving and fishing sites offered by the Caribbean Sea 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. There are also beaches and water sporets opportunities along the coast of Belize, in places such as Placencia.
Maya temples. Of Belize´s many Mayan sites, it is difficult to choose the most interesting ones. There are several masterpieces presenting the archaeological accomplishments of the Maya in places like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha. Visiting the many Maya temples and agricultural terraces found in Belize are a good source of information for those who want to get to know the lifestyle of this ancient Central American civilization. The lush rain forests and many Mayan ruins around San Ignacio in Western Belize make this area great for sightseeing tours as well as outdoor activities such as trekking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing, while the famous Belize Zoo close to Belize City 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 nature wonders is the Belize Barrier Reef, which 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, 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. There are also beaches and water sporets opportunities along the coast of Belize, in places such as Placencia.
Maya temples. Of Belize´s many Mayan sites, it is difficult to choose the most interesting ones. There are several masterpieces presenting the archaeological accomplishments of the Maya in places like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha. Visiting the many Maya temples and agricultural terraces found in Belize are a good source of information for those who want to get to know the lifestyle of this ancient Central American civilization. The lush rain forests and many Mayan ruins around San Ignacio in Western Belize make this area great for sightseeing tours as well as outdoor activities such as trekking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing, while the famous Belize Zoo close to Belize City and the many national parks in Belize are also well worth visiting.
Practical information for your trip to Belize
Belize has 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 has 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 inside Belize. There are also frequent boats from Belize City to the many cayes, as well as good bus connections inside the country.
Safety. Belize is 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.
hint See also these nearby destinations: San Ignacio (Cayo), Flores and Tikal, Caye Caulker
