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Belize

Attractions & Activities

Archaeology

Discover the Ancient Mayan World
From about 2000 BCE, the ancient Maya lived and thrived across the area that now includes Belize, Guatemala, northern Honduras and southeastern Mexico. The ancient cities were centers of cultural and commercial life. They included administrative buildings and residences, as well as palaces, temples and ballcourts.
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Caving

Entrances to the Mayan Underworld
Caves were used extensively by the ancient Maya for up to 2000 years from around 1000 BCE. The limestone of the region contains thousands of caves, many of which are open to the public. Some are accessible on foot and some by boat; some are suitable for anyone, while others need physical fitness and a sense of adventure.
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Museum of Belize

Visit this Historic Landmark
Built by slaves in 1857, this former jail now houses the Museum of Belize which has permanent displays depicting Belize's history and culture. It also provides a venue for lectures and special exhibitions.
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Belize Zoo

The Best Little Zoo in the World
A great way to see our native animals in natural surroundings is by visiting the Belize Zoo. No iron bars here; the animals live under the forest canopy in natural fenced settings and they have all been either rescued or born here. About 170 animals from more than 45 native species are housed here. This nature destination is fully wheelchair accessible.
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Caye Caulker

La Isla Cariñosa
If you prefer a more laid-back ambience, head for Caye Caulker. Smaller than Ambergris Caye, it is a little further south and closer to Belize City. Get there by plane or water taxi–it is a regular stop on services going to Ambergris. As you step off the boat, you will see a mosaic at your feet advising you to "go slow"–that sets the mood for your stay. Most people get around on foot or by bike, though you can also rent a golf cart. Being a small island, it is easy to walk from one end–maybe visit the small nature reserve in the south–to the other, where you can relax at a bar beside the Split. You can follow the regular pursuits of diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or relaxing on the beach, but you can also take a trip to visit the manatees in Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Another option is to explore along the shore by kayak, perhaps also taking in the island north of the Split.
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Ambergris Caye

La Isla Bonita
As the largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye is a prime destination for many visitors. The island itself has many attractions, with the Barrier Reef and its many snorkeling and diving sites easily accessible. Situated less than forty miles from Belize City, the island can be reached by air from the International or Municipal Airport, or by sea, taking one of the regular water taxi services from the North Front Street terminals. The Caye once formed the southern tip of the peninsula reaching south from Yucatan, Mexico. It is believed that the ancient Maya were responsible for opening the channel. In their more recent history, the inhabitants of Ambergris depended on fishing, coconuts and chicle for their livelihood, but in the last thirty or so years, tourism has developed into the number one income earner.
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About Belize

LANGUAGE AND POPULATION

The population of Belize is approximately 400,000. English is the official language and widely spoken, but most Belizeans speak Kriol, an English-based language with strong African roots. Other languages spoken throughout Belize include: Spanish, Maya, Garifuna and Mandarin.

GEOGRAPHY

Belize is 174 miles long and 68 miles wide. Located in Central America, it is bordered to the North by Mexico, to the South and West by Guatemala and to the East by the Caribbean Sea. It has the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile. Belize is known for its biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems: coastal and marine (including some mangrove swamps), fresh water wetlands, pine ridge/savanna and broadleaf forest. Much of our land remains undeveloped and some is still forested with hardwoods. Belize is part of the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Hotspot which spans all subtropical and tropical ecosystems from Central Mexico to the Panama Canal.

CLIMATE

Offering a subtropical climate with brisk prevailing trade winds from the Caribbean and an average temperature of 80ºF, Belize has two seasons: the dry season approximately
from December to May, and the wet season approximately from June to November.

AIRPORT

All international commercial airlines land at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, 10 miles north of Belize City.

Nonstop air service is available from: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Newark, Panama, Toronto & Calgary. Carriers that offer flights from these cities are American Airlines (www.aa.com), United Airlines (www.united.com), Delta Airlines (www.delta.com), United Airlines (www.united.com), Sun Country Airlines (www.suncountry.com), Copa Airlines (www.copaairlines.com), Air Canada (www.aircanada.com), WestJet (www.westjet.com)

From BZE, connections can be made to various destinations within Belize, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker,Corozal, Dangriga, Big Creek, Placencia, San Ignacio, Corozal and Punta Gorda.

Local Belizean carriers include Maya Island Air (www.mayaislandair.com), Tropic Air (www.tropicair.com)

TIME ZONE

Belize is on GMT-6, or US Central Standard Time throughout the year, with no daylight saving time changes.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Belize dollar. US$1 is equivalent to BZ$2 and does not fluctuate. U.S. currency and credit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard) are readily accepted throughout the country. ATMs are located in the main cities and towns and most allow cash withdrawals via credit card.

TRAVELING TO THE CAYES

Both the Belize Marine Terminal and Fort Street Tourism Zone Water Taxi Terminal provide hourly water taxi services to the popular island destinations of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Water taxis are also available between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and from San Pedro to Corozal Town and Chetumal in Mexico. Licensed tour operators offer tours and transfers from many parts of the country to the offshore islands and outer atolls. San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is often the most recommended water taxi.

HIGHWAYS

There are four major highways in Belize, including the Philip Goldson Highway, George Price Highway, Southern Highway & Hummingbird Highways.

The following are road distances from Belize City to various destinations within the country:

Belmopan: 55 miles
Benque Viejo: 81 miles
Corozal Town: 96 miles
Dangriga: 105 miles
Punta Gorda: 210 miles
San Ignacio: 72 miles