Belize

Belize: general info for travelers

Belize is a small, vibrant country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. With a population of around 400,000 people, Belize is known for its stunning natural beauty, with tropical rainforests, idyllic islands, and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to a rich diversity of cultures, including Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, and European populations. Belize is also a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities such as snorkelling and diving, birdwatching, hiking, and exploring ancient Maya ruins.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Belize, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Belize: places to visit

Sure, here are some main places to visit in Belize: 1. Belize Barrier Reef - This is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and a must-visit spot for all divers and snorkelers. You'll be able to see colorful coral formations and a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.
2. Ambergris Caye - A stunning tropical paradise located near the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye is a popular destination for water sports, such as snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving. The island also offers a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
3. San Ignacio - This is a charming town situated in the western part of Belize, near the border with Guatemala. San Ignacio is a great base for exploring the nearby Maya ruins, such as Caracol and Xunantunich. The town itself is also known for its vibrant market and delicious local cuisine.
4. Caye Caulker - A small, laid-back island located just a short boat ride from Belize City, Caye Caulker is the perfect spot for those who want to relax and unwind. The island boasts scenic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lively nightlife.
5. Actun Tunichil Muknal - Located in the Cayo District, Actun Tunichil Muknal is a popular cave system that offers visitors the chance to explore fascinating rock formations and ancient Maya artifacts. The highlight of the tour is the main chamber, where you'll find the remains of a young Maya girl who was sacrificed over a thousand years ago.
6. Placencia - A small, picturesque town located on the southern coast of Belize, Placencia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The town is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year.
There is more to see and do in Belize: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Belize: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Belize, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Belize has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from December to May and is characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and almost no rainfall. The wet season runs from June to November and is characterized by hotter temperatures, high humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
The best time to visit Belize is usually during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is crystal clear, which is ideal for diving and snorkelling. Additionally, this time of the year coincides with Belize's peak tourist season, so be prepared for higher accommodation prices and more crowds.

Belize: activities and what to do

Belize offers a wide range of activities and sports to do while on holiday. Some of the popular ones include: 1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it an excellent destination for water sports. You can explore the colorful marine life and coral reefs underwater by snorkeling or scuba diving.
2. Fishing: Belize has some of the best fishing spots in the world. You can enjoy fly-fishing or deep-sea fishing for bonefish, tarpon, or permit.
3. Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Belize has an extensive network of waterways and rivers, making it an ideal destination for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
4. Zip-lining and Cave Tubing: If you are looking for a bit of adventure, you can try zip-lining through the rainforest or tubing through the underground cave systems.
5. Mayan Ruins: Belize is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, such as Altun Ha and Xunantunich. You can explore these ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan civilization.
6. Wildlife Tours: Belize has diverse wildlife, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans. You can take a wildlife tour to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
Belize has so much to offer, and these are just a few of the many activities and sports available.

Belize: few words on history and culture

Belize has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the country's diverse background. It was originally home to various indigenous groups, including the Maya, who left behind many ancient ruins and artifacts that can still be seen today. The first Europeans to arrive in Belize were the Spanish in the early 16th century, followed by the British, who eventually gained control of the area in the late 18th century. Belize gained independence from the British in 1981 and became a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch. Today, Belize is a melting pot of various cultures, including Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and others, each with its own unique traditions, food, and music.
The country's culture is known for its vibrant music and dance, including the Punta, the Brukdown, and the Garifuna music. Belize is also home to various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Belize Carnival, the Lobster Festival, and the Costa Maya Festival, which celebrates Mesoamerican culture.
In terms of history, Belize has many ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into the fascinating Maya civilization. The most well-known ruins in Belize include Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Caracol, each of which features impressive pyramids and other structures. Belize's historical significance is also reflected in its colonial architecture and landmarks, such as the Government House, St. John's Cathedral, and the Belize Sign Monument.

Belize: how to move around on holiday

The most common means of transport to reach and visit Belize are by air and land.
By air: The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is the main airport in Belize and is located in Ladyville, about 10 miles north of Belize City. It is served by several airlines including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, WestJet and many others. Once you arrive in Belize City, you can take a domestic flight or ground transportation to other regions of the country.
By land: If you are traveling to Belize by land, you can access the country by bus, car, or taxi. There are two border entry points from Mexico and Guatemala, and several bus lines offer services from both countries.
Within the country, options for transportation include: - Taxis and private cars - Buses - Water taxi or ferry services for some of the islands.
- Domestic flights are available from Belize City to various destinations within the country.
No matter how you choose to travel, it is advisable to check schedules and availability before making any reservations. To hire a car to visit Belize, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Belize: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Belize with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the main typical foods of Belize with brief descriptions: 1. Rice and Beans: This delicious national dish is made with red kidney beans, rice, and coconut milk. It is usually served with stew chicken, beef, or pork, and a side of potato salad, coleslaw or fried plantain.
2. Fry Jacks: These are small, golden, deep-fried pieces of dough that are served as a breakfast or brunch item. They are often filled with eggs, cheese, beans, or some combination of these.
3. Tamales: This classic Mesoamerican dish is made with corn masa (dough) that is filled with chicken, pork, or beef, spices, and other ingredients. The tamale is then steamed in a corn husk until it is cooked through.
4. Stewed Chicken: This is a flavorful, slow-cooked chicken dish that is made with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and spices such as thyme and oregano. It is often served alongside rice and beans.
5. Belizean Ceviche: This refreshing dish is made with raw conch or fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. It is typically served as an appetizer or light lunch.
6. Conch Fritters: These are deep-fried cakes made from conch meat, onions, garlic, and spices. They are typically served as an appetizer or snack.
7. Boil-Up: This dish is a traditional breakfast in Belize that is made by boiling cassava, plantain, and sometimes fish or pigtail in a flavorful broth. It is often served with eggs and bread. Hope this helps you!

Belize: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Belize can be considered an expensive country for tourists compared to some of its Central American neighbors. The cost of accommodation, transportation, and food is generally higher than what you may find in other countries in the region. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have an enjoyable trip to Belize without spending a huge amount of money. It is also worth noting that the cost of living can vary depending on the area you are visiting, with tourist hotspots generally being more expensive than more remote parts of the country.

Belize: where to find accodation

There are several options for finding accommodation in Belize. 1. Online Booking Platforms: Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb offer numerous options for accommodations in Belize. You can easily filter out options based on your preferences like the type of accommodation, price range, etc. 2. Local Tourist Offices: Local tourism offices can provide you with detailed information about accommodations in Belize. They can also offer suggestions based on your budget and preferences. 3. Travel Agents: Travel agents can help you plan a trip to Belize, including finding accommodation. They often have access to exclusive deals and can offer personalized recommendations. 4. Directly contacting hotels and resorts: You can also directly contact hotels and resorts in Belize and inquire about their availability, rates, and services. Some of the popular hotels and resorts in Belize include Ka'ana Resort, Victoria House Resort & Spa, and Las Terrazas Resort.
You can check hotel prices in Belize here:
Booking.com

Belize: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
Belize receives around 1.5 million tourists annually. The peak tourist season in Belize is usually from December to April, when the weather is dry and mild. During this period, there may be crowds at popular tourist destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. However, the crowds are generally not as heavy as in other popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean or Central America. The rest of the year, there is a smaller influx of visitors, which may make it a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded destinations.
Belize is generally a safe country for tourists. However, like in any other place, tourists should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. The most common crime against tourists is theft, so it is important to keep valuables out of sight and secure in your accommodations. While there are no specific areas tourists should avoid, it is best to avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas or in the streets of Belize City. It is also important to note that some areas of Belize are considered remote and may require special considerations for travel, such as hiring a local guide or avoiding certain routes. If you are unsure about where to go or where to avoid, it is always best to check with your accommodations or a reputable tour operator.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Belize on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Belize: events for tourists

There are many interesting events for tourists in Belize throughout the year, but some of the most popular ones are: 1. Belize Carnival - usually held in September, this vibrant street parade celebrates the country's diversity and culture.
2. Lobster Festival - held in June, this festival celebrates the start of the lobster season in Belize with lots of delicious seafood dishes and activities.
3. Garifuna Settlement Day - held on November 19th each year, this day celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize and their contribution to its culture.
4. Chocolate Festival - held in May, this festival celebrates the history and importance of cacao in Belizean culture, with lots of chocolate tastings and workshops.
5. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge - a grueling three-day canoe race held in March that takes participants through the country's stunning waterways.
These events offer visitors a great way to experience the local culture, enjoy traditional food, and participate in fun activities.

Belize: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Belize, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here's a suggested two week travel itinerary for Belize: Day 1-3: - Fly into Belize City and transfer to San Ignacio - Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cahal Peche Village - Go on a river tubing adventure in the Cave Tour - Enjoy a night safari in the jungle - Visit the Rio On Pools Day 4-5: - Transfer to Placencia - Swim with whale sharks at Gladden Spit - Visit Laughing Bird Caye National Park Day 6-7: - Head to Caye Caulker - Snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Explore the Split Day 8-10: - Transfer to Hopkins Village - Go on a Garifuna cooking class and drumming lesson - Experience the traditional way of catching fish with the local fishermen - Visit the Bocawina National Park Day 11-13: - Transfer to Ambergris Caye - Scuba dive at the Blue Hole - Relax at the Secret Beach - Visit the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve Day 14: - Transfer back to Belize City for departing flight Of course, depending on your travel interests and preferences, this itinerary can be further customized to make it more personalized and tailored for you.

Belize: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Belize described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize located in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. Visito... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ambergris Caye
- Belize City is the largest city in Belize, located on the east coast of Central America. It is the country's main seaport and serves as the hub for transportation, commerce, and cultural activities. T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Belize City
- Belmopan is the capital city of Belize, located in the central region of the country. It was established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie destroyed the former capital, Belize City. Belmopan is a small, ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Belmopan
- Benque Viejo del Carmen is a small town located in the western part of Belize, near the border with Guatemala. It is situated in the Cayo District and is the largest town in the district, with a popul... CONTINUE here for a trip to Benque Viejo del Carmen
- Blue Creek is a small rural village located in the Toledo District of southern Belize. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including a pristine creek and lush rainforest. The village i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Blue Creek
- Bullet Tree Falls is a small village located in western Belize, near the town of San Ignacio. It's named after a waterfall on the Mopan River, which used to resemble bullet holes in the rock. The vill... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bullet Tree Falls
- Burrell Boom is a small village situated in the Belize District of Belize. It is located approximately 20 miles north of Belize City and is a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure activiti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Burrell Boom
- Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize. It is about 20 miles north of Belize City and is considered a popular tourism destination for those looking to experience the laid-back ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Caye Caulker
- Corozal is a town located in the northern part of Belize, near the border with Mexico. It is the capital of the Corozal district and has a population of around 10,000 people. The town is known for its... CONTINUE here for a trip to Corozal
- Crooked Tree is a small village situated in the east-central part of Belize, about 33 miles north of Belize City. It is located within the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the oldest a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Crooked Tree
- Dangriga is a coastal town located in the Stann Creek District of Belize, Central America. It is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including being the spiritual capital of the Garifuna people, ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dangriga
- Hopkins is a small coastal town located in the southern region of Belize. It's situated on the Caribbean coast and boasts a beautiful beach and clear blue waters. The town has a unique Garifuna cultur... CONTINUE here for a trip to Hopkins
- Maskall is a small village located in the Belize District of Belize, Central America. It has a population of around 2,000 people and is situated approximately 30 miles north of Belize City. The main l... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maskall
- Orange Walk is a town and district in the northern part of Belize, located roughly 53 miles (85 km) north of Belize City. It is the fourth-largest town in the country, and is home to approximately 17,... CONTINUE here for a trip to Orange Walk
- Placencia is a small, laid-back town located on the southern coast of Belize. It is known for its beautiful, white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in... CONTINUE here for a trip to Placencia
- Punta Gorda is a coastal town located in the southernmost part of Belize. It is the capital of the Toledo District and is known for its vibrant mix of cultures and relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. The to... CONTINUE here for a trip to Punta Gorda
- San Antonio is a small village located in the southern part of Belize, in the Toledo District. It is known for its traditional Mayan culture and is home to the San Antonio Women's Cooperative, where v... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Antonio
- San Ignacio is a small town located in the west of Belize, close to the border with Guatemala. It is often described as the cultural capital of Belize, as it offers a rich mix of Mayan and colon... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Ignacio
- Actually, there are multiple places named San Jose across the world, but assuming you are referring to San Jose in Belize, here is some general information:... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Jose
- Actually, there are several places called San Juan around the world, but there is no town of San Juan in Belize. Perhaps you were thinking of San Pedro or Punta Gorda, which are well-known destination... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Juan
- San Pedro is a town located in the southern part of Ambergris Caye, Belize. It is the largest town on the island and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Pedro
- San Roman is a small village located in the northern region of Belize, near the border with Mexico. The village is primarily agricultural, with a focus on citrus farming. Its population is predominant... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Roman
- Sarteneja is a small coastal town located in the northernmost part of Belize. It is situated on a narrow peninsula between the Bay of Chetumal and the Caribbean Sea. Sarteneja is known for its fishing... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sarteneja
- Spanish Lookout is a small town located in the Cayo District of Belize, Central America. It is primarily known for its large Mennonite community and agriculture industry, specifically dairy farm... CONTINUE here for a trip to Spanish Lookout


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