Belize is found in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea northwest of Mexico and southwest of Guatemala.

History: Between 1500 BC and 900 AD, the Maya civilization occupied Belize. The first European settlers arrived only during the 16th century. British settlements started pouring in by 1638.

The name Belize is believed to be a derivation of the Spanish pronunciation of Wallace, who was the first pirate that established the first settlement in the land. Another possibility for the origin of the name may come from the Mayan word “belix” which means muddy water, pertaining to the Belize River.

In January of 1964, what was then still known as British Honduras became the first self-governing colony of the United Kingdom. It was in June of 1973 that the land was renamed to Belize. At this time, it was the only colony of the United Kingdom on American soil. In September of 1981, George Price led Belize to full independence, but this was delayed until 1992, because of a territorial dispute with Guatemala.

Up to this day, the territorial dispute between the two lands has not been resolved. Help for mediation has been sought from the United Kingdom. Record books have always stated that Guatemala tried to stake claims to the territory of Belize. Although the dispute has not been settled, both Guatemala and Belize have entered cooperative measures to help both countries progress.

Holidays for Vacation: National holidays for Belize include Baron Bliss Day celebrated on the ninth of March; Commonwealth Day set on every second Monday of March; Labor Day celebrated on the first of May; the commemoration of The Battle of St. George’s Caye on the 10th of September; Belize National Independence Day every 21st of September; Pan American Day on the 13th of October; Garifuna Settlement Day on the 19th of November; and Christmas Day, celebrated in Belize and throughout the world on December 25.

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Recommended Belize Tours | by Viator - Online Tour Operator

• Belize City Tour and Belize Zoo : An incredible array of Central America's wildlife can be found just a short scenic drive outside of Belize City. See the collection of endangered cats and primates in their natural surroundings, while supporting the zoo's efforts to protect these animals in the wild. As an added bonus, you'll also see the sites of Belize City on the way!
• Tikal National Park, Guatemala by Air from Belize : Visit not just another country, but another era with this tour. Tikal National Park in Guatemala is a carefully restored area of jungle ruins with an amazing collection of carvings and buildings. Your scenic flight there and back allows you to see the exotic and dense rainforests of Central America, visit the ruins, and be back in Belize City in time for dinner.
• Altun Ha and Belize City Half-Day Tour : A mixture of old, new, and the many things in between can be found on this half day tour. From the mystic Mayans to the resurgence of modern Central America, a lot has happened on this piece of ground now called Belize City. More than 1,000 years of history lives here, we'll do our best to pack it all into a few hours.
• Xunantunich and The Belize Zoo : Imposing temples and exotic animals! Is it the latest Hollywood action movie? No, this time it's real and you're the star. Travel by a hand cranked ferry, see stunning Mayan ruins, and marvel at the majesty of the Belizean Rain Forests. And the wildlife? See unique and indigenous species in their natural habitat at the Belize Zoo.
• Historic Belize City Sightseeing Tour : This comprehensive city tour offers an insight into the history of this tropical port that was once the British colonial capital. Explore the highlights of Belize City, full of wonderful scenery and photo opportunities. It's a great way to get a quick overview of all you want to do while you're in Belize.
• Belize Jungle ATV Adventure Tour : Jump on your ATV for an adventure ride through the jungle of Belize, before coming to a stop at the ancient Mayan Caves, where you will have time to explore these sacred places, use your time to imagine the important ceremonies that took place here centuries ago!
• Belize City and Reef Helicopter Tour : Experience Belize from above! This helicopter and sightseeing tour will give you a second-to-none view of the stunning coastline of Belize, as well as a bird's-eye view of Belize City, that very few tourists get the opportunity to witness!
• Manatee Watch and Barrier Reef Snorkel : Sparkling waters, tropical fish, and exotic sights - this is why you came to Belize! Jet across the crystal waters of the Caribbean by speedboat, glimpse manatees in the wild, and even snorkel Belize's Great Barrier Reef.
• Macal River, Panti Medicinal Trails, and Cahal Pech : Was the last toucan you saw on a box of cereal? View the real thing as you peacefully float along the Belize River. But there's so much more to this tour than breakfast icons! Do Mayan Ruins tickle your fancy? Or maybe ancient medicinal secrets? All will be revealed on this journey.
• Community Baboon Sanctuary : Everybody loves monkeys! Visit a sanctuary where farmers and howler monkeys co-exist in harmony. This site has attracted international attention for its innovation in combining the needs of man with the needs of the natural habitat we live in. Exotic wildlife and a glimpse into the lives of everyday Belizeans, all in one tour.
• Cave Tubing and Rainforest ATV : An adventure ATV circuit trip that will take you to discover the Maya Caves, before heading out on a hike that will allow you to explore the ancient traditions of the Maya. Your experienced guide will explain the different plants and herbs used thousands of years ago. You will then head through the tunnel of the cave system on your inner tube!
• Lamanai and the New River Safari : Lamani... It's the Mayan term for a submerged crocodile. On this tour, many things hidden will be brought to light. The Lamani Ruins will take you back to an ancient civilization where you'll learn about life in the mysterious rain forest as you work your way to a site accessible only by water and a brief hike.

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