Geographically this country is small in size (8,866 square
miles), but, it's gigantic in attractions and diversity. The
mainland and coastal cayes are remarkable wonders. The topography
changes rapidly as do compass points. Travelers see estuaries,
rivers, jungle, mountains, coral reefs, expansive underground
caves, glorious waterfalls and an incredible collection of
wildlife.
Every year more and more visitors are discovering
Belize. Most come to dive, fish, enjoy the wildlife and explore
ancient ruins. Some come to relax. Others come for the education.
Today the population of over 240,000 people
is a blend of Creole - a mix of European and African, Maya,
Mestizo - a mix of Spanish and Mayan, Garifuna - a mix of
African and Carib, and the Mennonites. Added to this mix is
a sprinkling of international wayfaring strangers who wander
in and never leave. Resulting is a people of storybook character
with an uncommon tolerance for one another.
If the country is famous for anything, it
would be diving along its out cayes and ecotourism inland.
Belize is home of the longest barrier reef in the Western
Hemisphere. Diving is unquestionably spectacular. The cayes
along the reef are picture perfect - white sandy beaches and
coconut palms.
The interior of the mainland is no less known
and equally as amazing. In the north, the land is mostly flat.
The southern regions encompass the rugged Maya Mountains.
Rivers cut through the land, snaking with the gentle flow
of raw nature. The rivers are home to manatees, crocodiles
and trophy-size fish. Riverbanks are alive with wildlife.
Thundering calls of howler monkeys warn intruders. Trees dance
with colors of parrots and toucans. Giant tapirs water at
the river's edge. Elusive jaguars mark the soft ground with
huge paw prints. The inland is ecotourism at its best. It's
a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, all living in harmony.
With all its charm and innocence, excitement
and diversity, Belize is becoming a preferred destination
for travelers seeking something new, something good. The people
of Belize are well aware of what they have, and they're happy
to share, but they're careful to preserve. And this is good,
because it keeps Earth as Earth should be. Let the journey
begin, take your thousand pictures.
Driving
in Belize
 Many
natural wonders and man-made attractions are easily accessible
by car. With your own car, you can plan, take as much time
as you want, and return when you're ready. Seeing mainland
Belize by car isn't the fastest means of traveling, but it's
the best way to soak up the sights and feel the magic.
Driving in Belize, any way you slice it,
is an adventure. Every bend brings a new panorama with exciting
photo opportunities. Scenic rivers, waterfalls and mountain
vistas create permanent picture-memories.
Always top off before going to remote areas,
gas is about US$2.90 per gallon. Driving is done on the right
hand side of the roads. Before striking out on a journey,
it's wise to inquire about current road conditions. Heavy
rains create problems with roads in some areas. Use caution
at intersections. In some cases no signs are posted. Keep
a distance from other vehicles out on the open road. Trucks
may throw up dirt and rocks. Speed bumps may appear unexpectedly
on roads near towns and schools. Use caution!
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This page provided courtesy of Destination
Belize,
The Official Visitor Magazine of the Belize Tourism Industry
Association.
|
You
are about to take a journey like none you've ever encountered.
Mark my words, Belize is no ordinary place! You've heard the
expression, "a picture's worth a thousand words."
On this journey, it will take a thousand pictures to say one
word - Belize. 
