travel - central america - belize - western highway - d holmes chamberlin jr architect llc

travel central america belize western highway

The Western Highway is one of three major highways in Belize and runs from the coastal port of Belize City across country to near the western border with Guatemala.
Leaving Belize City, it goes through a "savanna" area featuring flat terrain with short vegetation before entering The "savanna" area is rather sparsely populated, but population centers grow the further west you go.
Near the towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio, there is a fairly large population of Mennonites with well-kept farms and cattle ranches.
There were several police and military check points along the highway looking for illegal immigrants and smuggled goods.

TRAVEL: January 2013

This location has earned an over-all four star (very good) rating from
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unless noted otherwise all images copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc

Savanna area west of Belize City along the Western Highway, Belize, 2013.

Roadside stand along the Western Highway, Belize, 2013.

Shoe repair shop along the Western Highway, Belize, 2013.

Colorful Pentecostal Church along the Western Highway, Belize, 2013.

Concrete home construction along the Western Highway, Belize, 2013.
Homes are built on stilts to provide ventilation and to create a sheltered exterior space for the family to relax in.
Our guide explained that most homes are in various states of construction because locals do not believe in (or can't get)
large bank loans and prefer to pay as they go often leaving areas of the home unfinished for long periods of time.
It was not uncommon to see concrete columns sticking out above existing homes waiting for the time when the next level could be added.