What Is Belize's Landscape Like?
Belize is a subtropical Caribbean country. Belize’s landscape can be divided into four regions: the mountains, the rainforest, the Caribbean coast, and the Caribbean islands.
Most of Belize is flat, but toward the west the landscape becomes mountainous. Doyle’s Delight is the highest peak, at 3,805 feet (1,160 m). Belize’s coast lies on the Caribbean Sea. You’ll find rainforest covers almost half of inland Belize.
Belize has islands off the coast called cayes (pronounces “keys”). These Caribbean islands have palm trees and mangrove forests. They are surrounded by bright-blue water that is studded with coral reefs and atolls.
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Caribbean Coast
The Belize coastline spans 240 miles (386 km) from north to south. While the coastal communities are scattered up and down the mainland, only a few of these towns have attractive beaches and a developed tourism infrastructure. People wanting an idyllic beach vacation where they can snorkel at a reef near the shore should consider staying on one of Belize’s Caribbean islands. But if you’re looking for a diverse vacation with a mix of beach, jungle, culture, and history, you will find plenty to do along the mainland coast, particularly in the town of Hopkins and on the Placencia Peninsula.
Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands are the epicenter of Belize’s tourism industry and are undoubtedly the country’s biggest draw. This region is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs down the entire length of the country and is the second largest barrier reef system in the world. With seven different protected areas and dozens of island atolls, the Caribbean Islands of Belize are a playground for ocean lovers who want to get up close to the reef and its marine life.
Maya Mountains
The Mayan Mountain region beckons the outdoor adventure seeker. Recognizing the value of healthy ecosystems, the Belize government has set aside much of this region as protected areas. As a result, the environment here remains very healthy and untouched, with abundant wildlife and native vegetation. The Mayan Mountain region of Belize spans the west of the Hummingbird Highway, and the area that borders the Western Highway.
Northern Lowlands
The northern lowlands are dominated by flat agricultural fields, small farming towns, and lowland rainforest. It spans the area east and west of the Northern Highway up to the Mexican border. This is one of the least traveled regions in Belize. Tourist amenities and attractions here are limited, and the majority of people who travel to this region come to visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Lamanai. Besides Lamanai, this region is where you’ll find the towns of Orange Walk and Corozal.
