Doyle's Delight

Location and Height

Doyle's Delight is the highest peak in Belize. It stands at 1,124 meters (3,688 feet) tall. It is found on the Maya Divide, the main ridge of the Maya Mountains in southwestern Belize.

The Name

The name Doyle's Delight was created by Sharon Matola in 1989. It comes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book The Lost World. Many people now use the name Doyle's Delight. The Government of Belize’s website lists it as the highest point in the country. A street in the capital, Belmopan, is even called “Doyle's Delight Street.” Some people suggested calling the peak “Kaan Witz,” meaning “Sky Mountain” in the Maya language, but this name has not become popular.

Previous Highest Peak

For many years, Victoria Peak was thought to be the highest point in Belize. But newer measurements show it is slightly lower, at 1,120 meters (3,675 feet). Victoria Peak is east of the Maya Mountains and can sometimes be seen from the coast when the weather is clear. Doyle's Delight is in the middle of the Maya Mountains.

Expeditions

There is a clearing at the top of Doyle's Delight where helicopters can land. This spot is taken care of by the Belize Defence Force and the British Military. In 1970, people put a marker there to show where the highest point is.

In 2004 and 2007, scientists flew to the top using helicopters. They studied the plants, fungi, insects, amphibians, birds, and small animals around Doyle's Delight to learn more about the area's nature and wildlife. They collected important information to help understand this special place better.