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DestinationsOther |
BelizeINTRODUCTION Being the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is located between the Hondo and Sarstoon Rivers. Major cities include: HISTORY KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Capital: Belmopan Currency: Belizean Dollar Time Zone: Standard Time -0600 UTC Power: 110 V and 220 V, 60 Hz Languages: Predominately Spanish and English Climate: the climate in Belize is normally a tropical climate, with this you will find it hot and humid ATTRACTIONS RESTAURANTS LODGING PERSONAL STORIES I traveled to the amazing country of Belize in March of 1999. At that time, it was a fairly new hot spot for foreigners, so it felt as though my group and I were alone among the locals, a rarity in today's world. The overall appeal of this country is its luscious rainforests and magnificent diving. Diving in Belize was my most favorite aspect of my trip. Seeing as though I am a PADI certified medic scuba diver, I found the Blue Hole to be one of the most awe-inspiring sights I had ever seen. Lying nearly 60 miles off the Belize coast, this underwater mountain reaches depths of over 400 feet, full of caves and underwater passageways. At the time of this dive, I was simply an open-water diver (first level trained). I found the dive to be a helpful learning experience. As I reached deeper in the hole, there was only an occasional small reef shark, nothing too frightening. In the shallow areas, however, there was an abundance of life. Many indigenous species fluttered about, paying no mind to the tourists trying to catch a glimpse. I do recommend this sight even if you are a snorkeler because the underwater life is near the surface for all to enjoy. Another aspect of the trip that I would recommend to all travelers is to visit the Mayan ruins. There are many throughout the country from which to choose. It is amazing to witness first handedly the intelligence of cultures long surpassed. Visitors are encouraged to hike to the top of these ancient structures to see a remarkable view of the nations lush landscape. If you plan on traveling to Belize, there are a few pointers I should share with you. First off, the Belize culture lives amongst nature, respecting and utilizing it on a daily basis. This means that you should expect your room to also be that of another species as well. What I am politely trying to say is that each bungalow is open to the outdoors, therefore allowing nature inside the room. Usually, there are mosquito nets for this very reason: to protect you while you sleep. It takes some getting used to, but this is common practice among most nonindustrial nations. Accommodations made near the rainforest should expect more animal traffic than those near the ocean, however. Make sure to get plenty of information about where you may be staying before you arrive. I recommend this only because some hotels are much nicer than others. If I were to personally recommend an establishment, I would suggest staying at Jaguar Reef Lodge, located on a 600 acre peninsula with seven miles of white sandy beaches at your disposal. It is a fabulous option for those of you interested in ocean activities. The lodge also offers well-priced tours and comfortable accommodations without going too overboard. Jaguar Reef is a personal favorite of mine because it is very reasonably priced for all that you get! Hopefully, I have helped familiarize you a bit more to the beauty that is Belize. I remind you as Anthony Bourdain would to "be a traveler, not a tourist!" Have fun! 
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