Belize

Once verdant jungles ruled by the mighty Maya, to the outposts of pirates and the eventual conquest of the European explorers, Belize is the youngest and smallest Central American country. Straddling the North American continent and the Caribbean Sea, the landscape is as diverse as the history and it's people. As an independent Commonwealth, the official language is English, however Spanish and Kriol are more commonly spoken. Belizean Kriol is 'di stiki stiki paat' or the glue that holds Belize together. A tiny population of nearly 350,000, Belize is a colorful mix of  Maya, Mestizo, Creoles, Garifuna, Mennonites, East Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Arab, and a small pinch of European and North American.

The National Animal of Belize, aka, the mountain cow

All Jungles and Rivers lead to the sea

Caribbean Mangrove

Sleeping Maya Mountain

As a vacation destination, many visitors come for the Caribbean sun and to relax in the 'go slow' pace of the islands. Diving and snorkeling are world-renowned activities along the 190 mile stretch of the Belize Barrier Reef, much of the reef is a marine reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Divers at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Even for snorkeling, once overboard the underwater sea life is immense

Another popular attraction is the Maya ruins for both archaeology scholars and students, as well as, adventure seeking tourists. Belize ruins are some of the oldest known Maya settlements in Central America. Many of the sites began in the Preclassic era in 1000 B.C. to the start of the Postclassic in 1000 A.D. Nearly 2000 years of ancient American history is hidden among the jungles in the western Maya mountains to the northern Yucatan border and southern Caribbean Coast.

The oldest known site of Cahal Pech, still partly covered by jungle.

Ascending from the Maya underworld

The wonderful blending of ethnicities and biodiversity contributes to a rich fusion of culture and a delicious local cuisine.

Shrimp Ceviche, Creole Voodoo Cakes (a lightly breaded mix of seafood, peppers, onions) and a Vegetable  Samosa

Our week long journey was a modest glimpse into an amazing country. Belize, has a magnificent diversity of landscapes, people, culture, and history. Over the next few weeks every Wednesday morning, learn more about the Belize adventure, visit local farmers markets, canoe rivers that were once trade routes, climb ancient Maya ruins, and explore the Barrier Reef. Also learn about our new sustainable homesite in the western Cayo District community of Carmelita Gardens.

Great Books for visiting Belize