Explore the Natural Wonders of Belize
Belize is a Majestic Tropical Paradise with a spectacular montage of cultures, unparalleled terrestrial (and marine) biodiversity, Mayan archaeological sites, pristine jungle rainforests and a multitude of interdependent ecosystems. From the enchanting beaches of Ambergris Caye, to the rolling rivers and crystal clear waterfalls of Thousand Foot Falls (and Big Rock Falls), Belize has truly been blessed by Mother Nature with having the most diverse natural resources in the Caribbean (if not the world). The Belize Barrier Reef and Blue Hole are World Heritage Sites that have been nominated to be named the 8th Wonder of the World. Browse the Wonders of Belize below, to learn about the diversity of the Belizean Cultures and to Explore the Exotic Natural Wonders of Belize.
Wonders of Belize
Natural Wonders...Diverse Cultures
Mayan Heritage
Early Maya Civilizations: Research shows that Maya civilizations were the first to inhabit Belize during the following time periods: Pre-Classic (1000 BC to 300 AD), Classic (300 to 900 AD) and Post-Classic (1000 to 1500 AD) eras. During the Pre-Classic and Classic periods, between 1 and 2 million Mayas lived within the borders of present day Belize. By the year 1000 AD, this once-great civilization began to fade, however some Maya cultural centers continued to prosper until the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. Traces of the mystical Maya society can still be found in the majestic ruins, scattered throughout Belize’s countryside. (Watch Belize and the Maya History Video)
European Influence: The Spanish arrived first, during the time of Christopher Columbus, followed by the British settlers in the early 1600s. The rest of the 1600s and into the 1700s were marked by conflict between the Spanish and British over the rights to the rich and tropical lands of Belize. In 1798, the British defeated Spain in the Battle of St. George’s Caye, a victory that is still celebrated every September 10th, because it cleared the way for the British settlers to inhabit the country.
Belize Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nature Reserves: The Belize National Parks System Act of 1981 provides for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural features and for the regulation of the scientific, educational, and recreational use of the same. Roughly 26% of Belizean land and sea is preserved within a total of 95 reserves, which vary in their purpose and level of protection. This network of protected areas exists under a variety of management structures. Belize also has 13 Protected Marine Reserves. (Website) (Video)
Four categories of protected areas exist in Belize:
National Parks are established for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
Wildlife Sanctuaries protect nationally significant species that require specific human manipulation for their perpetuation.
Natural Monuments are areas reserved for the protection and preservation of a nationally significant natural feature.
Nature Reserves are reserved strictly for scientific research.
Cultural Diversity of Belize: The 327,719 (2012 estimate) people that live in Belize are a spectacular blend of backgrounds, forming a cultural blend that is uniquely Belizean. Belizeans have come to hold a reputation of being “as warm and friendly as the climate.” The Belizean people and their respective cultures are as much a part of the attraction as are the impressive waters, Mayan sites, wildlife and jungles. The myriad of cultures feature the Creole, essentially a mixture of British settlers and African slaves; the Garifuna, descended from a co-mingling of African slaves, Caribs and Arawak Indians; three groups of Mayas, namely the Yucatec (originally from Yucatan, Mexico), Mopan (arriving here from Peten, Guatemala) and Kekchi (originating from Verapaz, Guatemala); the Mestizos, who are people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent; and East Indians, initially arriving as indentured laborers and remained to work the sugar plantations. The primary language is English, followed by Creole and Spanish; with the languages of the Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonite spoken in smaller communities. Belize is also very proud of its Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and Eastern India populations, who have become an integral part of the culture, contributing indispensably to its social (and economic) development and cultural diversity. (Watch Melting Pot of Cultures Video)
The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters (980 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300 kilometers (190 mi) long section of the 900 kilometers (560 mi) long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the northeast tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya up to Honduras making it one of the largest coral reef systems in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the New Caledonia Barrier Reef. It is Belize's top tourist destination popular for scuba diving and snorkeling and attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors, and is vital to its fishing industry. Charles Darwin described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies". Because of its exceptional natural beauty, significant on-going ecological and biological processes, and the fact that it contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity (criteria VII, IX, and X), the Reserve System has been designated as a World Heritage Site since 1996. (Visit World Heritage Website)
Pristine Tropical Rainforest of Belize: Half of Belize is covered by dense jungle, and eighty percent of its rainforest remains under government protection, much of it unexplored. These tropical forests provide habitats for a wide range of animals including jaguar, puma, ocelot, armadillo, tapir and crocodile. The country is also home to 4,000 species of tropical flowers, including 250 kinds of orchids. It harbors over 500 species of birds that soar through Belize's vine trailed jungles: fruit-loop keel-billed toucans (Belize's national bird); jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in the Americas; the rare agami heron; hummingbirds; neon-green-painted parrots; an abundance of macaws, heron and snowy egret that delight sharp-eyed eco-travelers.
All this unspoiled wilderness has led to the growth of ecotourism, which is now the nation’s second largest source of revenue. Wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous visitors agree that one of the most exciting perspectives of the rainforest is from above. Belize now has a rainforest canopy zip line tour that provides an exhilarating tree top perspective.
Belize is known as the epicenter of the Ancient Maya World and was once home to more than 2 million Mayas. Sacred temples, pyramids, advanced science, agriculture, mathematics, palaces, and awesome structures are their legacy. Without the use of iron or the wheel, the civilization reached its zenith at the time when Europe was in the Dark Ages. This advanced civilization – supported by vast agricultural farmlands and trading centers, held sway for well over 2,000 years. The Maya Empire evolved around 350 B.C. in the tropical lowlands Belize and northern Guatemala and reached its apogee from 250 A.D. to 900 A.D. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century spelled the beginning of the end of the Maya civilization that had already began a decline with many of its great cities and monuments abandoned perhaps due to war, famine or break down of government structure. (Watch Belize and the Maya History Video)
The Top Ten Mayan Sites to visit are: Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Caracol, Cahal Pech, Santa Rita, Lamanai, Cerro Maya, Barton Creek Cave, Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. (Visit Top Ten Website)
Ancient Mayan Cities
Belize has a very high level of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. Belize hosts more than 150 species of mammals, 540 species of birds, 151 species of amphibians and reptiles , nearly 600 species of freshwater and marine fishes and 3,408 species of vascular plants . The country is unique, not only in the total number of species present, but also in the vast array of ecotypes and their species richness. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), stretching the full length of Belize's coastline, is the second largest in the world. The diversity of corals and related reef dwellers as well as its sheer size, has qualified this reef to be declared a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its rich biodiversity and consequent global importance. Belize also plays an integral part in the maintenance of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC), comprised of a network of protected areas linked by biological habitat corridors, stretching from México to Panamá. This wealth of biological diversity, coupled with a rich cultural heritage has made Belize a very popular tourist destination, providing significant economic benefits for the nation.
(View Belize Ecosystems Map) (Visit Belize Biodiversity Websites)
Amazing Biodiversity
Caves are inextricably bound up with the History of Belize, having been fundamental to the religion of the Maya. Vapor clouds forming at the mouth of caves suggested to the Maya that these were the places where wind and clouds were born. Here dwelled the gods of nature and caves were the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of gods. It was here at the mouth of caves as well as deep within the recesses that the Maya performed their most sacred rituals. Most caves have some visible sign of past visitation and evidence of activities can often be found for substantial distances inside these caves. Relics in the form of shards of pottery, are very common.
The Jungle Rivers of Belize: From north to south, east to west, Belize is blessed with sparkling rivers that provide plenty of opportunities for visitors, including tubing, canoeing, rafting and more. Rivers wind and weave through Belize like glistening thread against a tapestry of green. Cool refreshing waters rush from the headland, following their natural paths across the countryside to meet the distant sea. From border to border, they swirl and curl through the land providing many resources for locals and travelers alike.
Caves, Rivers and Waterfalls
Waterfalls, Cave Tubing and Zip Lining are major tourist attractions in Belize. Some of the popular waterfall sites to visit are:
Big Rock Waterfalls: Big Rock Falls is a gorgeous 150 foot waterfall on the Privassion River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. It can be accessed through a trail about 300 yards long down a 130′ deep gorge and is an ideal location for swimming or sun tanning. The tremendous view of water rushing over the huge 150-ft rock formations and plummeting into the deep perfectly round pool at its base provides a rush of excitement. A visit to this magnificent spot is one of the highlights of any trip to the mountain Pine Ridge area.
Butterfly Waterfalls: Nestled in 7,200 acres of a private forest reserve, the Butterfly Falls is one of the many tucked away cascades and falls on top of Pine Ridge in the Cayo District of Belize. The Butterfly Falls offers a unique opportunity to enjot this natural wonder in ultimate privacy and exclusivity and is accessible only to Hidden Valley guests.
Five Sister Waterfalls: This waterfall got its name because the water forms 5 separate streams as it rolls over the rocks and boulders, hence the name Five Sisters and is excellent for a cool and refreshing swim. Accessed through Gaia River Lodge (formerly known as Five Sisters Lodge), this waterfalls can be reached by descending a steep flight of steps or by riding the hydro-powered tram paralleling the mountainside. Popular with locals and foreigners alike, Gaia River Lodge provides an ideal location for picnicking and invigorating swims packaged in a spectacular natural setting. Guests as well as non-guests of the lodge can access Five Sisters Falls.
Thousand-Foot Waterfalls: Occasionally referred to as “Hidden Valley Falls,” this torrent of Roaring Creek is probably a good deal taller than a thousand feet and is considered the highest waterfall in all of Central America. The turnoff to a viewpoint of the falls is a couple of miles beyond the forest reserve gate and is well signed. It’s quite a little drive to get all the way there, and though the view is magical, you don’t get the reward of being able to jump in. From the turnoff, the road continues down for about four miles and brings you to the falls and a picnic area. View the falls from across the gorge and through breaks in the mist. A small store and picnic tables can be found at the viewpoint.
The Mayflower Bocawina National Park: The Mayflower Bocawina National Park was declared a national park in 2001 and has three minor Maya ceremonial sites: Mayflower, T’au Witz, and Maintzunum, near Silk Grass Creek. Nearby are the three waterfalls Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls, and Antelope Falls. Access to Mayflower is easiest from Hopkins, about 20 minutes by car. However, tours are offered from Placencia and Dangriga as well as from Hopkins. The entrance to the park is about 4 1/2 mi (7 1/2 km) off the Southern Highway.
Rio Blanco Waterfalls: Established in 1994 and managed by the Rio Blanco Maya Association, the park covers 500 acres and is located approximately 30 miles traveling northwest from Punta Gorda Town. The main attraction here is the cascading falls of the Rio Blanco which flow through wide, shallow pools and over smooth slabs of mudstone and sandstone, before pouring over a 15 foot ledge into a deep pool. Surrounding limestone boulders allow easy exploration above the pool. Further upstream, a small waterfall and wading pool feed the main waterfall. Trees and flowering vegetation encircle the shady cliffs while Blue Morpho butterflies flutter amongst the surrounding trees. A smooth stone ledge at the end of the trail, covered with a layer of scattered snail shells, rises steeply about 20 feet above the pool.
Rio on Pools Waterfalls: Just off the main road in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, before reaching Augustine Village, lies the picnic shed and parking area of the popular Rio On Pools. The soothing sounds of cascading water are heard as visitors approach the picnic site. The scene revealed from the riverbank high above is absolutely breathtaking. Wide open expanse of pine forest, small waterfalls making their journey over large granite rocks, spilling into cool round pools all connected by natural waterslides as the river makes its way downstream - truly a view never to be forgotten. A short hike down to the river transports visitors to a swimming pool wonderland. Whether your desire to sit under a waterfall, slide over the smooth granite boulders, swim in your very own selection of pools or simply bask in the awesome natural beauty around you, Rio On Pools is sure to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The Great Blue Hole of Belize is a name that ignites much intrigue. The majority of the population has never heard of the great blue hole before. Located approximately forty miles from Belize City, this geographical landmark is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. The blue hole is a popular diving site which is actually a submarine sinkhole. This sinkhole has an impressive depth of 410 feet and 984 feet across; the world’s largest natural formation of this type. It was originally formed many years ago during the Ice Age. The Great Blue Hole is something people need to travel to themselves in order to fully understand the beauty and allure. Scuba divers enjoy this spot as it offers crystal clear water as well as variation of aquatic life. Several types of sharks frequent this location, including Caribbean Reef sharks and Nurse sharks. Jacques Cousteau, the television personality, visited in 1971 to chart the depths and admire the location himself. In 1997 the Great Blue Hole of Belize became a World Heritage site. This natural wonder is protected by the Belize Audubon Society and is also a Belize National Monument. Locals believe it should be included as one of the seven wonders of the world.
In 1862, the area now known as Belize gained British colonial status and become known as British Honduras. In 1964, Belize won self-government from the British and in 1973, the country’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize. Belize officially became a fully independent nation on September 21, 1981.
Current Government of Belize: The current government of Belize is a parliamentary democracy, and part of the commonwealth of England. The government consists of three parts. The first part is the executive branch, which consists of the queen of England, the head of state; her representative, called the governor general, as well as the prime minister and his cabinet. The second branch, the National Assembly, consists of 31 members in the House of Representative and 12 members in the Senate. Finally, the independent judiciary branch includes local magistrates, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
