Belize is unique among the countries of Central America, inasmuch as the official language is English, rather than Spanish.

Further, Belize's principal ethnic group is black Creole, rather than Spanish or mestizo. The country has a population of just over 200,000 - making it the most sparsely populated country in Central America. The climate is subtropical, with an annual mean daily temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The breezes from the Caribbean Sea have a refreshing cooling effect, and help to offset the humidity - at least in the coastal areas.

Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. This reef lies parallel to the coast of Belize, and stretches about 180 miles in a north to south direction. The Belize Barrier Reef is widely regarded as one of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites. The water on this reef is calm and clear with water visibility usually reaching about 100 feet. The water temperature remains at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year.

The reef is home to about 375 species of fish and about 60 types of coral. Just beyond the main reef are three "atolls" - very large oval shaped formations of coral. In close proximity to the reef can be found a number of marine reserves, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. These reserves are well worth a visit for those interested in marine ecology.

In addition to diving and snorkeling, the reef is also a great location for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing or just plain swimming.

Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, the largest of the more than 200 cayes (islands) located on Belize's northern coastline, lies just west of the Belize Barrier Reef. This narrow island is about 25 miles long and is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Belize. Ambergris Caye, with its lush vegetation, pleasing climate and pristine white beaches, is the "Isla Bonita" (Beautiful Island) referred to by Madonna in her popular song of the same name.

Because it lies less than a mile from the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye attracts large numbers of scuba divers and snorkelers. However, many other activities are popular here, including windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, nature walks, visits to nearby Maya ruins, and more.

The small town of San Pedro, located in the south part of Ambergris Caye, has numerous restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, as well as authentic Belizean cuisine. Street vendors serve inexpensive freshly made tacos and a variety of delicious grilled meats.

San Pedro has several bars and discos, night beach parties (which are open to all), and a number of cultural festivals held on various days throughout the year. The town also has numerous small shops which sell a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans, including pottery, paintings and some truly beautiful coral and silver jewelry.

Ambergris Caye has many deluxe resorts and condominiums available for visitors, but budget accommodation is not difficult to arrange.

Maya Ruins
The ancient Maya civilization once lived in Belize and throughout the Yucatan peninsula area of Mexico. Belize has hundreds of Maya archaeological sites or ruins - more than any other country in Central America. Due to financial constraints, many of these sites have yet to be excavated. However, numerous sites are open to visitors and guided tours are available.

The site at the ancient Maya city-state of Caracol is located in the center of the Chiquibul Rainforest and is the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize. This site dates from the classical Maya period (700-900 A.D.) and has a number of fascinating structures, including five plazas and several pyramids. The largest of these pyramids, "Caana" (Sky Place), is about 140 feet high and, to this day, is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

The Maya archaeological site called Altun Ha, located 30 miles north of Belize City, was a Maya ceremonial and trading center during the period 250-100 A.D. The site has about 250 structures, including two central plazas, and a number of interesting temples and residential buildings. This site became famous as a result of the discovery in one of the temples of a very large jade head representing the sun god, Kinich Ahau. This head is now the national symbol of Belize and is depicted on Belizean paper currency.

Wildlife
Belize is home to an amazing variety of wildlife - including many rare and endangered species. The country takes great pride in its wildlife conservation efforts and there are many sites and venues where visitors can observe exotic mammals, reptiles and birds.

A popular place to observe wildlife native to Belize is The Belize Zoo, located 29 miles west of Belize City. This zoo was established in 1983 to provide shelter for 15 animals left behind by a film crew. Today the zoo is home to about 150 species of mammals, reptiles and birds - all of which are indigenous to Belize. Visitors to the zoo are permitted to view and take photos of jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, macaws, jabirus, storks and other wildlife.

Another popular wildlife venue is the Community Baboon Sanctuary, located 30 miles north of Belize City. This sanctuary was founded in the late 1950s to protect the black howler monkey ("baboon") from possible extinction. Visitors to this site may view an educational jungle exhibit. Hiking trails and guided walking tours allow visitors to view the monkeys, as well as other wildlife such as anteaters, armadillos, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles.

Belize is a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 525 species of birds have been recorded in Belize - including many rare species. Any of Belize's many national parks make excellent venues for birdwatching.

Red Parrot Travel recommended resorts:

Cayo Espanto Private Island

Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Maruba Resort Jungle Spa

Turtle Inn