Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 123

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Meaning “Little Channel”, the Hol Chan Marine
Reserve, refers to a coral filled gap in Belize’s
barrier reef which is densely populated with
marine life. Covering 3 square miles, the reserve,
which is the oldest in Belize, has reef, sea grass
beds, mangrove and Shark Ray Alley to offer
visitors a truly diverse diving or snorkeling
experience which will often include seeing
sharks, eels and stingrays.
Photo Credit: snorkelingdives.com
Cayo District
Located in Belize’s far west, close to the
Guatemalan border, is the Cayo District. This
scenic district with its rolling hills and beautiful
sunsets offer visitors the diversity of jungle
to tranquil butterfly farms, a cluster of Mayan
Ruins such as Xunantunich, once a ceremonial
center for the Maya and the immense Caracol
Archaeological Reserve where some of the
recognized 35,000 buildings have still to be
fully excavated.
Photo Credit: drterdal
Placencia Peninsula
Placencia is a 16 mile long peninsula located
about 130 miles south of Belize City. It has the
only golden-sandy beaches on the mainland.
The booming beach town of Placencia is
becoming well-known for its cuisine which
include delicious Kriol (Creole) seafood dishes.
The peninsula boasts a variety of underwater
sanctuaries and land based nature reserves plus
of course, nearby Mayan Ruins.
Photo Credit: Laslovarga