Moon Belize

by Lebawit Lily Girma

Overview

With turquoise waters, dreamlike islands, and pristine rainforests, Belize is a sensory feast. Dive in with Moon Belize. Inside you'll find:

• Flexible itineraries, from the weeklong best of Belize to three weeks exploring the whole country
• Strategic advice for water sports lovers, foodies, wildlife enthusiasts, and more, plus suggestions for supporting local businesses and exploring ethically and sustainably
• The top outdoor adventures: Hike rainforests filled with medicinal trees and howler monkeys, snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world, go spelunking in ancient underground caves, or hop through the vibrant cayes
• Unique experiences and can't-miss highlights: Canoe to a farmers market to sample fresh pupusas and cashew wine, and cool off beneath the waterfalls. Marvel at Mayan archaeological sites or experience a traditional homestay in Punta Gorda. Relax on the beach all day, and spend your night dancing barefoot in the sand to the sound of Garifuna drums
• Honest advice on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from Belize expert Lebawit Lily Girma
• Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
• Essential background on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and culture, plus handy phrases in Kriol, Garifuna, and Q'eqchi' Mayan
• Helpful recommendations for health and safety, traveling solo, and suggestions for LGBTQ visitors, travelers with disabilities, and seniors

Experience the best of Belize with Moon's expert tips and local insight.

Looking to expand your trip? Try Moon Yucatán Peninsula or Moon Costa Rica.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640490420
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	10/29/2019
Series:	Travel Guide
Edition description:	13th ed.
Pages:	432
Sales rank:	306,384
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Born in Ethiopia, Lebawit Lily Girma was nine months old when her parents moved to the West African country of Côte d'Ivoire. She has loved travel ever since: exploring cultures and learning languages on various continents, including Europe and the Americas.


After practicing law in the U.S., Lily took a leap of faith to pursue her passions: travel, writing, and photography. After a three-week visit to Belize in 2010, she was determined to return. A year later, Lily was commissioned as an in-house writer and photographer for the Belize Tourism Board for three months. She explored Belize extensively, sharing her adventures through a collection of online articles, blogs, and photo essays. Belize's diverse cultures and people struck a chord and she returned to Belize for long-term stays while researching freelance articles on the country.


In addition to this title, Lily is the author of Moon Belize Cayes and Moon Dominican Republic, and her writing and photography have been published by CNN Travel, BBC Travel, Delta Sky, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, MorningCalm, Every Day with Rachael Ray, The Travel Channel, and AFAR, among others. She was also a major contributing writer and senior editor for the 2016-2017 edition of Destination Belize Magazine, Belize's main tourism publication.

Read an Excerpt

Rhythms of Belize

Belize’s annual bashes are the perfect way to glimpse Belizeans’ celebratory spirit and get a taste of the music—more than six genres, each unique to a particular region and culture.

Summer Fiestas: (July) Towns celebrate their patron saints with giant fairs, games, concerts, and plenty of outdoor grills all set up inside the town stadium. Visit Benque Viejo del Carmen’s Benque Fiesta, Orange Walk’s Fiestarama, and Ambergris Caye’s Día de San Pedro.

Deer Dance Festival: (Aug.) San Antonio Village showcases all things Mayan. The highlight is a deer dance costume performance (an ancient ritual reenacting the hunting of a deer) to traditional Mayan harps.

Pan Yaad: (Sept.) This lively seaside, steelpan concert is a treat, with up to five bands from around Belize performing at Belize City’s House of Culture.

Belize City Carnival: (mid-Sept.) Belize City hosts a colorful Caribbean Carnival. Orange Walk Town’s Mestizo-themed Orange Walk Carnival is held on September 21, Belize’s Independence Day. San Pedro celebrates its carnival in February.

Garífuna Settlement Day: (Nov. 18) Dangriga turns into a massive street party on the eve of Garífuna Settlement Day. Don’t miss the drumming and punta dancing under the Wadani Shed.

Mr. Peters’ Brokdong Bram: (Dec.) A traditional brokdong bram celebration takes place in the village of Gales Point at Christmastime. Brokdong is a festive Creole genre blending various instruments, including drums, maracas, banjo, and even the jawbone of an ass (a donkey)!