First let’s go to the original Banana Republic, and not the more famously named chain-store version, but the REAL thing! I’m referring to the land of the ancient Maya civilization, bordering Mexico and surrounding Guatemala, Honduras, and a place whose name comes from the ancient Maya word “Beliz”, which translates to “Muddy Water”. It is a land so vastly intertwined with diverse cultural history – from its ancient Mayan ancestry to its acquisition by the British Empire, and its current day ethnical mix of Kriols (the original African inhabitants), the Garinagu (Garifuna or Black Caribs), the Mestizos (Spanish Yucantan settlers), and the Mennonites (who have been farming the land since the 1800’s). Apart from its human roots, there are the natural seeded ones that have grown within the depths of its jungles, the pristine rainforests, swampy coastal plains, lowland forests, mysterious caves and geological formations, highland plateaus and the Maya Mountains. If this isn’t enough paradise to explore for any botanist or natural enthusiast, one also can dive into its spectacular atolls and the Great Barrier Reef within its Caribbean waters off the coast, which are lined with pristine beaches, and over 400 islets and islands (or cayes). Not to mention, there’s even a deep dark Blue Hole to experience! Belize invites any child or adult to come explore in its abundantly diverse playground, which brings us to where all the real wild things live! There are over 500 species of heavenly flora such as orchids (the Black Orchid is their national flower), abundant storybook trees, fantastic winged creatures (including Fruit Loop Sam, aka The Keel Billed Toucan which is the national bird of Belize), weirdly unusual Baird’s Tapir (the Belizean Mountain Cow), endangered rowdy Black Howler Monkeys (which exist only in Belize), adorable acrobatic Spider Monkeys, and the elusive Exotic Felines of the jungle (jaguar, puma, mountain lions, cougar, ocelot, and the smaller jaguarondi). Quite a healthy number of them roam within their forested habitat, however the most frequented reported sightings are in the Chan Chich area, the Rio Bravo Conservation areas, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (which was established in the 80’s as a protected jaguar reserve).
Venture into the real “Jungle Book” and stay at Chan Chich Lodge for a night-hike with a feline naturalist guide, or head up into the mountains and get “wildly civilized” at Chaa Creek Lodge cottages and hike the world-renowned Maya Medicine Trail. Go crocodile encountering at the Lamanai Outpost Jungle Lodge, where the Wild Things, Animal Planet, the World Gone Wild and the National Geographic Explorer teams have featured in their film productions. Live like a Garifuna and dance to hypnotic drum beats during a full moon at Hopkins fishing village and call it a night at the Jaguar Reef Lodge. Climb into the vine-encroached jungles where the once-mighty ancient Mayan cities existed, of Xunantunich, Cerros, Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Caracol. Venture downstream the Macal River in a canoe, lay like an iguana in a hammock at DuPlooy’s Jungle Lodge or take a plunge into infinity at Ka’ana Boutique Resort’s pool. Get into the deep, and swim like a dolphin off Ambergris Caye – afterwards dry off at the colonial-chic Victoria House in a thatched-roof casita. Cast like an angler for tarpon and bonefish in the crystal clear waters surrounding the famed Turneffe Islands flats, and experience your own private island like Gilligan at Blackbird Caye Resort. Embark on your own private and personal adventure - discover Belize! Awaken your inner child and wander where the wild things roam!
To book a journey into Belize, or any other wildly wonderful destination, contact Liz at Inner Life email: Liz@innerlifetravel.com
