Belize – A Dream Destination for Nature Lovers and Adventure Travelers.

Blessed with the second largest living barrier reef in the world, running the entire 185-mile length of its coast, Belize is revered among scuba divers and fishermen.

But there is much more to this eco-sensitive destination, where 60 percent of the land is set aside in national parks. The country beckons with 3,000-foot-high mountains, cascading waterfalls, and jungles teeming with birds, wildlife, exotic plants and endangered species. Historical Maya sites and a rich culture are thrown in as a bonus.

Belize is English-speaking and gained its independence from Great Britain in 1981. Tourism is the main industry. The country retains an unspoiled appeal for fishermen, scuba divers, bird watchers, hikers, honeymooners, nature lovers, history buffs and adventure travelers.

Nature is one of the biggest draws and reasons to visit Belize, where you will see many different types of animals and plants including manatees, monkeys, keel-billed toucans, rare orchids, green iguanas and blue morpho butterflies. In the jungles jaguars still roam and close to 600 different bird species can be found there. Sports fishing is available and colorful sea life crowds the reefs.

You can kayak the mangroves, hike the preserves, canoe the rivers and ride horses in the mountains.

For divers, the highlights are the Blue Hole and three coral atolls: Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef and Turneffe Islands.

For the explorer, partially excavated Maya sites can be found throughout the country. One will find stepped pyramids, ball courts and carved temples. Ongoing exploration is continuing. The largest sites are Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha and Lamanai. Exploring the country’s vast caves provides a glimpse into the Maya underworld. In them you will see fire pits, artifacts and skeletons of human sacrifices.

Belize has three primary tourist destinations, Ambergris Caye, off the north coast, especially attracts divers and snorkelers where you will find rays and nurse sharks. The main town, San Pedro, features sand streets, art galleries and a few beach bars over the water. You get around on golf carts.

The Cayo District, on the western border with Guatemala, hosts a tropical rain forest and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The town of San Ignacio is the base for many adventure tours.

Placencia, along the south coast, has some of the nicest beaches in the country.

Accommodations range from upscale properties and jungle spas to thatch-roof eco-resorts, fishing camps, diving lodges and budget hotels.

For more information on Belize visit: www.travelbelize.org