Belize – Travel Guide
Belize is a hidden treasure. From the pristine beaches to the lush jungles, there’s something for every type of traveller in Belize. It’s the perfect destination for those looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you dive into the crystal-clear waters or explore ancient ruins, Belize is a destination you can’t miss. Book your trip to Belize today. Believe it or not, Belize is a land of wonder. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture make it a must-visit destination. From snorkeling with sea turtles to hiking through the rainforest, there’s something for every type of traveller.
All about Belize
Belize FAQ
What is Belize known for?
Belize is a fascinating country filled with verdant rainforests that are home to jaguars, wild cats and ocelots, ancient archeological sites, a lively culture, the famous diving site of The Blue Hole, and miles of beautiful beaches. There are many exciting ways to experience Belize including diving in some of the world`s best dive sites, soaking up the sun, sand, and sea on the idyllic Caribbean beaches and the tranquil turquoise waters. Ambergris Caye boasts secluded beaches and breathtaking views, Placencia Beach is great for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving with offshore islands to discover. The wonderful waters around Belize are filled with diverse marine life and vibrant coral reef formations, The Blue Hole Natural Monument is the country`s national landmark, a perfectly round sinkhole in the middle of the sea.
Explore the mythical Maya Mountains where hidden rivers and magical caves can be found and connect you to the underwater world. Endless archeological sites such as Actun Tunichil Muknal and Nohoch Che` en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve filled with mystery and ancient Mayan rituals. Check out towering temples from the Maya civilization which flourished for almost 3,000 years. Xunantunich is one of the most beautiful and fascinating of the ruins and Caracol was the most powerful kingdom found in the Maya world hidden deep in the verdant jungle. Deep in the verdant forests, an abundance of wildlife can be found including monkeys and over 570 resident birds including the spectacular scarlet macaws. Ecotourism is big in Belize with plenty of accommodations powered by solar energy and set amid the fascinating jungles or lining the breathtaking beaches.
What are the best places to visit in Belize?
Ambergris Caye is the most popular destination in the country and the largest of almost 200 offshore coral sand islets. A divers paradise where the second largest reef in the world is located, this is a mecca for everything water related, snorkeling, diving, fishing and water sports. San Pedro is a great location to relax and rejuvenate in peace and tranquility. Placencia is a picturesque location in Belize boasting 16 miles of serene white sand beaches and glistening blue waters. The ocean side of Placencia is decorated with numerous coral sand cays and large varieties of sea life where dolphins and manatees can be seen. San Ignacio is cradled by a beautiful valley just south of the Mopan and Macal Rivers, the gateway to some of the most popular outdoor attractions in Belize. San Ignacio is within close proximity to many of Belize`s renowned Mayan sites and Tikal ruins, a magnet town for archeologists and anthropologists with a central location. Just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed around San Ignacio include hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, caving, canoeing and birding.
How many days should I spend in Belize?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Belize?
By Car: Driving can be a great way to explore Belize with car rentals available at the airports and in most of the bigger towns. The highways and road systems in Belize connect to all the mainland towns, villages, and top attractions allowing travelers to easily connect to many different places by road. The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is known as one of the most scenic drives in the entire world.
By Taxi: Some taxis will drive visitors anywhere in the country in Belize, these prices can be high, but compared to rental and gas prices it can be a great way to travel. The drivers are local and very knowledgeable, it`s like having a personal guide and driver. You can ask at your hotel for them to recommend a driver. Always negotiate a fare before traveling as the taxis here are not metered, you can pay by the hour, distance, or by the number of stops.
By Bus:Belize features several bus companies that travel from one town to the next and along the Northern, Western, Hummingbird and Southern Highways connecting travelers to all the sights and attractions. There are express buses that connect you from one destination to the next with no stops making this a quicker option. Ticket prices vary based on distance and the type of service and company.
By Boat:Traveling around Belize by boat is the only way to reach the offshore islands and cayes. Multiple water taxis operate daily services to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Belize City with services as early as 6 am with the last ferry at 5:30 pm. A boat journey from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes around 1.5 hours with a stop at Caye Caulker, it can be an enjoyable and scenic journey. Belize is also a popular port of call for Caribbean cruises with many of the big-name companies stopping here on their itineraries. They regularly offer shore excursions to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker with visits to Mayan ruins, etc.
What is the currency of Belize?
The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Belize dollars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Belize.
Do people speak English in Belize?
English is the official language of Belize and about 63 percent of Belizeans speak English as their first language. Other languages common to Belize are Creole and Spanish.
Best time to visit Belize
The average yearly temperature in Belize is 84 degrees so anytime is a great time to visit this spectacular country. The sun is always shining and the wonderful warm weather draws visitors from all over the world to soak up the sun, sand, and sea.
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The two distinct seasons are dry and wet season, the dry season runs between late November to early May with the lowest rainfall of the year, this time of year is also peak season with large crowds and sold-out accommodations. June through early November is the country`s wet season when heavy rains can fall on parts of the country and occasionally some crazy Caribbean tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in late July and August. The country benefits from cooling coastal sea breezes and the lush jungles and verdant rainforests can keep visitors cool during hot summer months, the wintertime is cooler but temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees.
Tipping in Belize
The questions `when?` and `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Belize
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Belize dollars?
The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar and US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Belize dollars upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in rural areas of Belize you will find it useful to always keep cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the cities.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In most restaurants in Belize a 15 percent tip is common at nicer establishments. Always check your bill and see if any service charge has been added. If your service is excellent, feel free to add an additional tip. If you aren`t satisfied with the service, you can forgo a tip altogether. Bartenders receive a tip equivalent to about BZ$.25 per drink.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Belize is rarely expected except in cases of exemplary service or if you solicit special services. The most commonly tipped employees are the porters and housekeeping. If a porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is about BZ$2 per bag, usually no more than BZ$5 total. It is customary to leave about 5 to 10 percent per day for housekeeping. Other hotel services are tipped depending on the service provided.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Usually cab drivers are not tipped in Belize. You may wish to tip extra if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. If it is around Christmas or New Year`s Day, a tip is very much appreciated. Needless to say, if your driver was rude or took you on an out of the way route to hike up the fare, do not leave a tip. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Should I tip?
The normal tip for tour guides is about 10-15 percent of the price of the tour. If a tour guide is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra cash if you wish!
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Street Performers: Here is one place to splurge a bit. Though you may not actively solicit entertainment from musicians, mimes, artists, and the like, it is polite to tip them if you have enjoyed their trade. These people live off the money they make bringing their talent to the streets of Belize City, San Ignasio or Belmopan. Take some of what you would have left your waitress in the restaurant and give it to one of these artists!
Other Services: In the event that you are in Belize for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.
Dive Masters: If you are planning to dive in Belize, keep in mind to tip the dive mastors. Around BZ$5 to BZ$10 is suitable.
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S. the expectations for tipping are lower in Belize than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
Final Thoughts:
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy, it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Belize
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What to expect while traveling
