Belize's Tropical Rainforest: Paradise Explored

Belize is a country in Central America that is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including dense tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests cover approximately 7% of the Earth's surface, yet they harbour an extensive array of species, housing over 50% of the world's biodiversity. The rainforests of Belize are no exception, boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna. More than half of Belize's mainland is covered by dense tropical rainforests, with the southern district of Toledo containing one of the country's largest sections of pristine rainforest. The Belizean rainforest is a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem, teeming with life and offering a plethora of sights, sounds, and scents to captivate adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Wildlife and plants

Belize is a biodiversity hotspot, with abundant rainfall, warm temperatures, and vast swathes of pristine land. The country is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, with dense sub-tropical rainforests covering more than half of its mainland. Here is a detailed overview of the wildlife and plants found in this Central American nation:

Wildlife:

Belize is home to an impressive variety of animal species, including:

• Birds: With over 500 species of birds recorded, Belize is a bird-watcher's paradise. Some notable bird species include keel-billed toucans, harpy eagles, hummingbirds, jabiru storks, yellow-headed parrots, scarlet macaws, falcons, hawks, and eagles.
• Big Cats: Five species of big cats call Belize home, including the jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. These cats were once revered as gods by the Maya people.
• Primates: Two species of primates are found in Belize: the Yucatan black howler monkey (known locally as baboons) and Geoffroy's spider monkey.
• Reptiles: The country has a thriving reptile population, including crocodiles (American and Morelet's), iguanas (green, black, basilisk), and snakes (fer-de-lance, yellow-jaw Tommy Goff, tres minutos, and barba amarilla).
• Marine Life: The coastal regions and reefs of Belize are brimming with marine life, including manatees, whale sharks, dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and a variety of reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and clown fish.
• Other Mammals: Other mammals found in Belize include peccaries (wild pigs), tapirs (also known as mountain cows), gibnuts (large rodents), deer, bats, foxes, gophers, otters, squirrels, and whales.

Plants:

Belize boasts a diverse range of plant life, with over 4,000 species of flowering plants and more than 700 species of trees. Some notable plant species include:

• Orchids: With over 250 species of indigenous orchids, Belize is a haven for these exotic plants. The black orchid, the national flower of Belize, is particularly noteworthy.
• Fruit and Nut Trees: The rich soil of Belize supports the growth of custard apples, guava, mangoes, papaya, bananas, pineapple, cashews, coconut palms, and mamey.
• Medicinal Plants: Understanding and using native plant species for medicine dates back to the Maya civilization. Many modern pharmaceutical companies are now studying local plants for their medicinal properties.
• Trees: Belize is home to a variety of tree species, including mahogany (the national tree), logwood, broadleaf, palm, cacao, coconut, and chicle trees.

Ecotourism

Belize is home to pristine and secluded tropical rainforests that cover nearly half of its mainland. These rainforests are considered some of the oldest intact ecosystems on Earth, harbouring a vast array of plant and animal species. The country has taken significant steps to protect its rainforests, with over 50% of them under government protection in the form of national parks, animal sanctuaries, and wilderness areas.

The rainforests of Belize offer a unique and immersive travel experience. Visitors can explore a diverse range of flora and fauna, including exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects, and over 500 species of birds. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve are popular destinations to discover the beauty and biodiversity of the tropical rainforest.

Belize offers a range of eco-lodges and jungle resorts that provide immersive experiences for visitors. These accommodations are designed to minimise their environmental impact while contributing positively to local communities and conservation efforts. Examples include The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Blancaneaux Lodge, and Bocawina Rainforest Resort.

In conclusion, ecotourism in Belize offers a unique opportunity to explore pristine rainforests and natural wonders while contributing to the country's economic growth and conservation efforts. With its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and commitment to sustainability, Belize is an ideal destination for those seeking immersive and responsible travel experiences.

Ancient Mayan sites

Belize is considered the epicentre of the ancient Maya world. The country was once home to more than 2 million Mayas, with sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, and other structures as their legacy. The ancient Maya civilisation spanned several millennia, beginning around 350 B.C. and reaching its peak between 250 A.D. and 900 A.D.

Caracol

Located in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala, Caracol is considered the historically most important Mayan site. It was the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms and contains the remains of thousands of structures. The city is known for defeating and subjugating Tikal, another major Mayan centre, and features majestic temples that offer spectacular views of the surrounding Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The site is still being excavated, with much of its history yet to be uncovered.

Lamanai

Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in the Maya language, is located on the New River in the Orange Walk District. It is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica, with evidence of occupation from the Early Preclassic period up until and beyond the Spanish colonisation of the area. The site includes the remains of a Roman Catholic church established by Spanish conquistadores, as well as three Mayan temples, ball courts, and hiking trails where howler monkeys and boa constrictors can be spotted.

Cerros

Cerros, or Cerro Maya, is situated on Corozal Bay in northern Belize. It is one of the earliest Maya sites, reaching its peak during the Late Preclassic period. The site is notable for its unique structural complex, known as an E-Group, and for being partially underwater. What remains above the waterline includes five temples, plazas, and a canal system that winds around three architectural complexes.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek Cave, located in the Cayo District, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The site contains a wide range of cultural remains left by the ancient Maya, including artifacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human remains. The cave was of great ritual importance to the ancient Maya, who used it for ceremonies and sacrifices.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, meaning "place of ticks" in modern-day Maya, was once the royal acropolis-palace of an elite Mayan ruling family. The site includes seven plazas and over 30 structures, such as temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres of land. A royal burial chamber was discovered at the site, containing a variety of ornaments, pottery, blades, and jade objects.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, which means "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in Maya, is located near the village of San Jose Succotz. It is one of the most visited Mayan sites in Belize, featuring impressive structures such as a 133-foot-tall temple, the second tallest in the country. The site also includes six plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and well-preserved sun god masks.

Adventure activities

Belize is a haven for adventurers, with its dense, pristine rainforests, exotic wildlife, mysterious Mayan ruins, and stunning beaches. Here are some adventure activities to explore in this tropical paradise:

Hiking and Exploring Viewpoints

Hiking is a fantastic way to discover the beauty of Belize's rainforests. Challenge yourself on the medium-to-difficult trail to the top of Antelope Falls in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a refreshing emerald green pool. Explore the miles of trails and numerous waterfalls within the park. Another remarkable viewpoint is from the Cahal Pech Village Resort, offering a stunning vista of the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of the Cayo District.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Belize's rainforests are home to an incredible array of wildlife and birds. Keep your eyes peeled for keel-billed toucans, harpy eagles, howler monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, and the elusive tapir, Belize's national animal. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the over 500 species of birds found in the country, including the tiny hummingbird, jabiru stork, and the yellow-headed parrot. Head to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve for prime wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.

Water Adventures

Belize offers a range of water-based activities in its pristine rivers and underground cave systems. Try canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddling to explore the watercourses within the rainforest. For a unique experience, try cave tubing, where you can float through vast underground cave systems aboard an inflatable tube. Snorkelling and diving in the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the longest living barrier reefs in the world, will reveal a vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful marine life.

Ziplining and Rappelling

For adrenaline seekers, ziplining through the rainforest canopy is a thrilling way to experience the jungle. At night, the rainforest comes alive with nocturnal creatures, making a night zipline tour an unforgettable experience. If you're feeling extra adventurous, try waterfall rappelling at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort, where you can hike through the rainforest and then rappel down the Big Drop Falls into a pristine blue pool.

Exploring Mayan Ruins

Belize is a treasure trove of ancient Mayan history, with more ceremonial and civic sites than anywhere else on the planet. Discover impressive pyramids, plazas, and palaces at sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. Getting to these sites is an adventure in itself, often involving hand-cranked ferries, 4x4 drives, or riverboat journeys.

Cultural Experiences

Explore Belize's rich cultural tapestry by learning about traditional medicinal practices using local plants and discovering the secrets of Mayan chocolate-making. Take a cooking class to delve into the diverse cuisine influenced by Garifuna, Creole, and Mayan cultures.

Government protection

The Government of Belize has recognised the importance of preserving the nation's vast natural resources, and as a result, over 50% of the country's rainforest is under government protection. This includes national parks, animal sanctuaries, and wilderness areas. Belize's rainforest is home to a diverse range of plant, bird, and animal species, and it serves as the "lungs" of the planet.

The Belize government's efforts to protect the rainforest have borne fruit for the tourism industry, which is now the country's second-leading source of revenue. Ecotourism has flourished due to the pristine wilderness that remains largely unexploited.

Belize contains part of the largest tropical rainforest north of the Amazon. With 60% of the country forested, it has the highest rate of forest cover in Central America and the Caribbean. The country is also home to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including lowland pine forest, semi-deciduous broadleaf forest, lowland savannah, shrubland, wetlands, and mangroves.

The Belize Maya Forest is a prime example of successful conservation efforts. Through collaborations with NGOs, the government, community leaders, and businesses, over 236,000 acres of land have been protected, representing an essential link in conserving the largest remaining tropical forests in the Americas outside the Amazon. This protected area has nearly doubled the size of the adjacent Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area, and together they safeguard 9% of Belize's landmass.

The government's commitment to protecting the rainforest has also been demonstrated through projects like the North-eastern Biological Corridor, which connects a network of protected areas in the coastal Corozal District. This corridor provides a vital lifeline for large animals, allowing them to move freely between protected areas and ensuring their long-term survival.

Frequently asked questions