Belize Overview
Afro-Caribbean culture, Mayan ruins, wildlife-rich rainforest, idyllic beaches & world class diving
The only Central American country to have English as its official language, Belize was known as British Honduras until 1981. Squeezed in on Mexico’s heel, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Guatemala on the other, tiny Belize’s
appeal can be neatly divided into two elements; reef and rainforest.
Along the Guatemalan border, the west of the country is filled with dense forest among which nestle Mayan remains and luxurious lodges, while just off the coast lies a barrier reef second only in size to Australia’s.
Belizeans are laid-back and friendly, their country is one of the earth’s least populated, and their culture draws from a mixture of Creole, Spanish, British and Garifuna influences. The Garifuna people live in small fishing villages along the Caribbean coast here in Belize and also in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras, blending their original African slave roots, their musical and religious traditions, with the Caribbean and South American cultures that they found when they arrived here over 300 years ago.
On dry land, highlights include the birds and wildlife of the rainforests and the Mayan archaeological sites of Lamanai, Xunantunich and Caracol, none of which are far from Guatemala’s Tikal. Out to sea, Belize is a superb snorkelling and diving destination, with crystal clear waters and spectacular marine wildlife at the barrier reef.
For a special treat or perhaps a honeymoon, there are some heavenly lodges inland and beach hotels offering total seclusion and pampering in pristine settings.
Belize combines easily and well with Guatemala for a superbly balanced trip including Antigua, Tikal and the Caribbean coast.
What to expect from your Belize Holiday: Due to its small size and the fact that it is English speaking, Belize is one of Central America’s most straightforward countries to visit – once you’ve mastered the lilting accent, that is! Tourist infrastructure is of consistently high standard, from the quality of the hotels to the safety procedures involved with all water sports.
