Nature Adventures in Belize

There are nature activities in Belize for everyone to enjoy. With the Caribbean Sea running along the eastern coast of Belize, the water sports abound. There is diving and snorkeling off the Cayes (islands) or Barrier Reef, and swimming at the beaches. However, for the nature adventurer, Belize offers fantastic places to visit and enjoy just as much.

Dry Season in Belize:

If you decide to travel between February and May, considered the dry season, keep in mind that temperatures can soar up to 100 degrees with humidity levels of 70 percent and up. This past April into the month of May the temperatures inland were easily over 100 degrees, or so it felt, with high humidity levels. Carry plenty of water if you decide to visit Belize for nature adventures during the dry season. Just a short walk will leave you drenched in your own sweat.

During this dry season, the rainfall totals may be around four inches per month. In some areas of Belize a full month can go by with no rainfall. You may see small forest fires from time to time, normally from farmers burning their "milpas". As we traveled into Belmopan, Belize's capital city, we drove through some thick, dense smoke from a nearby forest fire along the way. Nothing alarming though, as the fire was out by the time we headed back an hour later.

Belize Zoo a wildlife nature preserve:

When traveling inland, the Belize Zoo is either the first or last visit on most vacation packages to Belize. It is quite interesting the zoo started out from animals that were used in making documentary films. These animals were in need of a home and assistance and so the zoo came into being. Along came other animals that were, unfortunately taken in as pets, and then abandoned, thus these "orphans" no longer knew how to live in the wild. Pretty soon, other zoological parks were donating animals. Now the Belize Zoo holds tours daily. The animals are not kept in cages or set apart from the tourists other than by large wood and mesh enclosures. Sort of a nature preserve rather than a standard zoo.

The zoo covers about 30 acres and houses about 125 animals indigenous to Belize. Tour guides will take your group on the standard two-hour tour, or they will adjust the time to suit your party. It is the intention of the zoo officials to educate people about the value of wildlife and to preserve the natural habitats of the animals.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve:

One interesting trip to take is to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It is a gigantic magnificent reserve, covering over 120,000 acres of scenic landscape with mostly pine and some broadleaf forest areas, great for hiking and horseback riding. The highest elevation in the reserve is over 3300 feet above sea level. There are several resorts that run kayaking trips down the river-ways in the reserve. There are also expeditions to the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools, two sites that are interesting in their own right. Of course, the Hidden Valley Falls or Thousand Foot Falls, tallest waterfall in Central America, is a spectacular view not to miss. These sources of fresh mountain water, along with waterfalls and series of pools, can refresh you for the day and the return journey.

Che Chem Ha Caves a natural phenomenon:

In the Cayo district of Belize, near San Ignacio Town, there is a natural phenomenon called the Che Chem Ha Cave. To begin with, it is a marvelous cave to explore. It has its share of stalactites and stalagmites, just like most caves. It is relatively unspoiled because it is a bit out of the way. However, the real attraction of Che Chem Ha Cave is its rich store of historical treasures. There are Mayan artifacts spread through the cave. Ancient pottery litters the floor, some containing seeds and grain from a long ago era. In some places within the cave, you can still see the remains of the human sacrifices that were practiced in ancient Mayan times.

For travelers into the geo-caching sport, there are a few caches throughout the countryside. There was a stash hidden at Che Chem Ha; the floods, however, destroyed it during rainy season. I still ventured down and caught a great view of the trickling, almost dry, waterfall. This drop is high on the difficulty level due to the terrain, but makes for some good hiking.

There are several lodges that offer adventure trips to the Maya Mountains of Belize. Most are near rainforest nature trails and Mayan archeological sites. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do; from birding to horseback riding in the lush forest, river tubing or kayaking in the cool water rapids and for the braver folks, zip lining high above the Belize jungle.

Belize is a land filled with possible adventures for anyone who is up to the challenge. Be sure to check the information, because some tours require a certain level of physical fitness, especially if you decide to vacation during the hot, dry season. But even if you are not in the best of shape to do it, as I certainly later found out, you can always enjoy a refreshing, iced drink in the shade.