Belize (country): how to get there, traveler reviews, photos
Belize is a small state that is located in Central America. It borders on Mexico and Guatemala. From the east it is washed by the Caribbean Sea.
The country is located on the east of the Yucatán Peninsula andis a coastal strip with a large number of lagoons. The peninsula is surrounded by reef islands. In the north and in the center of the country is a lowland marshy plain, and also low mountains in the south.
Climate
Belize is a country with a tropical trade-wind climate. In July, the average temperature is + 24-26 ° C, in January - + 20-24 ° C. The average annual precipitation is from 1340 mm in the north to 4520 mm in the south.
The northern trade wind weakens the heat on the coast, andfar from the coast the temperature often exceeds +38 ° С. It is necessary to note the high humidity, which is especially great in the coastal part. The season of drought lasts from February to May, and the maximum amount of precipitation falls in June-October.
Belize is a country in an area prone to the tropical cyclones of the Caribbean, and from time to time is severely affected by destructive hurricanes and storms.
Government structure
Belize, whose photo you see in our article, -a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the monarch of Great Britain (Governor-General). The executive power is administered by the government, which is headed by the prime minister. Legislative power is represented by a bicameral National Assembly.
The capital of Belmopan
Belize is a country whose capital is one of thethe youngest on the planet. Construction of the city of Belmopan began in 1970. This happened after a terrible hurricane, which was called "Hatti." He practically destroyed the former capital of the country - Belize City. The new city began to build south-east of the shattered capital (80 km), almost in the center of the country. The place was chosen not by chance - this territory is less subject to the elements.
Belmopan literally grew up before our very eyes. It took only 12 years. Today the capital of the state is a modern city. It houses state institutions, banks, restaurants and gambling establishments. Most of the townspeople (7,000 people) are civil servants who belong to all ethnic groups living in the country. A lot of cultural traditions are concentrated here, therefore the city is often called Belize Babylon.
Belize City
The second most important in the country is the cityBelize. The country was able to restore the destroyed capital. This city is in the east of the state on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Its name, as, indeed, the whole country, comes from the Indian word "balix". So the ancient Maya called the muddy waters of the river flowing in this place.
Today, Belize City is a commercial,historical and cultural center of the country. Curiously, the city is still considered the unofficial capital of the state. Here there are many buildings that are architectural monuments.
The main attraction of the former capital is a unique nature attracting tourists from all over the world. In the city with pleasure families with children have a rest.
sights
Attractions of the countryto study from its capital. In Belmopan there is a monumental building of the National Assembly, located on the Hill of Independence, as well as a whole complex of government and administrative buildings.
University of Belize, the original building of banks,a noteworthy monument "Belize - forward" arouses the interest of tourists. Here is the picture gallery of Caroline Carr - the famous artist of Belize, the exhibition of crafts "Art-Box", the Central City Museum, located near the market in the West End.
But the special charm is attached to the extensive parks, thankswhich Belmopan is often called a "garden city". Nearby, 3.5 km from the capital, is the national park Guanacaste, which is famous for its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation, to the south of 14 km - the park of St. Bleu-Hole, which houses a karst well with a diameter of about 300 m and a depth of 120 m .
Nearby is another protected natural monument - Half Moon-Kay. This is one of two places on Earth, where a huge colony of extremely rare red-footed boobies has been discovered.
Language
The official language of Belize is English. All official correspondence is conducted on it, it is taught in schools. Along with him in the country speak other languages - Garifuna, Spanish, Creole.
Religion
Belize is a country in which there are several denominations. The majority of believers (49.6%) are Catholics. 27% are Protestants and Christians. Adherents of local beliefs are about 10%.
Currency
The national currency of the country is the Belizean dollar (BZD). In hotels, restaurants and shops credit cards and US dollars are accepted for payment.
Tourism
Belize is a country, tours to which almost all major agencies now sell. Travelers are attracted here by the magnificent nature, rich animal and plant world.
Come to this country is best duringdry season, which lasts from November to May. Autumn and summer travel will cost you much cheaper, but there is a risk of getting into one of the terrible hurricanes.
Recreation
Belize, which is at two o'clock in the summer from the United States,strikes its sights - the Belize zoo and the butterfly farm, coral landscapes, the mysteries of the ancient Maya people, the chic views of Belize City and Belmopan ...
Magnificent rest on sandy beaches attracts admirers of various types of water sports and successful fishing, lovers of lying on the snow-white sand and those who are interested in the beauty of the underwater world.
Belize (country): how to reach
In this small hospitable country you canto get by air. But in this case it is necessary to make several transplants. It is most convenient to fly from Moscow through Spain, making a transfer in Madrid and flying to the city of Cancun. Regular flights to Belize are made from it.
In addition, from Cancun travel to Belize by bus. You can fly through the American cities of Houston or Miami, but in this case you need a US visa (transit).
Hotels
Belize is a country in which it is not necessaryin advance, book a hotel room. However, on national holidays, which happen quite often, it is better to take care of the room for one or two weeks before the date of the trip.
Five-star hotels of the country are located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Some of them have an unusual specialization - they spend romantic and very touching wedding ceremonies.
More economical (but also more interesting, byreviews of tourists) option - eco-hotels. These are complexes consisting of several dozen small villas built in colonial style. They are made entirely of local natural building materials.
In the jungles and reserves of Belize,houses, standing separately and built of natural wood. They are equipped with air conditioning, they have a balcony and a bathroom. In such hotels, as a rule, excursions are included in the cost of accommodation.
Kitchen
It is quite traditional for the countries of the Caribbean. Coconut milk and bananas are used everywhere - from desserts and drinks to second courses and soups.
No less than the local population appreciates meat dishes. In addition to chicken, pork and beef, they consume the meat of rodents, armadillos, iguanas and sharks. In addition to the traditional for us chicken eggs here eat exotic eggs of iguanas, wild birds and crocodiles.
In Belize, seafood is well prepared. Especially popular are lobsters, which are caught from June to February. Garnish to meat dishes will be corn, rice or legumes.
Belize: visa
To go to this country, citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa. The term of its registration and cost are specified when booking the tour.
The visa is issued at the embassyGreat Britain in Moscow. It is necessary to provide a passport, 2 photos, a questionnaire, round-trip tickets and documents that confirm the possibility of paying expenses at a rate of $ 50 per day.
Souvenirs
As souvenirs tourists bring from Belizeitems of furniture and various crafts made of mahogany, musical instruments made from precious wood, ritual masks, Mayan calendars, baskets, ceramics, rum.
Security
In Belize, the crime rate is quite high. In the former capital, there were recorded cases of theft, violent crimes and fraud.
The local population is rather calm and weakly expresses their emotions. However, their ability to listen to the interlocutor without objection does not mean consent.
Reviews
Belize is a country whose reviews of touristsrather contradictory. The majority of holiday-makers remember with delight the magnificent nature, fantastic beach rest. A special impression on the guests is the sightseeing. Many celebrate excellent living conditions, original national cuisine.
However, there are reviews of travelers who are dissatisfied with the work of hotel staff and the inconveniences associated with a long flight.
Let's sum up the results
Belize is a true paradise for scientists andresearchers - ornithologists, botanists, etc. The main wealth of this small state is its nature. This is a great place for lovers of fishing and divers. In addition, there are comfortable conditions for families with children.
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