3

1. How to Play .................................................................................... 4

2. Quick Facts about Belize ..............................................................6

3. See Maya Ruins - earn 270 points ..............................................8

4. Visit Belize Parks and Preserves - earn 270 points .................. 15

5. Experience Belize - earn 510 points .......................................... 22

6. See Animals of Belize - earn 150-900 points .......................... 24

7. Spot Birds of Belize - earn 680 points ..................................... 28

8. Identify Belize Trees and Flowers - earn 320 points .............. 35

9. Recognize Belize Coral Reef Fish - earn 450 points ............... 41

10. Swim with Sea Creatures - earn 250 points .......................... 47

11. Spot Reptiles and Insects of Belize - earn 180 points. ............ 50

12. Sample Food of Belize - earn 130 points ................................ 53

13. Tally Sheet to add it all up ...................................................... 56

Table of Contents

4

The Goal of the Game:

Your goal is to see the most essential Belizean sights during your visit; to go on the trips, sample the food, and see the sights that will make your trip to Belize a trip to remember. Each experience and sighting you check off earns you points. When you collect enough points, you earn bragging rights to say: I’ve really seen Belize!

How to Start:

Your first step in the game is to look through the book. Become familiar with all the unique Belize trips, sights, food, fish, and flowers you may see while you are in Belize.

How to Play:

As you travel through Belize, you will naturally see many of the sights we have collected. And because you are playing this game, you will know to keep a sharp look out for many others that you might have missed without the game.

Most adventures or sightings in the game are worth 10-30 points. You get more points if the animal or bird is somewhat rare, or if an experience takes more time and effort. There are 125 possible trips or sights in the game, for a total of 3,120 possible points.

You also earn bonus points for special sightings and trips. Whale sharks are a thrilling Belize sight, and you earn a whopping 75 points for sighting one.

Jaguars are extremely rare to see—but Belize is one place in the world where you actually might see one in the wild. If you do, you earn 200 points! You can also win 10 points for seeing the jaguar at the zoo.

At the end of your trip, turn to the tally sheet and enter all your points, collect your bonus points and add it all up.

How to Win:

Collect 1000 points and win.

1000 points means you’ve had the tourist vacation we all dream of having—you’ve gone on the tours and seen the sights, sampled the food and noticed the wonderful, unique Belizean flora and fauna during your trip.

There are lots of ways to win! Stay on Ambergris Caye and win points by seeing sea creatures and sea birds, by snorkeling on the reef or diving at Blue Hole, and by taking the day trip to Lamanai. Earn more points by trying a new Belizean dish every day at local Belize restaurants.

How to Play It Belize!

8

The Mayas created one of the world’s great ancient civilizations. They lived in huge cities, created a hieroglyphic writing system, calculated astrological calendars of astonishing accuracy, and constructed towering pyramids for their complex religion.

Fossil artifacts show Maya villages dating back as far as 1800 BC. At the height of their power, between 250 and 900 AD, the Mayas lived in 70 city-states throughout Guatemala, Belize and southern Mexico. Their cities were bustling centers of trade, some with as many as 200,000 residents. Their architectural abilities are a constant source of wonder. Without the use of metal tools, the wheel, or any draft animal such as horses or oxen, the Maya hand-carved huge blocks of limestone and built soaring temples and pyramids.

The Mayas were the first ancient civilization to use zero, which allowed them to make complex calculations and create accurate calendars based on both the sun and the moon.

The Mayas were the only civilization of the Americas to invent their own writing. Like the Egyptians, the Mayas used a hieroglyphic writing system. Archeologists have found long stories carved onto tall stone

monuments at Maya ruins. Other writings were found on deer hide or fig-tree paper. However, most of these writings were burned by the Spanish, who felt the strange symbol writing of the Maya were works of the devil.

In every Maya ruin archeologists found huge ball courts, some as large as a football field. The ball game they played was a part of their religion and was obviously very important in Maya society.

Shortly after 900 AD, the great cities of the Maya were abandoned, as though all the residents had simply decided one day to pack up and go away. Archeologists think perhaps a drought, increased warfare, or some ecological disaster caused the Mayas to leave. Others think the farming methods of the time couldn’t keep producing enough food for all the city dwellers. Whatever the reason, the great Maya cities were left to the rain forest and the monkeys.

Today, an estimated 1.2 million Maya still live in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, and nearly 5 million more are spread throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and the cities and rural farm communities of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Maya Ruins of Belize

ssomerText BoxMaya Ruins excerpt - 2 of 7 pages

9

Altun Ha - Belize District

Take a short drive from Belize City to this exquisite Maya ruin near the ocean. Don’t miss the Temple of the Green Tomb!

Cahel Tech - Cayo District

Walk 15 minutes up the hill from downtown San Ignacio. Explore the winding maze of courtyards and tunnel-like hallways.

Caracol - Cayo District

Belize’s largest, most impressive Maya city, home to over 150,000 Mayas in 650 AD. A true jungle adventure!

Lamanai - Orange Walk District

Second largest Maya ruin in Belize. Four huge Maya masks carved in stone help you “face” this awesome civilization.

Xunantunich - Cayo District

Stunning Maya ceremonial center, located on a hill overlooking the Mopan river.

Lamanai

Caracol

Xunantunich

Cahel Tech30 points

Altun Ha

Been there?

Total:

50 points

70 points

70 points

50 points

Been there?

Been there?

Been there?

Been there?

25

Coati

Known as “quash” in Belize. Often seen in small troops traveling single file with the tail pointed straight up. 10 points if seen in zoo, 20 points in wild.

Nine-banded Armadillo

These odd creatures are a favorite food for jaguars. They feed on ants and bugs, and can sniff out a beetle six inches underground. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild.

Kinkajou

Known as “night walker” in Belize. You may hear it scrambling in the bush at night, or jumping noisily from treetop to treetop. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild.

Spider Monkey

This lanky, long-tailed monkey is usually seen in groups, swinging effortlessly through the trees. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 points in wild.

Agouti

This rodent and its close cousin, the paca, look like huge, tailless squirrels. The paca has white spots, while the agouti is all brown. 10 points if seen in zoo, 20 points in wild.

Spider Monkey

Kinkajou

Agouti

Nine-banded Armadillo

Coati10/20 points

10/20 points

10/30 points

10/30 points

10/30 points

Total:

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

ssomerText BoxMammals excerpt - 2 of 4 pages

26

Peccaries

The Collared Peccary and its cousin, the White-lipped Peccary, are piglike animals that travel in groups rooting for fruit and seeds. You may smell their strong musky odor before you see them. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 if seen in wild.

Deer

Both Red-brocket and White-tailed deer can be found in Belize. Red- brocket deer live in swampy areas close to rivers. 10 points if seen in zoo, 30 if seen in wild.

Margay

These small cats are active at night. Called “tiger cats” by locals, they have ankles that rotate so they can climb headfirst down a tree. 10 points if seen in zoo, 100 if seen in wild.

Ocelot

These medium-sized cats are found on the ground. They hunt by day and night, so are more often seen than other cats of Belize. 10 points if seen in zoo, 100 if seen in wild.

Jaguarundi

These medium-sized cats have a distinctive wide otter-like tail. They are usually seen on the ground, but they also climb trees. 10 points if seen in zoo, 100 if seen in wild.

Ocelot

Margay

Jaguarundi

Red-brocket Deer

Collared Peccary

10/30 points

10/100 points

10/100 points

10/100 points

10/30 points

Total:

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

28

closely for the distinctive wooden rrrk-rrrk-rrrk call of the Keel-billed Toucan.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary may remind you of Tarzon movies; with dangling vines and sparkling waterfalls gushing out of the lush rainforest. If you visit, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of the beautiful and endangered

Scarlet Macaw, who make a yearly

migration to the town of Red Bank just south of Cockscomb Basin.

But you don’t have to go to special places to see special birds.

With 22 species of hummingbirds living in Belize, you’re likely to spot one in almost any flowering tree or shrub. Shore birds and waders, like the Great Blue Heron and the Snowy Egret, can be found throughout the coastal areas of Belize, where large tracts of mangroves provide both good feeding and shelter. Roadside poles may hold a vermillion flycatcher or a belted kingfisher.

A sharp-eyed birder can see as many as 100 species in a few days. Try getting up with the dawn one day and see how many birds you can spot. Many resorts have a birding tower, where you can get up into the tree canopy and see the world from a bird’s point of view. Keep an eye on the road side scenery as you drive from place to place. The birds are all around you!

Belize is home to over 500 species of birds. From the sea shore to the mountains, you’ll see birds—flitting overhead, wading in shallow marshes, or diving into the crests of waves. Wake up early, and you’ll hear a bird orchestra made up of a thousand liquid voices erupting from every bush and tree.

We have selected just 24 birds for you to try to spot. Some are special to Belize, like the Keel-billed Toucan, which is Belize’s national bird. Some, like the Scarlet Macaw and the Harpy Eagle, are rare and exciting, and unlikely to be seen outside of the Belize Zoo. But we’ve also included birds that we know you are likely to see and be able to recognize: the Magnificent Frigate bird fighting for food over a fisherman’s boat, or the flocks of noisy parrots scolding overhead.

Some birds you may only be able to see if you travel to special places. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary may be your best chance of seeing the Roseate Spoonbill. Visiting Lamanai? The boat ride out to Lamanai offers many opportunities to spot all kinds of birds; the Snail Kite, and Boat billed Heron are just two you may see. On a tour of Caracol? Listen

Birds of Belize

ssomerText BoxBirds excerpt - 2 of 7 pages

29

Chachalacas

These noisy birds will make you sit up and notice that they are around. Undoubtedly, these birds would win any Loudest and Noisiest Bird of Belize contest. Usually heard mornings and evenings.

Roseate Spoonbill

These distinctive pink, tall birds can’t be mistaken for any other bird. They use their feet to stir up bottom-dwelling creatures and then spoon them up with their bill.

Great Kiskadee

A common bird in Belize, seen around houses and gardens, often perches scenically on a fence post or on wires overhead.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar

These brilliant metallic green birds with orangish underparts are often seen in pairs. If you scare one away, wait a minute—they often return to their branch.

Red Brocket DeerRoseate Spoonbill

Red Brocket DeerChachalacas

Red Brocket DeerGreat Kiskadee

Red Brocket DeerRufous-tailed JacamarTotal:

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

50 points

30 points

10 points

10 points

42

Grey Angelfish

You’ll find this fish nibbling along the reef. They are not as shy as Queen Angelfish and may let you get quite close to photograph.

Queen Angelfish

The angelfish have mouths adapted so they can fit into crevices of the coral. The Queen Angelfish is one of the most spectacular of coral fish.

French Angelfish

This large angelfish has yellow highlights. Like other angelfish, their narrow flat bodies allow them to fit in between cracks in the coral to hunt for food.

Banded Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish will often nibble the body of a larger fish, eating the parasites that grow on the skin.

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Usually found in pairs on the top of the reef. The “eye” on the dorsal fin confuses predators so they can’t tell which end is the head.

Banded Butterflyfish

French Angelfish

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Queen Angelfish

Grey Angelfish

Total:

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

20 points

20 points

20 points

20 points

20 points

ssomerText BoxCoral Reef Fish excerpt - 2 of 6 pages

43

Stoplight Parrotfish

These fish bite off pieces of coral, and if you get close enough, you can actually hear the rasping sound as they eat.

Blue Tang

Plant eaters that live in holes and crevices, these fish are often seen in large groups. The juvenile Blue Tang is bright yellow.

Doctor Fish

Plant eaters that are cousins to Blue Tangs, and often found in the same area.

Queen Triggerfish

This beautiful fish eats Black Urchins by flipping them over to get at their vulnerable bottom side.

Smooth Trunkfish

These funny puckered-up guys will often let you get quite close so you can take a good picture.

Queen Triggerfish

Doctor Fish

Smooth Trunkfish

Blue Tang

Stoplight Parrotfish

Total:

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

Seen one?

20 points

10 points

10 points

20 points

40 points

56

Tally Sheet

Add your totals from each chapter here:

Maya Ruins:

Belize Parks:

Experience Belize:

Animals:

Birds:

Trees & Flowers:

Coral Fish:

Sea Creatures:

Reptiles & Insects:

Food:

Total Regular Points:

Directions Bonus PointsGive yourself 20 Bonus Points for any other:

Maya Ruins you visited: Belize Park you visited: Unique Belize experience: Give yourself 10 bonus points seeing and identifying any other:

Bird: Fish:

Sea Creature:

Reptile or Insect:

Flower or Tree:

Total Bonus Points:

57

Special Bonus Points:

50 Points for getting a picture of a wild animal outside of the zoo.

100 Points for a picture of a margay, oscelot, puma or juguarundi outside of the zoo.

200 Points for getting a picture of a jaguar outside of the zoo.

WinnerCategories

100-390 PointsVisitor: You came, you had a good time, but there’s so much more to see! Come on back and see what you missed!

400-690 PointsExplorer: You saw a lot, went to lots of places, and can really see why everyone loves Belize. Come back and see the rest!

700-990 PointsAdventurer: Hope you took lots of pictures--your trip was fabulous! You know you want to come back for more!

1000 Points or moreHonary Belizean: Congratulations! You really saw it all! You’ve earned bragging rights to say: I’ve Been To Belize! And, of course, now you love it so much we hope you’ll come back every year!

Total PointsAdd your totals here:

Regular Points: Bonus Points:

Special Bonus Points:

Grand Total:

A game...Compete with others to see who can spot a manatee, a gumbolimbo tree, a chachalaca, or a black howler monkey. Whoever spots the most sights wins! Compete with yourself – how many Belize sights can you see during your trip?

A guide book...Twelve chapters with color pictures of all the special Belize animals, birds, fish, and fauna to see during your trip. Each chapter gives you a quick, visual guide with the most essential facts you need to identify and spot the best of Belize. Also includes chapters on the most popular and beautiful Maya ruins and Belize Parks. With this guide, you’ll always know which adventures to go on, and what to look for on land, on sea, or in town.

And a souvenir...Check off each sight as you spot it. When you get home, the book is a unique record of everything you did and saw on your trip. We’ve also included pages to write about your trip, and places to put in your own pictures and postcards to make this book a truly unique and personal souvenir of your vacation!

A visual guide to the best of Belize...

Front CoverTable of ContentsMaya Ruins - 2 of 7 pagesMammals - 2 of 4 pagesBirds - 2 of 7 pagesCoral Reef Fish - 2 of 6 pagesTally SheetBack Cover