Belize – An Unspoiled Tropical Adventure
Belize is located along the beautiful Caribbean Coast bordering Guatemala and Mexico, just above Honduras. Conservation measures have kept most of Belize undeveloped. It was once known as British Honduras before gaining its independence from Britain. Belize boasts an unspoiled dense rain forest, Mayan pyramids and temples, and the second largest barrier reef behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The warm tropical turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, English speaking locals, and regular flights from major airports make this an ideal vacation destination for North America travelers.
Belize was once the center of the ancient Mayan civilization. Here you can tour popular Mayan ruins and temples such as Xunantunich which stands around 130 feet tall and includes a museum of excavated Mayan artifacts. Another popular ruin to visit is Cahal Pech which was once home to the Mayan royal family. You’ll find other temples and palaces at the dense jungles of the Caves Branch Estate. An easy access from Belize City, the Altun Ha Ruins was a major Mayan ceremonial and trading center. Here you can explore pyramid style temples and beautifully manicures grounds. The Lamanai Ruins along the New River Lagoon provides multiple temples including a 125 foot temple to climb that rises above the jungle canopy. In the Belize jungles you’ll find over 500 species of birds and other wildlife like howler monkeys, and plenty of limestone cave systems you can explore.
Since Belize City is scarce on top notch resorts, most vacationers to Belize will visit and stay on the coconut lined Ambergris Caye, the largest island of many just off the coast of Belize. On Ambergris Caye you will find all the best resorts and hotels that Belize has to offer. The Caye runs a length of 25 miles and it’s located only a half a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef that runs the entire length of the east side of the island. The reef features many species of tropical fish, stingrays, eels, black coral, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the great Blue Hole, a world famous popular dive spot. The only town on the island is San Pedro Town. Here you’ll find plenty of diving, snorkeling, fishing and water sports facilities, along with restaurants, clubs, shopping and entertainment.  A great way to get around the island is by bicycle or golf cart, which are readily available for rent around the island. The Caye is also a popular bird watching destination offering bird sanctuaries with viewing towers, such as the Lalas Bird Sanctuary near San Pedro Town. The island is its own vacation resort destination aside from mainland Belize, and has become one of the most popular Caribbean destinations in recent years. It is easy to spend your entire stay on the island without visiting the mainland.
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When visiting Belize we recommend the following resorts on Ambergris Caye: The 5-star Las Terrazas featuring spacious luxury rooms, a pristine beach, large ocean front pool and fine onsite dining options; the 4-star Portofino Beach Resort offers palapa style thatched suites along the beach front on a unique tropical property with a gorgeous pool and fine dining; the 4-star Belize Cove Estates offers spacious and luxurious beach front villas with full kitchens and living & dining rooms, along with a luxurious ocean front pool. This resort works great for families. If you want to stay in Belize City on the mainland we recommend the 4-star Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina which has nice accommodations and full service modern amenities. If you wish to book your Belize travel or view alternative resorts visit VoyageMonkey.com online travel booking for your travel reservations.