Six Belize DistrictsIf your spending some time in the country, try and visit all the main Belize cities in the 6 Belize districts, from Corozal way down to the Toledo, and not forgetting San Pedro, Ambergris and the other Cayes, which most people wouldn`t miss for all the tea in China.
Northern Belize Districts Orange Walk District We concentrated our interests in the North first, visiting Orange Walk. One large significant Mayan temple is located in this district. Lamanai! Travelling South from Orange Walk town, two thirds of the way down the New River, you will find this towering ancient metropolis, which was inhabited as late as the 1890`s. Orange Walk is sugar cane country, producing quality cane with high sugar content. The industry slowly declined after a boom in the 19th century, but in 1935 it began to recover when sugar cane fields flourished in Libertad in Corozal. But due to the fall in demand for sugar in the 1970`s, the factory in Libertad closed. Any sugar cane grown in Corozal now is processed at the Tower Hill, Orange Walk factory. The Rio Bravo Conservation Area is in this district. This is a private area where Broadleaf, palm, and swamp forests, as well as marshland, and savannah are conserved for scientific research, education, and ecotourism. This place boasts one of the best locations for rare sightings of the jaguar and other shy, private animals. Corozal District Next we found ourselves making our way up to Corozal. There are quite a few villages here but the main sightseeing haunts are, Shipstern nature reserve near the little fishing village of Sarteneja. Nature enthusiasts have a chance to observe all five big cats found in the other Belize districts together here in one area. The Jaguar, Margay, Jaguarundi, Mountain Lion, and the Ocelot. I am sure you will get a chance to spot at least one large cat. I particularly have an interest in natural medicines. There is a booklet that you can obtain, identifying a variety of healing herbs that grow along the botanical nature trail. The butterflies make their presence known along these trails. You will be dazzled by their colours and graceful flying. They are much bigger than our humble species here in England. At the butterfly house you will see more than 200 species, but it`s so lovely to see them out along the trails. Sarteneja is a little fishing village. As well as having Mayan ruins to explore, see how hand crafted boats are made here. The villagers are a mix of hispanic and creole, speaking English and Spanish. For close access to the Maya ruins, Corozal town is a great location. It is easy to reach Cerros, an ancient Mayan coastal trading centre, and Santa Rita, another Mayan ruin worth a visit. Corozal town is an ideal location for those who want to visit Chetumal, capital of Quintana Roo on the Mexican border. 
Central Belize Districts Belize District It seems unfair to all the other Belize districts that this one should have such a concentration of natural tourist attractions. Although the capital was moved from here to Belmopan, it is still attracting tourists from all over the world to it`s natural beauty spots. So what is there to enjoy in the Belize District? We drove to Bermudian Landing to find the Community Baboon Sanctuary which I first saw in the UK on TV. See my video to get a glimpse of what you will experience there. North from Bermudian landing, off the Northern Highway, Crooked Tree and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuaries can be found, but if you travel on the old Northern Highway you will come across the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. Much of these Mayan ruins were still to be uncovered when I visited, but now they are completely cleared of jungle. Travel South to locate the Bird Sanctuaries at Bird Caye. They are islands in the middle of Northern Lagoon, a haven to a menagerie of bird species, like Egrets, Herons, and Ibis. There is a treat waiting for you at the Southern Lagoon. Here is where you will likely see a Manatee, and endangered species. But for certain Manatee sightings, make your way to the little fishing village called Gales Point. Travel West along the Western Highway to reach the Belize Zoo. This is no ordinary zoo. You will only find Belizean animals here. Belize City itself, is full of history featuring many colonial style buildings, and not to be missed is the Baron Bliss Lighthouse. A Monument to the late baron who donated a large sum of money to Belize. The city is a hub for tourists making there way to the Cayes. Ambergris and Caye Caulker are the main tourist Cayes that are part of the Belize District although Ambergris lies off the shore of the Corozal district. These locations are situated along the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, where divers plunge the depths to explore the extraordinary coral and sea life found there. Further out to Lighthouse Reef they explore the famous Blue Hole. 
Cayo District Ah Cayo! This district was a wonderful experience for us. Driving up the Mountain Pine Ridge, North of the Maya Mountains was, what you could call, Awesome! The beauty of Belize never fails to leave you feeling elated. These places are like jewels dotted throughout the land, each one with it`s unique glory. For me it was the Hidden Valley Falls (1000 ft falls). a spectacular water fall that tops the highest in Central America. It is strange to find alpine forests high up in a sub-tropical country. Driving further along the ridge we came across the Five Sisters Falls, and it was just as a sign said, a Garden of Eden. San Ignacio is where Cahal Pech is located with many other ruins situated near the Guatemalan border, one of them being the famous colosal Caracol. Also at Baking Pot there is another ruin that deserves a look-in. It is one of the few ancient sites remaining in central Belize that has not been looted. To reach it on the southern bank of the Belize River, you can cross by the ferry at Spanish Lookout. There is so much to explore in this district. Cave tubing, jungle tours, and nature reserves are plentiful. Come with me as we travel onwards to the Southern Belize districts... If you love Belize, why not visit other parts of the Caribbean? Visit Caribbean Best Deals Family Vacations & Holidays All Inclusive Resorts To Home Page from Belize Districts
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