Belize comes alive during the month of September as the nation celebrates its relatively recent independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981. Independence Day follows St George’s Caye Day on September 10th, the national commemoration of a 1798 battle that marked the turning point of the early Spanish/British Honduras conflict and what is considered to be the defining moment in Belizean statehood.
Belize is a sanctuary for birds because of its extensive protected forests, varied wetland habitat and strategic location on a major migratory route. Over 587 birds have been recorded in the country, of these approximately 20% are migrants from North America.
After two days of hiking, climbing and swimming, I was ready for a bit of a change of pace, so we headed to the eco jungle resort, Chaa Creek. At this 365 acre resort, you’ll have everything at your fingertips to customize your own jungle adventure. I had met someone from Chaa Creek a few years ago at a travel trade show and had been staring at their promotional disc for years, waiting for the day I’d get to Belize so I could stay there. After checking in to our private thatched cottage, we met with the concierge to organize the activities for the following day. Many are included in your stay, but a few such as horseback riding and canoeing carry a small surcharge.