FRIENDLY, BEAUTIFUL, UNSPOILED

Belize abounds in spectacular natural features which offer refuge to a vast diversity of marine, plant and animal life. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, stretches 185 extraordinary miles.

Three atolls and hundreds of cayes lie offshore. Lush rainforests, pine savannahs, mountains, wetlands, rivers and lagoons blanket the interior, playing host to a wide variety of activities for those seeking adventure and provide a glimpse into one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet.

Scores of researchers are drawn to our shores, but you don't need a degree to appreciate our spectacular landscape or the many delightful inns, lodges and hotels that attract interesting travellers from around the world.

Mayan ruins dot the length and breadth of the land. Archaeologists have uncovered numerous ancient cities, temples and pyramids. Many still remain hidden under dense jungle foliage. Ceremonial caves strewn with museum quality artifacts lie just beneath the surface. Avid birders and botanists are enthralled by the many species they've longed to log.

The active and adventurous traveller has an abundance of places to see and activities to choose from. You can hike through jungle trails, horseback ride to remote Mayan ruins, explore caves and canoe on the mainland. On the coast and cayes, you can dive, snorkel, sail and kayak. If you like fishing, welcome to heaven. Fish the flats for bonefish and permit; inside the reef for tarpon, snook or barracuda; the blue water for bill and sail fish. Or try fishing a jungle river teeming with life both below and above the surface.

And some people come to Belize just to lie in a hammock and relax. Imagine that!

Belizeans are bright, friendly and talkative by nature. People still wave, smile and greet each other on the streets. You'll enjoy good conversations with the people you meet. We are a culturally diverse population: Creole, Garifuna, Spanish, Mestizo, Mayan, Lebanese and Orientals populate the country. And all 280,000 of us pretty much get along.


Politics is a passionate subject, more so than sports. Our government is based on the British Parliamentary system and our representatives are all democratically elected. We vote every five years and all previous elections have seen the peaceful transition of power from one party to the next. And so, while you're here on vacation, the only party you'll need to concern yourself with, is the party you're travelling in or the one you're going to later that night.

If you're near a town, you want to make sure you hear some music. If a Belizean asks you to "jump up", say yes. When Belize people Punta dance, watch out. It's hot, very hot.

If you're staying in a jungle lodge, you'll be up gazing at the moon and stars, listening to the vocalizations of the nocturnal creatures that inhabit the night. It's a stunning symphony of sounds you'll never forget.

In fact, Belize is unforgettable. Who could not remember the grace and beauty of dolphins escorting your boat caye to caye? The delight in watching flocks of green parrots moving tree to tree before they roost for the night?

Or your memories standing atop a Mayan pyramid imagining how these once bustling cities must have appeared 2,000 years ago? Or canoeing jungle rivers under a canopy alive with birds, basking iguanas and roving troops of screaching howler monkeys.

Belize is a vacation experience that will be indelibly etched in your memory and soul. A very special country people return to..send friends to..and return to again.

FACTS: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize became an independent nation on 21 September 1981. We are members of the British Commonwealth.
• Belize is English speaking, however, in the different areas you'll hear many tongues--Creole, Garifuna, Spanish, three dialects of Mayan, Chinese, Indian and Lebanese.
• Our major towns are: Belize City, Belmopan (the Capital City), San Ignacio, Corozal, Orange Walk, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda. Each town has its own distinct flavour, music and culture.
• Although Belize has its own currency, everyone, everywhere accepts US$ (no coins, just paper). The exchange rate is fixed. BZ$2.00=US$1.00. There's no need to exchange money.
• Our electric current is 110 volts, the same as the US.
• We drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Food and water are both generally safe and clean. Caye hotels usually put a bottle of drinking water in your room. Ask if you have any questions. While in Belize you should try rice and beans with stewed chicken, tamales, fresh tortillas, locally grown fruits and vegetables, freshly caught seafood and Belizean BBQ.
• Our phone, fax and E-mail systems are good nationwide. You can rent a cellular phone on arrival at the airport for $5 USD per day plus phonecards.