Journey to Belize - From Caribbean islands to Rain Forest!

Few nations in the world offer so much to do in such a tiny country as Belize. In only a few miles and in hardly an hour you can go from the Belize barrier reef to pristine rainforest.

And, this member of the British Commonwealth, previously known as British Honduras, is the only officially English-speaking nation in Central America. Since Belize is a real melting-pot of cultures: Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean/African-derived lineages like Garifuna and Creole, you'll hear a complete spectrum of languages uttered here too.

The Belize barrier reef is the second-largest in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. A vast web of Caribbean coral reefs and atolls allow some of the finest snorkeling and underwater diving in this hemisphere. Belize has created several marine preserves to protect fish species from overuse by commercial fishing. One such park is Glovers Atoll, about 28 miles offshore from the diminutive town of Dangriga. Glover's Atoll is also a UN World Heritage Site. Guests who need to dive, snorkel or kayak Glover's can stay on at Isla Marisol Lodge, a family-run full-service lodge on the atoll.

In the spring, the world's most enormous fish, the whale shark, moves into the southern region of the Belize barrier reef and scuba divers come to follow them. Despite their size and family reputation (sharks), whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders brought to the area by breeding Culebra snapper.

There's as much or even more to do further inland. Heading west from the Caribbean, the flat coastal plain becomes more rugged and montane. thick rainforest with massive trees overlays the mountains, and clear rivers and brooks draws canoeists and kayakers. The Belize rainforest is also notable to birders for its big variety of eye-catching tropical species and jaguars, ocelots and howler monkeys complete the mammal list.

Belize has one of the most intensive cave systems in Central America. Most of the fundamental rock formation is limestone, excellent for forming caves. A popular activity is investigating caves, some of which still contain pre-Columbian Mayan artifacts.

The Mayan empire did very nicely here starting approximately 1500 BCE and Belize supported up to 400,000 Mayans at the civilization's top, nearly double Belize's current day population. Intensive towns existed across the nation and large pyramid building has left Belize with a spectacular number of excellently-preserved Mayan ruins. An example is Lamanai, one of the largest of the Mayan cities. Guests desiring to investigate the Lamanai ruins can stay at close by Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Many of the guides are local Mayans residing in the town opposite to the ruins.

In the nearby Cayo District (everywhere is "nearby" in Belize) are other impressive ruins such as Caracol and Xunantunich. Great resorts to stay are duPlooy's Jungle Lodge and Cave's Branch.

When you're trying to find an inexpensive, friendly and culturally and biologically diverse vacation location only two hours by air from the US, travel to Belize!

John Randall has traveled extensively in Belize, and his internet site contains in depth information regarding Belize resorts. Journey to Belize - From Caribbean islands to Rain Forest!