WONDERFULLY DIVERSE
Belize is a small country that’s often overlooked by tourists. Which is a great reason in itself for taking a closer look. Other reasons include vast tracts of unspoiled rainforest populated by wild mammals, outrageous birds and legions of distinctly bizarre insects – and reptiles that range from miniature frogs to hulking great caiman. Belize is also home to some of the world’s best diving and beach-lazing, ancient Mayan ruins hidden by riotous jungle, and some fascinating Mennonite communities.
CARACOL
Push your way through the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and you will stumble across the most awe-inspiring and significant Mayan structure ever to be excavated in Belize. You will also be surrounded by a riot of vivid and noisy birds, and a complete profusion of tropical plants.
The best time to visit? November to April means dry and warm weather.
OUTER ATOLLS
As a diver this is one you have to tick off your ‘dived-that’ list. Part of the Lighthouse Reef system, the world famous Blue Hole looks fabulous in aeroplane shots, so imagine what it’s like to swim. There are a total of three coral atolls to investigate.
The best time to visit? November to April should give you the calmest seas and the clearest vision.
AMBERGRIS CAYE
If you love beaches but aren’t content to laze away your whole holiday, then Ambergris Caye offers world class diving, including the trophy Blue Hole, part of the revered Lighthouse Reef system. The fishing is pretty good in these parts too.
YACHT CHARTER
This has to be some sort of ultimate when it comes to go-where-you-please-do-what-you-like holidays. Some sort of ultimate indulgence too, as your luxury catamaran wafts you to remote beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak and fish. Or simply watch dolphins gambolling in your bow-wave.
The best time to visit? December to June for cruising under warm and clear skies.
CHAN CHICH LODGE
If you’re a keen bird-watcher you’ll be bewitched – not just by the astonishing variety of the birdlife here, but also by its closeness. You’ll hardly need your binoculars and the same could be said of the rest of the wildlife of the region too.
The best time to visit? November to April if you prefer your climate dry and warm.
XUNANTUNICH RUINS
Very few tourists venture here, so at the very top of the Xunantunich Ruins you’ll have time to ponder how the civilisation that built such a fabulous structure managed to die out? It won’t be quiet up there though – the surrounding jungle is full of howler monkeys!
ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL
Apart from the fact that it is one of the most dazzling and exhilarating caving venues in Belize, Actun Tunichil Muknal is an important Mayan archaeological site where a huge amount of ceramics and stoneware have been unearthed.
TOLEDO
In some senses, Toledo offers the best of two worlds. Here you can stroll through the southern rainforest to examine deeply interesting and highly photogenic Mayan ruins. You can also plunge below the surface of the sea and encounter a fabulous world of inquisitive, multi-coloured and multi-shaped marine creatures.
LAMANAI RUINS
Even by Belize’s impeccable standards, this region offers you some unforgettable opportunities to experience an amazingly diverse flora and fauna – and a fantastic number of bird species – close up. So make sure your camera’s battery is fully charged. Especially if you also want photos of the area’s bizarre Mennonite communities.
COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains lies a unique opportunity. Surrounded by over 400 sq km of forests and dense natural habitat, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first – and, of course foremost – jaguar sanctuary. So it offers you your best chance of spotting one of the most elusive and beautiful great cats.
The best time to visit? December to May
EXPERTS
Jonny
Claire
