Belize travel guide
Belize Tourism | Belize Guide
You're Going to Love Belize
Belize might be small in size, but it offers a world of attractions that include beaches, islands, jungle hiking and a rich wildlife.
What to do in Belize
1. Visit the Caye Islands
The islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are two of the most popular among hundreds of islands that are located off the coast. While the latter is larger and tends to get more touristy, Caye Caulker offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is popular among backpackers.
2. Go on a Tour of Altun Ha
This ancient Mayan city is located north of Belize City and is mainly renowned for its Temple of the Mason Altars, which is 54 ft tall. A panoramic view awaits those who make it to the top.
3. Learn About Local Wildlife at Belize Zoo
This small zoo is composed entirely of local fauna, with about 120 species available to be seen. These include macaws, jaguars, pumas, snakes and crocodiles.
4. Dive or Snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
This reserve is a fantastic place for going underwater with coral, caves and tropical fish available. Nearby you will find Shark Ray Alley where you can swim with rays and sharks.
5. Hike in the Jungle
Mayflower Bocawina National Park has jungles, waterfalls, mountains and walking trails. It is home to a large number of bird species and black howler monkeys.
When to visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize and enjoy its outdoor activities is in the dry season, from November to April.
How to Get to Belize
Entry requirements
Citizens of a large number of countries, including those in the EU and the United States, can enter Belize without a visa. Citizens of any other countries will need to get a visa prior to arriving.
Plane
The main international airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, with direct connections to around 10 destinations, including Miami, Newark and Houston.
Car
It is possible to get to Belize by car from Mexico going through Chetumal, or from Guatemala going through Melchor de Mencos.
Bus
Frequent buses operate from Chetumal in Mexico and from Flores in Guatemala heading into Belize City. In addition, a direct service from Cancún, Mexico, is available once a day.
Boat
Speed boat connections exist with Puerto Cortés in Honduras once a week, from Puerto Barrios in Guatemala once a day and from Livingston in Guatemala twice a week.
Popular airports in Belize
Popular airlines serving Belize
Where to stay in Belize
Aside from hotels, which are available for a variety of budgets, resorts and residences are a very popular choice of accommodation.
Where to stay in popular areas of Belize
Most booked hotels in Belize
How to Get Around Belize
Public Transportation
Buses are the main form of public transport in Belize. There are bus terminals in every major city and at least one bus stop in every village, making it easy to reach any part of the country.
Bus
Buses are operated by private companies, and the most popular ones include Belize Bus Owners Cooperative, Albion's, Frazer and Morales. There are 6 different bus lines, one of which is a dedicated Sunday line.
Car
It is possible to rent a car in Belize with all the major international companies available at the airport and in the main cities. Please note that while cars with automatic transmission can be found, if that is your preference, you need to book in advance as the majority of the cars have manual transmissions.
Plane
Flights within Belize and its main islands are available with Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, which offer routes to and from popular destinations, such as the Caye Islands.
Boat
One of the most common ways of getting around the Belize islands is by water taxi, with a large amount of connections available. Water taxis have a daily schedule from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, so if you are planning a day trip to the islands, ensure you check the return schedule prior to leaving.
The Cost of Living in Belize
An inexpensive and casual meal in Belize costs around 5 BZD (2.50 USD) per person, while a sit down meal will cost around 20 BZD (9.95 USD) per person, and a public transport one-way ticket will cost around 1.99 BZD (1 USD). You can easily pay by credit card in all major hotels and attractions; however, it's always a good idea to keep a limited amount of cash with you to pay smaller merchants that might only deal in cash. US dollars are widely accepted around the country.