Belize Travel Guide

Belize is located at the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico City and Antigua Guatemala and offers an intriguing mixiture of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, Maya temples, and interesting diving and fishing possibilities. In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. And the people are known to be very friendly. Belize is also known for its marine environment. The country has the second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three major offshore atolls. You can find also mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast, thus creating a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fishes, mammals, and reptiles can propagate. With such a significant marine ecosystem, scuba divers, marine biologists, and sport fishermen have long recognized the importance of Belize, and it has become a favorite destination for them.

Malaria is a very small, and easy to treat risk (and only in the summer wet season); Dengue fever is a risk throughout the year (for the aches and fever, take a lot of ibuprofen).

The 2 private hospitals (in Belize City and Santa Elena) are more trustworthy than the government hospitals.

Some quick facts about Belize, you could use:

LocationBelize is located in Central America, just south of Mexico, on the Caribbean coast.

Language
English is the official language. Spanish, Creole, Maya,and Garifuna are also spoken.

Population
Approximately 300,000.

Time
GMT -6, which Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Currency
Belizean Dollar (1 USD is equivalent to 2 BZD).

Weather
Belize has a subtropical climate with an average daily temperature of 79F and humidity 85%. Temperatures vary depending upon location and altitude. However, summer high temperatures don't exceed 96F and lows rarely drop below 60F. Saltwater temperatures vary between 75F and 84F.

When to Go
Belize's high tourist season is late November to late April, which is also the dry season. The best months to guarantee good weather are March, April, and May. The rainy "green" season is June to mid-November with the heaviest rain occurring during September and October.

Electricity
110 volts, just like the US.

Entry Requirements
A valid US Passport is required. An extension is required for stays longer than 30 days. No visa is required for US citizens.

Immunizations
There are no immunizations required for entry.

Airport
Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE).

• Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere.
• Belize offers hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered.
• Belize has over 600 identified species of birds.