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Belize: Small Country...Big Adventure

Belize, the smallest country in Central America and the only one that is English-speaking, is home to:

• The world’s largest living barrier reef.

• The Great Blue Hole, a popular diving site, which the Discovery Channel recently ranked number one on its list of “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth.”

• More than 600 significant ancient Maya sites.

• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the first wilderness preserve for jaguars.

 

Currency

Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. So it's very easy to see how much something is costing in USD when you go shopping. Most accommodations and tours are listed in US$ prices, and most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in BZ$. Nearly everyplace readily accepts USD currency. Most also should accept traveler's checks as long as you write your passport number or driver's license number on the back. Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash. Shopkeepers generally ask you to spend a minimum amount.

 

ATMs are also available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations - including Placencia, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, San Ignacio and Corozal.

 

Geography

Belize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. We are a diverse country with various cultures and languages. We also have the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer.

 

Belize is also known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of our land is undeveloped and is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize's flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan and tapirs. 

Click to View Google Map of Belize.

 

Regions of Belize

From reefs to jungles to beaches to the mysteries of ancient Maya, Belize has it all. Just make sure to schedule some time to relax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History

The first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. As shown in archeological records, they established a number of settlements here. These include Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun. The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area's coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.

 

In 1840, Belize became a "Colony of British Honduras" and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.

 

Language

Come to Belize and you’ll hear familiar words of the English language. In fact, we are the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language that we all speak.

 

When you hear us, you know you’re in a country unlike any other. Even our most up-tight citizen's sound relaxed. We have a Caribbean lilt and our words seem a bit shorter. But don’t worry, you’ll understand everything and we may teach you a few phrases you don’t know. 

 

Here, even our language is a diverse adventure. Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, German are just a few of the languages that form the unique dialects we speak throughout the country.

 

Here are a few different ways you’ll hear “good morning” 
• “Gud Mawnin” – Kriol
• “Buiti Binafi” – Garifuna
• “Buenos dias” – Spanish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People

From the moment you arrive in Belize – whether you are an adventure traveler, part of a family trip or in the country for a relaxing beach vacation – Belize people and culture make you feel as welcome and comfortable, like nowhere you’ve ever visited.

 

In Belize, our traditions and customs are varied and represent more than eight diverse cultures. For generations, the people of Belize have demonstrated a cultural commitment to preserve the country’s unique charms. This enduring promise to the land, the waters and you, our visitor, inspires all to achieve a genuine and intimate connection to a variety of extraordinary experiences.

 

We are truly a melting pot of colorful personalities, making our 321,115 residents the country’s greatest resource for tourism. The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese.

 

There also are a number of expatriates in Belize from Canada, Europe and the United States – and many of them retire here. A blending of cultures has resulted in one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the region and a widespread reputation as one of the world’s friendliest tourist destinations.

 

In Belize (formerly British Honduras), English remains the official language, but the most diverse language in Belize is Kriol (Belizean Creole). Other languages spoken include Garifuna, Mandarin, Spanish and Maya.

 

Weather

One of the nicest things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as our jungle and rainforests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect. Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent.

 

Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts.

 

June through December is our wet season, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the "little dry."

 

We also have a hurricane season, and while statistically Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does get its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain. However, we have cooperative early warning network that we share with our neighbors. Our safety, evacuation and other procedures have proven to be effective, so no worries.

 

No matter what season you visit, there’s plenty to do and see down here.

Northern Belize: Northern Belize is a destination for those wanting to get closer to Mother Nature, avoid large crowds or experience everything from the archaeological wonders of the Maya sites to exploring the jungles, rainforests and lagoons. If you’re looking to get off the grid, head here.

Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.

North Islands: Two of the most popular Belizean islands, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, are located off of the northern coast of Belize. Caye Caulker signs caution visitors to “Go Slow,” but few need to take notice, as the island’s unwritten motto is evident by its easygoing people, sandy roads for golf carts and the rhythmic pace of the waves. Ambergris Caye is known as “the place to get away,” and it provides something for everyone, whether it’s underwater adventure or relaxing on the beach. It’s all here, what you do is up to you. Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.

Central Coast: Home to the howler monkeys and many rare bird species, Central Belize is perfect for travelers looking to get into the wild. Consisting of the Belize and Cayo districts, Central Belize brings together some of the country’s best features, including Maya sites, dense jungles, rushing waterfalls and extensive caves. The Central Coast is also home to Belize City, the cultural and business epicenter of Belize. Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.

Southern Belize: Southern Belize Known by many as “The Forgotten Land,” Southern Belize’s undiscovered landscapes serve as a threshold for lush rainforests, ancient Maya artifacts, fascinating cultures and enough eco-adventures to impress even the most discerning traveler. Punta Gorda is the gateway to everything from off-shore fishing, to river trips, as well as caving, birding and Maya archaeological sites. Not to mention, some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.

Southeast Coast: The Southeast Coast is a blend of culture and adventure. From the Maya Mountains views to the golden-sand beaches, this region has something for everyone. Dangriga, a laid-back Garifuna seaside community near Hopkins, is a great beach destination and Placencia is known for water activities like kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Inland is full of adventures, like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Blue Hole National Park. This coast has it all.

Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.

Western Belize: Western Belize is home to many archaeological sites, like Cahal Pech. Other points of interest include the Butterfly Farm and the Rainforest Medicinal Trails and the Benque House of Culture in Benque Viejo Del Carmen. For the more adventurous traveler, Nachuch Che’em Park is known for its cave tubing and zip-lining offerings. And for everything from Maya temples to caving to hiking to kayaking or horseback riding, San Ignacio is definitely the place to be in Western Belize.

Visit Travelbelize.org Website for more info.