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With 174 miles of its coastline washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is one Central American country where tourism is alive and well. To the north of the country is Mexico and the south and west is bounded by Guatemala. This adventure paradise is an English-speaking country, easily accessible by air from all major US cities. Over 40% of the country is designated as parks and preserves.

In Belize there are many important Mayan archaeological ruins, seeing that at the height of the civilization it was home to about 2 million Mayan people. The first European settlers were the Puritans and shipwrecked sailors who settled along the coast. It became a British colony called British Honduras, but after receiving its independence in 1954, it was renamed Belize.

There are numerous sites to see when you visit this country. Your first destination will likley be Belize City, located on the mainland. It is also one of the stops of cruise ship lines and for this reason Fort Street Tourism Village was established. At this location there are three terminals and three courtyards featuring numerous retail stores for shopping as well as restaurants serving all types of cuisine. Wander through the city itself and visit such sites as the Museum of Belize, which was once a colonial prison dating back to the 1800's, shop at the National Handicraft Center where you can buy local handmade crafts, or take the interactive historical tour pf Old Belize and Cucumber Beach.

If you want to see the remains of the Mayan culture, head to Altun Ha, which was once a major center of commerce in the civilization. You can also take a boat ride up the New River to Lamanai to see the ruins of a Mayan temple. There is also a museum here, the ruins of two 16th century Spanish churches and the remains of a sugar mill. At Lubaantum, you can see the crystallized skull found in a temple vault. Take a trip into the rainforest to visit Caracol, an immense Mayan city home to the tallest manmade structure in the country - Canaa or Sky Palace.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve offers spectacular views as well as the Hidden Valley Falls, which are about 1000 feet high. At the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, you have the chance to see many of the native animals of Belize, such as the jaguar and the howler monkey.

Divers will want to head to the offshore islands for some of the best scuba diving in the world. However, the Blue Hole is an opportunity to take in something different as you plummet into a sink hole that is one of the best dive spots in the world. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, laze around on the beach or enjoy windsurfing. Kayak around Glover's Reef Atoll or swim with the nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Bay Alley.

If you are an avid birdwatcher, you will definitely want to head to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary known for its jaribu storks. Fishing and canoeing are a few of the other activities that you can engage in when you visit Belize.

The currency is the Belize dollar, but all major attractions and accommodations do accept US dollars and major credit cards. In Belize City, there are several hotels, and bed and breakfasts. You can stay in a lodge when you visit the mountains or a large resort when you visit the Caribbean area. If you plan to spend a longer time, you can rent a home or an apartment for the duration of your visit.

There are many bars throughout the country. Belize City has a casino and the bars in the hotels here feature live entertainment. Shopping is a delightful experience with all the spices, jewelry and handicrafts available in the stores and markets.

Learn more about this author, Frances Stanford.
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