By Dolly Murphy

Mention that you’ve just returned from a Caribbean vacation and most of your friends would think that you spent your time lolling about on some tropical island, soaking up the sun and cavorting in the turquoise waters. But if you had visited Belize, an unspoiled Central American nation that boasts a generous Western Caribbean coastline, you could have done this and much more. We were fortunate to have visited this charming country recently, and we found not only a tropical paradise but an exciting adventure destination as well.

Although the sparkling beaches and the turquoise waters along the coast of Belize and surrounding her many offshore islands (“cayes”) compare favorably to those of the more familiar Caribbean islands, Belize also offers deep green mountains, dense jungles rich in biodiversity, extensive pine forests, mystical caves riddled with underground rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and an archeological treasure trove of Mayan ruins and cultural history to explore.

The people here are a delightful mix of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, and Garifuna (descendants of the Carib Indians and Africans). Others, such as Chinese, East Indian and Mennonite complete the human mosaic that comprises the Belizeans. Yet, with all these different backgrounds, a reassuring commonality here for North American visitors is the language. English, spoken with a charming lilt, is the official language, but you may also hear Spanish, Creole and various local dialects. The warmth of the people, the reassurance of a stable government, and the year-round tropical climate make Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) an ideal vacation destination for those who want to do more than just sit by the pool.

Belize has been called “Nature’s Best Kept Secret.” More than one-half of its land and marine areas has been set aside as nature preserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Offshore, it is home to the largest barrier reef on this side of the world, where scuba divers and snorkelers delight in the exploration of the underwater realm. In the waters at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, just offshore from Ambergris Caye, we were surprised at the casual inquisitiveness with which the friendly sharks greeted us as we splashed our way around the colorful coral reefs. On land, the jungle areas are home to many exotic animals, including the elusive jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, coatis, and a variety of brightly-plumed birds.

The capital, Belize City, is only two hours from the US mainland. Once you arrive, it’s worth spending some time at the Belize Cultural and Historic Center in order to learn a bit about the local history. See the national butterfly, the Blue Morpho, whose deep iridescent blue wings earned it the nickname “jewel of the jungle” and some of the many native species of orchids. Take a walk through Belizean history, beginning with the ancient Maya civilization whose magnificent stone temples remain for us to explore today. See a typical early Belizean home, and learn how the colonial British lived as they developed the region’s mahogany logging industry. Then stop in the nearby Sibun Bar & Grill to quench your thirst and have a bite to eat while overlooking a quaint beach and marina.

Belize offers an array of accommodations where you can explore the wilds of the jungle or relax with a book on the beach. Even the most luxurious resorts that we visited are remarkably affordable compared to comparable spots in other parts of the world. You can have luxury, adventure, or a combination of both, as you discover the fascinating mosaic that is Belize.

www.travelbelize.org