The Best of Belize

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Best of Belize 1 The Best of Belize Belize proves the cliché that big things come in small packages. This tiny Central American country has the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere; the largest known Classic Mayan city, Caracol; and the highest concentra- tion per square mile of the largest new-world cat, the jaguar. It also has one of the most extensive and easily accessible cave systems for amateur and experienced spelunkers alike, as well as a nearly endless supply of some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose to stay in an intimate and luxurious hotel, an isolated nature lodge in the heart of the Mundo Maya, or a tent on your own desert island. Or you can sample all three. The best part about all these world-class places and experiences is that Belize’s compact size makes it easy to sample a wide range of them in a short period of time. The lists below should help you zero in on a few personal bests of your own. 1 THE BEST PURELY BELIZEAN EXPERIENCES • Betting on a Chicken Drop: A chicken • Staying with a Maya Family: It cer- drop is a sort of poor man’s version of tainly isn’t going to be like a night at the roulette, and much more fun. Numbers Four Seasons, but if you’re looking for a are painted on a grid and bets are real cultural exchange experience, you placed. Then, a chicken is set loose on a should consider actually staying with a wire mesh screen suspended over the traditional Maya family. The Maya Vil- grid. The winner is chosen by the lage Homestay Network (& 722-2470; chicken’s first “drop.” In addition to any [email protected]) can organize this monetary winnings, the “winner” often for you. See “Punta Gorda & the Toledo must clean the grid. You’ll find a chicken District” in chapter 8. drop held every Wednesday night at the • Spending the Night in a Maya Cere- Pier Lounge on Ambergris Caye. See monial City: An intimate and rather “Ambergris Caye” in chapter 7. luxurious nature lodge, Chan Chich • Drinking a Cool Seaweed Shake: Lodge (& 800/343-8009 in the U.S., Made from dried natural seaweed, or 223-4419 in Belize; www.chanchich. blended with both condensed and evap- com) is built right on the site of a minor orated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, Mayan ceremonial city. The hills just and someCOPYRIGHTED ice, this drink is surprisingly outside MATERIAL your private cabin are unexca- refreshing and tasty. You can get these vated residences and pyramids. Ruins drinks at several beach destinations and basic excavations dot the grounds, around Belize, but Placencia seems to and the surrounding rainforests are rich be the home of the seaweed shake. See in bird and animal life. See p. 213. “Placencia” in chapter 8. 4 THE BEST PURELY BELIZEAN EXPERIENCES1 THE BEST OF BELIZE The BestofBelize SantaSanta ElenaElena ChetumalChetumal 0 20 mi MEXICOM E X I C O THE BEST OF N NATURAL BELIZE CorozalCorozal ChetumalChetumal BayBay 0 20 km The Atolls 10 o TownTown d n SartenejaSarteneja Caves 15 o H The Cayes and Barrier Reef 9 ío R ShipsternShipstern Cockscomb Basin Wildlife LagoonLagoon W1 Sanctuary and Cockscomb COROZALCOROZAL Basin Forest Reserve 18 MEXICOM E X I C O SanSan JoséJosé ShipsternShipstern Crooked Tree SanSan EstevanEstevan NRNR HoneyHoney CampCamp NPNP CorozalCorozal Wildlife Sanctuary 5 BacalarBacalar ChicoChico BayBay MRMR Río Bravo Conservation YoYo CreekCreek OrangeOrange WSWS FreshwaterFreshwater Area 2 WalkWalk TownTown CreekCreek BacalarBacalar ChicoChico NPNP Río On Pools 16 O FRFR Cr AugustAugust ld N lue ee or THE BEST DIVING & B k PinePine RidgeRidge the rn SNORKELING H Ambergris N w SanSan PedroPedro Caye e y Caye Caulker 8 w . AcuasAcuas MaskallMaskall HolHol ChanChan MRMR Gladden Spit 21 SanSan FelipeFelipe N TurbiasTurbias BlueBlue CreekCreek Glover’s Reef Atoll 20 o o 7 r NRNR VillageVillage CrookedCrooked r t Lamanai t h Shark-Ray Alley and TreeTree e Altun Ha 4 r Caye CayeCaye CaulkerCaulker Hol Chan Marine Reserve 7 WSWS n 6 ORANGEORANGE WALKWALK r Caulker MRMR e 5 H Turneffe Island and v 2 RioRio i w 8 R 5 y Lighthouse Reef Atolls 10 3 . W BravoBravo W w w e e N ConservationConservation N A AreaArea BaboonBaboon BurrellBurrell L HillHill BankBank SanctuarySanctuary BoomBoom LadyvilleLadyville A GallonGallon JugJug Turneffe BermudianBermudian BurdonBurdon Atoll M LandingLanding CanalCanal WSWS BelizeBelize CityCity E HattievilleHattieville T 9 r e BELIZEBELIZE A iv Lighthouse TerraTerra NovaNova R Reef Atoll U FRFR NorthernNorthern e . MonkeyMonkey BayBay NPNP liz y Be w C LagoonLagoon GUATEMALAGGUATEMALA H o ern as 10 BlueBlue HoleHole NMNM West tal H w SpanishSpanish y BelmopanBelmopan . 10 TeakettleTeakettle SouthernSouthern LagoonLagoon El Pilar LookoutLookout ManateeManatee 11 12 FRFR GalesGales PointPoint WSWS W San Ignacio Blue Hole NP Gales Point Tapir H u Mountain m Half Moon Caye NM NR m Mullins River San Antonio in gb CAYO ird Grants Hw Sibun y. Works FR FR Middlesex Vaca Mountain FR Pine Ridge Sittee River FR FR Mayflower Bocawina Victoria Peak NM NP Hopkins Village Caracol STANN AR Chiquibul Chiquibul CREEK Cockscomb Basin NP S FR WS N . I y C A R I B B E A N w South A H Glover’s Reef MR T rn Water N e th Caye S E A U Maya u O Mountain o MR M S Mango FR Maya A Creek Y Beach A FR M Placencia Bladen NR y. Swasey w M H o Bladen n n r k FR e Deep e h y Laughing Bird t River Ri Columbia River FR u ve Monkey Caye FR Caye NP o FR r S Monkey River Payne’s TOLEDO Creek NP San Antonio Big Falls Machaca Creek FR Port Honduras Blue MR Creek Agua Caliente Luha WS Punta Gorda G u l f o f H o n d u r a s Temash- Barranco Sarstoon NP Sarstoon River Livingston Santa Elena Chetumal M E X I C O Corozal Chetumal Bay o Town d n Sarteneja o H ío R Shipstern Lagoon COROZAL M E X I C O San José Shipstern San Estevan NR Honey Camp NP Corozal Bacalar Chico Bay MR Yo Creek Orange WS Freshwater Walk Town Creek Bacalar Chico NP O FR Cr August ld N lue ee or B k Pine Ridge the rn H N w San Pedro e y w . Acuas Maskall Hol Chan MR Turbias Blue Creek San Felipe N o NR Village Crooked r t h Tree e r WS n Caye Caulker ORANGE WALK r MR e H v Rio i w R y . Bravo w e Conservation N A Area Baboon Burrell L Hill Bank Sanctuary Boom Ladyville A Gallon Jug Bermudian Burdon M Landing Canal WS Belize City E Hattieville T r e BELIZE A iv Terra Nova R U FR Northern e . Monkey Bay NP liz y Be w C Lagoon G H o ern as Blue Hole NM West tal H w Spanish y Belmopan . Southern Lagoon Lookout Teakettle Manatee FR Gales Point WS SanSan IgnacioIgnacio BlueBlue HoleHole NPNP GalesGales PointPoint TapirTapir H Xunantunich 15 u 13 MountainMountain m HalfHalf MoonMoon CayeCaye NMNM NRNR m MullinsMullins RiverRiver SanSan AntonioAntonio in 14 gb CAYOCAYO ird GrantsGrants Hw SibunSibun y. WorksWorks FRFR FRFR MiddlesexMiddlesex 16 VacaVaca MountainMountain Dangriga FRFR PinePine RidgeRidge SitteeSittee RiverRiver FRFR FRFR MayflowerMayflower BocawinaBocawina W19 VictoriaVictoria PeakPeak NMNM NPNP HopkinsHopkins VillageVillage Glover’s CaracolCaracol STANNSTANN 20 ARAR ChiquibulChiquibul ChiquibulChiquibul CREEKCREEK Reef Atoll CockscombCockscomb BasinBasin NPNP S Caracol 17 FRFR WSWS N 18 . I W y CARIBBEANC A R I B B E A N 17 w SouthSouth W A H Glover’sGlover’s ReefReef MRMR T rn WaterWater N 18 e th CayeCaye SEAS E A U MayaMaya u O MountainMountain o MRMR M S MangoMango FRFR MayaMaya A CreekCreek Y BeachBeach A FRFR M PlacenciaPlacencia THE BEST BIRD-WATCHING W BladenBladen NRNR y. SwaseySwasey Caracol 17 w M H o BladenBladen 21 Cockscomb Basin n n r DeepDeep k FRFR e e Forest Reserve 18 h y LaughingLaughing BirdBird t RiverRiver Ri ColumbiaColumbia RiverRiver FRFR u ve MonkeyMonkey CayeCaye FRFR CayeCaye NPNP o FRFR r Crooked Tree S MonkeyMonkey RiverRiver Payne’sPayne’s Reef Wildlife Sanctuary 5 TOLEDOTOLEDO CreekCreek NPNP Marine Reserve Half Moon Caye boundary National Monument 11 SanSan AntonioAntonio BigBig FallsFalls Man-O-War Caye 19 MachacaMachaca CreekCreek FRFR PortPort Sapodilla KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS New River Lagoon 3 HondurasHonduras Cayes Shipstern Nature Reserve 1 BlueBlue MRMR AR Archaeological Reserve CreekCreek MR AguaAgua CalienteCaliente LuhaLuha WSWS FR Forest Reserve THE BEST MAYAN RUINS PuntaPunta MR Marine Reserve GordaGorda Altun Ha 6 NP National Park GulfG u l f ooff Caracol 17 NM Natural Monument HondurasH o n d u r a s El Pilar 12 Temash-Temash- BarrancoBarranco NR Nature Reserve Lamanai 4 SarstoonSarstoon Bahia de Amatique PR Private Reserve Tikal 14 rstoon NPNP Sa River WS Wildlife Sanctuary Xunantunich 13 GUATEMALA Livingston THE BEST OF BELIZE OF BEST THE THE BEST PURELY BELIZEAN EXPERIENCES BELIZEAN PURELY BEST THE 1 5 6 2 THE BEST OF NATURAL BELIZE • The Cayes & Barrier Reef: Running well as some 300 species of birds. Inside the entire length of the country’s coast- the park you’ll also find Victoria Peak, line, the Belize Barrier Reef is the sec- the country’s highest mountain. See ond longest continuous barrier reef in “Dangriga” in chapter 8. the world. Here you will find some of • Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary the best snorkeling opportunities and (Northern Belize): This preserve is a scuba-diving sites in the world.
Recommended publications
  • Stalking Wild Cats
    ©2005 Graphic Arts Network, Inc. by Jeff Borg, [email protected] STALKING WILD CATS HEAR JAGUARS ROAR IN COCKSCOMB BASIN Once upon a time in the Cockscomb Basin, poachers hunted the powerful jaguars, loggers cut the mahogany trees, and hurricanes toppled the old-growth canopy. Just 20 years later, the jaguars rule, the trees grow dense, and the only threat that remains is from hurricanes. Today, the five wild cats of Belize — jaguars, jaguarundis, margays, ocelots, and pumas — all thrive under the protection of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1986 as the world’s first jaguar preserve and now home to the world’s largest concentration of wild cats. Nature-lovers also thrive at Cockscomb Basin — a 128,000-acre bowl of pristine rainforest, winding rivers, and scenic waterfalls in Stann Creek District — surrounded by mountain ridges and the looming 3,675-foot Victoria Peak. People flock here to hike, camp, kayak, canoe, tube, and swim. The Belize Audubon Society manages the sanctuary, with a visitor center, Maya craft shop, and accommodations just off Southern Highway at Maya Centre. Well-marked hiking trails lead children, adults, and serious naturalists throughout the terrain. Some paths take visitors on casual strolls along riverbanks. Some pose more muscular challenges. One dry-season route dares hearty hikers to conquer Victoria Peak, a two- day trek finished by climbing up on all fours. Get a permit and take a guide. The trails reward visitors with breathtaking views across the basin, rare bird sightings, and a chance to meet diverse Belizean wildlife. While evidence of jaguars abounds, including their ominous roars, humans rarely get to see these masters of stealth.
    [Show full text]
  • The Experience of Three Local Ngos in Marine
    NEGOTIATING INFLUENCE: THE EXPERIENCE OE THREE LOCAL NCOS IN MARINE RESERVE CO­ MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHERN BELIZE by Jocelyn Rae Finch B. A. George Washington University 2002 Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science The University of Montana May 2006 Approved by: Chairperson: Dean, Graduate School: Date: Finch, Jocelyn Rae M.S. May 2006 Forestry NEGOTIATING INFLUENCE: THE EXPERIENCE OE THREE LOCAL NCOS IN MARINE RESERVE CO-MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHERN BELIZE Chairperson: Dr. Steve Siebert Abstract Co- management has become an important tool in the management of Belize’s natural resources, including the world’s second largest barrier reef. There are many systems for co management.- Delegated co management,- where local NGOs serve as the decision making authority and community representative, is the most popular form for marine reserves in Belize. The use of co ­ management offers a way to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in the decision making process. However, the success of marine reserve co management- is affected by a range of local, national and intemational factors. Through personal observations as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in southem Belize, interviews with key individuals involved in marine co management- and review of related literature, I explore how political and economic issues at the local, national and intemational level have influenced marine reserve co -management. Three Belizean non - govemmental organizations have signed co management- agreements with the Department of Fisheries for the management of marine reserves in southem Belize. My research indicates that there are a number of factors which influence co- management in this situation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Wonders of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
    | J ANUARY 2 0 1 6 | V OL . 0 4 # 0 1 | F R E E | The wonders of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary * Reconnecting with nature at Glover’s Reef Atoll * A bit of indulgence at Oasis Spa * Cheers to the New Year! January 2016 My Beautiful Belize, A Visitor’s Guide - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Page 1 From the Editor Tamara Sniffin Weh Di Go Ahn December on La Isla Bonita Through January 22nd Katrina Ancona Art Exhibition Venue: San Pedro House of Culture Did you know that the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize is recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve? More than thirty years ago conservationists in our country had the foresight to protect one of th our most cherished animals, while preserving vital habitat for a host of January 16 : other flora and fauna. And, did you know that you can easily explore Saga Night Fever! this enchanted area? No need for a huge expedition, even a simple af- ternoon walk can immerse you in a jungle wonderland unlike no other. 7PM until 11Pm. Support With an abundance of land and marine protected areas throughout Saga Humane Society and the country, Belize is truly a wild jewel worthy of exploring. In this issue of My Beautiful Belize we also take to the sea, discovering the have a groovy time! underwater beauty and island serenity of Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. For tickets, please call We can all appreciate the importance of preservation, and this month Sandie at 620-1124 or we also take a look at the pampering side of ‘restoration’…perhaps after a night of sampling cocktails from our Cheers to the New Year purchase tickets at Casa list? Oasis Day Spa is just the place to regain that ‘human feeling,’ and Picasso or Pampered they are sure to work their soothing magic on whatever ails you.
    [Show full text]
  • (Panulirus Argus) Populations at Two Marine Protected Areas in Belize: Status and Lessons for the Future
    Comparing Conch (Strombus gigas) and Lobster (Panulirus argus) Populations at Two Marine Protected Areas in Belize: Status and Lessons for the Future JOCELYN RAE FINCH1, CHRISTINA GARCIA1, DWIGHT NEAL2, and JULIANNE STOCKBRIDGE3 1 Southern Environmental Association, Joe Taylor Creek, Punta Gorda Town, Belize 2 Coastal and Marine Consultant, 19 Doyle’s Delight, Belmopan, Belize, 3 The Nature Conservancy, Belmopan, Belize ABSTRACT Understanding the complex dynamics and tracking changes of conch (Strombus gigas) and lobster (Panulirus argus) populations is crucial for sustainable fisheries and MPA management. In order for MPA managers to adapt management strategies to match resource availability managers must develop comprehensive systems to monitor key fisheries resources. In Belize, Friends of Nature (FoN)- a local NGO responsible for co-management of two marine protected areas has adopted the Long Term Atoll Monitoring Protocol (LAMP) to monitor these two commercially important invertebrates. FoN co-manages two marine protected areas one is completely no-take (Laughing Bird Caye National Park) and one is zoned for multiple use (Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve) After almost five years of data collection FoN has been able to develop a greater understanding as to the status and the effects that different levels of management can have on populations. FoN has noted more stability in the populations of both conch and lobster at the completely closed site compared to the multi-use reserve. Although this data provides managers with a greater understanding of the status of the populations, there have been a number of important lessons learned about data collection and its application to management.
    [Show full text]
  • Caddy IASCP Paper 1 Adaptation, Conflict and Compromise In
    Adaptation, Conflict and Compromise in Indigenous Protected Areas Management Common property theory has increasingly broadened its scope from an initial focus on community-level systems, to recognition and examination of how these continuously interact and evolve in response to external dynamics, constraints and multi-level partnerships. The common property systems of indigenous peoples are clearly not static and brittle institutions, but have survived to the present day precisely because of their propensity towards adaptation. As indigenous peoples confront new challenges in a globalizing world, the co- management model for protected areas governance - parks which often encompass significant tracts of their traditional lands - has presented itself as an opportunity for safeguarding common property interests. In practice, indigenous peoples have enjoyed varying degrees of success in meeting these goals through protected area partnerships with the conservation sector, as will be illustrated through case studies drawn from southern Belize. The Government of Belize (GoB) has shown itself unusually willing to assign protected area status to an extremely large percentage of its national territory. However, expectations that the national protected areas system would be instrumental in fuelling development in Belize were tempered by subsequent reality. The GoB has in practice failed to secure sufficient funds to effectively manage its protected areas, let alone generate income and profit from their existence. In light of this situation, various
    [Show full text]
  • CBD First National Report
    1 BELIZE’S INTERIM FIRST NATIONAL REPORT Submitted to: THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY World Trade Center 393 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 300 _Montreal, Canada H2Y 1N9 Submitted by: THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY COMMITTEE (A Multi-sectoral Steering Committee) UNDER THE COORDINATION OF THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES BELMOPAN, BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA BELMOPAN JANUARY, 1998 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary I. INTRODUCTION Page 1 General Significance of Biodiversity to Belize and its People Page 2 Belize’s Commitment to the Convention on Biodiversity Aim of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) II. BACKGROUND Page 4 Ecological Value Page 4 Socio-economic Context Page 5 Development Context Page 6 State of Belize’s Environment Page 7 Relationship between sector and environmental issues Page 8 Existing measures and Programmes in place for Conservation in Belize Page 9 State of Biological Diversity in Belize Page 9-16 On-going and past Conservation in Belize Page 17 State of Biological Diversity in Belize Page 17-19 Principal threats to Biodiversity in Belize Page 20 Existing Environmental and Policy Framework Page 21 Legal and Regulatory Framework Page 22 International Conventions and Agreements Page 23 Identification of Gaps Page 24-25 Preliminary Assessments of existing needs with regard to Legal and Regulatory Preliminary Assessments of needs in Policy Framework with respect to Biodiversity Page 26 Human and Institutional Capacity Main decision makers/Institutional Stakeholders Page 27 NGOs, CBOs and Civil Society Participating Page 28 Effect and Capacity to Manage Page 29-31 Summary of Institutional and Human Capacity Page 32 Information Systems Page 33 Mechanism for Strengthening Public and Private Sector Collaboration Training Page 34 Finance Page 34 Identification of Gaps in Institutional and Human Capacity Building Preliminary of needs in Institutional and Human Capacity Page 36 Description of Scientific Research and Expertise Page 36 Funding Mechanism and Financial Aspect.
    [Show full text]
  • Outline of Chiquibul National Park Management Plan
    ChiquibulChiquibul CaveCave SystemSystem ManagementManagement PlanPlan 20102010--20152015 Meerman & Moore 2009 Table of Contents Index 1 List of Figures 2 List of Tables 3 List of Boxes 3 Executive Summary 4 Acknowledgements 6 Acronyms 7 1. Introduction 1-1 1.1. Background and Context 1-1 1.2. Purpose and Scope of Management Plan 1-5 1.3. Delineation of the Chiquibul Cave System 1-7 2. Current Status 2-1 2.1. Location 2-1 2.2. Regional Context 2-3 2.3. National Context 2-4 2.3.1. Policy Framework 2-5 2.3.2. Legal and Administrative Framework 2-7 2.3.3. Socio-economic Context 2-9 2.4. Physical Environment of CCS 2-13 2.4.1. Climate 2-13 2.4.2. Hydrology 2-14 2.4.4. Geology 2-16 2.4.5. Soils 2-17 2.5. Biodiversity of CCS 2-17 2.5.1. Ecosystems 2-17 2.5.2. Flora 2-19 2.5.3. Fauna 2-20 2.5.4. Past and Present Research 2-21 2.6. Cultural and Socio-Economic Value of CCS 2-22 2.6.1. Community and Other Stakeholder Use 2-22 2.6.2. Archaeological Sites 2-23 2.6.3. Tourism and Recreation Use 2-24 2.6.4. Other Economic Use 2-25 2.6.5. Education Use 2-25 3. Analysis of Conservation & Cultural Targets and Threats 3-1 3.1. Conservation and Cultural Targets 3-1 Meerman-Moore 2009 - Management Plan Chiquibul Cave System | Index 1 3.2. Threats to Biodiversity and Cultural Resources 3-6 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation of Karst in Belize
    Day, Michael—Conservation of Karst in Belize. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies 58(2):139-144. CONSERVATION OF KARST IN BELIZE MICHAEL DAY Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, U.S.A. Karst areas in Belize are coming under increasing pressure from agriculture and other commerce. Opportunely protected karst areas are incorporated within forest reserves, national parks, wildlife sanc- tuaries, nature reserves, archaeological reserves, private conservation and management areas, and spe- cial development areas. The total area of karst afforded nominal protection is about 3400 km², or about 68% of the total. Incorporating special development areas, the protected karst area is about 4300 km², or 86% of the total. Even the more conservative percentage is unparalleled in Central America and the Caribbean, and per- haps the world. Significant protected karst areas include the Chiquibul, Blue Hole and Five Blues Lake national parks, the Bladen, Aquas Turbias and Tapir Mountain nature reserves, the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, and the Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and El Pilar archaeological reserves. Extensive karst areas are located within the Vaca, Columbia River, Sibun, and Manatee forest reserves. The Manatee and Cayo West special development areas have considerable karstic components. Throughout the world, karst landscapes are increasingly tion and management areas and six special development areas subject to human impacts (Gillieson & Smith, 1989; Sauro et (Figure 1; Table 1). These protected areas and sites in Belize al., 1991; Williams, 1993; Ford, 1993). Karst regions in the encompass a wide range of designations and purposes, but col- Caribbean and in Central America have come under particular lectively they account for over 30% of Belize’s land area pressures from agricultural and industrial expansion (Day, (Nicolait, 1992).
    [Show full text]
  • 310 INDE X See Also Separate Greendex P316. A
    © Lonely Planet Publications 310 INDEX Index See also separate GreenDex p316. Arvigo, Rosita 63, 207, 209 Benque Viejo del Carmen 208-11 ABBREVIATIONS ATMs 287 Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta 209 A ACT Australian Capital Ayala, Carlos 146 Benque Viejo House of Culture 208 Territory accommodations 279-80, 281, see Be Pukte Cultural Center 202 NSW New South Wales also individual locations B bicycling 48, 129, 147-8, 278, 294 NT Northern Territory activities 69-82, see also individual Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Big Drop Falls 229 Qld Queensland activities Reserve 126 Big Rock Falls 212 SA South Australia Actun Tunichil Muknal 191-2 Baldy Beacon 212 Bio-Itzá 278 Tas Tasmania Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary 252 Balick, Dr Michael 209 Bio-Itzá Reserve 278 Vic Victoria air travel Banquitas House of Culture 164 Biotopo Cerro Cahuí 269 WA Western Australia air fares 292, 294 Baron Bliss Day 98, 99 Bird Caye 117 airlines 291 Baron Bliss Tomb 95 birds 61-2, see also bird-watching airports 291 Baron Bliss Trust 98 bird-watching 60, 61-2, 81, 148-9 carbon offset schemes 295 barracudas 61, 76, 74, 132, 227, see Belize District 110, 114, 116, 117 to/from Belize 291-2 also fishing Cayo District 179, 186, 187, 192, within Belize 294 Barranco 254-5 193, 194, 200, 204, 208, 210 Altun Ha 106-7, 107, 14-15 Barton Creek Cave 193 Guatemala 278 Ambergris Caye 123-41, 124, 127 basketball 48 northern cayes 147-8, 158 accommodations 132-6 Baymen 32-4 Orange Walk District 169, 171 activities 126-9 beer 85 Stann Creek District 228, 234, attractions 126 Belize
    [Show full text]
  • Belize Hotel Guide Digital Magazine
    The Official Accommodation Guide of Belize has been published Contents by the Belize Hotel Association for over a decade. Used as the main 06 marketing tool to showcase the Welcome to Belize Belizean product at international 07 Who We Are travel tradeshows, it has become 08 a staple publication. As the Festivals + Events pandemic struck the industry, it 10 Preparing for Your Adventure was clear that change needed to be 12 met with change. The 2021 Official Living Heritage Belize Accommodation Guide is 14 Birding Nation now solely available digitally. It 15 features full-page listings of hotel BELIZE CITY & NORTHERN BELIZE members, showcases Destination 24 Destination Conservation Management Companies and 26 San Pedro 2.0 allied partners, and includes engaging articles. This guide also 27 CAYES & ATOLLS contains a broader directory of 48 Manatee Love Belize hotels. Meant to be easily 50 Photo courtesy accessible and interactive, it Find Your Workspace in Belize Island Bway Photography represents the future of Belize 52 WESTERN BELIZE travel. We hope you have an 60 enjoyable read. Belize Awaits you. Kulcha Kitchen Hotel Amenities 62 How to See Belize 63 SOUTHERN BELIZE 78 Travel with Intention Air Bar Beach Bicycle Birding Business Canoeing/ 82 Our Members Conditioning Center Kayaking 106 Directory Handicap Conference Fitness Gift Hair Car Rental Fishing Accessible Room Center Shop Dryer Photo courtesy PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Drea Reneau COVER: Kevin W. Quischan (Belizemytravels), Belizing.com, Drea Horseback Internet/ Jacuzzi/ Laundry Helipad Iron Kitchenette Reneau, Francis Canto Jr., Island Bway Riding WiFi Hot Tub Service Photography, The Belize Toursim Board, The Institute of Social and Cultural Research (NICH), Visuals by Glenn Patrick.
    [Show full text]
  • State of the Belize Coastal Zone Report 2003–2013
    Cite as: Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI). 2014. State of the Belize Coastal Zone Report 2003–2013. Cover Photo: Copyright Tony Rath / www.tonyrath.com All Rights Reserved Watermark Photos: Nicole Auil Gomez The reproduction of the publication for educational and sourcing purposes is authorized, with the recognition of intellectual property rights of the authors. Reproduction for commercial purposes is prohibited without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. State of the Belize Coastal Zone 2003–2013 2 Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute, 2014 Table of Contents Foreword by Honourable Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Foreword by Mr. Vincent Gillett, CEO, CZMAI ............................................................................................ 6 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Contributors ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Belize to Tikal Reefs, Rivers & Ruins of the Maya World
    BELIZE TO TIKAL REEFS, RIVERS & RUINS OF THE MAYA WORLD MARCH 10-18, 2018 | ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST DEAR DUKE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, The breadth of biodiversity found in the waters and jungles of Belize and Guatemala is nothing less than astounding. From the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere and the third largest in the world, to the lush jungles of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, an impressive array of wildlife calls these ecosystems home. And over the course of this nine-day expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph many of them up close. Traveling aboard the only expedition ship exploring the Mesoamerican Reef gives you access to places few ever get to see. And the ship’s tools let you experience these diverse habitats with all your senses. Snorkel or dive in warm tropical waters over this extensive reef that is home to hundreds of species of fish and more than 90 species of coral. Seek solitude, or a little exercise, as you kayak and stand-up paddleboard on turquoise lagoons. Then head ashore on Zodiacs to white sand beaches for naturalist-led hikes in search of nesting red- footed boobies. The region also holds a fascinating human history—adding another compelling facet to this compact yet comprehensive expedition. In the sublime Maya ruins of Tikal, you’ll spend a full day and a half exploring the stone temples, palaces, and public spaces. Plus, venture to lesser-visited sites like Topoxté and Quiriguá, providing you with rich insight into this once great civilization.
    [Show full text]