Belize has had many visitors. Pirates, traders, the British, slaves and loggers, have spent time here. Today, the economy focuses on tourism.

Your visit will start in Belize City, the coastal town and former capital of Belize,(Belmopan is the new capital). You will want to spend a few days here to wander the streets, shop, and bathe in the architecture. You will find everything from shacks to English colonial homes, some of the last examples of the British colonization of Belize. But tourists rarely visit just for the ambiance and history of Belize City. With the second longest barrier reef in the world, vast expanses of rain forest and mountains, and an abundance of Mayan ruins tucked within the lush surroundings, it’s what lies outside the city that has made tourism Belize’s largest industry.

The barrier reef, running parallel to the coastline for 185 miles, is a diving pleasure with a varied eco-system of differing coral sizes, shapes, colors and marine species, including turtles, manatees and crocodiles. The cayes, which sounds like “Keys”; are low-lying islands made up mostly of sand and coral. There are many resorts located on the cayes.

Inland Belize is home to tropical rainforests, caves and waterfalls made for impressive adventures and photo ops. Hidden within the verdant surroundings are Mayan ruins. A favorite Mayan expedition is to the ruins at Altun Ha, a major ceremonial and trading post during the Post Classic and Classic eras and is the most excavated site in Belize.

The primary foods are red beans, clean rice, and chicken. Most chicken is prepared and served on the bone. Rice and Beans is a mixed dish with some spices and coconut milk. Citrus plantations are numerous, so fresh oranges and grapefruits are abundant. Pineapple, Papaya, Bannana and Plantain are also grown and sold in roadside markets.

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is to the northwest of Belize City in Ladyville. It receives daily flights from North America and Europe. Taxi and bus service are available at the airport.