Belize

Belize Flag

Why visit Belize?

Active travelers seeking barrier reefs, beaches, birdwatching, boating, caves, cays, cycling, fishing, helicopter tours, hiking, jungles, kayaking, mangroves, music, nightlife, rainforest, ruins, scuba diving, snorkeling, swamps, water sports and wildlife.

Laughing Bird Caye, Stann Creek District, Belize. Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, chocolates, coffee, dolls, folk art, hot sauce, rum, slate carvings and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Caldo (stew). Chimole (soup). Conch Fritter. Escabeche (onion soup). Gibnut (rat). Panades (fried stuffed turnover). Salbutes (stuffed tortillas).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Belikin Beer. Panti Rippa. Rum Punch. 
  

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Belize. Photo Credit: hunterfoy/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1926, Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss "Baron Bliss" (1869-1926), died of food poisoning on an anchored yacht along the coast. He willed almost two million Belize dollars to a Trust Fund to benefit citizens (institutions, libraries, schools). A national festival is celebrated annually in his honor, Heroes & Benefactors' Day, formerly Baron Bliss Day (March 9).
  
• In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras.
  
• During 16th Century (1501-1600), Spanish explorers arrived.
• In 1638, English settlers arrived.
  
• In 1677, the first record of the country's name was noted in a journal of Fray José Delgado, Dominican Priest.
  
• During 18th Century (1701-1800), attacked by Spanish against Britain. 
• Between 18th Century (1701-1800) - 19th Century (1801-1900), Russian Mennonites of German descent settled in a formed community.
• In 1716, Belize District was founded by the British.
• In 1786, a superintendent was appointed to oversee the country by British.
  
• During 19th Century (1801-1900), Jamaicans settled.
• In 1840, became a British colony, "British Honduras".
  
• In 1842, Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1809), English Naturalist was noted to say, "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies".
• In 1862, appointed as a Crown Colony.
  
• In 1981, earned independence from the United Kingdom.
  
• In 1990, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was founded for jaguars.
• In 2006, discovered crude oil (Spanish Lookout).
  
• In 2010, prohibits vessels from trawling along the seafloor. 
• In 2016, dual citizen (United States and Belize), Simone Arianne Biles, Gymnast won four gold medals at the Rio Summer Olympics (Brazil).
  
• Slaves brought from central and west Africa for logging.
  
• Has two underwater sapphire blue sinkholes (Lighthouse Reef).
  
• Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio, American Actor privately owns a small island (Blackadore Caye) with aspirations to build a sustainable eco resort on the island.
• Only continental Central American  Commonwealth country under monarchy of Queen Elizabeth II and represented by a Governor General. 
  
• Large exporter of bananas and sugar.
• Francis Ford Coppola, American Film Director owns two luxury four star hotels there, Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn.
  
• National delicacy, Gibnut (rat) was served to Queen Elizabeth II during a visit.
  
• Welcomes over one million cruise ship passengers annually (Belize City).
  
• British Army trains in their jungle terrains.
  
• Features more than 450 islands around 200 considered habitable.
• Over 60% of  the land is forest.
  
• The "Swift Justice" Law is designed as a deterrent to thieves not to target foreign travelers.
  
• Belize Barrier Reef, is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
  
• Guatemala makes territorial claims to Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. 
  
• Majority of the buses are old school buses from the United States.
• Education is only required between ages of 6-14 years.
  
• "Holy Saturday" Cross Country Cycling Classic, is one of the most popular sporting events.
  
• Canoe marathon, La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge spans over 4 days (180 miles).

(Blue Morpho Butterfly) Toledo District, Belize. Photo Credit: Julia Nigh/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Krem New Year's Cycling Classic (January), International Billfish Tournament (February), Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival (February), La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge (March), Cashew Festival (May), Chocolate Festival of Belize (May), National Agriculture & Trade Show (May),Toledo Cacao Fest (May), Día de San Pedro (June), Lobster Festivals (June), Benque Viejo Del Carmen Fiesta (July), Costa Maya Festival (August), Deer Dance Festival (August), San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival (August) Carnival (September), Carnival Road March (September), Pan Yaad (September) and John Canoe Dance Contest (December).
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Heroes & Benefactors Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Commonwealth Day, Saint George's Caye Day, Independence Day, Pan America Day, Garifuna Settlement Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Placencia (Caribbean Coast), Belize. Photo Credit: Charles Leslie/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• With the exception of highways, most roads are unpaved.
• Some areas can be difficult to access or costly.
  
• Avoid downtown Belize after dark. Always beware of your surroundings.
• "Cool Spot" refers to bars serving local beer and rums.
  
• Local Conch Season is July - September and Lobster Season is June - February.
  
• Police routinely patrol the streets in Belize City, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, San Pedro, Placencia and Punta Gorda particularly for travelers' safety.
  
• Night driving is not recommended to avoid carjackings.
• Dengue Fever and Malaria are present.
  
• Coastline and jungle areas are prone to drug smugglers.
  
• Consult your physician about hepatitis vaccinations.
  
• Beware of scorpions and tarantulas.
  
• Beaches are generally narrow and prone to current trashy coastlines.
  
• Connecting Cayo District to Stann Creek District (Hummingbird Highway) is considered the country's most scenic roadway.
  
• It's against the law to carry a bullet/gun with a permit, hunt without a license, pick wild orchids, remove archaeological artifacts, remove coral or spear fish.
• Almost always has 70% humidity.
• There's no bus service from the airport to Belize City.
• A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Fuel is expensive!
• Car rental vehicles are not permitted crossing into Mexico. 
  
• Belizean Liability on car rental insurance is not valid in Guatemala.
  
• Ferry Service is available Ambergris Caye, Belize City, Caye Caulker, Corozal and Sarteneja. 
  
• Negotiate your taxi service fee in advance as most are not metered (green license plates). Tipping is not required. 
  
• Non-residents may establish bank accounts, thereby attractive to money launderers.
  
• Official language is English, widely spoken are Belizean Creole and Spanish. 
  
• Violent crimes associated with gang warfare.
• Businesses are known to close midday (lunch) and reopen late afternoon.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 30 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $5,000USD.

Mayan Ruins, Belize. Photo Credit: chiselart1/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: November - April
• Coldest Month: November - January
• Hottest Months: May - September
• Peak Season: November - April

Bacab Eco Park, Burrell Boom, Belize. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Belize Barrier Reef, Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef.

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                                         All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.