gol the taste of brazil Return to the Southern Highway at Mile 15. Continue south for 6.3 miles, over the South Stann Creek

888-875-1822 or 218-847-4441, www.belizecloseencounters. com, has been operating in Belize for over 13 years and knows the country well. They represent over 60 resorts and can combine a number of activities with suitable accommodations. Their best skill is creating custom trips, whether it be caving or diving, museums or horseback riding. The San Ignacio area is their specialty. EQUIPMENT RENTALS

An avid canoeist from northern Canada, Allie is working in Belize to promote women canoers. She is trying to establish equality for women who want to race. For more about canoeing gol the taste of brazil in Belize, see page 280-283, or go to www.blackrocklodge.com.

Return to the Southern Highway at Mile 15. Continue south for 6.3 miles, over the South Stann Creek River Bridge, until you come to the road to Placencia at Mile 22.2. PLACENCIA PENINSULA Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile strip of sandy beach that has resorts all the way to the tip. Seine Bight is the only village. Placencia has replaced Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye as the most popular beach destination gol the taste of brazil in Belize. For the most part, places along the coast here are less expensive and the services are better than they are at any other beach locale in Belize. Close proximity to the ocean gives you the opportunity to enjoy all water activities. Plus, you are closer to land destinations you may wish to visit, like caves and ruins.

Although gol the taste of brazil there are numerous preserves and parks, the money needed to maintain them is sparse. I heard time after time that wardens have applied for help to prevent poaching or destruction of plants, but get no money from the government. They try to work in their areas without radio equipment, machinery or guns for protection and so are helpless against those with other interests.