About Belize

Belize is easy to get to - there are many direct flights from the US, and European travelers can fly in to the US or Central America en route. The major gateways to Belize in the US are Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (US Airways), Dallas (American), Houston (Continental and TACA), and Miami (American), all operating daily flights.  There is a weekly direct service on a Saturday from Newark (Continental). It is roughly 2 hours flying time from Miami and around 2.5 hours from Charlottle, Houston and Dallas. Newark is around 4.5 hours. For European travelers, British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Cancun, Mexico on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  You can then travel on to Belize with Maya Air, who fly daily between Cancun and Belize International. If you prefer to travel overland down the Yucatan coast, you can travel to Chetumal in Mexico and take the express boat service connecting San Pedro in Ambergris Caye - the boat ride takes 90 minutes and is a beautiful journey.  You can also travel a little further overland from Cancun to Corozal in Belize and take a short flight with Tropic Air direct to San Pedro on Ambergirs Caye. Once in Belize, domestic 'puddle jumpers' connect the mainland to the cayes and tourist destinations in the north and south of the country. The two carriers are Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Be sure to have your camera handy as the views of the reef and cayes are breathtaking.<

Traveling in Belize is easy. Local buses and water taxis travel regularly along the main routes, but if you plan on venturing off the beaten track you will have to rent a car, hire a taxi or go with a tour company. Major water taxi routes include Belize City to Caye Chapel, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, plus there is a route from Ambergris Caye to Sarteneja, Corozal and to Chetumal in Mexico. On the island of Ambergris Caye, the Coastal Express runs regular services up and down the island, and there are a handful of private water taxi services for charter. On the mainland, frequent, cheap bus services run on the northern and western highways, and to southern Belize on the hummingbird and southern highways. There are car rental agencies at international and municipal airports.  Hiring a car is a great way to explore the interior and get off the beaten track, however it is recommended to book ahead for a car with 4 wheel drive as most of the roads off the major routes are unpaved and it will make for a far more comfortable ride. On the islands, bicycles or golf carts are a great and fun means of getting around and can be rented by the day or week. The only caveat if you are north on Ambergris Caye is that the road can sometimes prove to be a challenge in rainy season.  If on a bicycle, stick to the beach for the cool breeze and spectacular views.  Check conditions with your concierge before making any arrangements. Local airlines, Maya Air and Tropic Air, run regular flights between tourist destinations in the north and south and are a thrilling way to see the country from above.<

Currency The currency of Belize is Belizean Dollars which is pegged against the US Dollar at 2:1, so 2 Belize dollars = 1 US dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere. Be sure to check whether prices are in US or Belize dollars! ATM machines are available in all towns. What to Bring Belize has a tropical climate and a relaxed vibe. The Belizean dress code is No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem! so bring casual, light clothes. If you are staying on the coast or islands, there is an onshore breeze most of the time, which helps to cool things down at night and make for a beautiful climate. You may want to bring something for your shoulders for winter evenings, when the winds blow stronger. If you are jungle bound, bring lightweight trekking shoes and lightweight outdoor trekking clothes. In terms of bugs, sometimes they’re here, sometimes they’re not, it depends on the time of year and the weather conditions. Wear repellent, especially at dawn and dusk and bring long sleeves and pants if you are particularly sensitive. Belizean Customs Belizeans are wonderfully relaxed, kind and friendly. Always reply to friendly gestures such as a ‘good morning’ or a ‘what’s up’. A common expression in Belize is ‘take your time’ and patience goes a long way. Weather Belize’s climate is classed as sub-tropical, with a cool continuous air stream flowing over from the Caribbean Sea and a mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry season is December to May, although December can still receive some fairly good downpours. March can get a little windy with the trade winds, which is great for those into kite or wind surfing and April to June are the ultimate months for sun and barely any clouds in the sky. The rainy season runs June through November and whilst the early months can still be spectacular times to visit, some mainland attractions such as caves and jungle treks are closed due to the risk of flooding. In the height of the summer months the coast can get extremely hot and humid. September and October are the prime time for tropical storms, hurricanes are rare. Health No vaccinations are required for entry into Belize, although a number are recommended including chicken pox, hepatitis A and B, measles, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid.  If traveling to jungle destinations, consult your doctor on whether they recommend malaria tablets.  Pharmacies are prevalent in tourist destinations and generally well equipped.<

The history of Belize dates back thousands of years. The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500BC and 200AD and flourished until about 1200AD. Several major archeological sites—notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich—reflect the advanced civilization and much denser population of that period. European contact began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast.  The first recorded European settlement was established by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. This period also was marked by piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. Great Britain first sent an official representative to the area in the late 18th century, but Belize was not formally termed the "Colony of British Honduras" until 1840. It became a crown colony in 1862. Subsequently, several constitutional changes were enacted to expand representative government. Full internal self-government under a ministerial system was granted in January 1964. The official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973, and full independence was granted on September 21, 1981.<