Belize must-sees
Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize covers a total area of 22965Km², overlooked by small mountain ranges. Dominated by Victoria Peak and criss-crossed by cascades, waterfalls and numerous rivers, these Mayan mountains culminate at an altitude of 1122 m, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle. A prime destination for caving enthusiasts, this small country abounds in exceptional caves, including the must-see Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM). Witness to Mayan customs and often difficult to access, these sites can be visited in their original state.
Criss-crossed by the Rio Belize and Rio Hondo rivers, natural borders with Mexico, Belize is a leading nautical destination. Its greatest pride is undoubtedly the coral reef to be explored at Ambergris Caye. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 300 km-long coral reef is a paradise for diving and snorkelling. Protected as part of the Belizean Cayes, the 300m-diameter, 124m-deep cenote known as the Big Blue Hole is known as one of the most beautiful underwater sites in the world. Stretching 7km long and 600m wide, Caye Caulker invites you to escape, with its village of houses on stilts and clear, warm waters offering visibility down to 60m. In Belize, nature has so much to offer. With its black orchids known as Belize's national flower, the jungle awaits the most adventurous. Encounters here are as surprising as they are unusual, whether with the howler monkey with its raucous, powerful cry, the tapir (mountain cow) or the rare jaguar, which can be seen mainly at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 40,000-hectare reserve.
.
An English-speaking country, Belize is a multicultural destination. While the port of Belize City is bathed in a Caribbean atmosphere, the Jamaican ambience awaits visitors throughout the capital of Belmopan. The colorful wooden cabañas lining the streets of Belize City blend into the unspoilt natural landscape, where Mayan remains have stood for centuries. This is particularly true of the Altun Ha site and its famous jade sculptures, including the head of the sun god K'inich Ajaw, weighing 4.42kg. Once part of an empire that stretched across Central America, in particular Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, Belize boasts such must-see archaeological sites as El Caracol, Laes, Cerros, Cahal Pech, Lubaantún, Nim Li Punit, Xunantunich with its 40m castillo and Santa Rita. Inhabited by the Mayas as early as 1500 BC, the jungle-dwelling Lamanai site invites visitors on a fascinating adventure lasting an average of 3 hours....
The city's architectural heritage is also reflected in more recent buildings. Among the must-see monuments of the colonial era are the Palace of Justice, built in 1926, Government House, dating from 1814, and St John's Cathedral, the oldest and most important Anglican sanctuary on the continent. The Victorian mansions of the Fort George District, the Bliss Institute cultural center and Battlefield Park are also well worth a visit.
The best time to visit Belize
With its subtropical climate, Belize is best visited from December to April, with sunny days, light sea breezes along the coast and little rain. The average annual temperature is 26°C. To take advantage of competitive accommodation prices, the low season (June to October) is the best time to visit.
As Belize's gastronomy combines Mexican, American, Chinese and Indian cuisine, there are specialties to suit all tastes and budgets.
416 850 1835
