Travel landscape in Belize
Belize flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Belize

Belize, located in Central America, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, Mayan ruins, and stunning coral reefs. This English-speaking country offers a unique blend of cultures and natural adventures.

Photo by Bill Bettilyon · Pexels

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Two ways to explore

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ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
English
Time zones
UTC-6 year-round
Electrical outlets
Type A and B outlets (120 V, 60 Hz)
Climate
Tropical climate with dry season (February to May) and wet season (June to November), warm temperatures year-round.

Health

Medical facilities are limited outside Belize City; travel insurance with evacuation coverage is advised.

Travel health advice

  • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water.
  • Protect against mosquitoes, especially in rainy season.
  • Consult a healthcare provider prior to travel for appropriate vaccines.

Recommended vaccines: Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus-Diphtheria-Polio

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)

The local currency is pegged to the US dollar (1 USD ≈ 2 BZD). US dollars widely accepted.

Credit cards accepted in tourist areas. ATMs available in major cities.

Safety

Belize is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised in certain areas of Belize City at night.

  • Do not showcase valuables.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in certain urban areas.
  • Keep belongings secure in tourist spots.
  • Follow local advice and avoid demonstrations.

Areas to check before travel: Certain parts of Belize City; Border areas with Guatemala at night

Regions

Belize District — travel guide
Region

Belize District

Central district including Belize City and the barrier reef, economic and tourist hub.

Cayo District — travel guide
Region

Cayo District

Inland area known for Mayan archaeological sites and nature reserves.

Stann Creek District — travel guide
Region

Stann Creek District

Tropical coast with renowned beaches and the charming town of Placencia.

Toledo District — travel guide
Region

Toledo District

Southernmost area rich in biodiversity and indigenous cultures.

Orange Walk District — travel guide
Region

Orange Walk District

Northern agricultural lands featuring Mayan ruins and forested areas.

Cities

Belize City — city guide
City guide

Belize City

Former capital and economic center; gateway to islands and natural reserves.

  • Maritime Museum
  • Bacalar Chico Market
  • Swing Bridge
San Ignacio — city guide
City guide

San Ignacio

Bustling town in Cayo District, ideal base for exploring Mayan ruins and nature.

  • Local Market
  • Cahal Pech Museum
  • ATM Cave tours
Placencia — city guide
City guide

Placencia

Coastal village famous for white sandy beaches and water activities.

  • Beachfront Walk
  • Dolphin Watching
  • Golf Course
Punta Gorda — city guide
City guide

Punta Gorda

Colorful town in Toledo, known for crafts and Garifuna culture.

  • Artisan Market
  • Garifuna Cultural Festival
  • Rainforest Hiking
Orange Walk Town — city guide
City guide

Orange Walk Town

Urban center near Lamanai Maya ruins.

  • Lamanai Ruins
  • Colonial Churches
  • Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Highlights

Caracol Archaeological Site — travel guide
Must-see

Caracol Archaeological Site

One of the largest Maya cities, located in the Cayo jungle.

Maya Forest Biosphere Reserve — travel guide
Must-see

Maya Forest Biosphere Reserve

Vast protected area for hiking and wildlife observation.

Belize Barrier Reef Atolls and Reefs — travel guide
Must-see

Belize Barrier Reef Atolls and Reefs

Second largest coral barrier reef, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave — travel guide
Must-see

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Mayan burial cave known for crystals and artifacts.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve — travel guide
Must-see

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Renowned marine reserve with rich underwater life accessible by snorkel.

Blue Hole — travel guide
Must-see

Blue Hole

Spectacular geological sinkhole for advanced divers.

Nature & other places

Belize Tropical Forest — travel guide
Tropical Forest

Belize Tropical Forest

Extensive ecosystem home to jaguars, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species.

Crooked Tree Lagoon — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Crooked Tree Lagoon

Important wetland bird sanctuary with observation trails.

Placencia Beaches — travel guide
Beach

Placencia Beaches

White sandy beaches ideal for swimming and water sports.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary — travel guide
National Park

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

World’s first jaguar sanctuary with hiking trails.

South Water Caye Marine Reserve — travel guide
Marine Reserve

South Water Caye Marine Reserve

Protected reef area home to turtles and tropical fish.

Barton Creek Caves — travel guide
Caves

Barton Creek Caves

Underground cave system explored by canoe, rich in Maya history.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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