Doyle's Delight

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

The name Doyle's Delight was created by Sharon Matola in a report in 1989. It comes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's book The Lost World from 1912, which includes the exciting quote: "there must be something wild and wonderful in a country such as this, and we're the men to find it out!"

Today, many people use the name Doyle's Delight. The official website of the Government of Belize lists it as the highest point in the country. Even a street in the capital city, Belmopan, is called "Doyle's Delight Street." Some people have suggested calling the peak "Kaan Witz," which means "Sky Mountain" in the Maya language, but this new name has not become popular.

For many years, Victoria Peak was thought to be the highest point in Belize. But newer measurements show that 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, however, is in the middle of the Maya Mountains and is part of a gentler, rolling range.

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.