B+

Tourist Popularity

Hotels

B+

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

C+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B+

Weather

B-

Recreation

B-

Nightlife

Restaurants

Crime

InternationalTravel.ai > Belize

Belize

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Winter

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: May

Famous For: Belize Barrier Reef, Mayan Ruins, Ecotourism

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (James Bus Line, Ritchie's Bus Service, Westline Bus Company, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Citizens from the United States, Canada, the European Union, and several other countries do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days in Belize. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa, and extensions can be obtained through the Immigration Department in Belize.

Belize offers a unique blend of rich Mayan heritage, stunning Caribbean beaches, and lush rainforest landscapes. Travelers can explore ancient Mayan ruins like Caracol and Xunantunich, which provide a glimpse into the country's historical significance. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, with vibrant marine life and the iconic Great Blue Hole. Cultural experiences include the Garifuna town of Dangriga, where visitors can enjoy traditional drumming and dance. Belizean cuisine is a flavorful mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan influences, with dishes like rice and beans, stew chicken, and seafood ceviche. Outdoor activities abound, from cave tubing through the Caves Branch River system to zip-lining in the jungle. Unique events such as the Lobster Fest in coastal towns celebrate the start of the lobster season with feasts and festivities. Belize's compact size allows travelers to experience both beach and jungle in a single trip, and English as the official language makes communication easy. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty and cultural richness, makes Belize a captivating destination for adventure and relaxation.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Belize

Weather: Belize features a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season runs from June to November and can include heavy rainfall and occasional hurricanes. The dry season spans from February to May, offering warmer temperatures and less precipitation. The coastal regions tend to be more humid, while the inland areas can experience slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Festivals: The Belize Carnival in September is a vibrant display of costumes and parades, while the San Pedro Lobster Festival kicks off the lobster season with culinary delights and lively entertainment.

Best Destinations for Kids: The Belize Zoo is a fantastic place for kids to learn about local wildlife, while the beaches of Placencia provide a safe and fun environment for family-friendly water activities.

Hidden Gem: The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is an underrated destination in Belize, offering stunning waterfalls, pine forests, and opportunities for bird watching and hiking.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Belize can be a budget-friendly destination with choices like staying in guesthouses or hostels, where prices start at around $15-$30 per night. Street food and local eateries offer affordable dining options, with meals like Belizean tamales or garnaches costing just a few dollars. Public transportation, such as buses, is inexpensive and connects major towns and attractions. Activities like hiking in national parks or visiting Mayan ruins can be low-cost, with entrance fees typically under $10. Traveling during the off-peak season can lead to discounts on tours and accommodations. For those looking to save, Belize has numerous natural attractions that are free to enjoy, such as beaches and nature reserves.

Accessibility: Belize can present challenges for older travelers, as some areas lack well-maintained sidewalks and public transport options are limited. However, popular tourist destinations usually offer accessible accommodations and tour operators that cater to varying needs.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Belize is generally safe and rewarding, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere. English as the official language eases communication. Solo adventurers can enjoy group tours to Mayan ruins or join dive trips to meet fellow travelers. Budget accommodations like hostels provide social settings, with prices starting around $15-$30 per night. It's important to exercise standard safety precautions, especially at night or in less touristy areas. Solo travelers should also be aware

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Belize could include snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, exploring the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, and relaxing on the sandy beaches of Caye Caulker.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, immerse yourself in the diverse experiences of Belize: visit the Mayan ruins, snorkel the barrier reef, trek through the jungle reserves, and unwind in the laid-back beach towns like Hopkins or Placencia.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: The Mosquito Coast, Dogs of War

Popular Foods: Belizean cuisine is a rich fusion of Caribbean, Mexican, and African influences. Rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, often served with chicken, beef, or fish, is a staple dish. Seafood is also very popular, with dishes like ceviche and grilled shrimp being favorites. For dessert, sweets like coconut tarts and cassava pudding are commonly enjoyed.

Unusual Eats: Gibnut, also known as the "royal rat," is a gamey meat that is considered a delicacy in Belize but might be off-putting to visitors due to its rodent origins. Cow foot soup is another unusual dish, made from the cow's hooves and considered to be very flavorful.

Popular Sports: football (soccer), basketball, volleyball

Popular Teams: Belmopan Bandits (football), San Pedro Tigersharks (basketball), Belize Hurricanes (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to enter someone's home without being invited or to refuse an offer of food or drink, as hospitality is an important part of Belizean culture. Visitors should also be aware that casual dress is common, but wearing beachwear or overly revealing clothing away from the beach or pool is frowned upon.