[Travel](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Guides](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Belize](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/) # Guide to Belize To visit Belize, check entry requirements, connectivity and this guide’s local references. Belize brings reefs, rainforest and Maya cities into a small country. Garifuna, Maya and Creole cultures also meet in its cooking. [Places in Belize · 4 catalog places →](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/belice/) ## Visa for your trip Your passport countrySelect countryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBhutanBoliviaBosnia & HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCongo - BrazzavilleCongo - KinshasaCosta RicaCôte d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFijiFinlandFranceGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHondurasHong Kong SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacao SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (Burma)NamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé & PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt. Kitts & NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent & GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTongaTrinidad & TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabweChoose the passport you travel with. The lookup adapts automatically. Conditions and other situationsShort tourist stays with an ordinary passport. Residence, other visas, stay length and transit can change the requirement. Check with the authority before booking or travelling. [Destination source](https://immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-how-to-apply/) · [Check itinerary with IATA](https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm) Enable JavaScript to adapt this lookup to your passport. You can also check the destination source. ## eSIM and connectivity Compare Saily and Airalo plans. Check destination coverage and phone compatibility on the provider’s website. [Saily ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim?source=guide&lang=en)[Airalo ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim-airalo?source=guide&lang=en) Affiliate links: we may earn a commission on purchases. ## Currency and payments Belize Dollar (BZD) ## Embassy Missions are filtered by your passport country. Confirm services, opening hours and appointments with the mission. View 11 missions and contacts ### [Embassy of Brazil, Belmopan](http://belmopan.itamaraty.gov.br/) Belmopan 12 Floral Park Street[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10272240) ### [embassy of Cuba in Belize](https://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/es/belice) Belmopan Intelco Road No.8[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111132217) ### [Consulate of India, Belize City](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q73113318) Belize City [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q73113318) ### [Embassy of Japan, Belmopan](https://www.bz.emb-japan.go.jp/) Belmopan [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136332227) ### [embassy of Panama in Belize](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111132303) Belize City 6087 Manatee Drive, Button Wood Bay[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111132303) ### [Embassy of El Salvador in Belmopan](http://embajadabelice.rree.gob.sv/) Belmopan 20 Tangerine Street, Belmopán, Belice[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q73458173) ### [Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Belize City](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q64764179) Belize City 1 Taiwan Street, Belize City, Belize[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q64764179) ### [embassy of the United States in Belize](https://bz.usembassy.gov/) Belmopan 4 Floral Park Road[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105550855) ### [Apostolic Nunciature to Belize](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13534306) [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13534306) ### [Embassy of Venezuela, Belmopan](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121271599) Belmopan [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121271599) ### [Embajada de México en Belice](https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/belice) Belmopan [Source](https://portales.sre.gob.mx/directorio/embajadas-de-mexico-en-el-exterior) ## Highlights ### [Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/unesco-764/) UNESCO natural World Heritage, inscribed in 1996. ### [Great Blue Hole](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/gran-agujero-azul-de-belice/) An enormous circular cavity of deep blue within an atoll. ### [Belmopan](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-belmopan/) An inland city and a starting point for exploring Belize. ## Complete guide · chapter reading [Introduction](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-0) · [Regions](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-1) · [Cities](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-2) · [Other destinations](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-3) · [Understand](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-4) · [Talk](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-5) · [Get in](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-6) · [Get around](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-7) · [See](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-8) · [Do](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-9) · [Buy](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-10) · [Eat](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-11) · [Drink](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-12) · [Learn](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-14) · [Stay safe](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-15) · [Stay healthy](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-16) · [Respect](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-17) · [Connect](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/belice/#full-chapter-18) ## Introduction Belize offers world-class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean Sea with its attractive reefs and visiting the Mayan ruins. While income levels are still very low and the infrastructure is very basic, Belizeans are very proud and friendly to visitors as the tourist industry grew greatly in the last decade. It is the only country in mainland with English as its official language. ## Regions Districts of Corozal (coastal) and Orange Walk (inland). Home of the largest city, the airport and a host of popular offshore islands. Teeming with adventure, this central district is filled with jungles, caves, rivers and Mayan ruins. Coastal region south of Belize District, access to quiet reef islands and boats to and from Honduras. Southern coastal/inland region with more Mayan ruins and boats to Guatemala. ## Cities - inland capital - Belize's largest city, on the Caribbean Sea - Large Garifuna town in the south, formerly known as Stann Creek Town - Garifuna village - Beautiful, quiet port town in the South; home to a complex and diverse Amerindian market on the weekends - Known as Cayo to locals, Maya and Hispanic influence near the Guatemala border ## Other destinations –- large barrier island in the north – smaller barrier island in the north – long peninsula (almost an island) off Stann Creek – a tiny island popular with budget travellers Maya ruins ## Understand Belize, formerly British Honduras, is the only country in without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean (only the Sea to its east). With its British colonial history and a long Caribbean coast, it's culturally similar to many of Britain's former West Indian island colonies, with a majority creole or Afro-Caribbean population. But it also includes a large native Mayan population, especially in the north and northwest of the country. As a result, although English is the official language, is also often spoken. In the south east along the Caribbean coast live the Garifuna (Black Caribs), an Afro-Amerindian culture. After long journeys starting in what is now the Netherlands in 1790, via Germany, Southern Russia, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, several thousand German-speaking Mennonite Christians arrived in Belize in 1958 after long and detailed discussions with the government regarding specific exemptions and privileges. They are easily recognizable by their speech (somewhat distinctive from modern standard German) and "quaint" dress. Marine tourism is the cornerstone of Belize's economy, driven primarily by the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world and a . Key local marine attractions are primarily accessed via the Northern Cayes or the Southern Peninsula. History Like the neighbouring parts of Guatemala and Mexico, this area was settled for thousands of years by the Maya people. They are still here, an important part of Belize's people and culture. While the Spanish Empire claimed the area in the 16th century, the Spanish made little progress in settling here. The British settled first on the coast and offshore islands for logging. In 1798 British Belizean forces defeated a Spanish attempt to drive them out in the Battle of St. George's Caye, an anniversary still celebrated as a holiday each 10 September. The colony of British Honduras grew in the 19th century. At first Africans were brought in as slaves, but slavery was abolished here in 1838. Following the abolition of slavery, the British would bring indentured n labourers to the colony to supplement the labour pool, and their descendants remain a significant minority to this day. Many refugees from the 19th-century Caste War of escaped the conflict to settle in Belize, especially the northern section. The government of Guatemala has long claimed to have inherited the 15th-century Spanish claim to Belize. Although the British were willing to grant independence to British Honduras as early as the mid-1960s, this ongoing dispute played a major role in delaying full Belizean independence until 1981, long after London granted independence to other former colonies in the region. Guatemala refused to recognize an independent Belize at all until 1991, and to this day lays claim to virtually all Belizean territory south of Belize City. The topic remains a sensitive one, particularly in the southern half of Belize. Belize escaped the bloody civil conflicts of the 1980s that engulfed much of Central America, and refugees from the conflict in Guatemala arrived, mostly settling in the west. While Belize has not been immune to the rampant drug crime and grinding poverty of its neighbours, it is a comparatively safe destination in a conflict-prone part of the world. Belize shares particularly close diplomatic and economic ties with both the United Kingdom and the United States. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy as the old agricultural products — sugar, banana, and oranges — have lost ground. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime. In 2006, commercial quantities of oil were discovered in the Spanish Lookout area. Climate Tropical, very hot and humid. The dry season typically lasts from February to May and then the rainy season typically lasts through to November. Hurricanes that bring coastal flooding, especially in the south, are prevalent from June to November. Terrain The flat coastal plain is swampy with low mountains in the south. The highest point is Victoria Peak at 1,160 m. Visitor information [Travel Belize](https://www.travelbelize.org/) website. ## Talk As a former British colony, the official language of Belize is standard British English, which makes Belize stand out from its Spanish-speaking neighbours. , Garifuna (Carib) and the Maya languages/dialects of Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec are spoken in various parts of the country. Spanish is widely used as the first language in northern and western parts of the country. So-called "kitchen Spanish," an amalgam of Spanish and English, is common on . Belizean Creole, which has a certain degree of mutual intelligibility with standard English, is widely spoken as well. Most Belizeans are proficient in English and at least one of these other languages. Many Belizeans speak a mix of Creole and English among friends, and standard English to foreigners. The strong Caribbean accent may take some getting used to. ## Get in Entry requirements All visitors are required to have sufficient funds, US$75 per day, and documents required for their next destination. If entering by land from Mexico, you will be charged a fee of M$533 () (as of May 2018) by Mexican immigration unless you can show proof that you paid the immigration fee when you entered Mexico. Your FMM tourist card is not enough. If you crossed at a land border, you'll need the actual receipt from when you paid the fee. If you reached Mexico via a commercial flight, you've may have already paid the fee with your airfare, but the border guards here do not care. You might be able to convince them if you have a print-out of an itemized receipt from the airline showing that this specific fee was included. Visa-free Nationals who hold passports or refugee documents from all member states, , , , , the , , , , , , , , , , , , , the , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and , in addition to passports issued to British Overseas Territories citizens, do not require a visa to visit Belize. All foreign nationals with a valid US green card or visa for the US or Schengen Area are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Permanent residents and holders of multiple-entry visas of the United States may obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of US$50. Visas All other travellers not falling into the above categories require a visa prior to travel, which can be obtained in a Belizean or British embassy. Nationals of , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and require clearance in addition to a visa. Nationals of (PRC) must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$3,000 on arrival. Nationals of , , and must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$1,200 on arrival. Cruise ship visitors do not need a passport to enter the country. When leaving country by land, prepare to pay taxes (mandatory BZ$40 or US$20 border fee per person (as of 2022). Overstayers will receive a substantial fine. By plane Philip S. W. Goldson International AirportYear round flights are available from the United States (American, Delta, Southwest and United); Central America (Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG) Guatemala city and Copa Airlines Panama); from within Belize and from the adjacent in Mexico ([Maya Island Air](http://www.mayaislandair.com/) and [Tropic Air](http://www.tropicair.com/)). Additional seasonal flights (Oct-Mar) are offered from Canada with Air Canada Rouge and Westjet. Directionsin Ladyville, 15 km northwest of Belize City (roughly 30 minutes' drive) Local nameBZE [Official website](http://www.pgiabelize.com/) [View location on map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=17.539167&mlon=-88.308333#map=16/17.539167/-88.308333) For a cheaper fare, consider flying to or and take a bus to Belize City from there. By car From Mexico via , or on a much rougher road from Guatemala via . The Western Highway connects Melchor Mencos to Belize City via , while the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) connects Belize City to in Mexico via and . By bus The following companies operate buses from , , and from , to Belize City: Fuentes Del Norte (FDN)Tickets are sold through Mundo Maya Travel at the San Pedro Express Terminal in Belize City. Buses stop at the marketplace along Front Street where the San Pedro Express Terminal is at. AddressMundo Maya @ Suite #26, Brown Sugar Market Place 90 Front St, Belize City Directions250 m east along Front St from the Swing Bridge & the Ocean Ferry Belize Terminal. Phone+501 223-1200 Listing reviewed2017-09-06 [Official website](http://transportesfuentedelnorte.com/) S & L Travel & ToursThey arrange shuttle transportation to Tikal, Flores and Cancun from Belize City. Address91 N Front St, Belize City Directionssame building as Image Factory, next to Spoonaz Coffee Phone+501 227-7593 Listing reviewed2017-09-07 [Official website](http://www.sltravelbelize.com/) Grupo ADOOnce nightly departure to/from Cancun and Merida. AddressNovelos Bus Terminal in Belize City Listing reviewed2017-09-06 [Official website](https://www.ado.com.mx/) BBOCFrequent (hourly?) from Chetumal to Belize City and vice versa, with stops at Corozal, Orange Walk, and other towns along the way. Buses leave Chetumal from the "old ADO station" (la terminal antigua de ADO) on Salvador Novo street near Av. Insurgentes and Av. Belice. Listing reviewed2018-05-24 The inbound buses can only make drop-off stops between the border crossing and Belize City while the outbound buses can only pick-up passengers going traveling to Mexico or Guatemala. There are additional Belizean bus companies and drivers' unions going north from Belize City to Chetumal that can pick-up and drop off passengers alongside the road with services to Orange Walk and Corozal Town. See "By bus" under get around in the below. By boat Several call on Belize City. Unfortunately they usually stay only one day, which doesn't allow the opportunity to really see Belize. You can visit one of the Maya ruins, ride an airboat in the salt marshes just outside the city, shop, go to the museum, go to the zoo or take either a short cave rafting trip or go snorkelling, but that's about it. That means about 70% of the things most tourists would like aren't available, not mention the eco-tourism points of interest. To , Honduras, the Gulf Cruza, a small, rickety speed boat (20 people) leaves each Friday at around 9:30AM (4 hr US$50), going first to Big Creek. It returns to Placencia on Monday. Tickets are sold in the tourist office next to the gas station. Stop by immigration first. Small speedboats operate on a daily basis between in to , cost is around US$20 one way. On Tuesday and Fridays, boats operate from in to . The ride takes no more than one hour. It's BZ$50. There's also a BZ$40 departure tax. Foreigners are required to pay departure taxes when leaving Belize via land, air, or water. These fees are only applicable to locals when flying. ## Get around Belize is a fairly small country, and transportation between most destinations is rarely long or tedious. By plane [Tropic Air](https://www.tropicair.com/) and [Maya Island Air](https://www.mayaislandair.com/) both have multiple flights daily to various towns around the country and to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. They fly out of both of Belize City's airports, but flights from Belize City Airport (TZA) are often significantly cheaper than those out of Phillip Goldson International (BZE). Domestic flights are generally pretty reasonable priced, and thus popular if your time is limited and budget is not. Flights are operated with planes ranging from 8 to 68 seats. Because of the limited capacity, booking in advance is advisable. For bookings from outside Belize, there is only one [airviva internet agent](https://www.airviva.com/), who can make bookings, take payment (credit/debit cards/PayPal) and then send e-tickets. Some hotels do also offer to make the flight reservation on your behalf. By bus Several competing bus lines operate on the main road in the north–south direction from to and . There are bus stations in the main towns, or simply stand on the side of the highway and wave at an approaching bus. Most buses have a conductor in addition to the driver, who stands by the door and will come to your seat to collect the fare at some point during the trip. Fares run anywhere from BZ$2–25 depending on distance travelled. Express buses can save up to an hour and a half (depending on the distance of your trip); they do not stop for passengers waiting on the roadside, making only scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs in towns. Most buses in Belize are retired US school buses (Bluebirds), that have been given a slight makeover, a luggage rack installed, and sometimes a new paint job. They generally aren't too crowded, but you may have to stand occasionally. Some are the older MCI (Motorcoach Industries) buses that once served as a Greyhound bus (or for some other commuter or intercity bus company) in the U.S. The MCI buses are typically used for some Express services or for international trips to Chetumal or chartered buses to Flores. Children selling snacks and soft drinks often board the buses at stops, and this is an inexpensive way to have a snack if you've exhausted what you've brought along or just want to try some home-made travel foods. See [Belize Bus blog](http://belizebus.wordpress.com/) for updates, schedules and/or links to other sites regarding bus travel in Belize. The Belize Bus blog site is constantly updated. Since the break up of the Novelo's monopoly in 2006 the government of Belize has divided the country up with which company to go where from Belize City: The Northern Zone (Belize City - Orange Walk - Corozal - Chetumal) Not all buses continue to from Orange Walk. Others may deviate east or west from the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) to other surrounding towns. They are: Albion's, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Cabrera's, Chell's, Frazer, Joshua's, Morales, Tillett's, T-Line and Valencia. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour from 05:30 to 19:30. Jex and Sons Bus provides bus service between Belize City and Crooked Tree. The Western Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - San Ignacio - Benque Viejo Del Carmen) They are: BBOC, D and E, Guerra's Bus Service, Middleton's, Shaw Bus Service and Westline. Westbound buses depart from Belize City between 05:00 and 21:00. Some may continue west from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border at Melchor del Mencos but they do not cross into Guatemala. Others may continue north or south from Belmopan, San Ignacio, etc. to reach other towns not on the Western Highway. Southern Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - Dangriga - Placencia - Punta Gorda) Buses to the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts to the south are: James Bus Line, G-Line Service, Ritchie's Bus Service and Usher Bus Line. Buses authorized to operate in the rural areas of the Southern Zone are Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, and Polanco Bus Line. By taxi Taxis are common and relatively cheap in Belize. Most taxis do not use meters, so be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. By water taxi For those wanting a truly Belizean experience, take the water taxis from city to city. The [San Pedro Belize Express](http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/) has the most daily runs and departs from the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City at 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:30 to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Departure from San Pedro Town pier on Black Coral Street next to Wahoo's Bar and Grill and leaves at 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 to Caye Caulker and Belize City as well as a last boat to Caye Caulker only at 18:00. There are boats departing from Caye Caulker to Belize City and San Pedro Town and they leave from the pier in front of the Basket Ball Court. Caye Caulker to Belize City: 07:30, 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and Caye Caulker to San Pedro: 07:00 (connection to Chetumal), 09:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:45 and last boat 18:15. Chetumal Runs are available from Caye Caulker at 07:00 and from San Pedro at 07:30. Travelling from Chetumal to Belize, the boat leaves the Municipal Pier at 15:30 en route to San Pedro (90 min) and Caye Caulker (120 min). Rates: Belize City to San Pedro or return: BZ$30 or US$15 (one way), BZ$55 or US$27.50 (round trip). Caye Caulker to San Pedro, Belize City to Caye Caulker: BZ$20 or US$10 (one way), BZ$35 or US$17.50 (round trip). By car Compared to most Central American countries, driving in Belize is relatively safe. There is not much traffic, and the four major highways are all in good condition. Unfortunately, almost every road off the four major highways is unpaved, so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is advisable. It is best not to drive late at night because there is almost no lighting, road signs are poor, and the last stretch is almost certain to be on an unpaved road (you risk breaking an axle on an unseen, but immense, pothole!) You won't need a map because there are few roads and it is hard to get lost. Rental rates often include insurance so you usually don't need to buy insurance separately. If you plan on using a rental car to visit Tikal in Guatemala, you should plan ahead and you must rent from Crystal Auto Rental because no other company will let you take your car out of Belize. Belize insurance is not valid in Guatemala, so check with your credit card or car insurance company to see if they'll cover you for a trip into Guatemala. Speed signs and distances are in miles per hour (mph), as in the United States or the United Kingdom. Highways The Northern Highway (aka Phillip Goldson Highway) goes from Corozal on the Belize-Mexico border to Belize City via Orange Walk. This is the highway you'll use for the international airport, Altun Ha, and the Lamanai. Western Highway (aka George Price Highway) stretches from Belize City, via Belmopan and the Cayo District, to the border with the Guatemalan state of Peten at Benque. Along the way are the Belize Zoo (mile 29), the Hummingbird Highway (mile 47), Belmopan, and San Ignacio (mile 68). Major sights along this route include the adventure itineraries in the Cayo District, Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and access to the road to Caracol, and, from the Guatemalan border, the ruins at TIkal. To get to the Western Highway from the airport, go north on the Northern Highway, make a left at Burrell Boom, and follow the road for 19 km to the Western Highway at Hattieville. goes from Belmopan to Dangriga connecting the Western Highway to the Southern Highway. You'll use this highway to get from Cayo, Belize City or the North to the Southern part of Belize. An alternative, slightly shorter, Coastal Highway takes you from Belize City to the Southern Highway but is a mess that is best avoided! Southern Highway runs from Dangriga (the Hummingbird Highway) to Punta Gorda, with a section heading to the southern border with Guatemala. Along the way are the coastal towns of Hopkins and Placencia. ## See The Belize Barrier Reef is a scuba diving paradise, rich in aquatic life including colorful tropical fish, rays, and sharks (along with a couple of shipwrecks). The reef stretches along the whole coast of Belize. It is part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef System, often called the Mayan Reef, which stretches north to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and south along the coasts of Guatemala and Honduras. Numerous dive shops in coastal towns can arrange excursions to dive sites on the reef. Mayan archaeological sites in Belize tend to be less crowded than the well-known sites in neighboring Mexico and Guatemala, but the smaller crowds make the sites more tranquil and easier to explore. Some of the sites are among the oldest of the . Significant sites include: - one of the oldest Mayan cities, established around 1600 B.C., much of the ruins seen today were built in the late Pre-Classic period (around 400 BC to 100 AD). Unlike many Mayan cities, it was not abandoned in the 10th century AD, nor in the period following the Spanish conquest or the British occupation, and continued to be occupied by the Maya up to the 20th century. - large site in Western Belize on the Mopan River near the Guatemala border. The site is known for its myriad plazas and temples and a 133 meter tall pyramid (second highest in Belize). - was a ceremonial site constructed in the Pre-Classic era with the oldest structures dating from about 900 BC. The Temple of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, revealed a large cache of jade and jewelry including the largest jade object ever recovered from a Maya site. Altun Ha is just north of . ## Do Zip-lining Soar over Belize's rain forest by taking a zip-line tour. These tours usually begin with a short hike up to the first base where a tutorial is given on how to safely use your equipment. Prices range US$65-100 and tours are run by two companies, Jaguar Paw, and Back-A-Bush tours. Sport fishing Sport fishing in Belize is second to none. The bonefish is the premier fly fishing game fish in the world and it can be found in the grass shallows through Belize. It's pound for pound perhaps the strongest animal in salt water. Scuba diving and snorkelling The snorkelling and scuba diving is world-class and there are many exceptional dive sites to be found in Belize. One of the best ways to explore Belize waters is by chartering a yacht to make the most of your available dive time. For those with a smaller budget, snorkelling and driving excursions can be found along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The most common excursions will take you to Hol Chan marine reserve and to Shark Ray Alley. These trips usually cost about US$35 and include snorkel gear. Be mindful of an additional BZ$10 charged to foreigners as a park tax. This money goes toward the upkeep, and protection of the reef. Diving excursions are also offered to the Blue Hole, but expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. Cave exploration The Cayo district is characterised by limestone hills underlain by a network of underground rivers, caves and sink holes. The caves are magnificent, with huge caverns and tight passages, underground waterfalls and dazzling arrays of mineral-encrusted stalactites and stalagmites. This underground world was sacred to the ancient Maya and many artefacts from decorated pots to human remains are still intact in the caves. It is dangerous (and illegal) to enter the caves without a licensed guide. Most guides are trained in the geology and mythology of the caves and in modern first aid and cave rescue techniques. Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle LodgeAnderson organized the initial guiding training programs in the country, out of which grew the Belize Disaster And Rescue Response Team locally called BDARRT (now an independent NGO). AddressCaves Branch DirectionsHummingbird Highway south from Belmopan [Official website](http://www.cavesbranch.com/) The Sleeping Giant and Caves Branch are operated by the same owner. They operate up to 16 tours every day. The Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves have the highest number of tourists visiting a tourist destination in Central America. Also known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, this river cave has pristine remnants of some Mayan human sacrifices. It is a surreal experience complete with beautiful cave formations an underground river and Mayan collectibles. No wonder the Mayans called it the Xibalba or the dark underworld. ## Buy currency: Belizean dollars currencyCode: BZ$ date: July 2026 USD: 2.0 (fixed rate) EUR: 2.3 GBP: 2.7 CAD: 1.4 source: [XE.com](https://www.xe.com/currency/bzd-belizean-dollar) The currency of Belize is the dollar (ISO code BZD), divided into 100 cents. The Belizean dollar — sometimes written as "BZ$" or just as a dollar sign: "$" — has been fixed to the US dollar (USD) at a 2:1 ratio since 1978 (i.e. BZ$2 = US$1). Because of this consistent exchange rate, US dollars are widely accepted, but you should be careful to clarify which "dollars" you're talking about when negotiating prices. It's often better to assume Belize dollars because many merchants will jump on your uncertainty and attempt to double their price by saying, "No, in US dollars". Change can also be given in US dollars or a combination of US and Belizean dollar bills and coins. Belize dollars come in denominations of BZ$2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Coins in Belize are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and B$1. The 25-cents coin is often called a shilling. Three banks' ATMs in Belize accept Mastercard: the Belize Bank, Scotiabank, and Atlantic Bank. Atlantic Bank offers free cash withdrawals with Visa. ## Eat The primary meal found virtually everywhere is red beans, clean rice, and chicken. Most chicken in the country is prepared and served on the bone. Rice and beans is a mixed dish with some spices and usually coconut milk added to make a sweet and hot staple of the Belizean diet. Beans and rice is white cooked rice with a side of stewed pinto beans. Citrus plantations are numerous, so fresh oranges and grapefruit are abundant. Pineapples, papayas, bananas and plantains are also grown and sold in roadside markets. A famous hot sauce in Belize is Marie Sharp's made from the very spicy local habanero pepper. It comes in a variety of flavours (mild, hot, extremely hot). That odd looking salsa on your table is really ceviche. Ceviche -also spelled as cebiche or seviche- is a citrus-marinated seafood dish. The Belizeans use fresh raw conch and vegetables. Papusas are maize pancakes with different toppings sold in stalls on the streets in San Pedro town. It is the cheapest option if you want to eat on a budget. "Beef Patty" or "Chicken Patty" is very similar to a British pasty or an American hand pie Both Tamales and Bollos can be found as street food. They are very similar, but bollos use a courser grained corn mix. Both of them often include a piece of chicken inside the tamale/bollo - typically still on the bone; eat carefully! Garnaches, Salbutes, Panades, and Tostadas are all corn-based street foods - try them each to find your favorite Fry Jacks are a common breakfast food, made of fried dough, typically folded over with refried beans and cheese inside (possibly also meat or egg) Belize has the right climate for cacao, so you can find high quality bean-to-bar chocolate in most large towns. Look in the refrigerator section at supermarkets; the often-hot temperatures mean it doesn't last long on the counter (in the store or at home) Throughout Belize, eating can be expensive if you eat at the tourist restaurants; however if you find the local places, meals can be very inexpensive and very tasty. ## Drink Belikin is the national beer and comes in four varieties: Premium, Beer, Stout, and Lighthouse Lager. Guinness Stout is also available in Belize but it's also brewed by the Belikin Brewing Co. All are sold in returnable bottles, so make sure you are aware of the deposit if you are taking your beverages to go. One Barrel Rum is the locally distilled molasses-tasting rum and [Traveller's Liquors' distillery](http://www.onebarrelrum.com/home) is on the Northern Highway about 6 miles from Belize City with a gift shop and hospitality bar. You can purchase rum in a variety of colours and sizes, up to a 70-gallon cask. Both are widely available around the country. But if you also like wine there is cashew wine (which is very popular in Belize), ginger wine, sorrel wine and blackberry wine. ## Learn There are great opportunities for scuba diving off of Belize atolls. Check out [reefci](http://www.reefci.com/) for some very interesting 1 week adventures that are both informative conservation education as well as great scuba diving. If you want to learn about Belize's history the Museum of Belize, House of Culture, and of course, travelling and discovering are recommended. ## Stay safe Belize City is the most dangerous area in Belize, although it's very easy to be safe there. Remain in the tourist zone that runs just north of the marina to the southern extension to the east of the main canal. There are plenty of khaki tourist police monitoring the area and, should you have a problem, feel free to approach them. Just exercise common sense and do not go wandering around alone after dark. Stay near tourist areas or other commercial zones. The south side of Belize City is beautiful as well as dangerous. Otherwise, Belize City is a great place to go if you want to eat, learn, or shop. Other areas of Belize are generally safe, but like any other place in the world, one should always have some skepticism when dealing with strangers. Most are genuinely helpful, but it never hurts to be cautious. By law, the government can deny travellers entry to Belize. There are also no legal protections in place for victims of anti-gay discrimination. ## Stay healthy Belize is a relatively healthy country. Bottled is a must in most areas. And, unless you eat only at ultra-touristic restaurants, will probably strike at some point; be prepared with over-the-counter medication and prescription antibiotics. The WHO declared Belize malaria-free in 2023, and anti-malarial drugs are no longer recommended. However, bite prevention remains essential. and are both risks in Belize. Other drugs may also be recommended in certain circumstances - consult a qualified professional specialist. Insect/mosquito bites should be prevented with appropriate clothing, repellents and insecticides, and bed nets if sleeping in non-air-con/unscreened rooms. , as anywhere else in the tropics, is very intense. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly. If you are spending significant time on boats or in water, such as fishing or snorkeling, take extra precautions: covered shoes (not sandals), swim shirt/rash guard, neck gaiter, and sun gloves. Many places in Belize are very hot and humid, and dehydration is a risk. An expat suggests to drink as much water as you want, and then drink that much again. The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is 2.5% or one in every forty adults, this is notably higher than in most of Europe or Anglo-America and also quite a bit higher than in other parts of Central America like Nicaragua or Costa Rica. ## Respect Belizeans are some of the most socially relaxed people in the world, especially if you venture inland away from the tourist islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The pace of life is generally slower in Belize, so it's good practice to begin any social interaction, even to ask a quick question, with eye contact and a genuinely pleasant greeting. Most rural Belizeans enjoy casual conversation and you could easily find yourself chatting for a few hours. The Maya communities can be a little more reserved at times. As always, a little respect and politeness will carry you through. ## Connect Payphones are the most common public phones and accept pre-purchased phone cards. Internet cafés can be found in larger tourist areas, but are infrequent in rural areas. As of Oct 2025, it is increasingly common for cafes and restaurants to offer wifi service. Speeds will vary, and you may need to ask whether wifi is available and what the password is. Text by Wikivoyage contributors. Article edition: 2026-08-23T11:45:18Z · [Source and revision](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5333097) · [Authors and history](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Belize&action=history) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) ## Local food ### Hudut con sere Mashed plantain with coconut fish soup. ### Bundiga Garifuna green-banana and coconut preparation. ### Tapou Garifuna fish and root-vegetable soup. ### Cassava bread Thin cassava bread from Garifuna tradition. ## Local drinks ### Chocolate de cacao Drink linked to cacao farming and Maya tradition. Alcohol-free ### Jugos tropicales Drinks from seasonal fruit. Alcohol-free ## Subregional routes ### l Plan your itinerary ### Getting around Separate island and inland days to avoid repeated transfers. ### Plan ahead Book marine activities with authorized operators and check sea conditions. ### Travel respectfully Seek community cultural experiences and never touch coral. ### Northern Belize Districts of Corozal (coastal) and Orange Walk (inland). ### Belize District Home of the largest city, the airport and a host of popular offshore islands. ### Cayo Teeming with adventure, this central district is filled with jungles, caves, rivers and Mayan ruins. ### Stann Creek Coastal region south of Belize District, access to quiet reef islands and boats to and from Honduras. ### Toledo Southern coastal/inland region with more Mayan ruins and boats to Guatemala. Local reading and routes ### [Corozal Town](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Corozal_Town) capital of its district ### [Orange Walk Town](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Orange_Walk_Town) capital of its district ### [Lamanai](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lamanai) Maya ruins ### [Sarteneja](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sarteneja) small fishing village with a reasonable amount of tourist infrastructure ### [Rio Bravo](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Northern_Belize#Other_destinations) wildlife reserve ### [Shipstern Nature Reserve](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Northern_Belize#Other_destinations) wildlife reserve ### [Belize City](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize_City) ### [Gales Point](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize_District#Other_destinations) ### [Ladyville](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize_District#Other_destinations) ### [Altun Ha](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Altun_Ha) Mayan ruins ### [Ambergris Caye](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ambergris_Caye) ### [Caye Caulker](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Caye_Caulker) ### [Caye Chapel](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Caye_Chapel) island in Belize ### [Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Crooked_Tree) ### [Community Baboon Wildlife Sanctuary](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize_District#Other_destinations) ### [Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize_District#Other_destinations) ### [St. George's Caye](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/St._George's_Caye) ### [San Ignacio](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-san-ignacio/) district capital ### [Belmopan](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-belmopan/) national capital ### [Benque Viejo del Carmen](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Benque_Viejo_del_Carmen) Hispanic town, near the Guatemalan border and Xunantunich ruins ### [Bullet Tree Falls](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cayo#Other_destinations) village on the road to El Pilar Mayan ruins ### [Roaring Creek](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cayo#Other_destinations) multicultural village ### [San Antonio Cayo](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cayo#Other_destinations) ethnic Mayan village ### [Spanish Lookout](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cayo#Other_destinations) German-speaking Mennonite community ### [Actun Tunichil Muknal](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Actun_Tunichil_Muknal) (ATM Cave) - Mayan burial site ### [St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cayo#Other_destinations) ### [Cahal Pech](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cahal_Pech) Mayan ruins ### [Caracol](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Caracol) Mayan ruins ### [Five Blues Lake National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Five_Blues_Lake_National_Park) ### [Mountain Pine Ridge](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Mountain_Pine_Ridge) ### [Xunantunich](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Xunantunich) Mayan ruins ### [Dangriga](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Dangriga) capital (formerly Stann Creek Town) ### [Big Creek](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Stann_Creek#Other_destinations) major port ### [Davis Falls](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Stann_Creek#Other_destinations) ### [Hopkins](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Hopkins_(Belize)) ethnic Garifuna village ### [Independence and Mango Creek](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Stann_Creek#Other_destinations) twin villages ### [Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cockscomb_Basin_Wildlife_Sanctuary) ### [Mayflower Bocawina National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Mayflower_Bocawina_National_Park) ### [Tobacco Caye](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tobacco_Caye) ### [Punta Gorda](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Punta_Gorda_(Belize)) district capital ### [Barranco](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) the southernmost Garifuna village in Belize ### [Lubaantun](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lubaantun) near San Pedro Columbia ### [Monkey River Town](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) a Creole coastal village in the north of Toledo ### [San Antonio](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Antonio_(Belize)) and waterfalls - the largest Maya village ### [Toledo Settlement](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) founded by the U.S. Confederate settlers, is now the location of a few East Indian villages: Forest Home, Eldridgeville, Jacintoville, and Yemeri Grove. ### [Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Bladen Nature Reserve](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Blue Creek](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Blue_Creek) cave swimming and jungle hiking ### [Golden Stream Corridor Preserve](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Payne's Creek National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Port Honduras Marine Reserve](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Sarstoon-Temash National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) ### [Nim Li Punit](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) near Indian Creek ### [Uxbenka](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Toledo_(Belize)#Other_destinations) near Santa Cruz ### [Placencia Peninsula](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Placencia_Peninsula) long peninsula (almost an island) off Stann Creek ## Sources [Belize Tourism Board](https://www.travelbelize.org/blog/5-garifuna-must-eats/) · [CATA · Gastronomía](https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/what-to-discover/gastronomy/)Wikivoyage contributors; selection, abridgement, translation and regional planning by TRIPGUROO · CC BY-SA 4.0 [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) · [Wikivoyage · Belize](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5333097) [Guides by topic](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/?view=topics)