A brief introduction to Belize's in country destinations with links to larger sites covering the destinations. Belize offers a host of attractions including several sanctuaries, the world class Belize Zoo, a new museum, historic government buildings, churches and incredible Maya sites. The city is a great place to spend a day or two learning about Belize's history and its multi-cultural heritage while mingling with the amiable, laid back Belizeans who greet you with a smile. It's also the perfect place to plan and begin your discovery of Belize and offers all kinds of access to any destination in the country.
Northern Belize
Covering the two districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, the north is a Belizean bonanza of natural wealth and archaeological wonder. Spectacular ancient cities, highlighted by the temples at Lamanai, evidence the ancient Maya's affinity for the area. With jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers, the region is home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes the jaguar and the manatee. Culturally the north is primarily mayan and Spanish with the Mennonite farmers adding their old world flavor to the mix.
Southern Belize
Nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure minded and the adrenaline addicted is the Toledo district of Belize. A cultural lean towards the Mopan and Kekchi Maya is evident, they will give you an inside look at how the Maya have balanced tradition with the demands of a modern world. The ancient Maya Ruins and cities, intricate cave systems and pristine rainforests headline a long list of attractions accessible from the coastal city of Punta Gorda, including lagoons, rivers, creeks and cayes. Wildlife, birds, trees and plants in astounding variety make Toledo a nature lover's paradise.
Other Islands and Atolls
Travelers searching for postcard-perfect beaches, enticing warm waters and a laid-back Caribbean style will find the cayes of Belize to be their perfect haven.
More than 200 islands dot the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea off Belize’s eastern coast. In Belize, islands they are called cayes - pronounced keys. The cayes range in size and type from sprawling mangrove-covered masses to small areas of sand and coral rubble used as temporary fishing camps; from privately owned cayes with individual resorts to larger islands with towns like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Most of the cayes lie within the shelter of the Barrier Reef which stretches from Belize’s most northern caye past the country’s most southern point. The Barrier Reef protects the cayes and mainland from the rolling breakers coming from the greater Caribbean Sea making for calmer waters within the confines of the inner lagoon between the reef and mainland coast.
Beyond the Barrier Reef, three of the Caribbean’s four atolls are found. Atolls are ring-shaped coral islands which reach up from the ocean floor to surround beautiful lagoons sprinkled with fish and coral gardens. Eight marine protected areas reside within Belizean waters attesting to the region’s remarkable biodiversity as well as Belize’s commitment to the management and protection of its marine ecosystems.
The estimated population 16,400, is the capital of Belize. Belmopan was constructed just to the east of Belize River, 80 km (50 miles) inland from the former capital, the port of Belize City, after that city's near destruction by a hurricane in 1961. The government was moved to Belmopan in 1970, and its National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.
Belmopan is 50 miles (80 km) inland from the Caribbean Sea and 76 meters (250 ft) above sea level, located near the Belize River Valley with a view of the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills. The climate at night is cool. The city is located off of the Hummingbird Highway. Two and a half hours south of Belmopan, by road, is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The largest of all the cayes, Ambergris Caye is renowned for its beaches and proximity to the coral reef. From here you can indulge any wet adventure you can dream up; Sport fishing, scuba divi, snorkeling and manatee watching are among the most popular. San Pedro, the caye's hub, offers any variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars and nightlife. For a change of pace and scenery, the bay side of the caye is a great place to get acquainted with Belizean bird life.
Caye Caulker
Just south of Ambergris is the relaxed and slow paced Caye Caulker where you can indulge your island fantasies on a quiet beach and get to know the Mestizo and Creole culture, customs and traditions. Offering budget accommodations and excursions with a full range of services, Caulker is also well known for its friendly, easygoing people who make it difficult for you to leave this sunny, sleepy little island.
White sand beaches, brilliant blue waters and a hundred ways to enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you at Placencia. Spend your days in the water diving, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach, and your nights at the many interesting restaurants and watering holes that feature local food, culture and live music.
The Country of Belize is made up of Six Districts
Corozal The District is the northernmost district of the nation of Belize. The population was 33,335 as of 2000. The district capital is Corozal Town.
Belize Dominated by Belize City and offers a host of attractions including several sanctuaries, the world class Belize Zoo, a new museum, historic government buildings, churches and the incredible Maya site at Altun Ha. The city is a great place to spend a day or two learning about Belize's history
Orange Walk The Orange Walk District, with an area of 1790 square miles (4,636 square km), is located north-northeast of the Belize District. This is the second largest district in terms of total area and lies between the Belize and Corozal districts to the east, Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. Cayo Located in the western interior of Belize, Cayo is a 1500 square mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit and explore. To the east is the capital city of Belmopan and to the far west, visitor friendly San Ignacio, the main city of the district. Between the two lie a world of forests teeming with wildlife and immaculately beautiful tropical watersheds catered to by a variety of jungle and river lodges to suit any style, budget and adventure.
Stann Creek The journey in by road on the Hummingbird Highway, with breathtaking vistas of the rainforests and the Maya Mountains, takes you all the way into culture rich Dangriga, historic home of the Garifuna people. Opportunity for marine adventure abounds with the nearby coral reef, cayes and coastal villages, while the Cockscomb Basin bears witness to Belize's lush broadleaf tropical forests that are home to countless species of plants and animals. Toledo Toledo welcomes the curious and lures the adventurous. Nearly 1,700 square miles jostle with opportunities for the adventure-minded and adrenaline-addicted traveler. Toledo district has a cultural blend of traditional Mopan Maya and Ketchi farmers along with a healthy East Indian population.
