• United States!

    United States: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Go Now!

    United States
    Explore the vast openness and wildlife found roaming in the western United States, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured) in North Dakota. Begin Your Journey!

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    Trinidad & Tobago: Beautiful Coastline. Go Now!

    Trinidad & Tobago
    These Caribbean islands mix Indian, African, and European cultures alongside beautiful beaches. Go Now!

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    St. Kitts & Nevis: Nevis Island. Go Now!

    St. Kitts & Nevis
    This island nation mixes aspects of European, African, and Caribbean culture... not to mention incredible beaches. Go Now!

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    Honduras: Children. Go Now!

    Honduras
    The original banana republic, Honduras has made a name for itself with the banana trade; however foreign influences have also vastly altered the culture. Go Now!

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    Mexico: Sunrise over the mountains in Puerto Vallarta. Go Now!

    Mexico
    Although many people just go for the beaches, Mexico offers impressive mountain vistas (pictured in Puerto Vallarta), great food, and historic ruins that compete with the best in the world. Begin Your Journey!

  • Barbados!

    Barbados: Pier on the beach. Go Now!

    Barbados
    This Caribbean island has hints of British culture, but is wholly Caribbean as well. Explore Barbados!

Architecture of Belize

The earliest architecture in Belize is unknown, but the people have traditionally lived in wooden stilt houses along the coast and they continue to live in such houses to this day. More impressive though are the ancient Mayan stone monuments that continue to exist and attract visitors today. The two greatest structures from this time in the country are the Mayan pyramids in Caracol and in Xunantunich.

Belizean Architecture - Xunantunich
Xunantunich

Sadly, after the Mayan Empire slowly collapsed, few buildings that were built in the country that have lasted. The local people built primarily in wood and even after the Spanish arrived in the 1500s and 1600s they built very little since the region was contested by the British. Over the next couple hundred years these battles and the eventual British occupation of the region led to few structures of any significance to be built. Among those that were built, they are primarily found in Belize City, which was mostly destroyed by hurricanes in 1931 and 1961.

Today, the best examples of colonial architecture are still found in Belize City, most notably in the buildings of St. John's Cathedral and the Paslow Building.

After the destruction of Belize City the capital was moved inland to Belmopan. This city didn't truly exist prior to 1900s and is home to most of the country's modern and post-modern architecture. Despite being the capital and center of architecture today, the city remains quite modest.

This page was last updated: March, 2013