Everything You Need to Know About the History of Belize!

Located on the scenic Yucatan Peninsula just east of Guatemala and south of Mexico, Belize is a beautiful country adorned with 208 miles of coastline that covers a total land area of 22,800 square miles. Across Belize, it’s possible to encounter everything from dense tropical rainforests and swampy plains as well as mountains that reach their 3,000-foot highest point at Victoria Peak. The coast of Belize is dotted with delightful islands and the tropical climate means a visit this way comes with very little temperature variation throughout the year. Belize is home to a plethora of natural resources including timber, fish, sugar, bananas, citrus, shrimp, and cocoa to name a few. Just a little larger than the state of Massachusetts, Belize is a country with a rich history and intriguing past that dates back thousands of years.

Explore the local culture here in Ambergris Caye, and discover why Belize is a paradise like no other! Our Vacation Guide covers all of the top activities in our area!

Get My Guide 

A Story That Stars with the Maya

Look back in time and you’ll find that modern-day Belize was first home to the Maya Indians. This advanced civilization is credited with having their own writing system known as glyphs and for producing their very own calendar as well. Skilled in mathematics and architecture, the Maya left stunning cities, palaces, and temples in their wake. They were a civilization fascinated with astronomy as well. It wasn’t until 900 A.D. that the Maya began to disappear from the area for unknown reasons. Following the Maya, many other tribes inhabited what is known as modern-day Belize and for a brief while, it’s believed the country even became a sort of haven for pirates thanks to the many cayes of the coast. By 1862, the area was officially dubbed “British Honduras” and was integrated into the British Commonwealth. A fight for independence began in 1920 and was finally realized in 1980 on the part of a nationalist movement paired with labor unions and workers. The country was renamed Belize in 1981. While the official language of Belize is English, Spanish, and Creole are both spoken here in great numbers too.

Today, Belize functions as a parliamentary democracy under English Law. The country thrives thanks to its many natural resources with a primary economic contributing factor being agriculture. Alongside agro-based industries that have long driven the country’s success, the economy of Belize is built on construction and tourism too. The U.S. is typically the country’s primary trading partner with exports ranging from clothing and seafood to sugar, molasses, and wood products alike. Other top trading countries include the U.K., Canada, and Trinidad, Tobago.

Famous Landmarks

Belize may be considered a small country, but its landscapes and landmarks are truly extraordinary. Here, it’s possible to encounter everything from barrier reefs and forests to beaches, waterfalls, and caves. Some of the most popular spots for tourism across Belize include Ambergris Caye, Cay Caulker, Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye, and the Truneffe Islands too. The Lamanai Mayan Ruins, complete with three large temples, are an inspiring man-made landmark that is believed to have been part of the large Mayan city that once existed in the modern Orange Walk district of Belize. The ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol are also a sight to behold and are located deep in the jungle of the Cayo District. A few of the top natural and notable landmarks that Belize calls it’s own include the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, Big Rock Falls, and the Belize Barrier Reef.

 

Book Your Getaway Today

Make more of every moment in Belize when you book a stay at Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club. Our accommodations feature modern finishes with a nod to the local Caribbean culture. From our Garden Cottages to our three-bedroom villa, we have the perfect retreat for you and your family! Be pampered at our resort and take in the natural beauty that makes Ambergris Caye unique!

 

Book My Stay!