Introducing Belize
With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky.
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Belize attracts more than 850,000 annual visitors eager to explore the mysteries of Maya sites such as Altun Ha or Lamanai, spot a toucan in the bird-watcher's paradise that is Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, snorkel the reef off Caye Caulker or the Northern Cayes, and otherwise partake of paradise. Tourism is the country’s top source of employment and investment. The irony is that it is also the country’s biggest environmental threat.
Belize does not yet have the infrastructure to support the massive numbers of tourists that arrive, especially by way of cruise ships. It does not have the resources to truly protect its sanctuaries and reserves and their inhabitants. And it does not have the political will to stop the rampant coastal development, which would mean turning down millions in investment dollars. According to sources such as Tropical Conservation Science, as much as 80% of coastal land has already been sold to foreign interests with the intention of building condos and resorts.
Fortunately, Belizeans are environmentally aware and indefatigably active. Thanks to a progressive populace, Belize offers myriad ways for travelers to tread lightly, from beach resorts powered by solar energy to jungle lodges built from reclaimed hardwoods. Licensed guides not only direct, but also educate their clients – about the fragility of the reef, the medicinal uses of flora and the threats to the jaguar’s habitat.
It’s never easy to maintain the delicate balance between preserving natural resources and cashing in on economic opportunity. But most Belizeans are proud of their natural heritage and they recognize that the goals of environmental conservation and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive. This is the enlightened approach that has earned Belize its reputation as a paradigm of ecotourism.
Sub Umbra Florero reads the motto on the Belizean flag. It refers to the mighty mahogany tree, and it means ‘Under the shade, I flourish.’ The mahogany may not be as prevalent as it once was, but with its loss has come an understanding of its value. Belizeans recognize that their country’s greatest asset must be respected and protected, and that tourists have an important role to play.
It’s no wonder that Belizeans extend such a warm welcome to travelers. These easy-going people are eager to share – the staggering scenery, the bountiful biodiversity, all that exists in the shade of the mahogany tree.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Search for paradise on a Mayan encounter
- Make your way to the Lamanai ruins
Want more? Browse through more recommended Belize tours
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
Tips & articles
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Ten unusual honeymoon hotspots
23 April 2012
It’s your honeymoon, so it has to be special and unique. From the windswept beaches of a car-free island in...
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Journey into the Maya underworld
1 March 2012
Belize’s forest-clad highlands sit atop Central America’s most extensive cave system, containing some of the largest subterranean passageways and chamber...
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Family fun in Belize
29 February 2012
Belize has many of the key ingredients needed for a quality family holiday: it is affordable compared to other Caribbean...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: SURF in Pochomil/Masachapa
by DaltonFiske 16 May 2012
I'm looking to take a similar trip to Belize. I really like the idea of a vacation home over a hotel. @petegm: Can I ask, how did you…
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RE: rental car Gue/El Sal/Hon-travel with children-safety issue-itinerary
by hopefulist 16 May 2012
Whether it's doable and whether it would be a great vacation or a laborious chore are separate issues. In theory it's doable but with…
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RE: rental car Gue/El Sal/Hon-travel with children-safety issue-itinerary
by talamanca 16 May 2012
Heya djosev, Why take this big a risk, travelling with your young children? The northern triangle of Central America is one of the most…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Belize
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Barton Creek Outpost
San Ignacio (Cayo)
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Belize
Things to do
- All things to do (219)
- Activities (51)
- Entertainment (31)
- Restaurants (70)
- Shopping (18)
- Sights (37)
- Tours (12)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Belize
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1 Caye Caulker
The ultimate chill-out destination with a laidback village vibe and easy access to the sea
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2 Hol Chan Marine Reserve
An underwater ecosystem where divers and snorkelers have face-to-face meetings with sharks and rays
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3 Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
A village rich in Creole culture and a reserve bountiful with bird life
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4 Belize City
A gritty city awash with colors and cultures
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5 Dangriga
The birthplace of punta rock and the spiritual home of the Garifuna people
Fast Facts about Belize
- GDP per person
BZ$15, 600
- Native orchid species
304
- Resident & migratory bird species
570
- Other tourists per annum
251, 650
- Cruise-ship tourists per annum
624, 530
- Population density
34 people per sq mile
- Unemployment rate
9.4%
- Inflation
2.8%
- Population
294, 400
- Species of hard & soft coral
110
- HIV prevalence rate
2.4%
- Literacy
77%
Our favourite Belize Blogs (beta)
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The Weekly Photo: The Split on Caye Caulker
Blog: Nomadic Matt's Travel Site - 18 March 2012
The famous “Split” in Caye Caulker, Belize Traveling soon? Book your travel below with my favorite companies and help support this website: Cheap Flights from Vayama | Travel insurance from World Nomads | Accommodation from HW | Guidebooks | G Adventure Tours ©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.Traveling soon? Book your travel below with my favorite companies and help support this website:
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Five Years on the Road: Our Trans-Americas Journey “Road-a-versary” By the Numbers
Blog: Trans-Americas Journey - 27 February 2012
Happy Anniversary to us! Or should we say “road-a-versary” (thanks Julie)? Today is day 1,825 of our Trans-Americas Journey road trip. That’s five years of active travel on the road not counting a couple of stretches when we were unexpectedly stuck in one place for reasons beyond our control (looking at you, Chevrolet). We’re not very good at math Our initial description of the Journey predicted three years and 75,000 miles to cover North, Central and South America from the Arctic Ocean to Tierra del Fuego.
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Cart Around Belize
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 6 January 2012
While you won’t see any golf courses on Belize’s Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, you will see plenty of golf carts. That’s because in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, electric and gas powered golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. Visitors can rent a cart by simply showing a valid driver’s license. We ended [...]
