tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848814399690787992024-03-12T19:17:59.187-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy ToursAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-5155405158860985572016-02-01T12:53:00.001-08:002016-02-01T12:53:28.225-08:00Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - D Nest Inn<a href="http://belizecityhotels.freeforums.org/d-nest-inn-t6.html">Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - D Nest Inn</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-24544788588957333812016-02-01T12:51:00.001-08:002016-02-01T12:51:02.596-08:00Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - Belize City Hotels Near Airport<a href="http://belizecityhotels.freeforums.org/belize-city-hotels-near-airport-t5.html">Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - Belize City Hotels Near Airport</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-25671109563833390352016-02-01T12:48:00.001-08:002016-02-01T12:48:33.777-08:00Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - Belize City Hotels - Radisson<a href="http://belizecityhotels.freeforums.org/belize-city-hotels-radisson-t4.html">Belize City Travel Forms, $100.00, Belize City Hotels, Belize City Vacations - View topic - Belize City Hotels - Radisson</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-22746848228803100062016-02-01T12:42:00.001-08:002016-02-01T12:42:14.708-08:00Belize City Travel Form, Belize City Hotels - View topic - Belize City Best Western<a href="http://belizecityhotels.freeforums.org/belize-city-best-western-t3.html">Belize City Travel Form, Belize City Hotels - View topic - Belize City Best Western</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-89316136394921261942015-03-19T14:38:00.001-07:002015-03-19T14:38:16.692-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Things To Do In Belize City On A Cruise<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/things-to-do-in-belize-city-on-cruise.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Things To Do In Belize City On A Cruise</a>: Bordering on Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean, Belize is the second smallest country in Central America (after El Salvador), with an ar...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-32550645843959264812015-03-19T14:32:00.001-07:002015-03-19T14:32:40.127-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Ambergris caye Belize - $100.00 San Pedro Belize<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/ambergris-caye-belize-san-pedro-belize.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Ambergris caye Belize - $100.00 San Pedro Belize</a>: Ambergris Caye, is the largest island of Belize located northeast of the country in the Caribbean Sea. Though administered as part of the B...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-47025622085003808172015-03-19T14:25:00.001-07:002015-03-19T14:25:26.594-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Things To Do In Belize<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/things-to-do-in-belize.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Things To Do In Belize</a>: Belize is compact, occupying about 9,000 square miles. But don't let its size throw you off. Swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers will...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-5986791879137484902015-03-19T14:23:00.001-07:002015-03-19T14:23:06.473-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-mean-and-dangerous-adventure.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours</a>: The cave tubing, zip line, and atv adventure is an express combo tour that is a full day tour leaving Belize City at 8:00 am. This advent...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-88447403847031451982015-03-19T14:00:00.001-07:002015-03-19T14:00:57.412-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-mean-and-dangerous-adventure.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours</a>: The cave tubing, zip line, and atv adventure is an express combo tour that is a full day tour leaving Belize City at 8:00 am. This advent...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-6987185926798116332015-03-19T13:55:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:55:38.613-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-mean-and-dangerous-adventure.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Mean and Dangerous Adventure Tours</a>: The cave tubing, zip line, and atv adventure is an express combo tour that is a full day tour leaving Belize City at 8:00 am. This advent...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-75386058806314303632015-03-19T13:42:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:42:54.325-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize A.T.M. Actunichil Muknal<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-atm-actunichil-muknal.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize A.T.M. Actunichil Muknal</a>: This Belize Caving Adventure (daytime) is one of our Specialties! Through work alongside archaeologists, ACTION BOYS BELIZE is one of ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-39466832822921782572015-03-19T13:35:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:35:51.215-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-tours.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Tours</a>: Our Tour Company is made up of Belize tour guides that came together to offer their services at the lowest rates possible. We offer family ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-63523851159984692072015-03-19T13:26:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:26:43.266-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-tours.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Tours</a>: Our Tour Company is made up of Belize tour guides that came together to offer their services at the lowest rates possible. We offer family ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-11636273848815683912015-03-19T13:25:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:25:19.533-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Baboon Sanctuary<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/altun-ha-mayan-ruins-and-baboon.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Baboon Sanctuary</a>: This tour is designed to last approximately 5.5 hours. It includes a 50 minutes drive through the countryside to the Mayan Ruins of Alt...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-70184110137115034892015-03-19T13:15:00.001-07:002015-03-19T13:15:55.953-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, Baboon Sanctuary, and Zip Li...<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/altun-ha-mayan-ruins-baboon-sanctuary.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, Baboon Sanctuary, and Zip Li...</a>: Belize Zip Line Canopy Tour, Baboon Sanctuary, and Altun Ha Ruins – The combination of Belize Baboon Sanctuary, Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, and...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-50548615272491303972015-03-19T12:54:00.001-07:002015-03-19T12:54:47.509-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Baboon Sanctuary<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-baboon-sanctuary.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Baboon Sanctuary</a>: Belize Baboon Sancuary This tour is designed to last approximately 4 hours. It includes a drive through the countryside to a village know...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-79623050408493298142015-03-19T12:34:00.001-07:002015-03-19T12:34:02.741-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Day Trips To Tikal<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-day-trips-to-tikal.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Day Trips To Tikal</a>: The Tikal Mayan ruins in the Peten region of Guatemala are truly breathtaking -- and mysterious, as is the civilization that built Tikal...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-69739121329644694362015-03-19T12:16:00.001-07:002015-03-19T12:16:05.117-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Cave Tubing and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-cave-tubing-and-xunantunich.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Cave Tubing and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins</a>: This is tour is a combination of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing. It is designed to last approximately 5.5 hours. It includes an ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-83396076669266301812015-03-19T11:43:00.001-07:002015-03-19T11:43:40.748-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Lamanai Mayan Ruins Tours<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-lamanai-mayan-ruins-tours.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Lamanai Mayan Ruins Tours</a>: Lamanai Mayan Ruins Belize Looming over the west bank of the New River Lagoon, Lamanai Mayan Ruins, orAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-12912228582685185462015-03-19T11:19:00.001-07:002015-03-19T11:19:21.570-07:00Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Cave Tubing, Zip Line, and Altun Ha Mayan R...<a href="http://belizeziplinecanopytours.blogspot.com/2015/02/belize-cave-tubing-zip-line-and-altun.html?spref=bl">Belize Zip Line Canopy Tours: Belize Cave Tubing, Zip Line, and Altun Ha Mayan R...</a>: This tour is designed to last approximately 6.5 hour. It includes a 50 minute drive from Belize City to the Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha. Whe...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-59294423253654725392015-02-25T10:31:00.000-08:002015-02-25T10:31:22.304-08:00Altun Ha and Belize City Tour $45.00
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YAFw1o4UyIiOEE1XcU0hZSchEdRnlwS0s9qO28UyKe0JSlBEpTJfIcdR_Cdvm_EBURSjxFSCNfE3WrdN-Hd5O0dzD_7FHmJ3CD-nDHoQpK8hod0uE8PfqL9Ii6z-TQGYrGWI5XI5djQ/s1600/altunhaandbelizecitytour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YAFw1o4UyIiOEE1XcU0hZSchEdRnlwS0s9qO28UyKe0JSlBEpTJfIcdR_Cdvm_EBURSjxFSCNfE3WrdN-Hd5O0dzD_7FHmJ3CD-nDHoQpK8hod0uE8PfqL9Ii6z-TQGYrGWI5XI5djQ/s320/altunhaandbelizecitytour.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt4lmtjvO2xNRCTpFzrtCrhaOtt6c-APb08S6Cp9tZw9h3s9tlXubouF9-23xujwoIp7tjQ50KgTbqVVWDw6GWI9VsV-O1vcpN-1-qYKMNwKf8sg9e3oKSAZ52rlvhNFNzNnLlN3mzM4/s1600/altunhamayanruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt4lmtjvO2xNRCTpFzrtCrhaOtt6c-APb08S6Cp9tZw9h3s9tlXubouF9-23xujwoIp7tjQ50KgTbqVVWDw6GWI9VsV-O1vcpN-1-qYKMNwKf8sg9e3oKSAZ52rlvhNFNzNnLlN3mzM4/s320/altunhamayanruins.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_hg3OYlAxV0KJJi8GnYAAm91_nTJ9hXwzIGrXKuHFLp8I9cX4sVGkTNEpd7cTZoclgr15KeDzcYjGoFbNI9D7e7n8RRfK7moeiCDooynvGQnk4ZPK7acmGtihYX7DdO8qfJOQSvF7dk/s1600/altunhatours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_hg3OYlAxV0KJJi8GnYAAm91_nTJ9hXwzIGrXKuHFLp8I9cX4sVGkTNEpd7cTZoclgr15KeDzcYjGoFbNI9D7e7n8RRfK7moeiCDooynvGQnk4ZPK7acmGtihYX7DdO8qfJOQSvF7dk/s320/altunhatours.jpg" /></a></div>
Experience the history and culture of the ancient Maya with a shore excursion that explores the Altun Ha (Water of the Rock) Mayan Ruins. As a bonus, you'll also get a historical tour of Belize City.
As the archaeological record proves, Belize was near the center of ancient Mayan civilization. More than 2000 years ago, the Maya began to build magnificent cities and ceremonial centers in the region. Altun Ha, erected during the Classic Period (200-1000 AD), is the only Maya ruin located in the Belize District.
Once a splendid city spanning nearly 5 square miles, Altun Ha was until recently completely overgrown by jungle vegetation. As is the case elsewhere in Central America, historians and archaeologists are only beginning to uncover evidence of the remarkable achievements of the Maya. Mayan breakthroughs in math and science are gradually being documented. The Mayan alphabet (one of only a handful of complete writing system in human history) required nearly a century of scholarly work before linguists were able to decipher its meaning.
In the Mayan world, Altun Ha served as an important trading hub and connection to the Caribbean Sea, which is located seven miles away. The city was also a major religious ceremonial center and is believed to have housed more than 10,000 people. The complex contains more than 275 structures, and at least 250 mounds have yet to be excavated.
The Altun Ha tourist site focuses on the ancient central city, featuring thirteen temples in a pleasant park-like setting. The tallest structure, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, stands 59 feet high. It is the site's most well-preserved temple and home to one of the largest jade carvings ever found in the Maya world, a head of Kinich Ahau, the sun god. (Representations of the carving today serve as a national symbol of Belize.) The top of the temple also offers visitors a panoramic view of the lush jungle canopy that surrounds the site.
Your exploration of the Mayan past begins at the Belize Tourism Village, where you will be met by your tour guide and escorted to one of our comfortable passenger vans.
Along the way to Altun Ha, you will be exposed to some of the architectural highlights of Belize City's British colonial era. Beyond the urban area, you will pass through quaint Creole settlements and small farms. Your guides will share their deep knowledge of Belize's history and cultural diversity.
Price: $45.00 per/ person
Group of 6 and more: $40 per/ person.
The price of our tours may vary depending on the number of persons booking. This is because we offer strictly private tours.
Email us: belizetoursandexcursions@gmail.com
Call: 011-501-664-1975Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBelize, Belize17.486256187016004 -88.18862915039062517.486256187016004 -88.188629150390625 17.486256187016004 -88.188629150390625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-46983744780790938882015-02-25T10:22:00.000-08:002015-02-25T10:22:37.363-08:00About Belize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzMrKaqnnB18tRuYCSKn3rREnl-qhP-QMMdmBeRAKX6tz3Ssj0mk_UHR2UnSbyWRhc178T1lrPe4GvAly3boMXmBkGZjAaWzqHAXpAZJu6gglJf45tdxkgYD9NZBhUvUXEWkJM9ziW4I/s1600/belize+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzMrKaqnnB18tRuYCSKn3rREnl-qhP-QMMdmBeRAKX6tz3Ssj0mk_UHR2UnSbyWRhc178T1lrPe4GvAly3boMXmBkGZjAaWzqHAXpAZJu6gglJf45tdxkgYD9NZBhUvUXEWkJM9ziW4I/s320/belize+flag.jpg" /></a></div>
Belize, only 8,867 square miles in size, is situated on the northeast coast of Central America. The Caribbean Sea lies to the east and from the air its turquoise waters are clear, allowing the multicolored coral formation of the Great Barrier Reef to be easily observed. Coral islands called cayes, covered with stands of mangrove trees, dot the coast. Lying in aquamarine and jade-colored bays, these cayes protect the jungled coastline from the ravages of the sea.
North of Belize lies the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The Rio Hondo, which empties into Chetumal Bay, is the border between the two countries. The eastern border is demarcated by a surveyed line through the jungle separating Belize from the El Peten Department of Guatemala. To the south, the Belize/Guatemalan border is the Rio Sarstoon which flows east to the Caribbean Sea. The country is divided by the eastward flowing Belize River which is a major transportation route for native goods. The north half of the country is made up of synclinal folds of low lying, parallel limestone ridges running NNE to SSW. These jungle covered ridges are the spines of fossil coral reefs. In the valleys between run the perennial rivers, the Hondo, Nuevo, and Freshwater Creek. The Northern Peten and Campeche Regions of the Yucatan are drained by these river basins. This area, known as the "Maya Heartland," contains the classic Maya center of Tikal as well as many minor ceremonial centers and hundreds of occupation sites. The lagoons along the Nuevo River and Freshwater Creek are also areas of Maya site concentration. Great mangrove swamps line the northern coast, extend inland for many miles, and cover much of the northern district. For information on getting from Cancun to Corozal and Belize,
Southern Belize is the site of large plantations that grow citrus, an important export. Rising out of the palm-covered coastal plain of southern Belize are the Maya Mountains. Mostly unexplored, they are covered by verdant jungle and a canopy of tropical rain clouds. The paleozoic horst is comprised of granite and metamorphosed sandstone which sustains stands of pine in its infertile acidic soil. Unsuitable for agriculture, the ridge (note that in Belize, ridge refers to any change in vegetation) was exploited by Preceramic peoples and Maya hunters. Averaging approximately 1,000 feet, the main divide is relatively dwarfed by Victoria Peak which reaches 3,680 feet. The southern plateau becomes broader and descends westwardly. The northern part of this region, known as the Mountain Pine Ridge area, lies in the Capo District.
The higher elevation (1,500-2,700 feet) provides spectacular falls for the many streams that lace the land. The plateau's northern edge is a broken limestone escarpment descending steeply to the Sibun River Valley, an area dotted with many unexplored caves.
Belize (formerly British Honduras until the name of the country was changed in 1973) lies on the eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bounded on the north and part of the west by Mexico, and on the south and the remainder of the west by Guatemala. The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with islets called cayes', extending almost the entire length of the country.
There is a low coastal plain, much of it covered with mangrove swamp, but the land rises gradually towards the interior.The Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range form the backbone of the southern half of the country, the highest point being Victoria Peak (3,669 feet) in the Cockscomb Range. The Cayo District in the west includes the Mountain Pine Ridge, ranging from 305 to around 914 metres above sea level. The northem districts contain considerable areas of low tableland. There are many rivers, some of them navigable for short distances by shallow-draught vessels. A large part of the mainland is forest.
By definition there is no true rainforest in Belize; however, the quantity of rainfall is only slightly insufficient. Instead, the country is decorated with broadleaf jungle and cohune forest termed "moist tropical forest". This forest, savanna wetlands and the Mayan Mountain areas of the country is habitat for an incredible variety of fauna.
The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,866 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 280 kilometres and its greatest width is 109 kilometres.
The climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. Temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10*C (50*F) to about 35.6*C (96*F); inland the range is greater. Rainfall varies from an average of 1,295 millimetres in the north to 4,445 millimetres in the extreme south. The dry season usually extends from February to May and there is sometimes a dry spell in August.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBelize17.189877 -88.49765000000002117.189877 -88.497650000000021 17.189877 -88.497650000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-60948667744216574292015-02-25T10:15:00.000-08:002015-02-25T10:15:05.159-08:00Belize EconomyBelize has a small, essentially private enterprise economy that is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services. The cultivation of newly discovered crude oil in the town of Spanish Lookout has presented new prospects and problems for this developing nation.[7] Besides petroleum, Belize's other primary exports are citrus, sugar, and bananas. Belize's trade deficit has been growing, mostly as a result of low export prices for sugar and bananas. The new government faces important challenges to economic stability. Rapid action to improve tax collection has been promised, but a lack of progress in reining in spending could bring the exchange rate under pressure. The Belize Dollar is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 2:1.
Domestic industry is limited, constrained by relatively high-cost labour and energy and a small domestic market.Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment although significant foreign investment is also found in the energy, telecommunications, and agricultural sectors.
Belize's economy depended on forestry until well into the 20th century. Logwood, used to make dye, was Belize's initial main export. However, the supply outstripped the demand, especially as Europeans developed man-made dyes which were less expensive. Loggers turned to mahogany, which grew in abundance in the country's forests. The wood was prized for use in cabinets, ships, and railroad carriers. While many merchants and traders became wealthy from the mahogany industry, ups and downs in the market had a large impact on the economy. In addition, new mahogany trees weren't being planted, because mahogany trees grow slowly; the rate of natural regrowth necessitated a large, long-term investment in tree farming, which was not made. As the 19th century progressed, loggers were forced to go deeper into the forests to find the trees, increasing labour costs.
Variations of mahogany exports over long periods of time were linked to the accessible supply of the resource. Thus, improvements in hauling methods helped the cutters satisfy increasing demands for mahogany by enabling them to extract timber from areas in the interior that had been previously inaccessible to them. Immediately after the introduction of cattle in the early 19th century, tractors in the 1920s, and lorries in the 1940s, production levels rose dramatically.
When the supply of accessible timber dwindled and logging became too unprofitable in the 20th century, the country's economy shifted to new sectors. Cane sugar became the principal export and recently has been augmented by expanded production of citrus, bananas, seafood, and apparel. The country has about 8,090 km² of arable land, only a small fraction of which is under cultivation. To curb land speculation, the government enacted legislation in 1973 that requires non-Belizeans to complete a development plan on land they purchase before obtaining title to plots of more than 10 acres (40,000 m²) of rural land or more than one-half acre (2,000 m²) of urban land.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBelize17.189877 -88.49765000000002117.189877 -88.497650000000021 17.189877 -88.497650000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-34265030404781273362015-02-25T10:09:00.000-08:002015-02-25T10:10:24.664-08:00Belize Climate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot1q7iU2FYVW7lH8cGx5FEO7gyVxEv6nLZBj2QsKaRZmrQ8Q-7QhAU84cgdkBU-uU8K5JujLFooWwx3hqOKf-0oM5zWC-oLf1kIRKkx-oRCzpj5fyj3lcDtSrsls0OmYe4MUCmlLcVvQ/s1600/map+of+belize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot1q7iU2FYVW7lH8cGx5FEO7gyVxEv6nLZBj2QsKaRZmrQ8Q-7QhAU84cgdkBU-uU8K5JujLFooWwx3hqOKf-0oM5zWC-oLf1kIRKkx-oRCzpj5fyj3lcDtSrsls0OmYe4MUCmlLcVvQ/s320/map+of+belize.png" /></a></div>
Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region. Temperatures vary according to elevation, proximity to the coast, and the moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. Average temperatures in the coastal regions range from 24 °C (75 °F) in January to 27 °C (81 °F) in July. Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round. Overall, the seasons are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature.
Average rainfall varies considerably, ranging from 1,350 millimeters (53.1 in) in the north and west to over 4,500 millimeters (177.2 in) in the extreme south. Seasonal differences in rainfall are greatest in the northern and central regions of the country where, between January and April or May, fewer than 100 millimeters (3.9 in) of rain fall per month. The dry season is shorter in the south, normally only lasting from February to April. A shorter, less rainy period, known locally as the "little dry," usually occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season.
Hurricanes have played key—and devastating—roles in Belizean history. In 1931 an unnamed hurricane destroyed over two-thirds of the buildings in Belize City and killed more than 1,000 people. In 1955 Hurricane Janet leveled the northern town of Corozal. Only six years later, Hurricane Hattie struck the central coastal area of the country, with winds in excess of 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph) and 4-meter (13.1 ft) storm tides. The devastation of Belize City for the second time in thirty years prompted the relocation of the capital some 80 kilometers (50 mi) inland to the planned city of Belmopan. A hurricane that devastated Belize was Hurricane Greta, which caused more than US$25 million in damages along the southern coast in 1978.
There was a period of 20 years that Belize was considered as a hurricane-free zone by many until Hurricane Mitch (October 1998) caused quite a stir and gave rise to hurricane awareness and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). Two years later Tropical Storm Chantal and Hurricane Keith did much to put the country on the hurricane map. In 2001, Hurricane Iris swept through the southern part of Belize causing damage that ranged in the hundreds of millions due largely to wiping away the banana industry, crippling the citrus and tourism in the area. Six years later, the fury of Category Five Dean landed on the Yucatán coast at Mahahual but Corozal, on northern Belize, was not spared the brunt of reportedly Category 3 to 4 winds. The latter did tens of millions in damages, especially to the infantile papaya industry and to a lesser extent to the endemic sugar cane industry.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBelize, Belize17.492150326224362 -88.18725585937517.492150326224362 -88.187255859375 17.492150326224362 -88.187255859375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384881439969078799.post-81588707902662649932015-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:002015-02-25T10:03:34.488-08:00Things To Do In Belize City On A Cruise
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqcIeMFtw8CoY-BQWClmuIFbDaCr23VNE9u5UT33UPhPt3hrJK9UP5jGLI-eUSn3rotiPLNgN_nY039aMRj8eWbGs_Js2A1sgAS1FIuFnSRcCihMxDHcDIxSVCfZm8fpay5bT7ix3GKM/s1600/belize+cruise+port.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqcIeMFtw8CoY-BQWClmuIFbDaCr23VNE9u5UT33UPhPt3hrJK9UP5jGLI-eUSn3rotiPLNgN_nY039aMRj8eWbGs_Js2A1sgAS1FIuFnSRcCihMxDHcDIxSVCfZm8fpay5bT7ix3GKM/s320/belize+cruise+port.png" /></a></div>
Bordering on Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean, Belize is the second smallest country in Central America (after El Salvador), with an area of approximately 9,000 square miles that includes numerous small islands off the coast known as cayes. More than half of the mainland is covered with dense forests, and at its longest point Belize is 176 miles long while its greatest width is 88 miles. Long a strong advocate of environmental protection, the government has set aside approximately 20 percent of its land as nature reserves.
Belize has been attracting steadily increasing numbers of U.S. visitors as it has become better known as a reasonably priced destination offering some of the best diving in the Caribbean. It also continues to increase in popularity as a cruise destination and is often included as one of the ports of call on Western Caribbean itineraries.
Diving is Belize's main claim to fame due to an almost unbroken line of reefs and cayes extending for 150 miles along its coast that make up the longest reef system in the western hemisphere (and the second longest in the world). While many cayes are tiny and uninhabited, some like Ambergris Caye are sufficiently large to have built resorts that attract divers from around the world.
Several important Mayan sites on the mainland, such as Altun Ha and Xunantunich, make for excellent day trips and are included on shore excursions by most cruise ships. As a matter of fact, Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites of all the countries in Central America.
Belize City, with its wooden and brick buildings, exudes some colonial charm, but the downtown area also has many seedy neighborhoods, and tourists should beware of walking around the city after dark. For cruise passengers, Belize City is primarily a jumping off point for tours and excursions to its many natural and historical attractions.
Print the entire port review.
Other Western Caribbean Cruise Ports:
Belize City • Costa Maya • Cozumel • Falmouth • Galveston • Grand Cayman • Havana • Houston • Montego Bay • New Orleans • Ocho Rios • Playa del Carmen (Calica) • Progreso • Roatan • Santiago de Cuba • Tampa
Best Souvenir
Bracelets carved of zirticote hardwood, from the National Handicrafts Sales Centre near Tourism Village. Also find an assortment of locally produced mahogany and rosewood carvings, slate carvings, jippi jappa baskets and artwork. (2 South Park Street; 501-223-3636)
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Language
English is Belize's official language and is spoken by virtually everyone.
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Currency & Best Way to Get Money
Belizean dollar (exchange rate is roughly $2 Belize to $1 U.S.); all shops and merchants readily accept U.S. dollars (most also accept credit cards) so it is unnecessary to change money. ATM's are plentiful in both the Tourism Village and the rest of the city.
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Hanging Around
All ships anchor in Belize City harbor and passengers are whizzed from ship to shore via speedy Belizean tenders; takes approximately 20 minutes to tender ashore. All passengers disembark at docks in Belize's Tourism Village.
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Getting Around
Taxis are readily available at Tourism Village as well as in the city and at hotels. Taxis do not have meters and although most drivers charge a standard fare, make sure you determine the fare before getting in so as to avoid being burned upon arriving at your destination. Look for the green license plate of licensed taxis. There are also water taxis and ferries that depart from the Marine Terminal to the outlying cayes, including the larger resort cayes such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. A trip from Belize City to San Pedro, the largest town on Ambergris Caye, takes around 80 minutes.
Don't Miss
Diving and Snorkeling: Number one on the hit parade of favorite outdoor activities due to the astounding sites along the barrier reef. Some of the best dive sites lie just off Ambergris Caye. Charter operators offer day trips that include transportation. However you get to Ambergris Caye, head for the main town of San Pedro, where many of the dive operators are clustered. For a list of local dive shops see Diving on Ambergris Caye. A favorite snorkeling area is known as Shark Ray Alley (one hour by speedboat from San Pedro) where it's possible to get "up close and personal" (petting is permitted) with nurse sharks and sting rays. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a three-square-mile dive site.
Mayan Heritage: Among the best of Belize's Mayan sites is Altun Ha, a heavily excavated site that is a convenient day trip out of the city. Once a major trading and ceremonial center, it consists of several impressive temples and tombs highlighted by the Temple of the Masonry Altars. Another important site is Xunantunich, located near the Guatemalan border that can only be reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. Situated here are six major plazas ringed by more than 25 temples and palaces; largest of the remaining temples is Il Castilo which is worth climbing for the spectacular panoramic view from the top.
Wildlife Lovers: Belize City's three major sites containing wild creatures are all located fairly close together. Those who would rather not venture very far from the city can check out The Belize Zoo with its more than 125 animals, all native to Belize. Daily 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Western Highway mile marker 29; 501-220-8004). A little farther out is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Western Highway mile marker 30.8) and the Community Baboon Sanctuary (across the street; 501-660-3545), which is home to a substantial number of black howler monkeys, called “baboon” in the local Creole dialect.
Birders: Belize is a birder's delight as it is home to more than 500 different species from toucans to egrets. Two highly recommended ways to encounter birdlife is on a guided boat trip to the Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary and/or the aforementioned Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Been There, Done That
For the ultimate in R&R at the beach, head to Caye Caulker, a 45-minute ferry ride from the Marine Terminal. Just five miles long and one mile wide, laid-back Caye Caulker is ideal for sun worshipping on one of its gorgeous beaches. There are no cars here so everyone rides around either in golf carts or on bicycles which can be rented by the hour or for the day. Divers can hop boats that go out to the barrier reef just 10 minutes away.
Explore Belize's caves. In ancient times, the Mayans believed that caves were the "underworld" and were revered as sacred places. Options for exploring the network of caves include tubing or by kayak or canoe. Some of the tubing is at a place known as "Jungle Paw," where the float through a series of caves in an inner tube lasts about two hours.
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Lunching
The menu at The Smoky Mermaid features fabulous lobster and fresh fish dishes. Serves breakfast all day on Saturday. Daily 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The Great House, #13 Cork Street; 501-223-4759)
Nerie's serves less expensive and more Belizean fare. Try rice and beans, stewed pork or fish burger. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Queen & Daly streets; 501-223-4028; 12 Douglas Jones Street; 501-224-5199)
Eat with the locals at Big Daddy's Diner, a cafeteria-style restaurant. Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Market; 501-227-0932)
Four Fort Street is a great place to soak up local atmosphere and enjoy native cuisine. Monday - Saturday, 7-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (#4 Fort Street; 501-2-30116)
If you're spending the day on Caye Caulker, grab a burger, tacos or sandwich at Marin's Restaurant and Bar on Luciano Reyes Street.
Shore Excursions
Best nature lover/history buff combo: An ideal tour for those who want to view creatures in the wild and also explore Mayan ruins is the Altun Ha and River Wallace tour. Travel first up Belize's Wallace River (also known as the Olde Belize River), inhabited by a host of creatures including manatees, crocodiles, iguanas and many species of tropical birds. The second half of the tour is spent at Altun Ha, one of the most important Mayan sites in the country.
Best soft adventurer excursion: Tubing along Belize's Sibun River provides a unique look at limestone caves formed before the dawn of mankind. Duration:3 and and be more hours.
Best for snorkelers: Travel in a snorkel boat to the uninhabited Goff's Caye, a tiny caye 12 miles offshore where there is abundant reef life and magnificent coral formations. Here it's possible to snorkel either from the beautiful beach or directly off the snorkel boat. Duration: 4 hours.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06973430602739071944noreply@blogger.comBelize, Belize17.491024724121168 -88.1815052032470717.491024724121168 -88.18150520324707 17.491024724121168 -88.18150520324707