The Belize Barrier Reef Right Off the Coast
Belize was formerly known as British Honduras until its independence from Britain in 1981. The capital city is Belmopan and the largest city is Belize city (pop. 75,000). Belize has over 200 offshore islands, the largest barrier reef in the western Hemisphere and world’s first and largest Jaguar Reserve. It is also the location of many Mayan archeological sites and the oldest Maya site (Cuello, 2400 BC) in Central America.
Getting Here
Belize is serviced by: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, TACA and Delta Airways with all flights arriving at the Belize Airport in Belize City. American and Continental offers flights from Dallas, Houston, and Miami, while Taca flies from Houston, Cancun in Mexico, and El Salvador. United Airlines flies from Charlotte, North Carolina directly to Belize.
Another option is to fly to Cancun in Mexico and navigate down the east coast of Mexico, entering Belize at the Northern border. The trip from Cancun is by air conditioned bus to Chetumal with a duration of 6 hours. Add another 2 to 3 hours to reach Belize City from the border.
Geographical Size
Belize is approximately 175 miles long and 70 miles wide. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere provides sheltered waters along the entire coast, on the Carribbean sea.
Population
About 275,000 friendly people of British, Spanish, Mayan, Carib and African descent, and any mix of the same. There is also also a strong presence of Mennonite communities of German descent.
Take a Boat to a Small Island off the Coast For the Day
Language
The official language of Belize is English, although most Belizeans speak an English/Carribbean patois called “Creole”. Spanish and Maya are also spoken in some parts of the country, especially the more rural and agricultural areas.
Government
Belize has been an independent nation since 1981 and a member of the British Commonwealth, with a democratically elected governmental body.
Currency
The exchange rate maintains a constant 2 Belize Dollar for each US Dollar. US currency and major credit cards are accepted throughout many parts of Belize. The Banks in Belize will usually accept only US dollars and Euros for conversion into Belize dollars. US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize, and we suggest bringing a small amount of Dollars in Cash, with the remaining money in US Dollar Travelers Cheques.
Electricity
Same as the US 110 volts. Adapters required only for non-US type European plugs.
Weather
December, January and Febuary are the cooler months with temperatures dipping to 60-70F (sometimes). Always expect hotter days where temperatures will reach into the 90s. March to July generally typify the dry season with little rain and temperatures into 90F, sometimes hitting 100F. August to November provide the heaviest rain period where conditions will be humid and hot. If you are concerned about the heat then travel in the first few months of the year. Otherwise Belize will generally provide many hot, sunny days whatever the time of year you come.
Visit Belize Straw Roofed Corozal Town
Entry Requirements
A passport is required for ALL visitors to Belize. It should be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the intended stay in the country. A 30-day visa will be issued on arrival, and extensions (up to six months) may be obtained from any Immigration Office for a fee of BZ$25 for every 30 days. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community do not require visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate or Embassy for details on obtaining visas before travelling.
List of Available Transportation
