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To
the south of Belmopan, Belize
is at its wildest. Here the central area is dominated by the
Maya Mountains, which slope down towards the coast through a
series of forested ridges and valleys carved by sparkling rivers. As
you head further south, the climate becomes more humid, promoting
the growth of dense rainforest, rich in wildlife. Population density
in this part of Belize is low, with most of the towns and villages
located on the coast. Dangriga , the largest settlement, is
home to the Garífuna people, descended from Caribs and
shipwrecked Africans.
The villages of Gales Point , north of
Dangriga, and Hopkins , on the coast to the south, are worth
visiting to experience their tranquil way of life, while offshore,
the beautiful cayes of Glover's Reef offer budget and luxury
accommodation in Belize's largest marine reserve. Further down the
coast, Placencia is the focus of coastal tourism in southern
Belize, and the departure point for yet more idyllic cayes, some of
which sit right on the top of the Barrier Reef.
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 Belize
travel guide
Caribbean
guide
Inland
, the Maya Mountains remain unpenetrated by roads, forming a solid
barrier to land travel except on foot or horseback. The Belize
government, showing supreme foresight, has placed practically all of
the thickly forested mountain massif under some form of protection.
The most accessible area of rainforest, though still little-visited
by tourists, is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , a
reserve designed to protect the area's sizeable jaguar population.
The Southern Highway comes to an end in Punta Gorda , a final
outpost, from where you can head over the sea to Guatemala or inland
to visit Maya villages and ruins in the southern foothills of
the Maya Mountains.
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Belize
Belize City
Where to go
When to go
Getting around
Costs, money, banks
Currency, exchange
 Eating
and drinking
Mail &
communications
Safety and the police
Work and study
Information
The media
Holidays
and festivals
Shopping,
souvenirs
Belize city
Arrival and information
Restaurants
Nightlife,
entertainment
Tours,
buses
Listings
Travel details
Explore Belize City
North side
South side
Cayo and the west
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Belize city
to San
Ignacio
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Belize zoo
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Belmopan
Practicalities
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Guanacaste
Park
Benque Viejo del Carmen
Caracol Ruins
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
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San Antonio
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San Ignacio
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Arrival
Restaurants
Kayaking,canoeing
Xunantunich, San Jose
Corozal, Orange Walk
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Travel details |
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