Soaring above the skyline, the majestic beauty of Victoria Peak pierces the clouds. Standing watch with her 3,700 foot elevation, the stately lady stands guard over ferocious jaguars prowling the jungle floor below. Of to the east, a string of picture perfect cayes seems to float on top of pristine waters between the barrier reef and the mainland.

   Between the towering mountains and deep blue sea, wilderness encounters serenity. While feline predators prowl the jungle of the Cockscomb Basin, not far away, visitors walk on a blanket of sugar-like beach.

   To the north lie the Melinda Forest Reserve, Gales Point and the Southern Lagoon. Just offshore to the east, dozens of cayes with names like Man-of-war, Tobacco, Coco Plum and South Water sit in warm shallow waters teeming with marine life- and wildlife. South along the shoreline, peaceful coastal villages like New Town, Hopkins and Sittee River boast magnificent stretches of beach randomly broken by jungle rivers. And to the west, look for scenic vistas on the Hummingbird Highway, spectacular ranges of Maya Mountains and powerful jaguars roaming wild in the Cockscomb Basin.

   Just about an hour south of Belize City, traveling one of the nation's most scenic highways, you'll find Dangriga. In some ways, it's like a smaller version of "big city". Clapboard houses perched on stilts, lean slightly from the warm sea breeze. Almost 8,000 people live here. All enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. Most are descendants of the original Garifuna (pronounced Ga-RIF-una) settlers who arrived from St. Vincent in the early 1800s.

   The lifestyle, relaxed and undisturbed. Freedom is an important part of the culture, especially their traditional style of farming, cooking, arts and religion. People are an integral part of Dangriga's atmosphere. There's a strong bonding between the local people. Everyone knows everyone. Everybody is friendly and hospitable. Visitors are always welcomed with a sincere "hello" and a warm smile.

   North of Dangriga is Gales point, a small fishing village situated on the landlocked lagoon. You may see more manatees than people.

   The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve is the only jaguar reserve in existence. In addition to the elusive jaguars- ocelots, puma, tapirs and other wild animals roam freely.

   Not far away is the seaside village of Hopkins, a Garifuna fishing village situated on an expansive stretch of beach. This is like a step back in time. It's fascinating to experience their way of life as they follow traditions hundreds of years old.*

  
* Source: Permanent Mission of Belize to the OAS.
 

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