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Belize is a small Central American country with a diverse range of natural regions. From lush rainforests and mountainous landscapes to pristine coastlines and vibrant coral reefs, Belize offers a wealth of natural beauty for visitors to explore.
The country is divided into several distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics. The Northern Cayes and Atolls, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, are popular tourist destinations known for their world-class snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing spots. Southern Belize, encompassing the Stann Creek and Toledo districts, boasts the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, picturesque coastal towns, and untouched rainforests.
The Cayo District, located near the Guatemalan border, is renowned for its limestone mountains, caves, and waterfalls. It is also home to impressive Mayan ruins such as Caracol and Xunantunich. The Orange Walk and Belize District feature a mix of rural villages, nature reserves, and ancient Mayan sites like Lamanai.
Belize's natural regions also extend beyond its mainland. The country lays claim to hundreds of offshore islands, known as cayes, as well as atolls such as Turneffe Island Atoll and Lighthouse Reef Atoll. These islands and atolls provide a haven for diverse marine life and offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich ecological diversity.
With its varied landscapes, abundant wildlife, and year-round pleasant weather, Belize presents a multitude of natural regions to explore and discover.
What You'll Learn
Orange Walk and Northern Belize
Orange Walk, also known as "Sugar City", is a district in Northern Belize. It is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including Mestizos (Spanish-Maya), Maya, Chinese, East Indians, Creoles, and Mennonites. The town has a population of about 13,400 people and is located on the left bank of the New River, approximately 53 miles north of Belize City.
The area has a rich history dating back to the Maya civilization, when it was known as Holpatin. The New River, which flows through the town, was a major trading route for the Maya, and the town's name is said to originate from the orange groves that once hugged the river's banks. Orange Walk also has a British colonial past, with several colonial-style buildings still standing today.
One of the main attractions in Orange Walk is the Mayan site of Lamanai, which translates to "submerged crocodile" in the Mayan dialect. Lamanai is believed to have been occupied from around 1500 BC to 1650 AD and features pyramids, ball courts, and evidence of religious sacrifice. The site can be accessed by car or by boat, with a 26-mile boat tour along the New River offering an opportunity to observe wildlife and birdwatch.
Another notable Mayan site in the region is Nohmul, located near the Corozal border. Nohmul, which means "great mound", boasts the highest point in Orange Walk and is characterised by a unique raised walkway connecting two ceremonial sites.
In addition to its Mayan ruins, Orange Walk offers a range of cultural and natural attractions. The Banquitas House of Culture, located on the western bank of the New River, showcases the history, culture, and industry of the district. The nearby Honey Camp Lagoon is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, featuring golden sandy beaches and coconut trees. The area is also known for its tacos, with people travelling from all over Belize to sample the local variety.
The Rio Bravo Conservation Area, managed by the nonprofit organisation Programme for Belize, covers 280,000 acres of tropical forest. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including all five species of Belizean cats, and is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 400 species of birds recorded in the area.
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Belize City
The city is a popular destination for cruise ships and is often used as a jumping-off point for excursions to other parts of Belize, such as the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites. Belize City has a range of hotels, casinos, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, making it a great place to socialise and experience the local culture.
The city's coordinates are 17°15′ North longitude and 88°45′ West latitude, and it is part of the larger Belize District. The city limits reach out to Mile 8 on the Western Highway and Mile 14 on the Northern Highway.
Overall, Belize City is a vibrant, metropolitan area with a rich history and diverse cultural offerings. It serves as a gateway to the rest of Belize and is a great place to experience the local lifestyle and explore the country's natural and man-made attractions.
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Ambergris Caye
The east side of the island, where San Pedro is located, is where most of the action happens. Here, you'll find resorts, hotels, and homes enjoying the cool sea breezes and gorgeous ocean and reef views. The west side of the island is home to Secret Beach, a must-see spot with calm, crystal-clear waters. This stretch of beach used to be deserted, but now it's packed with beach bars and restaurants.
Golf carts are the main form of transportation on Ambergris Caye, and they provide a fun way to explore the island. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.
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Caye Caulker
The primary mode of transportation on the island is by golf cart or bicycle, although many residents and tourists choose to walk or go barefoot. The island is small, measuring only five miles long, and is divided by a channel called 'The Split', which is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. The calm, shallow waters of The Split make it an ideal place to cool off, and there are several bars and restaurants nearby, including the Lazy Lizard, which serves strong drinks and bar food.
The island is home to a diverse range of restaurants and street stalls, offering everything from barbecue to fresh seafood. Lobster and conch are considered must-try eats, and there are several annual 'Lobsterfest' celebrations on the island. Caye Caulker is busiest during Belize's dry season, from January to April, and things tend to be more expensive during this peak tourist season.
Accommodation options on Caye Caulker range from hostel-type accommodations to boutique properties with more modern amenities. The island has resisted major commercialisation, and lodging options tend to be simple and geared towards laid-back travellers looking to spend most of their time outdoors.
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Stann Creek District - Southern Coast
Belize is divided into six districts, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. One of these districts is the Stann Creek District, located on the southern coast of the country. With a population of approximately 34,000 residents, Stann Creek is home to a diverse range of indigenous and local peoples, including Mestizos, Creole, Garifuna, and descendants of the Maya. The district offers a rich ecological experience and a wide range of tourism opportunities within its 986 square miles (2,554 square kilometres) area.
The capital of the Stann Creek District is Dangriga, formerly known as "Stann Creek Town". The name "Stann" comes from the word "stanns", which means "safe havens", attracting early settlers fleeing persecution. The district is served by the Hummingbird Highway and the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway, connecting it to Belize City.
One of the highlights of the Stann Creek District is the Placencia Peninsula, known for its white sandy beaches and pristine waters. Placencia Village, located on the peninsula, is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of water sports activities such as fishing, sailing, canoeing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. The village is also known for its seafood delicacies, including freshly caught lobsters prepared in various ways.
In addition to Placencia, the district is home to several other villages, each with its own unique character. These include Hopkins, a small Garifuna town known for its cultural experiences, and Maya villages such as Red Bank, where visitors can observe the migration of Scarlet Macaws between December and March.
Nature lovers will find the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve particularly fascinating. This sanctuary is home to indigenous jaguars and hundreds of species of tropical birds, and it offers hiking trails to waterfalls and river tubing experiences. Another natural attraction is the Mayflower Bocawina Park, which provides beautiful forest scenery, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and activities such as ziplining and waterfall rappelling.
The Stann Creek District also has a significant agricultural sector. The main economic activities include fishing and harvesting bananas, citrus fruits, and other agricultural products. The port of Big Creek serves as the main port for the banana industry, connecting Belize to Britain and Europe for the export of fruits and agricultural goods.
In summary, the Stann Creek District on the southern coast of Belize offers a diverse range of cultural, ecological, and tourism experiences. From its bustling town of Dangriga to the pristine beaches and water sports of Placencia, the district showcases the best of Belize's natural and cultural attractions. With its rich history, diverse communities, and abundance of natural wonders, Stann Creek is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Belizean experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Belize is divided into two main natural regions: the northern lowlands and the southern coastal plain.
The northern lowlands comprise flat, swampy coastlines with many lagoons, mangrove swamps, tropical pine savannas, and hardwood forests.
The southern coastal plain is dominated by the Maya Mountains, with associated basins and plateaus. The mountains rise to approximately 1,100 meters, with Doyle's Delight as the highest point at 1,124 meters.
