Belize is a former British colony in Central America, which only in 1981 gained independence. More than half of the country’s area is occupied by tropical forests and Mountains of Maya.
The population of the former British colony is only 700 thousand people, this is much less than in neighboring states. Belize lives mainly due to money from numerous tourists who come here for a good and carefree rest. Someone is attracted by local beaches and nightlife, someone national natural parks, and some come to this country specifically to visit the ancient ruins of Mayan cities. Despite the size of the state, there are many interesting attractions. Today we will tell you about the five most famous of them.
City Kahal Pec (on the map)
The ruins of the ancient settlement of Maya are located near the city of San Isio. It was established that people first settled here 2200 years ago, but for unidentified reasons in the 9th century, they left these lands, and the city was abandoned and desolate. The most important building is Kahal Press – a temple about 25 meters high. Around it were all other buildings of the ancient city. Excavations are currently being held here, but most of the historical complex is open to visitors. The cost of the input ticket is 330 rubles in our money.
Jabiru
Crucked -three reserve (on the map)
One of the most famous bird reserves in Central America is 40 kilometers from the city of Beliz. To observe the inhabitants of this park, you will need to rent a pie with a guide. Swimming through the lagons, transparent streams and channels among thickets can be seen a wide variety of birds. About 300 species live here, including vultures, hawks, cormorants, and hummingbirds. But the main inhabitant of the local places is a stork. Many come here exclusively to admire this bird. The scope of its wings reaches 3 meters. She feeds on snails, mollusks and lizards. The stork menu even includes the cubs of the crocodile: with one blow of the beak, he stunes a small animal, and then finishes and eats.
Coral island Half-Mun-Kay (on the map)
Since 1996, the coral island has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the moment, Half-Mun-Kay has practically no tourist infrastructure facilities. There are no hotels, restaurants and other attributes of a comfortable rest. Therefore, the island was chosen by divers, lovers of ecotourism and lovers of wildlife. This is not surprising, because about 130 species of beautiful birds live here. Including Krasnonogan Olush and a magnificent frigate. You can visit the island both within the framework of the excursion tour, which is easy to order at any hotel nearby, and having agreed in private with the owner of a boat.
Aktun-Tunichil-Muknal cave (on the map)
In 1989, a cave with traces of man of man was discovered near the city of San Ing-Isio on the territory of the modern natural park of Mount Tapira. It is a few of the next one after another hall. In the course of further research, historians found out that this place was used by the Mayan Indians to perform the ceremony of sacrifices. According to the tradition of the Indians, the last hall of Aktun-Tunichil-Muknal leads directly to the other world.
During excavations in the cave, elements of ceramics and the remains of human skeletons were found. One of them once belonged to a young girl who was sacrificed to the gods. Gradually, the remains were covered with natural layers and acquired shine. So the cave got its second name – a cave of a crystal girl.
You can visit Aktun-Tunichil-Muknal exclusively as part of the excursion. It complicates the situation that the entrance to the cave is flooded, and some part of the route has to go through the water. It is strictly prohibited to visit the ritual part of the cave in shoes. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by guides. In the light of the flashlights, a picture of the sacrificial hall appears: skeletons of people, clay dishes, the remains of jewelry and menacingly overhanging the arches. Time for the road to the cave and its inspection is usually about 5-6 hours. The cost of such an adventure ranges from 5 to 6 thousand rubles.
Big blue hole (on the map)
Big blue hole (on the map)
This giant karst funnel in the territory of the Beliz barrier reef since 1996 has been under the protection of UNESCO. The depth of the blue hole reaches 120 meters. The diameter of the funnel is more than 300 meters. How did it form? Scientists believe that during the next ice age, a large cave made of limestone appeared on this place. At that time, the water level in the Atlantic Ocean was much lower. Over time, the cave was flooded, and its arch collapsed. Thus, a blue hole appeared. She owes her world fame to Jacques IVU KUSTO, who put the funnel in the list of 10 ideal places for immersion with acvalanges.
Thanks to such advertising, divers constantly come here from all over the world. During diving, they consider the amazing inhabitants of the coral reef. Including, reef sharks, giant Grupera and numerous multi -colored fish.
True, immersion in the funnel is associated with great danger. During a tide, a strong whirlpool arises in this place, which adds to the water that is floating on the surface, garbage, algae and even people.
Useful information for tourists
• The permission to enter the country for citizens of Russia is issued by the British consulate, since Beliz does not have its own representative office in our country.
• Belize is considered a safe country for tourists, but it is worth avoiding walks along the dark streets and remote areas of cities.
• The most favorable recreation season is from November to May inclusive.
• Rest in Belize can hardly be called budget, but market sellers are willing to trade and can make a significant discount on their goods.
• Orchids and other plants, natural corals, turtles and products from their carapace cannot be exported from the country.
• As a rule, shops open at 8 in the morning and work until noon, leaving for a four -hour break. They usually close in the period from 7 to 9 pm.
The choice of the hotel will not take much time if you look for it on OneTwotrip.
Author: Roskin Mikhail
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