Belize Travel Guide (Central America/North America)

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, located in North America. This small nation bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south boasts of a rich cultural heritage, world-class snorkeling and diving sites, and ancient Mayan ruins. Whether you are looking for an adventure-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, Belize has something for everyone. This travel guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Belize, including the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural customs and safety tips.

Introduction to Belize

Belize is a small, English-speaking country with a diverse population of approximately 400,000 people. It is known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and ancient Mayan ruins. The official language is English, but Belizeans commonly speak Creole, Spanish, and other indigenous languages. The country has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. In this guide, we will cover the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural customs and safety tips in Belize.

List of Places to Visit in Belize

Belize has a lot of places to visit and things to do. It’s a great destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, beachgoers, and history enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to visit in Belize:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Altun Ha
Caracol
Lamanai
Xunantunich
Museum of Belize
Belize City Swing Bridge

Natural Attractions of Belize: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Great Blue Hole
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
Belize Barrier Reef
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Barton Creek Cave
Rio Frio Cave
Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Belize

Belize’s diverse geography makes it an ideal destination for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Belize:

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Victoria Peak
Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area
Belize Botanic Gardens
Belize City Cycling Tour

Best Things to Do in Belize: Activities and Tours

Belize offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Belize:

Snorkeling and diving
Zip-lining
Kayaking and paddle-boarding
Fishing
Cavetubing
Waterfall rappelling
Wildlife watching

Week-Long Itinerary for Belize

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Belize:

Day	Activity
1	Arrival in Belize City, check-in, and sightseeing
2	Explore Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Barton Creek Cave
3	Snorkeling or diving at Belize Barrier Reef or Hol Chan Reserve
4	Jungle trek and cave tubing at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve
5	Bird watching and wildlife safari at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
6	Visit mountain pine forests, waterfalls and rivers in Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
7	Departure from Belize City

Food and Drink Scene of Belize

Belize has a diverse food scene with unique flavors and ingredients influenced by its rich cultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Rice and beans with stewed chicken or pork
Fry-Jacks (fluffy fried dough served with jam, cheese, or beans)
Conch fritters
Gibnut (white meat from a large rodent)
Sere (fish soup)

Local Beverages

Belikin Beer
One Barrel Rum
Cashew Wine
Seaweed Shake

Where to Stay in Belize: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Belize has accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts to home-stay options. Here are some of the best places to stay in Belize:

San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Ka’ana Resort
Sleeping Giant Lodge
Royal Palm Island Resort
Yuma’s House Belize

What to Buy in Belize: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Belize has plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some of the best things to buy in Belize:

Handmade jewelry
Belizean hot sauce
Wooden carvings and art
Cashew nuts and honey
Coffee beans and chocolate

Local Culture and Customs of Belize

Belizeans are friendly, welcoming, and have a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling in Belize:

Dress modestly when visiting religious or sacred sites
Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars
Respect the local culture and traditions
Learn some basic Creole phrases

Best Time to Visit Belize

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season from December to April, which is also the peak season for tourism. The wet season from May to November offers lower prices and reduced crowds, but it can be challenging to travel to certain areas due to heavy rains and flooding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belize

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when traveling in Belize:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites
Try the local cuisine
Take necessary precautions for safety

Don’t:

Litter or damage the local environment
Use illegal drugs
Swim alone in the ocean
Disrespect the local culture or people

Safety and Health

Safety in Belize

Belize is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any other destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions. Here are some tips for staying safe in Belize:

Avoid walking around alone at night
Use licensed taxis or transportation
Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Don’t leave your belongings unattended

Health in Belize

Belize has a tropical climate, and visitors need to take precautions to avoid dehydration, mosquito bites, and other illnesses. Here are some health tips:

Drink plenty of bottled water
Use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes
Check with your doctor about necessary vaccinations and medications

Getting to Belize: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Belize

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City
Hector Silva Airstrip in San Ignacio

Bus Stations Near Belize

Belize City Bus Terminal
Belmopan Bus Terminal

Other Options

Water taxis
Ferries
Rental cars or bicycles

How to Get Around in Belize

Belize has several transportation options for getting around, including:

Taxis and Water Taxis
Buses
Bicycle and Car Rentals

Where to Go Next from Belize: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belize is situated in a beautiful part of Central America and offers the opportunity to explore other nearby destinations. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

Guatemala: Tikal Mayan Ruins
Mexico: Chetumal, Mahahual
Honduras: Copan Ruins

Conclusion

Belize is a wonderful destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty. It offers something for every traveler who is in search of adventure, relaxation or an escape from the mundane. With the help of this travel guide, you will be able to plan the perfect trip that suits your interests and budget, and experience the best of what Belize has to offer.