Table of Contents
1. How to Play ...... 4
2. Quick Facts about Belize ...... 6
3. See Maya Ruins - earn 270 points ...... 8
4. Visit Belize Parks and Preserves - earn 270 points ...... 15
5. Experience Belize - earn 510 points ...... 22
6. See Animals of Belize - earn 150-900 points ...... 24
7. Spot Birds of Belize - earn 680 points ...... 28
8. Identify Belize Trees and Flowers - earn 320 points ...... 35
9. Recognize Belize Coral Reef Fish - earn 450 points ...... 41
10. Swim with Sea Creatures - earn 250 points ...... 47
11. Spot Reptiles and Insects of Belize - earn 180 points...... 50
12. Sample Food of Belize - earn 130 points ...... 53
13. Tally Sheet to add it all up ...... 56
3 How to Play It Belize!
The Goal of the Game: You also earn bonus points for special sightings and trips. Whale Your goal is to see the most sharks are a thrilling Belize sight, essential Belizean sights during your and you earn a whopping 75 points visit; to go on the trips, sample the for sighting one. food, and see the sights that will make your trip to Belize a trip to Jaguars are extremely rare to see— remember. Each experience and but Belize is one place in the world sighting you check off earns you where you actually might see one points. When you collect enough in the wild. If you do, you earn 200 points, you earn bragging rights to points! You can also win 10 points say: I’ve really seen Belize! for seeing the jaguar at the zoo.
How to Start: At the end of your trip, turn to the tally sheet and enter all your Your first step in the game is to points, collect your bonus points look through the book. Become and add it all up. familiar with all the unique Belize trips, sights, food, fish, and flowers How to Win: you may see while you are in Belize. Collect 1000 points and win. How to Play: 1000 points means you’ve had the As you travel through Belize, you tourist vacation we all dream of will naturally see many of the sights having—you’ve gone on the tours we have collected. And because and seen the sights, sampled the you are playing this game, you will food and noticed the wonderful, know to keep a sharp look out for unique Belizean flora and fauna many others that you might have during your trip. missed without the game. There are lots of ways to win! Stay Most adventures or sightings in on Ambergris Caye and win points the game are worth 10-30 points. by seeing sea creatures and sea You get more points if the animal birds, by snorkeling on the reef or or bird is somewhat rare, or if an diving at Blue Hole, and by taking experience takes more time and the day trip to Lamanai. Earn more effort. There are 125 possible trips points by trying a new Belizean dish or sights in the game, for a total of every day at local Belize restaurants. 3,120 possible points.
4 Maya Ruins of Belize The Mayas created one of the monuments at Maya ruins. Other world’s great ancient civilizations. writings were found on deer hide They lived in huge cities, created or fig-tree paper. However, most a hieroglyphic writing system, of these writings were burned by calculated astrological calendars the Spanish, who felt the strange of astonishing accuracy, and symbol writing of the Maya were constructed towering pyramids for works of the devil. their complex religion. In every Maya ruin archeologists Fossil artifacts show Maya villages found huge ball courts, some as dating back as far as 1800 BC. At large as a football field. The ball the height of their power, between game they played was a part of 250 and 900 AD, the Mayas their religion and was obviously lived in 70 city-states throughout very important in Maya society. Guatemala, Belize and southern Mexico. Their cities were bustling Shortly after 900 AD, the great centers of trade, some with as cities of the Maya were abandoned, many as 200,000 residents. Their as though all the residents had architectural abilities are a constant simply decided one day to pack source of wonder. Without the use up and go away. Archeologists of metal tools, the wheel, or any think perhaps a drought, increased draft animal such as horses or oxen, warfare, or some ecological disaster the Maya hand-carved huge blocks caused the Mayas to leave. Others of limestone and built soaring think the farming methods of temples and pyramids. the time couldn’t keep producing enough food for all the city The Mayas were the first ancient dwellers. Whatever the reason, the civilization to use zero, which great Maya cities were left to the allowed them to make complex rain forest and the monkeys. calculations and create accurate calendars based on both the sun Today, an estimated 1.2 million and the moon. Maya still live in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, and The Mayas were the only nearly 5 million more are spread civilization of the Americas to throughout the Yucatan Peninsula invent their own writing. Like and the cities and rural farm the Egyptians, the Mayas used communities of Belize, Guatemala, a hieroglyphic writing system. Honduras and El Salvador. Archeologists have found long stories carved onto tall stone
8 Altun Ha - Belize District Been there? Take a short drive from Belize City to this exquisite Maya ruin near the ocean. Don’t miss the Temple of the Green Tomb!
50 points Altun Ha
Cahel Tech - Cayo District Been there? Walk 15 minutes up the hill from downtown San Ignacio. Explore the winding maze of courtyards and tunnel-like hallways.
30 points Cahel Tech
Caracol - Cayo District Been there? Belize’s largest, most impressive Maya city, home to over 150,000 Mayas in 650 AD. A true jungle adventure!
70 points Caracol
Lamanai - Orange Walk District Been there? Second largest Maya ruin in Belize. Four huge Maya masks carved in stone help you “face” this awesome civilization.
70 points Lamanai
Xunantunich - Cayo District Been there? Stunning Maya ceremonial center, located on a hill overlooking the Mopan river.
50 Total: points Xunantunich
9 Coati Seen one? Known as “quash” in Belize. Often seen in small troops traveling single file with the tail pointed straight up. 10 points if seen in zoo, 20 points in wild.
10/20 points Coati
Nine-banded Armadillo Seen one? These odd creatures are a favorite food for jaguars. They feed on ants and bugs, and can sniff out a beetle six inches underground. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild. 10/30 points Nine-banded Armadillo
Kinkajou Seen one? Known as “night walker” in Belize. You may hear it scrambling in the bush at night, or jumping noisily from treetop to treetop. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild. 10/30 points Kinkajou
Spider Monkey Seen one? This lanky, long-tailed monkey is usually seen in groups, swinging effortlessly through the trees. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild. 10/30 points Spider Monkey
Agouti Seen one? This rodent and its close cousin, the paca, look like huge, tailless squirrels. The paca has white spots, while the agouti is all brown. 10 points if seen in zoo, 20 points in wild. 10/20 Total: points Agouti
25 Seen Peccaries one? The Collared Peccary and its cousin, the White-lipped Peccary, are piglike animals that travel in groups rooting for fruit and seeds. You may smell their strong musky odor before you 10/30 points see them. 10 points if seen in zoo, Collared Peccary 30 if seen in wild. Seen Deer one? Both Red-brocket and White-tailed deer can be found in Belize. Red- brocket deer live in swampy areas close to rivers. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 if seen in wild. 10/30 points Red-brocket Deer
Seen Margay one? These small cats are active at night. Called “tiger cats” by locals, they have ankles that rotate so they can climb headfirst down a tree. 10
10/100 points if seen in zoo, 100 if seen points Margay in wild.
Seen Ocelot one? These medium-sized cats are found on the ground. They hunt by day and night, so are more often seen than other cats of Belize. 10 points if seen in zoo, 100 if seen in wild. 10/100 points Ocelot
Seen Jaguarundi one? These medium-sized cats have a distinctive wide otter-like tail. They are usually seen on the ground, but they also climb trees. 10 points if
10/100 seen in zoo, 100 if seen in wild. Total: points Jaguarundi
26 Birds of Belize Belize is home to over 500 species closely for the distinctive wooden of birds. From the sea shore to the rrrk-rrrk-rrrk call of the Keel-billed mountains, you’ll see birds—flitting Toucan. overhead, wading in shallow marshes, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or diving into the crests of waves. may remind you of Tarzon movies; Wake up early, and you’ll hear a bird with dangling vines and sparkling orchestra made up of a thousand waterfalls gushing out of the lush liquid voices erupting from every rainforest. If you visit, you may be bush and tree. rewarded with a glimpse of the We have selected beautiful and endangered just 24 birds for Scarlet Macaw, you to try to spot. who make a yearly Some are special to migration to the town Belize, like the Keel- of Red Bank just south of billed Toucan, which Cockscomb Basin. is Belize’s national bird. But you don’t have to go to Some, like the Scarlet special places to see special birds. Macaw and the Harpy With 22 species of hummingbirds Eagle, are rare and living in Belize, you’re likely to spot exciting, and unlikely one in almost any flowering tree or to be seen outside shrub. Shore birds and waders, like of the Belize Zoo. the Great Blue Heron and the Snowy But we’ve also Egret, can be found throughout included birds that we know you are the coastal areas of Belize, where likely to see and be able to recognize: large tracts of mangroves provide the Magnificent Frigate bird fighting both good feeding and shelter. for food over a fisherman’s boat, or Roadside poles may hold a vermillion the flocks of noisy parrots scolding flycatcher or a belted kingfisher. overhead. A sharp-eyed birder can see as many Some birds you may only be able to as 100 species in a few days. Try see if you travel to special places. The getting up with the dawn one day Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary may and see how many birds you can be your best chance of seeing the spot. Many resorts have a birding Roseate Spoonbill. Visiting Lamanai? tower, where you can get up into the The boat ride out to Lamanai offers tree canopy and see the world from many opportunities to spot all kinds a bird’s point of view. Keep an eye on of birds; the Snail Kite, and Boat the road side scenery as you drive billed Heron are just two you may from place to place. The birds are all see. On a tour of Caracol? Listen around you!
28 Roseate Spoonbill Seen one? These distinctive pink, tall birds can’t be mistaken for any other bird. They use their feet to stir up bottom-dwelling creatures and then spoon them up with their bill.
50 points RoseateRed Brocket Spoonbill Deer
Chachalacas Seen one? These noisy birds will make you sit up and notice that they are around. Undoubtedly, these birds would win any Loudest and Noisiest Bird of Belize contest. Usually heard mornings and evenings.
10 points RedChachalacas Brocket Deer
Great Kiskadee Seen one? A common bird in Belize, seen around houses and gardens, often perches scenically on a fence post or on wires overhead.
10 points RedGreat Brocket Kiskadee Deer
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Seen one? These brilliant metallic green birds with orangish underparts are often seen in pairs. If you scare one away, wait a minute—they often return to their branch.
30 points Total: Rufous-tailedRed Brocket Jacamar Deer
29 Seen Grey Angelfish one? You’ll find this fish nibbling along the reef. They are not as shy as Queen Angelfish and may let you get quite close to photograph.
20 points Grey Angelfish
Seen Queen Angelfish one? The angelfish have mouths adapted so they can fit into crevices of the coral. The Queen Angelfish is one of the most spectacular of coral fish.
20 points Queen Angelfish
Seen French Angelfish one? This large angelfish has yellow highlights. Like other angelfish, their narrow flat bodies allow them to fit in between cracks in the coral to hunt for food. 20 points French Angelfish
Seen Banded Butterflyfish one? Butterflyfish will often nibble the body of a larger fish, eating the parasites that grow on the skin.
20 points Banded Butterflyfish
Seen Spotfin Butterflyfish one? Usually found in pairs on the top of the reef. The “eye” on the dorsal fin confuses predators so they can’t tell which end is the head. Total: 20 points Spotfin Butterflyfish
42 Stoplight Parrotfish Seen one? These fish bite off pieces of coral, and if you get close enough, you can actually hear the rasping sound as they eat.
20 points Stoplight Parrotfish
Blue Tang Seen one? Plant eaters that live in holes and crevices, these fish are often seen in large groups. The juvenile Blue Tang is bright yellow.
10 points Blue Tang
Doctor Fish Seen one? Plant eaters that are cousins to Blue Tangs, and often found in the same area.
10 points Doctor Fish
Queen Triggerfish Seen one? This beautiful fish eats Black Urchins by flipping them over to get at their vulnerable bottom side.
20 points Queen Triggerfish
Smooth Trunkfish Seen one? These funny puckered-up guys will often let you get quite close so you can take a good picture.
Total: 40 points Smooth Trunkfish
43 Tally Sheet Directions Bonus Points Add your totals from each Give yourself 20 Bonus chapter here: Points for any other:
Maya Ruins: Maya Ruins you visited:
Belize Parks: Belize Park you visited:
Experience Belize: Unique Belize experience:
Animals: Give yourself 10 bonus points seeing and identifying any Birds: other:
Trees & Flowers: Bird:
Coral Fish: Fish:
Sea Creatures: Sea Creature:
Reptiles & Insects: Reptile or Insect:
Food: Flower or Tree:
Total Total Regular Points: Bonus Points:
56 Special Winner Bonus Points: Categories
50 Points for getting a 100-390 Points picture of a wild animal Visitor: You came, you had outside of the zoo. a good time, but there’s so much more to see! Come 100 Points for a picture of a on back and see what you margay, oscelot, puma or missed! juguarundi outside of the zoo. 400-690 Points 200 Points for getting a picture Explorer: You saw a lot, went to lots of places, and of a jaguar outside of the zoo. can really see why everyone loves Belize. Come back and see the rest!
700-990 Points Adventurer: Hope you took Total Points lots of pictures--your trip was Add your totals here: fabulous! You know you want to come back for more! Regular Points: 1000 Points or more Bonus Points: Honary Belizean: Congratulations! You really Special Bonus Points: saw it all! You’ve earned bragging rights to say: I’ve Been To Belize! And, of course, now you love it so Grand Total: much we hope you’ll come back every year!
57 A visual guide to the best of Belize...
A game... Compete with others to see who can spot a manatee, a gumbolimbo tree, a chachalaca, or a black howler monkey. Whoever spots the most sights wins! Compete with yourself – how many Belize sights can you see during your trip? A guide book... Twelve chapters with color pictures of all the special Belize animals, birds, fish, and fauna to see during your trip. Each chapter gives you a quick, visual guide with the most essential facts you need to identify and spot the best of Belize. Also includes chapters on the most popular and beautiful Maya ruins and Belize Parks. With this guide, you’ll always know which adventures to go on, and what to look for on land, on sea, or in town. And a souvenir... Check off each sight as you spot it. When you get home, the book is a unique record of everything you did and saw on your trip. We’ve also included pages to write about your trip, and places to put in your own pictures and postcards to make this book a truly unique and personal souvenir of your vacation!