Belize District - Distretto di Belize

Belize District is the region of Belize of the old state capital, Belize City.

To know

The Belize district is surrounded by a Caribbean island barrier and includes some nature reserves on the mainland.

Geographical notes

The Belize District is located in the center of the country and borders almost all the other districts. It borders to the north with Corozal district and col Orange Walk District. The latter, together with the Cayo District they run along the western border. To the south it borders on Stann Creek District. The northern islands are located in the eastern part of the Caribbean coast.

The north is characterized by lagoons and swamps with penetrating rainforest to the south and west. Ambergris Caye is Caye Caulker they are considered two of the main tourism areas of the country.

The longest river in the country is the Belize River, it passes through the district and flows into the Caribbean Sea.

When to go

Climate	gen	Feb	mar	apr	mag	down	Jul	needle	set	Oct	nov	dec
Maximum (° C)	29	31	32	33	34	33	33	33	33	32	30	29
Minimum (° C)	18	18	19	21	22	24	23	23	23	22	20	19
Precipitation (mm)	80	40	40	50	100	200	200	200	180	180	100	80

The climate is a bit humid compared to that typical of Yucatán Peninsula. But the amount of rain compared to the south is relatively low. Most of the water falls during the rainy season between June and November. While the period from February to May is mostly dry.

Background

The oldest human records in Belize have been found in this district. TO Ladyville a spearhead dated 8000 BC was found. probably belonging to a hunter. The Belize River and the numerous small rivers and lagoons were an important trade route in the times of the Mayans northern plains of Guatemala and i Caribbean, starting from 1000 BC, in fact here there are some settlements and numerous Mayan ruins to testify it, first of all the impressive Altun Ha. Many of these cities tended to be satellite cities of larger metropolitan areas to the west or north, and most were abandoned at the end of the Classical period (AD 700-900). Some in the Orange Walk District they arrived until the arrival of the Europeans, in fact, the District of Belize was the first area where they settled there. They have developed settlements along rivers and streams; because these waterways were their transport routes. Many of the properties have been designated "owner's shore". Therefore, Mr. Lord's estate on the bank of the Belize River became Lord's Bank (bank in English) and while that of Mr. Flowers on the same river has become Flowers Bank. Many of these old farms have become villages while others have not. Some places like Davis Bank and Tropical Park have become parts of larger communities.

Spoken languages

L'English it is of course the official language that is spoken by the majority of the population. In the north there is still some talk of Spanish, albeit patchy, due to war refugees. Along the coast there are numerous Creole towns where the is spoken Belizean Creole based on English.

Territories and tourist destinations

Urban centers

Other destinations

Accessible with a short sea crossing from Belize City, le cays (islands; in SpanishCayos) northerners constitute the major attraction of Belize.

How to get

Belize City it is the pivot on which the district is centered.

By plane

Belize City is served by an international airport, the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (IATA: BZE) and Belize City Municipal Domestic Airport (IATA: TZA).

By car

In the city of Belize City the ends of the Western Highway and the Northern Highway meet.

In the south of the district comes the Costal Highway.

By bus

All long-distance buses lead to Belize City.

How to get around

By plane

Using small planes is a very popular way to get around the country. There are connections between the big cities and the islands. It is a reliable and fast way to travel but expensive. There are two companies:

• Tropic Air
• Maya Island Air

By car

For destinations located outside the two main arteries, it is advisable to reach them by private four-wheeled vehicle.

On boat

The islands are partially accessible via a regular system of water taxi. From the main ports it is generally not a problem to find a boat to reach an island.

By bus

All destinations on the Western Highway or the Nothern Highway can be reached by bus.

What see

• Nature - Here you will find the best opportunities to immerse yourself in a habitat rich in birds but also in large mammals in the wild.
• Caribbean - Secluded swimming beaches and coral reefs for diving and snorkeling within easy reach give no room for more. Fishing enthusiasts will also be able to satisfy their needs here.
• Mayan ruins — Altun Ha it is the site of the most famous ruins in Belize.
• Caves - There are, but compared to those of the Cayo District or to those of Toledo district, are less spectacular.

What to do

• Nightlife - Those looking for nightlife in Belize are in the right district. On the mainland, the spearhead is undoubtedly Belize City. In this city you can find everything from bars to casinos. Real tourist strongholds with a rich selection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs can also be found on Ambergris Caye is Caye Caulker.
• Naturalistic observations - In addition to the rich birdwatching opportunities, to meet large mammals there is the Community Baboon Sanctuary or the Gales Point.
• Discoveries - Here you will encounter several Mayan ruins made available to tourists who still retain the original charm of the discovery.
• Diving - Belize is a diving paradise. Numerous destinations "at home" or in the vicinity make every diver's heart beat faster.
• Sea life - The two main islands Ambergris Caye is Caye Caulker there is of course a great Caribbean beach vibe. But it is worth going to smaller islands to fully enjoy them.
• Boat excursion - In every port and large island there is always a large offer for diving, wildlife observation, fishing, swimming or relaxing in the Caribbean sea.
• Hiking - It goes from the small excursion to Altun Ha from Plaza A to the old water reservoir to the Indian Creek Trail in the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary leads through 30km of rainforest.
• Fishing - Of course, thanks to the numerous fishing villages, the possibilities for practicing this activity are very good.
• Cave Tubing. An incredible one of a kind experience in Belize and not to be missed. It consists of a hike through the lush rainforest, along the Sibun River where you will enter its crystal blue waters and float in a large donut (typically made from tire tubes) through large caves with beautiful formations. This is a great tour, be sure to book experienced guides as the river can be very rough during the rainy season! 

At the table

Restaurants are usually simple with fish, chicken or meat dishes. The courses are served at good prices, especially in small towns. Marie Sharp's habanero sauce is always present on any table. Fish is highly recommended.

Safety

The crime rate is negligible, particularly in the smaller towns. However, you should especially keep your eyes peeled Belize City for scammers of various kinds.

These regions are populated by poisonous crocodiles and snakes, but considering that humans are not on these animals' menu, prudent behavior and appropriate clothing should ensure sufficient protection within the rainforest. The greatest danger here are mosquitoes, so you should protect yourself with specific repellent. Mosquitoes sporadically transmit dengue for which there is no specific vaccine. However, other potential diseases can be prevented.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Belize District
• Commons contains images or other files on Belize District

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