Bermudian Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary: Started as a cooperative project with the help and financial assistance of the Milwaukee Zoo and World Wildlife Fund, the Baboon Sanctuary on the Belize River protects the endemic Black Howler Monkey.
To The West:
The Belize Zoo: En route west from Belize City toward San Ignacio one soon reaches this excellent, small zoo containing over 100 species of the wildlife found within the country. The zoo is a very rewarding half-day excursion from Belize City. Belmopan: The new capital of the country will warrant a stop to visit the national archaeological collection when it opens in 2002.
San Ignacio Area: On the border with Guatemala, the San Ignacio area offers the special interest traveler an exciting array of opportunities. Jungle lodges and adventure camps abound in the area. Bird watching, hiking, float trips, and seminars in the use of Indian herbal medicines are just a few of the eclectic activities offered at the camps. Budget hotel accommodations are available in the town of San Ignacio, and several excellent cottage resorts are nearby. From here good all-weather roads connects the area with neighboring Guatemala and the ruins of Tikal.
Xunantunich: On the outskirts of San Igancio, 80 mi. west of Belize City, and reached by hand-operated river ferry, stands the classic Mayan site Xunantunich. The main pyramid's ornate roof-comb can be seen rising above the jungle floor for miles. Well worth a visit!
To The South:
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, this sanctuary is one of the last remaining natural habitats of the jaguar. Here one may climb 3,675 ft. Victoria Peak, Belize's highest mountain.
Mountain Pine Ridge: Very few expect to find cool green mountains and cascading waterfalls in Belize - but they'fre here! The Mountain Pine Ridge region is unique in that it's the only pine forest in Central America, and houses hundreds of species of migratory birds. In addition, visitors will delight in finding fascinating caves and spectacular waterfalls that plummet 1,000 feet over jungle cliffs. The recently excavated ruins of Caracol are also a major attraction, but the poorly maintained access road can be an adventure.
Placencia: Far south along the coast this is still a quiet, unspoiled, rustic beachfront resort, but go soon for it's fast growing in popularity.
To the East:
Ambergris Caye: The Barrier Reef coast of Belize has earned the reputation of being one of the world's finest dive sites. Ambergris Caye, the most developed of the reef's off-shore isles and cayes, is 36 miles from Belize City and offers a wide range of accommodations for both the diver and sun-seeker. The 20 min. flights connecting the island with Belize City operate frequently every day. San Pedro, the lone village on Ambergris, has charter boats available for diving and fishing. The underwater Hol Chan Marine Park is also accessible from Ambergris. Accommodations are good and range from four star resort properties to funky island inns.
Caye Caulker & Caye Chapel: All along the famed Barrier Reef, which runs the entire length of the country, many other islands (accessible by water taxi from Belize City) are becoming increasingly popular with divers and deep sea fisherman. They include Caye Caulker, the Turneffe Islands, and Half Moon Caye. Nearby are Lighthouse Reef and the incredible 400 ft. deep, stalactite filled "Blue Hole" first explored by Jacques Costeau.