Belize travel info
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General Information
Belize is a tiny country in Central America bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. It combines Caribbean culture with the culture of Central American countries. In Belize, you can choose whether to spend time at man-made or natural sites.
This country is known for its long reef, the second longest in the entire world, a 333 km coral wall surrounded by hundreds of tiny islands and three coral reef atolls. The reef was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The site is considered one of the most recommended diving destinations in the entire world.
Belize is known for its high ecological awareness and for protecting environmental quality and preserving its natural sites. A fifth of the country's area is defined as a nature reserve, in addition to 7,700 sq km of its territorial waters which are also protected. Belize is considered one of the most diverse and richest countries in vegetation and animals compared to other countries of its size.
Did you know? In Belize, there is a rare species of Howler Monkeys, which are considered one of the ten loudest animals in the world!
Belize is also known for the large number of Maya ruins concentrated in it. It has the highest concentration in Central America of sites sacred to the Maya people.
It joined the "Mundo Maya" program, a program dedicated to the preservation of Maya culture, along with Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Location and Climate:
Belize is located in the north-eastern part of Central America and borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is divided into six districts, with Belize City, where cruise ships arrive, belonging to the Belize District. This country is almost the smallest in Central America. Only El Salvador is smaller. Its area is about 23,000 sq km, similar to the area of Israel. Its maximum length (at the longest part) is 280 km and its width at the widest point is less than 110 km. Most of the country's area is covered with forests, and along the coastline with mangrove swamps.
The weather in Belize is sub-tropical, meaning: hot and humid. The average annual temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, but on hot summer days, the temperature reaches as high as 35 degrees. The average temperature in winter is 24 degrees Celsius. The differences in temperatures between day and night are quite small. The average annual humidity is 83 percent. Belize has south-eastern trade winds that alleviate the heat load.
The official dry season is from January to April. But already from November there is a significant decrease in the amount of rain and the temperatures are also more comfortable. There are large differences in precipitation between the north of the country, which is drier, and its south, which is rainier.
Language:
The official language in the country, which was under British control for many years, is of course English. However, many residents speak another language such as: Spanish and Creole.
Currency:
Belize Dollar, symbol: BZ. One US dollar is worth about two Belizean dollars. The use of US dollars is very common in tourist areas and you can pay both taxi drivers and in shops with the American currency, so there is no need to exchange money at the port. You should pay attention to which currency the price is quoted in. The use of credit cards is also quite common in the country.
♦ Main Attractions in the Country:
Most of Belize's attractions are not located in Belize City. It is a huge and bustling city, with a fairly high crime rate that makes touring it not worthwhile. Even if you choose one of the attractions detailed here, it is advisable to take a guided tour that includes transportation and entry to the site.
Book tours in Belize adapted for cruise ship passengers from Viator:
Including pickup and return to the cruise port:
Maya Ruins:
Belize is known for the many historical sites of the Maya people's ruins. The most famous and popular of all are:
"Altun Ha" - The meaning of the name of the place: "Rockstone Pond".
"Lamanai" - One of the largest ceremonial centers in Belize. It is reached by a 45-minute bus ride north and then a boat trip on the "New River".
"Xunantunich" also known as "Maiden of the Rock" (The name's meaning from the Maya language is Stone Woman) was also a major ceremonial site for the Maya people. The site is located in the west of the country about 130 km west of Belize City near the border with Guatemala.
Nature and Animals:
The Belize Zoo is considered one of the best small zoos in the world. The zoo contains only animals that grow in Belize, such as: black jaguar, spotted jaguar, cougar, wild cats, tropical parrots, snakes, and crocodiles and a variety of other local animals.
Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) - The Howler Monkeys are referred to as "Baboons" among the residents of Belize. In the reserve there are about a thousand black Howler Monkeys and also a wide variety of mammals and birds.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers in particular and animals in general. Most of the reserve area is lagoons and canals and the best way to tour it is by canoe.
St. Herman's Blue Hole Natural Park is a park at whose center is a natural turquoise lagoon surrounded by rich vegetation. A wonderful place for refreshment from the heat and humidity of Belize.
The Islands of Belize:
The many islands east of the mainland are called "Cayes".
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and the richest in attractions and sights.
The only city on the island, where 5000 residents live, is San Pedro. It is a small and friendly city where all the companies offering tours and excursions on the island and its nearby reef are concentrated.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve (its name's meaning from the Maya language: Little Channel) is one of the most recommended diving and snorkeling destinations near the island. It is located at the southern tip of the island, about 6 km from San Pedro. A unique experience is snorkeling with sharks and rays in Shark Ray Alley.
Did you know? Originally Shark Ray Alley was a place where local fishermen cleaned their catch and threw the fish remains into the sea, which attracted sharks and rays to the place that have continued to arrive until today.
The second most visited island is Caye Caulker, a picturesque island with colorful houses where 800 residents live. Its length is 6.5 km and its width is about 1.6 km. It is located 1.6 km west of the reef of Belize.
The Beaches of Belize:
The beaches of Belize do not boast any titles or awards. They are not "the most beautiful" or "the longest", although you can find several pleasant beaches, with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. The most recommended beaches of Belize are located on tiny islands east of Belize City:
Sports and Active Vacation
Diving and snorkeling are the most popular marine attractions in Belize. It should be noted that although Belize is a worthy diving destination all year round, the water is particularly clear during the months of April to June.
The most popular diving sites are located near Ambergris Caye.
Shopping:
Belize is not an optimal destination for shopping lovers. Its most recommended souvenirs are statues made of wood, or slate stone and mahogany bowls.
