Discover Belize
The Belize Hotel Association invites you to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of Belize. Your visit promises an unforgettable experience, blending the mysterious allure of adventure in Central America with the slower pace of a Caribbean getaway. A land of diverse cultures united as one, Belize offers something for every traveler—whether you seek thrilling adventures in the wild or indulgent relaxation in a luxurious jungle lodge. Here, our rich heritage and warm hospitality will make every moment come alive.
Why Belize?
The Longest Barrier Reef
Explore the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the magnificent Blue Hole, and hundreds of snorkel and dive locations.
Lush Tropical Rainforests
Discover lush rainforests with spectacular caves, refreshing waterfalls, exotic birds, and tropical wildlife.
Ancient Maya Historical Sites
Visit hundreds of ancient Maya temples and sites, both excavated and hidden within the jungle.
Fascinating Local Cultures
Explore the regions of Belize
Belize City and Northern Belize
- Tour Belize City, the commercial hub, and view stunning historical artifacts at the Belize Museum. Visit the old downtown area, the historic St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, and the House of Culture.
- Northern Belize offers spectacular treasures to discover, including the Maya archaeological sites of Lamanai, set alongside the New River Lagoon, and Cerros, perched above the azure waters of Corozal Bay.
- Wildlife creatures such as jaguars, wildcats, storks, and crocodiles inhabit the riverbanks and flourishing jungles of northern Belize. The country is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 570 recorded species.
Western Belize
- Ecotourism adventures abound in Cayo, which serves as the gateway into Belize from Guatemala. The lively towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and the quiet border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen offer a glimpse into the lives of friendly residents.
- Choose from numerous accommodation options, ranging from luxurious jungle lodges to local bed and breakfasts.
- Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, exploring underground rivers, hiking, cave tubing, ziplining, mountain biking, and birding.
- Discover a combination of nature reserves, national parks, Belize’s largest Maya sites, and Central America’s largest cave system.
Cayes and Atolls
- Over 450 exquisite small islands, locally known as cayes, dot the turquoise waters off Belize’s coast. Three atolls sit outside the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world.
- Caye Caulker epitomizes the “laid-back island” lifestyle, with brightly colored wooden houses, shops, restaurants, and small hotels.
- San Pedro on Ambergris Caye offers an eclectic choice of accommodations and sophisticated international cuisine. Explore Bacalar Chico National Park and snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
- Private islands and smaller cayes provide exclusive getaways for those seeking tranquility.
Southern Belize
- The picturesque Hummingbird Highway winds through the Maya Mountains, connecting Belmopan, the capital of Belize, to Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, and Punta Gorda.
- Experience the vibrant local cultures of the Maya and the Garifuna, alive with rich traditions, music, and art.
- Explore the world’s first Jaguar Reserve, Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit archaeological sites, and five offshore marine protected areas.
- Placencia offers a thriving tourism center with modern resorts and vacation rentals, while Punta Gorda is the gateway to lush rainforests, Maya sites, waterfalls, extensive cave systems, and national parks teeming with wildlife.
Belize Quick Facts
Everything you need to know before traveling
Climate
The climate is subtropical with prevailing winds from the Caribbean Sea.
The annual temperature averages 27° Celsius / 80° Fahrenheit.
Population
The population of Belize is approximately 311,480 composed of more than ten diverse ethnic groups including Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian.
Time Zone
Belize occupies time zone GMT-6 or US Central Standard Time; however, Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Clothing
Light, cotton clothing is recommended during the day with a thin jacket or long-sleeved shirt for cool evenings. For jungle trekking, pack long pants, long-sleeved shirts and comfortable shoes. Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hats are essential to tropical travel.
Water
Tap water in Belize is treated and drinkable; however bottled water is readily available.
Departure Fees
Visitors departing via the Belize International Airport pay US $39.25 per person. Fees via the borders with Mexico and Guatemala are US $18.75.
Tipping & Taxes
10-15% is the standard gratuity for most restaurants and tour guides. Establishments may add a service charge.
Health Services
There are three hospitals in Belize City; one public and two private. Several private doctors are also available. The district towns and larger villages also have hospitals or clinics. It is recommended that all international travelers purchase medical insurance prior to traveling.
Country Size
8,867 sq. miles, including 266 sq. miles of offshore-islands
Government
Belize has been an independent country since 1981, with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a member of the British Commonwealth.
Languages
The official language of Belize is English; however, because of the diverse mix of cultures, other languages include Creole, Spanish, Mayan (Mopan, Ketchi & Yucatec), Garifuna, German (Mennonites) and Mandarin.
Currency
The Belize Dollar has a fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (BZ $2 = US $1). Other currencies such as Pounds and Euros can be exchanged at most banks. ATM machines are available in major towns and cities. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; however, cash is preferred in most shops.
Cuisine
Hotels and restaurant choices include an eclectic combination of local and international cuisine. Tasty local favorites include rice and beans, fish simmered in coconut milk, spicy chicken escabeche with fresh corn tortillas and refreshing tropical fruit.
Passports & Visas
All visitors to Belize require a valid passport with proof of a return ticket. Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom and most Caribbean countries do not require visas for stays less than thirty days. Many other nationals do. Check with the Belize Embassy in Washington DC, Belize High Commission in London and the Belize Consulate in Canada
Taxes
Hotel Room Tax is 9%, the General Sales Tax (GST) is 12.5% on other goods and services.
Safety
Belize has a good visitor safety record; however, basic safety tips should be followed wherever you go in the world. Ask your hotel manager or local guide for specific advice on local areas.