An English-speaking paradise nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize
is a thoroughly stable, independent nation that's become a mecca for ecotravelers
and a tourism investor's dream.
An English-speaking paradise nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is a thoroughly stable, independent nation that's become a Mecca for ecotravelers and a tourism investor's dream.
Belize is perhaps best known for its ecotourism, particularly its spectacular diving. But ecotourism no longer means roughing it in this tropical paradise. Today's Belize, an English-speaking country wedged between Mexico and Guatemala, is more accessible and comfortable than ever before. Its soaring mountains and pristine jungles are the backdrop to cities and towns with all the modern comforts including an international airport, major banking institutions and a solid telecommunications infrastructure. And it is easier than ever to explore the many Mayan ruins that dot the country, a member of the Mundo Maya Organization.
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Location
On the Caribbean coast, bounded on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.
Capital
Belmopán
Population
Approximately 320,000: 34% Mestizo, 25% Creole, 15% Spanish, 11% Mayan, 6% Garifuna, plus a large migrant population from neighboring countries.
Languages
English is the official language, with Spanish widely spoken. Garifuna and Maya are also spoken in some areas.
Climate
Subtropical, with a rainy season between June and August. The average annual temperature is 80ºF.
When To Visit
Most tourists visit Belize during November through May, the dry season. However, the summer months offer lower rates and less congestion, and the showers tend to be sporadic and short in duration. (Keep in mind, though, that hurricane season spans July through November.)
Government
Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
Local time
GMT/UTC minus 6 hours (or U.S. Central Standard Time). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Currency and credit cards
Belize Dollar (BZ$), with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1.
You can exchange currency for a fee at any bank, although you might find a better rate on the street or at border crossings. Some local ATMs accept foreign cards. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted. Representatives of VISA, MasterCard and American Express can be contacted at any of the four commercial banks (American Express is also represented at Belize Global Travel Services, Inc. 27-7257). When using credit cards, most establishments will add a 5 percent service charge to the bill.
Wiring money
You can wire money through MoneyGram in any branch of Belize Bank Limited.
Business hours
Banking hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Government & Commerce: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All businesses are open on Saturday.
Electricity
110V, 60 Hz
Entry and visa requeriments
Passport and return ticket required. Visas are not required for citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, British Commonwealth countries and most members of the European Union.
Departure taxes
On international flights departing from Belize, there's a departure tax of US$35, payable either in cash or travelers' checks. Credit cards are not accepted for departure tax.
Customs
US residents are allowed a maximum of US$400 per person (US$1,100 per family) duty-free upon returning to the United States. Up to one quart of alcohol and 200 cigarettes are also exempt.
Tipping
Tipping is voluntary. Upscale venues are likely to expect a 10 to 15 percent tip.
Tourism offices Belize Tourism Board
P.O. Box 325
64 Regent Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 011-501-227-2420
Fax: 011-501-227-2423
Toll free: 1-800-624-0686
E-mail: info@travelbelize.org
Web site: www.travelbelize.org
Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA)
10 North Park Street, Belize City, Belize
Tel: (501-2) 75717 or 71144
Fax: (501-2) 78710
E-mail: info@btia.org
Telecommunications
All telecommunications services (direct dial, fax, telex, cable, Internet, cellular) are available. Business visitors can set up a temporary Internet account by contacting Belize Telecommunications, Inc. (sales@btl.net)
The international dialing code for Belize is 501 + area codes Belize City (2), Belmopan (8), Corozal (4), Orange Walk (3); Cayo (9), Dangriga (5), Punta Gorda (7), San Pedro (26), Caye Caulker (22), or Placencia (6) + 5-digit local number.
Note: A (0) is added to all area codes when dialing within the country.
Important numbers
Police
911
Local Operator
113
Long Distance
114/115
Emergency (fire dept./ambulance)
90
Weather
121
Belmopan
Located in the Cayo District, Belmopan became the official capital of the nation after Hurricane Hattie destroyed Belize City in 1961. With a population nearing 17,000 residents, it's also one of the world's smallest capital, making it easy for visitors to get around.
The Independence Plaza marks the center of the action and offers quick access by pedestrian walkways to government buildings, businesses and residential areas. The nearby Market Square offers goods ranging from local fruits and vegetables to knick-knacks and costume jewelry. The new Belize Archeology Museum houses Mayan artifacts from around the country as well as a display covering the history of the country from the pre-Mayan era to the first European contact.
Belmopan has often been described as the "Springboard to Adventure," thanks to its strategic location. Just a few minutes away lies Guanacaste National Park, one of the nation's oldest nature reserves. The nearby Belize River is great for canoeing, and the Belize Zoo lies only a half-hour's drive away. The city is also right on the most scenic road in Belize, the Hummingbird Highway, which connects it to Dangriga in Stann Creek District. The road is carved through the foothills of the Maya Mountains, and it's the way to the beautiful Blue Hole, where an underground river makes an appearance as a blue lagoon before continuing on underground. This is a popular spot for swimming, enjoying a picnic or hiking (St. Herman's Cave, where many Mayan artifacts have been discovered, is a 15-minute walk from the Blue Hole Information Center).
Belize city
Most travelers arrive at the International Airport located just 10 miles outside of Belize City, which doubles as the country's transport and commercial hub. Here you can visit Central America's oldest Anglican cathedral church, St. John's Cathedral, built from the ballast bricks from European sailing ships. Don't miss the museum at the House of Culture and the Fort George Lighthouse right at the harbor entrance. This is also the home of the only manual swing bridge in the world—still being swung daily!
Shopping in Belize City centers around Albert and Regent streets, where besides street vendors and a handful of shops, you'll find Brodies, Belize's largest supermarket and department store. Souvenirs are best bought at the National Handicraft Center, and include wood and slate carvings, herbal remedies, baskets, pottery, black coral jewelry and original oil paintings.
Belize City also has a reputation as a gateway city, where you can board a bus to nearby wildlife reserves, catch a local flight to another district, or tool over to marvel at Belize's Mayan archeological sites. (See Don't Miss…)
Nature and archeology are the main attractions in Belize.
The Cayes
Belize boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere: all 180 miles of it are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving (it's been consistently rated as one of the top 10 best dive destinations in the world!) The two most popular of the couple of hundred cayes (pronounced "keys") that dot the warm waters are San Pedro Caye Ambergris and Caye Caulker.
Caye Ambergris, the largest of them all and the more "resort oriented," has a population of 8,000 and lies 36 miles north of Belize City. The small town of San Pedro is home to the majority of the island's population, as well as its restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels, so visitors find what they need within walking distance. The dress code is totally relaxed—t-shirts, bare feet, shorts, no problem! The reef is about a quarter mile from the beach of Ambergris Caye, and there are a host of dive shops ready to take you on the dive of a lifetime. Day trips can be arranged from Ambergris to other popular dive sites, such as Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye and the Turneffe Islands Atoll. One of the most popular dive sites is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, only a 10-minute boat ride from town.
Also north of Belize City, Caye Caulker (population 1200) is mostly covered with mangroves and shady palm trees. Right off of the caye is some of the world's best diving and snorkeling. The Coral Garden and the Caulker Marine Reserve are home to thousands of multicolored fish, as well as eagle rays and other marine life, and the visibility is often nearly 200 feet!
Xunantunich
The Mayan archaeological site of Xunantunich ("stone maiden") overlooks the Mopan River, approximately eight miles west of the town of San Ignacio. A major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, the site is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more then 25 palaces and temples. Its tallest building, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the plaza and is decorated with a remarkable stucco frieze.
The site is located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz, near the western border, and can be reached by ferry daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Placencia peninsula
Southern Belize, still relatively undeveloped, is home to Placencia, a small village on a peninsula with a grand 16 miles of sandy beach, coral-studded cayes, a pristine lagoon (great for kayaking!), nearby jungle rivers, rainforest, and ancient Mayan ruins. Here visitors can really get away from it all, but still find certain conveniences such as bed and breakfasts, small grocery stores and medical attention. Many of the local accommodations are run and operated by former tourists who fell under the spell of Placencia and decided to make it their home, so don't be surprised if civilization just isn't as appealing when you return. The beach is the main draw, but you'll also find locals to take you manatee watching, fishing, camping and on jungle excursions.
Lamanai
Though much of the site is still being excavated and restored, Lamanai is one of Belize's largest ceremonial centers and boasts one of the longest occupation spans, dating from 1500 BC to the 19th century. Two nearby ruins of Indian churches are mute witnesses to the Spaniard's attempts at conversion, and the ruins of a sugar mill attest to the later intervention of British interests. Today, Lamanai can only be reached by road from San Felipe Village in a sturdy vehicle during the dry season. However, the more popular route is by boat on the New River to the New River Lagoon, a 90-minute trip that takes you past the Mennonite village of Shipyard and allows you to see plenty of native fowl, as well as a crocodile or two. Once on land, the adventure continues as you trek through the dense jungle to the ruins, accompanied by the sounds of the howler monkeys residing in the canopy. Count on at least a couple of hours to fully tour the site, which includes a ball court, a small temple and a huge preclassic building that rises above the trees. The area is open daily from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m., and there's an admission fee of US$5 per person.
The Cayo district
Home of the nation's "new" capital, the Cayo District is also a rich haven for wildlife and a favorite of ecotourists. Here you'll find some of Belize's most impressive natural attractions in the form of rivers, jungles, waterfalls and a huge cave system, as well as a pine ridge forest and two man-made wonders: Caracol and Xunantunich.
The city of San Ignacio—the largest in Cayo and one of Belize's largest towns—is a convenient base of operations for excursions to both the ruins and the natural attractions. Here you'll find accommodations, tour operators, restaurants and the well-stocked Belizean Arts and Crafts store for your souvenirs. It's also 15 minutes from Melchor de Mencos, a Guatemalan border town where you can purchase exquisite handmade textiles at low prices.
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve encompasses a little over 300 square miles. It's a unique ecosystem, found nowhere else in Central America: after miles of tropical jungle, you come upon a forest of pine trees standing tall in the cool air reverberating with birdcalls. Forest roads are often impassable during the wet season, so plan accordingly reach this Western Reserve. It's well worth the effort, for here you'll be able to explore the Rain Forest Medicine Trail and hike to the Hidden Valley Falls, among other attractions. There are several resorts in the reserve to stay in so you can take your time.
The same road that leads to Hidden Valley Falls, the Rio On Pools and the Rio Frio Cave also takes you to the vast Mayan ruins of Caracol. The partially excavated site covers five square miles, and once had an estimated population of more than 150,000.
Caracol
Caracol is an impressive archeological site located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It was discovered in 1938, but it wasn't until 1986 that its significance as an important Mayan city was realized. The tallest pyramid, Canaa, is also the tallest manmade structure in the country, rising 140 feet above the jungle.
As are most sites, it's only accessible during the dry months. However, a permit from the Archeology Department in Belmopan is needed to enter the area—most local travel agents can assist you with guided tours, some on horseback. There are no services in Caracol, so come prepared with food, water and anything else you might need (bring binoculars, the wildlife sightings are some of the best in the country!)
Nightlife in Belize is a reflection of its days: easy and laid-back. There are plenty of bars to kick back at in every town, many with live music (which usually means reggae). In Belize City, check out the local band at the Calypso Bar & Grill located on the pier of the Princess Casino Marina, or if you're in a mood to be the entertainer, try karaoke night at the larger hotels, such as the Princess, Radisson or Biltmore. The two cayes, Caulker and Ambergris, have their share of hangouts, particularly the latter, where there are more hotels and resorts (some even have theme nights!) Check out the Tackle Box Bar and Big Daddy's in San Pedro. Oh, and don't try to get fancy with the beers: Belikin Beer is it in these parts!
Belizean cuisine mirrors the many ethnic groups that make up the country's population, and like them, tends to be exotic—think lush tropical fruits such as pineapples, star fruit and mangoes, and quite adventurous—think iguana and armadillo.
The staple of Belizean cuisine is rice and beans, typically brown rice and red kidney beans simmered together in coconut milk with a piece of pig tail or salt beef for added flavor. This dish typically sides up to an entrée of fried or stewed chicken. Stewed chicken is another traditional dish. The secret to its incredible flavor comes from the annatto paste (a musky-flavored yellow coloring), salt, pepper and garlic seasoned meat being browned before simmering it in a broth thick with chopped onions, sweet bell peppers and splash of vinegar. Potato salad and fried ripe plantains along with rice and beans round out this meal. A number of Belizean dishes combine flavors from both the Spanish and Maya cultures. Chicken Escabeche with Corn Tortillas, is a good example. The dish features chicken smothered with onions in a base of vinegar, peppers and other spices, along with fresh tortillas prepared by mixing ground whole corn with white lime and water.
Seafood is plentiful thanks to Belize's 170-plus-miles of coastline bordering the Caribbean Sea. Conch, shrimp, squid, red snapper and grouper is just a taste of the seafood selections found on local menus. However, lobster is the favorite. If you love lobster, then visit in the summer when several coastal towns such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia host world-famous Lobster Fests. A chance to sample delicacies like Lobster Newburg, Roasted Pistachio Crusted Lobster Tail and Caribbean Char-Grilled Lobster comes with a heaping serving of live music and dancing on the side.
In Southern Belize, many foods are served in the Garifuna-style. One of these is Boil-up or Serre la Sus, where fish is lightly simmered in coconut milk with onions and spices and then served with a mixture of beaten boiled green and ripe plantains and wafer-thin slices of cassava bread.
No meal in Belize is complete without a shake or splash of hot sauce. The national favorite is a delightful mix of sweet and heat or habanero peppers combined with carrots and onions. Warning: different versions vary in their degrees of heat from "mild" to "beware".
Happy Hour? Choice picks are beer and rum. The Belize Brewing Company produces the country's national beer — Belikin, which comes in stout, lager and premium. Five-year-old Prestige rum is the pinnacle of Belizean rums.
In addition to Belizean specialties, there are a bevy of restaurants serving Jamaican, Chinese, Mexican, European, Cajun, Indian and other international menus, as well as dining opportunities that span from fine dining to food stands.
If you're a foodie, don't miss "Taste of Belize". This is the country's 'signature culinary competition' geared at developing the country's Culinary Arts. Nearly 30 professional chefs, amateur chefs and bartenders man skillets, sauté pans and blenders in this annual June cooking contest hosted by the Belize Tourism Board in hopes of winning both prizes and prestige. Competitors are expected to create a unique dish using his/her choice of ingredients. This dish could be an appetizer, main dish or dessert and should reflect Belizean or regional cuisine. To whet your appetite, winning entrees have included Pan Grilled Tilapia and Poached Shrimp with Pineapple Habanero Chutney, Mashed Sweet Potato and Grilled Green Onions, while the champion drink include a blended concoction of rum, coconut crème, fresh mango and ice. For information, visit: www.tasteofbelize.com
Laid-back though it may be, there's no dearth of adventures to be had in Belize should you be so inclined. The Cayes and the Belize Reef alone offer a host of above- and underwater sports such as windsurf, sailing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, to say nothing of the rivers that crisscross this verdant nation. Kayaking, canoeing, and tubing await the enthusiast, while landlubbers will revel in the thousands of exotic flora and fauna—particularly birds. The mountain country of western Belize beckons hikers—the best trails are in the Mountain Ridge Pine Forest Reserve and the Cockscomb Basin Sanctuary. And, of course, thanks to the wealth of Mayan ruins from small to majestic, there's always the opportunity to take a walk back in time under the canopy of the rain forest.
Archaeology/Historic Sights
Step back into time and explore Maya ruins. There are a number of intriguing spots in addition to the major sites at Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich.
Altun Ha, which means 'Water of the Rock', was a major ceremonial center from 250 to 900 A.D. and later a trading hub. This is where a huge Jade-carved head, the largest found in the entire Maya area, was found. The Jade Head represents the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, and is still very much a part of Belizean culture. Each of the country's banknotes carries this image in its corner. The Maya Center of Cahal Pech, meaning 'Place of Ticks', offers a spectacular view of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley. The temples here are easily accessible by a 10-minute walk from the town's center. If you liked the latest Indiana Jones movie, 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', then be sure to visit Labaantun. Translated as the 'Place of Fallen Stones', this site is rumored to be where an archaeologist in 1926 found the famous Crystal Skull on which the movie is based.
Beaches
A miles-long barrier reef makes for a multitude of calm palm-rimmed turquoise-colored beachfronts.
The two most popular beaches on the mainland are at Hopkins and Placencia. Jump into a hammock and enjoy the laidback feel at the sleepy little southern town of Hopkins, where kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and sailing await for those more energetic. The Placencia peninsula, which extends off of Belize's southern coast, boasts the longest sand beach in the entire country. This area is a hot spot for underwater endeavors such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Nightlight gets hopping here in the beachside resorts.
Belize's Cays are home to a number of gorgeous beaches. Snorkel nearby Shark-Ray Alley or Hol Chan Marine Serve on Ambergris Cay. Travel + Leisure named Cay Caulker one of the 'Top 10 Emerging Beaches' and it's easy to see why thanks to the easygoing atmosphere combined with ideal conditions for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. The famous Lobster Fest in June draws a crowd of locals and visitors alike. Coco Plum Caye, Hunting Caye and South Water Caye are nature-lovers gems that boast bird sanctuaries, marine reserves and beaches with a Robinson Crusoe-feel. South Water Caye, practically sits atop the famous Belize Barrier Reef and is a 30-minute boat ride from Dangriga.
Bird Watching
Nature is at its best in Belize, thanks so some 40 percent of the country under some form of protection. Over 600 species of birds live here, mostly in the forested national parks and lush foliage of numerous sanctuaries. It's not uncommon to see up to 50 to 60 species in one outing.
Half Moon Caye National Monument boasts a beautiful bird sanctuary that was created to protect the Red-footed Booby bird. The rare Keel-Billed Toucan (Belize's National Bird and easily recognized by its bright colored bill, greenish yellow breast and black feathers), Red-Legged Honey Creepers and White Hawks live within Blue Hole National Park. Some 217 species of birds perch in the 10-acre Five Blues Lake National Park. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary's inland lagoons and swamps are the ideal habitat for the huge Jabiru Stork, whose wingspan stretches to 12-feet.
Caving
There are thousands of caves in Belize, due to much of the country's land surface underlined by limestone. Caves vary in their degree of accessibility and skills required, however exploration usually requires hiking, often wading through water, climbing rocks and squeezing through narrow openings.
Beginners will enjoy Rio Frio Cave. With the largest cave opening in the country, a 65-foot-wide gap, it's the most accessible. Take a boat to Manatee Lagoon and hike across the savanna to Ben Loman's Cave. The Che Chem Ha cave contains the largest collection of intact pottery storage jars.
Advanced splunkers should check out Cebeda, believe to be the largest in Belize and all of Central America. Much of its 25 miles remain unexplored. There are many skeletal remains in the Aktun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
Golf
Golfers will find only two courses in Belize, but they both offer something spectacular.
Caye Chapel, a beautiful 265-acre private island, is home to the only 18-hole golf course in the country and a superb one that has attracted professionals like Tiger Woods. You're welcome to play for the day, even if you're not staying on the Caye. The Roaring River Golf Course offers 9-holes with fairways lined with lush jungle and iguanas and tropical birds as spectators.
Hiking
There are nature reserves, conservation areas and wildlife sanctuaries that offer excellent hiking.
The Shipstern Wildlife Nature Reserve is made up of over 30 miles of wetlands, savanna and forest, including the rare Kuka Palm forest - the only dry forest in Belize. In addition to the trails, there's a butterfly aviary, botanical trail and natural history museum here. Rain forests populated by over 200 species of trees and a dozen endangered animal species — including Belizean jaguars, howler moneys and deer — is the draw to the Rio Bravo Conservation Area. The largest concentration of wild cats in the world live in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the base of the Maya Mountains.
Watersports
FISHING — There are over 200 miles of flats, perfect for catching the 'Big 3' - bonefish, permit and tarpon, a feat that's called a 'Grand Slam'. Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Turneffe Atoll and Placencia are hot spots for flats fishing. Fish offshore for yellowtail, mutton, grouper and snapper, while head to rivers and streams for tarpon, snook and jacks. Belize passed Catch and Release legislation in 2008. This means that bonefish, permit and tarpon may not be kept after catching; they must be released back into the water. Fishing guides, with equipment to rent, are available for hire.
KAYAKING — Where's there's water, there's kayaking in Belize. Novices and families with young children will enjoy paddling off Caye Caulker. Professional guides are available for those who would like a tour. At the Sibun River Basin, experienced paddlers can enjoy towering limestone gorges as they navigate on challenging river rapids. The Mopan River, which flows from just outside San Ignacio to Belize City, is another great route for practiced paddlers with many stopping points along the way.
SAILING — Navigation can be tricky due to coral reefs, brisk winds and strong currents. Private boaters need to check-in with the Belize Port Authority on entering the country's waters. There's a visitor's usage fee. Bareboat and crewed charters are available in Belize City, the Cayes and Placencia. Day sail catamaran charters, many of which are located at resorts, take visitors to the Cays or the Belize Barrier Reef.
SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING — Belize is an underwater paradise thanks to its being home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, stretching some 190 miles. Over 70 types of hard corals, 500-plus species of fish, and ocean life such as dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles and eagle rays draw visitors from around the globe each year. Water temperature is a constant 70 to 75ºF and there's good visibility to over 100 feet. There are numerous dive- and snorkel-tour operators available for guided tours as well as instruction and equipment rental.
The Belize Barrier Reef, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers exceptional diving that ranges from 45-feet to 90-feet and more at drop-offs. Once a cave, the Blue Hole was formed some 10,000 years ago. It measures 1,000 feet in diameter, is over 400-feet deep and visible from outer space. It's famous for its tunnels, caverns and stalactites, and best attempted by advanced divers. Three of the four true coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere — called Turneffe Islands Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Glover's Reef Atoll — are located just outside the Belize Barrier Reef. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the coral gardens here. Seven of Belize's jungle rivers flow into the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. There's over 160-square miles of Caribbean coastline, which includes 135 small mangrove islands, perfect for exploring.
WINDSURFING — The Cayes is the spot to windsurf. Flat water created by the reef and constant winds provide an ideal location for beginners. There's also parasailing, kite-boarding and jet-skiing available as well.
