Under the shade, I flourish. This is the national motto for Belize, a country located in Central America. True to its motto, it has been able to do just that, flourish. What better way can they express this but by preserving their wildlife, protecting their heritage, and putting laws in place to make sure nature is not tampered with? If you are looking for a place to enjoy a wide range of activities while still experience the best that nature has to offer, Belize is the place to be. What makes Belize a nature-rich country?
Birder’s paradise
The country is flooded with over 500 species of birds which can be spotted high in the forest. To get the most out of your bird-watching experience, visit the forest during the wee hours of the day (5 am to 9 am) or in the evening from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. They are known to be most active at this time as they sing and chirp melodiously. The autumn migration that occurs from late August to October creates a spectacular scenery. Here, one can see the beautifully decorated national bird, the Keel-Billed Toucan.
Countless caves
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM cave) – it gained popularity due to the presence of the crystal maiden which is a skeleton of a Mayan female that sparks when exposed to light.
Barton Creek Cave – it was used as a burial site by the Mayans. You can see ancient skeletal remains, offerings of agricultural produce, cooking vessels, and spindles.
Actun Loch Tunich Cave/Black Hole Drop – the name originated from the fact that you can’t see the bottom from the point where you start the descent. It takes courage, will and physical fitness to complete this expedition.
There are so many other caves that one can visit like the Chem Chem Hah Cave, Rio Frio Cave, St. Herman’s Cave, etc.
Wildlife
With over 145 mammal species in Belize, your eyes are definitely going to stay busy trying to keep up with all of them. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of some of the most elusive animals like the jaguar, the puma, the ocelot, and the margay. At cockscomb basin wildlife sanctuary and jaguar reserve, you get to see animals like the howler monkey, snakes, agouti, peccary, and the gibnut which happens to be the most prized animal in Belize. Other places one can go to enjoy wildlife include Chiguibul National Park, Burdon Canal Nature Reserve, Blue Hole National Park, and many more.
Water activities
There are a lot of water bodies found in Belize like the Gulf of Honduras, Mopan River, Belize River, and the Macal River. This creates limitless opportunities for one to engage in water activities. Get to see different species of fish and crustaceans when scuba diving at the bottom of the water bodies. The great blue hole, 300 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep, happens to be the perfect spot for scuba divers visiting Belize. For those who prefer enjoying the incredible view from the water surface, snorkeling is an excellent way to do it. Nothing beats the thrill of windsurfing as you navigate the waters, especially when doing it as a group people. You can delight in healthy competition to make it memorable.
Though a small country, Belize has so much to offer for anyone looking to have an unforgettable experience while vacationing. Not only will you always have something to do or somewhere to visit but also get to learn the diverse culture of the friendly locals. Visit the local Mayan ruins and get to know why Belize is known as the epicenter of the ancient Maya world.