About Belize...
Belize is a country of varied terrain, and wild extremes. You can be swimming in beautiful warm turquoise waters, and then within a few hours be deep in lush tropical jungle. The country is roughly of three geographical types.
1: Off the coast are many islands (Cayes) ranging from small sandy bars to large inhabited islands (Ambergris, Caulker). The islands are low lying, and usually mangrove covered. Swimming beaches are rare, and tend to be small. Scuba diving, and snorkeling are the main interests here, as the barrier reef is truly spectacular. Places like the Blue hole, Hol Chan marine reserve, etc., draw Scuba divers from around the world.
2: The northern part of the mainland has low lying mangrove swamps. Mangrove tends to follow the full length of the coastline as well.
3: The south is mainly mountainous, with Mt. Victoria rising 1120m above
sea level. Access to the mountains via roads are rare. The main routes into the area are by the forest road near
San Ignacio (Cayo), or in the south by roads leading west from Punta Gorda. The road south from Cayo takes the
traveler into the Mountain Pine Ridge portion of the Maya Mountains. This road can be quite impassable during the
rainy season due to runoff. The area around Augustine has many caves, Rio Frio for instance. For the serious spelunker,
there are some caves which can take many hours to explore. Remember that exploring caves is a dangerous sport and
special precautions must be observed. Consider taking a guide, or go on an prearranged trip. The mountains offer
some beautiful scenery, with waterfalls, toucans, parrots, flowers and butterflies.
What to do and see:
Belize as stated offers some fine diving. The reef off the coast is the second largest living reef in the world. The place abounds with dive sites, and there is always something for those who like to snorkel. Ambergris caye and the town of San Pedro, offer many dive operations, and related industry. Diving is very popular here, and trips out to places like Hol Chan, the Love Tunnels, etc., provide the diver with many sights. Snorkelers will like the channel at Hol Chan, or the inner lagoon. Fishing charters can be hired as well, hooking into a big one can be very exciting if not exhausting work. Other water sports are available, e.g.: sailboarding, swimming, boating. If you like Mayan Archeology, there is a small site on the southern tip of Ambergris. The site is in the initial stages of work, or lack of, and you can see the open pits where digging has taken place. To get there rent a bicycle, and head south along the dirt road. The trail to the site is not marked, so you will have to ask directions. Remember to take mosquito repellent, and water. Caye Caulker is similar to Ambergris in amenities. Though not as large, it still has that laid back feeling. Here you can do the same things as in San Pedro, and the prices tend to be less.
Back on the mainland, many people head to San Ignacio. Here they use
the town as a base for excursions into Mountain Pine Ridge, or for trips into Guatemala to see the Mayan ruins
at Tikal. Horse back riding, caving, hiking, camping, canoeing, and jungle treks can all be arranged in San Ignacio.
The northern part of the country has many farms operated by Mennonite immigrants. Here you can find fresh fruit.
The area does not have much to offer, unless you want to see Mayan ruins. Further south lie the towns of Dangriga,
Placentia, and Punta Gorda. While Dangriga does not have much to offer (except the notorious Nov. 19 party). Placentia
has a good beach, and is very laid back. In Placentia you can do all the same things as on the cayes. Further south
in Punta Gorda you will find a sleepy town that seems to be wet most of the time. The jungle around here is extremely
lush, most likely due to the fact that this area gets around 4m of rainfall every year. Wet just does not describe
it. Approximately mid way along the coast is Belize City. This city is low lying, and tends to get swamped during
the hurricane season. Not much here except the international airport, and transport out to the cayes. Belize City
can be dangerous, many travelers have parted with their belongings here. Belmopan, the capital, does not have much
to offer. Other than being the countries political center, busses stop here and you may have to change busses if
traveling to Belize City, San Ignacio, or south.
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