Tourists’ paradise called Belize

Belize (earlier known as British Honduras), is a small country in Central America spread over an area of 22,960 square kilometres. The country is bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the south and west and the Caribbean Sea in the east. Belize is the only state in Central America that has English as its official language (Spanish, Garifuna, Maya, Kriol are among other languages). Belize, with a population of 3 million, has the lowest population density but highest population growth in Central America. Belize is the only country in Central America that is member of the Commonwealth of Nations. National capital is Belmopan while the largest city is Belize City. Currency of Belize is Belize Dollars.

Economy:

Belize is a small size private enterprise economy that is mainly based on agro-based industries, merchandise, tourism and construction.

A beautiful place:

Jungles, sea, history, coral reef, name any and Belize has it all. Kayaking, snorkeling, bird watching are among diverse activities that draw huge number of tourists to Belize every year.

Geography:

To the east of Belize lies the second-longest barrier reef in the world bordering much of the 386 kilometres long coastline. The Gulf of Honduras lies to the south-east of Belize.

The northern part is mostly of flat with swampy coastal plains and heavily forested areas. The southern part, on the contrary, features the Maya Mountains. Doyle’s Delight with an altitude of 1,124 metres is the highest peak of Belize.

Climate:

Belize witnesses hot and humid climate all through the year. The variation in temperature between the coolest (December to March) and the hottest months (May to September) is only about 4 degree Celcius. The highlands (Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains) witness more cooler and comfortable climate. The monsoon season runs from mid-May to November in the southern parts (sees more rainfall) and from mid-June to November in the northern parts. February to April is the driest period.

Best Time to Visit Belize:

December through May is the high season for tourists to visit Belize. December although gets mild rainfall but nothing serious to discourage the tourist influx. Hotel rates shoot up during this time. December 15 to January 15 is the time when tourism at Belize reaches its peak. Early monsoon is also a nice time to visit Belize. However in that case, one would have to forego lobster, a local speciality, for monsoon is the off-season for lobster yields.

How to Get to Belize:

By air:
Belize City is served by Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and also Belize City Municipal Airport. Belmopan also has an airport.

Belize Tourist Attractions:

• Caye Caulker (a top destination for chilling out amidst a peaceful rural ambience)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve (underwater ecosystem where one can have a tête-à-tête with sharks and rays while snorkeling and diving)
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (place to taste a rich Creole culture and also bird viewing)
• Belize City (a colourful and vibrant city)
• Dangriga (spiritual abode of the Garifuna people)
• Caracol (one a Maya stronghold, now an archaeological relic for the tourists)
• Tikal (ancient Maya city surrounded by national park)
• Poustinia Earth Art Park (a top draw for nature and archaeology lovers)
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (home to wildlife)
• Placencia (A beach-lined peninsula where one can indulge in swimming, sunning, snorkeling and scuba diving)
• Lamanai (Maya ruins surrounded by forest; accessible only by boat)
• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ancient Maya cave)
• Glover’s Reef (islands surrounding a central lagoon comprising marine life)
• Turneffe Elbow (spot for fish watching)
• Long Caye (private eco-island community)

Hotels:

• At Belmopan:
  Super Palm Resort, Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Lodge, Jaguar paw, Yim Saan Hotel and Restaurant
• At Belize City:
  Hotel Mopan, Black Orchid Hotel, Glover’s Atoll Resort, Belcove Hotel
• At Ambergis Caye:
  Phoenix Resort, Coco Beach Resort, Pelican Reef Villas Resort, Xanadu Island Resort