Experience a wild adventure in the tropical destination, Belize.
Short of closing your eyes and blindly letting your finger fall to a destination on a map, it can be difficult to choose the perfect vacation spot. The Caribbean islands are perfect for a beach getaway; Europe is ideal if you're looking for romance and history. But if it's an action-packed eco-adventure that thrills you, consider Belize.
The best time to travel to Belize is between February and April. These are the driest months, while July is typically the wettest. High season usually runs from December to April so if you're looking to avoid crowds, visit outside of these months; you'll also find better rates on accommodations.
Now a member of the Commonwealth, Belize was formerly known as British Honduras before gaining its independence in 1981. But its landscape is peppered with many ruins, indicating that long before its colonial past, the peoples of an ancient civilization – the Mayans, inhabited this land.
Five fast facts
• Belize is bordered by Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
• Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.
• The population of Belize is approximately 300,000.
• Belize is a predominantly Christian country; almost half the population is Roman Catholic.
• The birth rate in Belize is one of the highest in the world.
The mystery of this country's history, its undeniable natural beauty, the friendliness of the locals and the access to a wide variety of eco-activities make Belize a prime vacation destination. It's not overrun by tourists just yet but as the secret spreads, Belize will continue to grow in popularity with vacationers looking for something off the beaten path.
Click here to view our slideshow of Belize.
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First things first: Choose a great place to stay. Ka'ana Boutique Resort and Spa is located in Belize's Cayo district, about two hours from the airport. Trust us: It's worth the drive. This luxe property boasts all of the comforts of home, deep in the heart of this beautiful country. Surrounded by the Maya Mountains, this resort is perfectly situated for travelers looking for access to adventure. It's conveniently located near to the Mayan ruins, cave-tubing, zip-lining and horseback riding. But the real treat is coming back to the resort after a day of adventure under the hot sun to relax. The luxurious rooms feature LCD flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations and large private bathrooms to name but a few of the amenities. The on-site restaurants serve up world-class cuisine and the spa, though modest, offers a delicious menu of services to sample. For more information, visit www.kaanabelize.com. |
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The food in Belize is fresh and delicious. This simple salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, mango and chicken on a bed of lettuce is all the more tasty because of the freshness of the ingredients. Belizean cuisine is difficult to describe, mostly because it takes its influence from various places. It's a little bit Caribbean, a little bit Mexican, a touch African and Spanish, and it's even influenced by Mayan cuisine. But in Belize, you'll find that rice and beans are staples, fish and seafood are always fresh and tropical fruits, like mangoes, papayas and star fruit, are readily available. |
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While you're in Belize, you definitely have to cool off with a glass of watermelon juice. The temperatures can soar and this tasty treat will refresh and rejuvenate even the most sun-soaked traveler. This drink, whipped up by the bartender at Ka'ana Boutique Resort and Spa, had a splash of 7-Up, giving it a yummy twist! |
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If you've never zip-lined before, you're in for a treat. At Jaguar Paw, experienced guides help you gear up (harness, helmet, pulley and gloves) and lead groups through the jungle to begin their canopy tour. Zip-lining involves traversing from one treetop platform to another, along a steel cable, some 80 feet above the ground. The two-hour tour is exhilarating. For more information, visit www.jaguarpaw.com</b>. |
