|
Belize
Vacation Packages
  
As the new Belize specialist at TravelPoints, I
recently traveled with Tiffany Lough, our long time expert to discover
this pristine country. With its many cultures and a wealth of activities
for experienced and novice outdoor enthusiasts, Belize offers something
for everyone. This country is perfect for families, couples, singles,
and anyone who is ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
Our 10-day trip was filled with adventure and excitement.
After a short 4-hour flight from Denver, we arrived in Belize City.
From the moment I got off the plane I could feel the wonderful tropical
climate. The first 4-nights of our trip were spent in the Jungle, the
Cayo District. We elected to drive ourselves so we could stop at sights
along the way. We visited Xunantunich, The Belize Zoo, Mountain Pine
Ridge, Thousand footfalls, and saw most of the hotel and resort properties
Belize has to offer.
The Mayan ruin of Xunantunich- El Castillo were amazing
to see. The main ceremonial site is located on a natural limestone ridge
giving even more height to the 135-foot temple. The easy walk to the
top on wide steps provides a panoramic view of Belize and Guatemala.
Getting to Xunantuinich was also an adventure. One crosses
the Mopan River on a hand-operated ferry that can carry only one vehicle
at a time. The Belize Zoo is a must see if your interests include native
animals. Here we saw many of the country indigenous animals in the wild.
The Zoo is a wildlife preserve, with many animals residing in spacious
habitats lush with vegetation. Animals there include jaguars, crocodiles,
and a tapir (Belize's national animal).
The Mountain Pine Ridge has spectacular scenery, beautiful
waterfalls, caverns, pine trees and flowers. We spent a full day driving
through the Pine Ridge and up to 1,000 foot waterfalls. The overlook
to the falls was a perfect view.
That night, we stayed at Blancaneaux Jungle Lodge owned
by Frances Ford Copalla. Blancaneaux is a beautiful lodge set in the
pine ridge. The cabanas are decorated in Guatemalan décor, and
many have a beautiful view of the river. Just a few steps from our room
we enjoyed a relaxing swim in the river. Blancaneaux is one of the many
attractive jungle lodges in the Cayo District that offers adventure
and Eco tourism. Sleeping in the Jungle is a very relaxing feeling.
It is very quite at night, and early you awake to the sounds of birds
and nature.
The local flight over to Placencia is a short one. It
took us only 20 minutes to reach this beautiful and once secluded peninsula.
One night at the lovely Resort of Kitty's Place was not enough. The
view from Kitty's is a near perfect panorama of the beach and sea, complete
with coconut palms and swinging hammocks.
Placencia is basically a Creole fishing village with
a laid-back attitude. The immaculate beach is blanketed by a glorious
stretch of sunlight. Maybe it was the warmth of the people or the nearby
adventures and attractions, probably both, but Placencia is a place
definitely not to miss. Our final stop was Ambergris Caye (pronounced
key).
Where do I begin to describe this gorgeous sun-blessed
island surrounded by the soothing waters of the Caribbean? On Ambergris
we ate at truly Belizean seaside restaurants, where we could smell the
food cooking from blocks away. The many different cultures bring many
different spices to the Belizean food. Our mode of transportation through
the town of San Pedro was either a golf cart or by foot. I enjoyed walking
through the town, even barefoot, as soft white sand covers the entire
island.
Our snorkeling trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley was
a memorable one. We swam with nurse sharks and sting rays. They swam
up to us as if they wanted us to pet them. The water is so clear and
turquoise that we could see the amazing assortment of tropical fish
near the bottom.
We went to the Mayan ruin of Altun Ha (Stone water). Along
the 25-minute boat ride up the river we were surrounded by mangroves,
orchids, birds, and the possibility to see a salt-water crocodile. We
arrived at the village of Bomba where we experienced rural Belizean
life, and had the opportunity to purchase Belizean crafts.
From Bomba we were transported by van on a 45min drive
to the ruin. Altun Ha is were the largest jade carving in the history
of the Mayan world is found. Lunch was at a beautiful exotic spa called
Maruba, were we enjoyed swimming and jungle horse back riding.
My fist trip to Belize was a whirlwind trip, but
well rounded with adventure and excitement. Belize is definitely a place
I plan to explore again and again. Whether you prefer the beach, the
jungle, or both, there are adventures in Belize for everyone. If your
looking to take the trip of a lifetime, just call the experts Lori or
Tiffany at Belize
James TravelPOINTS 303 938-9165.
"Belize
TravelPOINTS" has been featured in the June 2000 and 2001 Conde
Nast Magazine under "70 Secret Agents" on page 172. Tiffany
Lough heads up the department with years of experience booking travel
arrangements into Belize. She has been selected as "one of the
best" by Conde Nast for booking and arranging travel into Belize.
Belize TravelPOINTS
has negotiated air, hotel, resort, dive, tour, contracts into Belize.
Give Tiffany a call and find out why she is one of the best.
Read More Reviews of Belize Travel
|
