Belize is a little-known gem in Central America. It’s a country full of natural beauty and adventure, without the crowds tourists often find in other countries. Belize offers something for every type of visitor: from those who want to go snorkeling on the barrier reef to those who wish to explore jungles filled with wildlife. This Belize travel guide will give you all the information you need before booking your next Belize vacation rental!
Describing Belize will result in an unending string of lovely phrases, such as its jungles that don’t appear to end. A holiday location that is open to all, which visitors frequently overlook. Belize measures up; it’s Northeast of Central America, and it’s a multicultural wonder. “Sub Umbra Floreo” translates as Under the shade of palm fronds. It sounds like a typical Caribbean motto, yet it has greater meaning than freedom and mahogany trees. Assume your spirit yearns for a place that appears to result from natural evolution but is the product of man’s interference. Belize will fulfill your desire for vision and spirituality.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Why Belize is the best place for your next vacation?
Belize is an important cruise ship port in the Caribbean, especially for itineraries that visit the Western Caribbean region. This location’s pleasant weather, friendly people, and the high number of English-speaking populations give it an edge over neighboring islands.
Belize is phenomenal because it has managed to capture the mix of island and jungle vibe. It is home to dense forests and a portion of mountainous areas known as the Maya Mountains. Tourism is the country’s second-largest industry after agriculture, and the national government is exerting its best efforts to maximize this industry with the natural and manufactured wonders that are distinctly Belizean. Belize pushed to fortify tourism in 2012; that effort bore fruit in the form of 1 million visitors that year, a major touristic milestone.
A brief description of the Belizean culture
Belize’s cultural landscape is somewhat distinct from its neighbors since it is connected to mainland Central America, one of the region’s significant cultural melting pots. The origins of Belizean history are dated back to 2500 BC and 250 AD when Maya institutions were established.
The Maya civilization flourished in Belize from 1500 BC until 900 AD, and it is one of the most influential cultures ever. Approximately 1 million people lived in present-day Belize during its height. With the Spanish Empire’s early colonial period and English pirates’ episodic visits, a new chapter began in the 1600s. From 1860 onward, British settlements became a major influence, influencing events such as the 1870s and 1900s.
Getting around Belize
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Transport in Belize isn’t tricky if all of the transportation options suit what type of traveler you’re looking for; whether it’s sightseeing or exploring this unique country more thoroughly, there’ll always be something fun waiting at each turn on an adventure through paradise.
The majority of the population uses public transportation as their primary mode of transportation. Buses are accessible everywhere in Belize, although there are certain areas where they do not run due to low ridership. Many buses can be seen throughout Belize. On the other hand, Locals would get around by cycling when traffic is heavy during the day.
Taxis are readily available in most areas and are surprisingly cheap and easy to come by when compared to certain Caribbean nations. However, because the majority of Belize’s taxis do not have a meter rate or a fixed “flag down the price,” you must agree on a rate before getting in. Several airports across Belize service domestic flights, but only one airport serves international arrivals and departures from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
The easiest way to get around is by boat. There are many different tours that you can take, some lasting just one day while others last up until your time runs out!
Belize is a popular cruise ship destination, particularly for itineraries that focus on the western part of the Caribbean. Belize has two major ports: the Port of Belize and Big Creek. Only the Port of Belize welcomes cruise ships. However, Big Creek is primarily used for essential commodities and trade.
How do I get to Belize?
Caye Caulker , Belize
There are a variety of ways to get to Belize, including by air or sea. The two international airports in the country include Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and Punta Gorda Airport; both serve flights from other Latin American countries, as well as arrivals from Canada and the U.S. From either airport, you can rent a car for your convenience so that you can explore at your own pace, rather than on one of those guided tours! There is also an extensive public transportation system throughout Belize City which includes buses and taxis if renting a vehicle isn’t something you’re interested in doing during your stay here.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Belize?
Belize is an all-year destination, but it can be more pleasant during the dry season (November to May). There are no major holidays during the off-peak months and lower hotel rates.
Food and drink in Belize
Fresh Fruit Market , Hummingbird Highway, Belize
Belizean cuisine is a melting pot of local foods and other cultures influenced by Belize’s neighbors. This cuisine may encourage you to eat like a collection of dishes that are each distinct part of the nation. A hearty breakfast in Belize includes flour tortillas, “fry jacks” (deep-fried dough pieces served with cheese), eggs, cereal, and tea or coffee.
A Belizean food that merges features of continental and Latin American cuisine. Because “parades” (fried meat pies), tamales, escabeche, and “garnache” (fried tortilla with cheese, beans, and onion sauce) will certainly fill you up for lunch or dinner, prepare for it. Apart from the aforementioned national Belizean cuisine listed above, other distinct regional dishes are worth sampling.
Highly delicious dishes include shredded beef tamales and fried corn tortillas drenched in cheese and beans, which is difficult to resist. Kriol culture cuisine is perhaps the most balanced yet exotic. The Belizean Kriol people take pleasure in their cultural meal – “the bile up” (a mix of boiled eggs, pigtail, or fish with yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava). Belizeans eat more fish and chicken than pork or beef. Generally, Belizeans consume more fish and chicken than pork or beef.
The cuisine of Belize, often known as Creole cooking, is a combination of many cultures. It’s usually quite spicy and always delectable!
Market Stall Caye Caulker , Belize
And for drinks? Belikin Beer (produced in Belize), which has been on the market since 1929, is available throughout Belize and serves around 450,000 cans each month! Another incentive to journey to Belize now for dinner or the following day. If you want some after your trip, it’s also available at any grocery shop.
Belize is a paradise for travelers, mainly because it has so many pretty things to bring back home. When you receive these local items as souvenirs, they will undoubtedly be appreciated by your friends and family. Handmade products, as well as traditional trinkets and novelties, are available in huge numbers. Belizean chocolate is the one food product that we recommend bringing home if you like sweets.
When checking out village shops, you’ll need to have a little patience. Because locals frequently entice you to purchase something in order for them to make their money for the day, it’s sometimes difficult to walk away without buying anything. You may always politely refuse because if you give in, you’ll wind up buying too much.
How much does it cost to travel to Belize for a vacation rental or hotel room?
If you’re looking for a location that won’t break the bank, Belize is it. Despite its unique attractions and services, Belize is a very reasonably priced country to visit, especially if you want to immerse yourself in local culinary traditions. While international cuisine and fusion-themed restaurants may cost more per meal, there are plenty of other dining choices available. An average dinner in Belize City costs about BZD 18–20 or $9–10.
Belize is a little-known gem, and, as such, it offers travelers some of the most affordable vacation rentals in Central America. A night’s stay can often be found for less than $100 per person. Accommodations range from basic hostels to luxury resorts with five stars.
As you can see, Belize is a fantastic destination that few tourists know about! Although not as well-known as Mexico or Guatemala, there are still lots of things to do during your stay here – including snorkeling and jungle excursions! Don’t put it off any longer; go explore Belize now! Continue reading our Belize travel guide below to learn more!
Things you should know before booking a vacation rental in Belize:
Belize is a safe country, but crime rates are higher in the capital city than elsewhere. When visiting the capital city, exercise caution and keep your personal belongings close at hand.
Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water in Belize since it is not fit for human consumption! Fill up a container from one of the country’s numerous streams and use that pure water instead. There will be no sense of difference in terms of taste.
San Pedro, Belize
Choose another individual to ride along if you intend on driving yourself around Belize during peak hours (between peak traffic times) since their presence may persuade drivers to go slower – especially if they’re going too fast through towns where youngsters are playing.
Belize is located very close to the equator, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and clothing for warm weather! – If you want a fresh fruit smoothie during your stay in Belize City or San Ignacio, visit any one of these cafes: Kriol Kitchen Belizean Cafe (San Ignacio), Lola’s Art Cafe (Belize City), Avocado Maya T’ai Cafe & Market (both locations have protein shakes too).
Best things to do – Belize travel guide
Belize is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors will really appreciate the country’s diverse ecosystem that ranges from rainforest to ocean and reef, with a lot of opportunities for adventure along the way! The Barrier Reef in Belize was named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The second-longest barrier reef in the world has over 70 diving locations, where you can swim among beautiful coral reefs and see an abundance of sea life – including sharks, dolphins, rays, and turtles – without even getting wet!
Visitors who want to explore Belize from land should definitely go on a jungle tour. These tours often include tubing down rivers or hiking through trails lined with huge mahogany trees. Since these areas are so remote and dense with vegetation, you might even run into some exotic wildlife like toucans or monkeys!
Belize has several impressive Mayan archaeological sites. One of the most popular is Caracol, an ancient Maya city which archaeologists believe was once one of the largest cities in belike during its prime. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The barrier reef and rainforest aren’t Belize’s only nature attractions – there are also many caves. The country has over 300 known caves to explore, but just two have been developed for tourism: Actun Tunichil Muknal (known as ATM) and Xunantunich Sacred Monument. For those who want to learn more about Belize’s rich history, visiting these caves is a must!
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Park Street, Belize
Belize has so much to offer visitors. From surfing on Belize’s gorgeous sugar-white beaches to exploring Belize’s dense rainforest or discovering Belize’s impressive Mayan archaeology sites, it doesn’t matter whether you’re into the great outdoors or not – this country will surely meet your expectations of an exciting Central American vacation destination. If you want to learn more about Belize, look here at our Belize travel guide!
Exciting tours and activities that make for a memorable vacation experience
If you’re looking for an adventure holiday, Belize is the perfect destination. Whether you want to go snorkeling or head on a jungle tour, Belize has it all!
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Belize. If you haven’t tried this before but are interested in trying out scuba diving, snorkeling allows visitors to enjoy many underwater attractions without any prior experience. Although not as large as reefs found elsewhere around the world, Belize’s reef still offers plenty of sea life and beautiful corals that will take your breath away! A trip to Belize won’t be complete if you don’t try some snorkeling at least once – so pack up your gear and head over to Belize!
If you want a more traditional type of water excursion, check out Belize beaches. This country has some truly gorgeous sugar-white sand coasts that are perfect for relaxing in the sun or going on a romantic stroll.
The best way to see Belize’s stunning landscapes is on a jungle tour. These tours give you the opportunity to explore Belize’s dense rainforest by foot or even try out some tubing down one of Belize’s rivers – all while enjoying spectacular views! You might run into exotic wildlife like toucans or monkeys when exploring this lush country, so be sure your camera batteries are fully charged before heading out on an adventure in Belize!
Cool things to do in and around Belize City
Visiting Belize is like going to a theme park with all of the attractions open. Whether you want to explore lush rainforests, ancient towns, peaceful hamlets, animals, and nature sanctuaries, or simply beautiful coastlines, Belize has everything you could possibly need. It appears as though it will be a destination where everyone will find a reason to fall in love and return again and again.
Belize City – Being the former capital and largest city of Belize, it is great for tourists who wish to discover the cuisine and people of the country. While Belize City is a little less frantic than other major Caribbean cities, it is still its main industrial and financial center; as a result, there are more activities going on here than in most other parts of Belize. Being familiar with Belize City gives you an edge as a popular cruise destination, allowing you to have a purposeful walk or a short detour after being adrift at sea. Once you’ve arrived in Belize City, here are some things to see:
- The Belize Sign Monument
- Museum of Belize
- Ocean Ferry Belize
- Altun Ha and the Olde Belize River
Belize City, Belize
Belmopan – As the national capital since 2010, Belmopan is the third-largest city in Belize. It is the smallest capital in the continental Americas by population, which is quite understandable as it is one of the newest national capitals in the world. Belmopan has a detailed layout; it centers around a constructed Ring Road approximately 4 kilometers in circumference. Being the seat of government, Belmopan is worth checking out if you want to have a short trip toward inland Belize and have a love of architectural wonders in the continental Americas. The focal point of this city’s architectural success is the National Assembly Building, which was built based on inspiration from a Mayan temple – a foundation of the Belizean cultural heritage.
The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most popular reasons for people with love for the sea to visit Belize, whether as surfers, swimmers, or sailors. The Belize Barrier Reef is the world’s second-largest barrier reef after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and it is part of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Great Blue Hole is a huge marine sinkhole near the Lighthouse Reef, about 70 kilometers off the coast of Belize City. Visiting this place in person will be an enjoyable excursion whether you choose to do it via air charter or private boats.
Guanacaste National Park – This magnificent national park is home to more than a hundred avian species. Color, sounds, and aerial spectacles may be appreciated by bird watchers and photographers alike. To experience an incredible once-in-a-lifetime outing, bring a pair of binoculars and a camera. Bird enthusiasts will undoubtedly find this place to be a paradise.
Is Belize regarded as a secure location?
Overall, Belize is a safe place to travel. Cities such as Belize City, San Ignacio, and Belmopan will be able to handle any unexpected events, such as medical emergencies. You should bring enough personal medications with you to last you for a few days, just like any other vacation plan. In terms of food allergies, Belize has a predominantly seafood diet, but some restaurants offer options that differ from the typical Belizean ingredient lineup.
Although Belize City is not a utopia, it can be a safe and pleasant place to live. Some unpleasant crimes, such as robbery, are still prevalent. It is strongly suggested that you avoid straying after dark, especially if you plan to go outside of the city. Dressing appropriately and casually and avoiding excess accessories will assist you in avoiding being robbed. ATMs are difficult to find in smaller towns; therefore, bring enough cash and loose change with you when leaving town.
In Belize City, you should not be concerned about becoming a victim of crime. Petty theft is prevalent throughout Belize. Therefore it’s important to take precautions against it by hiding valuables or securing them within your home. Most importantly, as soon as possible after moving into your new house, locate the nearest police station so you can inform yourself on how to get there.
To avoid any potential travel-related issues, it is advisable to contact your local embassy before leaving for Belize. The U.S. Department of State provides all the information you need about traveling safely abroad here.
Scuba Steve , Ambergris Caye, Belize
Is Belize a Spanish-speaking country?
Although Belize is home to many Spanish-speaking people, it’s not a Spanish-speaking country. English and Belice are the official languages of Belize. More than half of Belize’s population speaks English with varying degrees of fluency.
Most locals in major cities speak good English, but those living outside these areas often only know very basic phrases such as yes or no and greetings like hello, bonjour, or welcome. If you plan on traveling around Belize, look here at our travel blog!
After reading this Belize travel guide, you should have a better understanding of what the country has to offer. Whether you want sun-soaked beaches with crystal clear water or adventure in lush jungles full of wildlife, Belize is sure to provide!
It’s no wonder Belize is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. With its natural beauty, adventures, and variety for every type of traveler, there are few places that offer everything you could want on your next vacation. Whether it’s snorkeling or exploring jungles full of wildlife that interests you more – this Belize travel guide has all the information you need to plan your perfect trip! Don’t wait any longer- book your next Belize Vacation Rentals today!
