|
Belize
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belize lies on the
east coast of Central America's Caribbean Basin, just south of Mexico's Yucatan
Peninsula, east of Guatemala, and north of Honduras. The East Coast of Belize is
lined by the Caribbean Sea and hundreds of island cayes, which support one of
the world's most diverse underwater habitats. The shoreline is bordered by the
world's second largest barrier reef, making Belize a popular diving and fishing
destination. The country itself occupies a land mass smaller than most US
states. At its broadest point, Belize is 68 miles (109 km) wide and 175 miles
(280 km) long. English is the official language of Belize, though a number of
dialects are spoken among the country's 250,000 citizens. This is the result of
Belize's rich and multicultural heritage Formally known as "British Honduras".
|
|
|
|
Belize continues to
be a melting pot of immigrant cultures. Belize was originally inhabited by the
Maya, but other groups have helped shape its unique culture over the past 300
years. British pirates, former slaves from India and Yucatan refugees from the
Caste War have all had a profound influence on the development of Belize.
British pirates, former slaves from India and Yucatan refugees from the Caste
War have all had a profound influence on the development of Belize. In a blur of
exotic travel destinations, Belize stands out as a beacon of hope. In fact the
word Belize itself is believed to have originated from the word "beacon." This
theory stems from several light beacons found along its eastern shore, while a
new theory suggesting a larger "beacon" may have once existed in the area just
south of Belize, near Lake Izabel, which may have marked the entrance to the
great seaport of Atlantis. |
|
Its name is only one
of the mysteries that surround this ancient, yet hardly blemished part of the
world. Over three thousand years ago an ancient Mayan culture first laid claim
to this exotic wilderness, and founded a civilization whose temple remains can
be found today by hiking into the lush tropical canopy that blankets this
coastal oasis just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Dive in Belize with
Whale Sharks From the nearly 4,000 ft. high mountain peaks to the stunning cayes
and barrier reefs; from its archaeological sites and protected national parks,
to its marine and wildlife reserves, Belize is an adventure travelers paradise,
situated to allow you to get out of the rat race in a hurry and start your
Belize vacation by transforming your stress into bliss and your worries into
excited anticipation; Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and hiking are amongst
the best in the world, and at every step is an unfettered natural wonder for you
to explore and immerse yourself into. |
|
|
|
Belmopan
is the capital of Belize. It is located near the town of Roaring Creek, in the
Belize River valley, 50 miles (80 km) inland from Belize City, the former
capital on the Caribbean coast. The new capital was conceived after Hurricane
Hattie and an associated tidal wave did extensive damage to Belize City in 1961.
Almost half of Belize consists of forests. There are at least 50 different
forest tree species, which include mahogany, Santa Maria, cedar, and ironwood.
In the north limestone soils support deciduous forest, sapodilla and mahogany
predominate. In the south the forest is taller and is evergreen. Chiclets, used
in the manufacture of chewing gum, is obtained from the sapodilla tree,
mahogany, pine, cedar and rosewood have increased in economic importance. Belize
has a subtropical climate, with a well-marked dry season from late February to
May and a wet season from June to November. |
|
|
|
|
|
 Bed and Breakfast
|
|
|
|
|
Design by: Miller Fernandez
- Copyright © 1994 - 2008 latin-tours.com / All rights reserved.
|
|
|
