Belize: Overview
Beautiful Belize, formerly British Honduras, is one of the countries of Central America which coasts enjoy the Caribbean waters. Belize shares its north frontier with Mexico and its southern and western ones with Guatemala. Before visiting the country it is necessary to keep in mind that there are only three paved routes where distant and expensive hotels are sprinkled. However, the country is still one of the world’s best destinations because of its great scuba diving locations, amazing Mayan ruins in the middle of virgin forests and pleasant hotels dedicated to ecotourism.
Climate
Belize enjoys a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 79 ºF throughout the whole year and a rather high humidity level. There are two well differentiated seasons: the rainy season that goes from June to November, and the dry one, between February and May. When choosing a date for your trip it is important to keep in mind that at the end of summer and autumn hurricanes can strike the country. Moreover, during August heat can be unbearable due to the lack of cooling winds. Therefore, the best time of the year to visit Belize is between November and May, period of the dry and high tourist seasons. Due to the crowds visiting the country during that time prices are higher and lodging offers are fewer.
Important information
There are different entry requirements for people wanting to visit Belize. Nationals from Mexico, the EU and Uruguay need nothing more than an effective passport and an onward return ticket. Visitors coming from other countries will be requested a visa for which you can usually apply in British embassies or consulates.
Belize official currency is the Belizean dollar (BZD), although most hotels, restaurants and tourist places accept American currency and traveler’s checks. Credit cards are also accepted, although with a 5% charge. It is recommended to check if the price is in American or Belizean dollars before consuming.
Tipping is voluntary and as in most places 10% is enough gratitude for a good service. Generally hotels and important restaurants add an extra 10% to their bills; that percentage will be distributed between the bellboys and maids that assisted you during your stay. It is also used to tip a few dollars to tourist guides. Taxi drivers only expect to be tipped when helping with luggage or providing a city-tour.
Concerning health, there are no vaccination requirements to visit Belize, unless you come from a yellow fever infected area. Some cases of dengue and malaria have been reported, especially outside Belize City. It is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities and health care are poor and few, nonexistent in some places of the country; any serious illnesses or injuries will require medical evacuation to be treated in another country. For this reason it is strongly advised to hire a wide medical insurance for the trip. In Key Ambergris divers will find a hyperbaric chamber.
Although there are no serious safety issues in Belize, it is necessary to keep in mind that there have been incidents where some tourists have been injured. In Belize City pickpockets are frequents. You must not show off jewelry or valuables and you should avoid wandering along isolated streets or in the beaches at night. It is also advisable to check tourist guides’ identity and make sure they are official guides.
As for customs, homosexuality is not socially accepted and it is illegal.
Where to go
Belize City is the only big city in the country and it is characterized by its busy life and hot wet climate. In this city, divided by Haulover Creek, you will find many interesting places to visit such as Battlefield Park, full of picturesque street hawkers; Bliss Institute, cultural center of the city; St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest and most important Anglican church in Central America; and Paslow Building, where the Central Post Office is. South of the city you can go to the interesting Image Factory Art Foundation and Belize Audubon Society.
The Mayan ruins of Lamanai (submerged crocodile), only partially dug, are an important archaeological reservation located near the Indian Church settlement. Among the most important structures you will find there are a 34 m-high building that dates from ends of the pre-classic period; a Pre-Columbian ball court and a small temple. Near the ruins you can visit two Indian churches. During the boat trip along New River back to Lamanai you will see the Mennonite community of Shipyard, besides many crocodiles and local birds.
Along the 290 kms of Belize reef, the most extensive in the western hemisphere, you can enjoy several keys. The most visited ones are Key Caulker, special for those who travel on a tight budget, and Key Ambergris, dedicated to deluxe tourism; both of them located north of Belize City. In the transparent waters and reefs of Key Caulker you will see colorful tropical fishes and corals. In Key Ambergris, you can also enjoy the paradisiac landscape of the Caribbean beaches, besides making short trips to Half Moon and Blue Hole keys or to Turneffe islands.
You cannot pass trough Belize without seeing Xunatunich (stone girl) the national archaeological pride. The original village was built on top of a hill near river Belize and the frontier with Guatemala; it was a ceremonial center and you can still see the imposing castle rising 40 m above the trees.
Festivals
The most outstanding festivities of the country are Baron Bliss Day that takes place on March 9 to commemorate a noble British philanthropist who felt in love with Belize and left all his money to its people. From September 10, date of the National Day of Belize, until September 21, Day of the Independence, Belizeans celebrate their native land. Besides these celebrations, you can also enjoy Columbus Day, on October 12, and the Garifuna Settlement Day, the 19 of the following month, when the arrival of the Garinagus (black Caribbeans) from neighboring Honduras is commemorated. The best place to enjoy this last celebration is the small town of Dangriga.
