Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Guatemala and Belize are gearing up for a simultaneous referendum to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court of Justice at The Hague. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include an unsustainable foreign debt, high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, growing urban crime, and increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Belmopan - capital

Belmopan is the capital of Belize, nearer the geographic center of the country than (former capital) Belize City. It was established following the massive damage that occurred when Hurricane Hattie struck Belize City in 1961; an inland location was deemed a safer location for the national government than the low-lying seaside metropolis of Belize City.

Belize City - largest city

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It is located on a small peninsula protruding into the Caribbean Sea. It was the capital city until flooding and other damage from a hurricane prompted the government to relocated to Belmopan, nearer the geographic center of the country.

Crooked Tree

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily and is USD $8. Where "it" is is a bit hard to define but the village proper sits within the Sanctuary.

Crooked Tree's main feature is birdwatching. The village sits off an inland lagoon and there are hundreds of species of exotic birds to be seen with almost no effort. Local guides can take you to the best spots to see the highest variety. The highlight is the Jabiru stork which is the largest flying bird in the Americas.

Orange Walk

The best attraction in the area is Lamanai, the Mayan ruins up the river. You can catch a boat or bus tour from Orange Walk. The boat will be easier on your kidneys, as the road is quite rough.

Corozal is a short drive to the north with its beautiful bay, and Chetumal, Mexico just past that. Progresso lagoon is also a great place to visit.

Placencia

Reach many cayes around the village by boat, charter, or tour. Great diving sites on the inner and outer reef. Amazing snorkeling adventures await you. Jungle tours and kayaking, excellent trolling and fly fishing.

Punta Gorda

Lubaantun Mayan Ruins

San Pedro Columbia. Beautiful, uncrowded ruins have been well-excavated with a small visitors center. Fans of the the supernatural take note: The Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull was allegedly found here in the 1920s. $10 BZ.

San Ignacio - known as Cayo to locals

Cahal Pech is the main attraction in the town. The name means literally "Place of the ticks" and Cahal Pech is a smallish set of Mayan ruins that were abandoned around 800-900 AD. There is an indoor museum displaying artifacts, a site plan, and putting the ruins in a regional context. The site is open 7 days a week during daylight hours. Admission is USD $2.50 but may change. There are, allegedly, guided tours but these are most unneeded as the site is easy to traverse. The entire site should take 1-2 hours at most for a thorough exploration. Once at the ruins the site is fairly flat, but Cahal Pech is at the top of the hill overlooking San Ignacio. The walk up hill to it from the main town is quite exhausting and is difficult even from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on the hill. If you have any disability or are in poor physical condition you will want to drive.