Population
416,520 people
capital
Belmopan
Language
English (official language) and Creole Patois
currency
Belize Dollar
Flight time
15 hours and 30 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT -6 hours
best time to go
Jan-May

Introducing Belize

Belize is the place to go if you want to experience warm sun, adventure, wildlife experiences, historical monuments, natural wonders, and idyllic beaches all in one amazing place.
Sandwiched with Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize is home to the second-largest Barrier Reef in the world and rich tropical rainforests.

Its scenery is immensely varied and has a distinctly relaxed Caribbean vibe. Step back in time by visiting mysterious Ancient Mayan ruins that are scattered across the country, relax on its beaches, explore its vibrant markets or head to its outer city landscape for exciting treks and impressive vistas.

This is what make Belize an all-round amazing destination.

Location

Belize is a nation in northern Central America that borders the Caribbean Sea to the east. Up until 1973, it was referred to as British Honduras. On September 21, 1981, Belize was given independence; since that time, it has been a Commonwealth nation. It is also bordered with Guatemala and Mexico and is smaller in size than Massachusetts, covering an area of 22,966 km2, which is roughly twice the size of Estonia.

Weather

Belize is most enjoyable between January and May, which is the dry season. In the Cayo District and in the Cayes, visitors may anticipate a lot of pleasant, sunny days. Although the Toledo District and Placencia have a more tropical environment with year-round rain, this is what lends these areas their verdant splendour.

The rainy season lasts from June to December; however, travel is still feasible up to the beginning of August.

Cuisine

Before other civilizations arrived in Belize, the Maya people resided there for a great many years. Different cuisines and dishes have influenced the Belizean gastronomy.

Some of these influences come from Spanish and African cuisines. Belize is a fusion of many different cultures. The locals speak different languages and practise different foods, dances, and religions.
Crops, plants, fish and seafood, red meat, and fowl are the foundation of Belizean cuisine. Rice, corn, plantains, coconut, vegetables, fish, shellfish, beef, pork, poultry, and fruits are the most often used ingredients in meals.

Some of the most well known dishes include:

Conchinita Pibil: Pork is simmered in achiote paste, orange juice, and lime juice and served with fresh corn tortillas with a chilli and onion sauce.

Tamale: One of the most delicious things to consume is this Belizean dish, which has a strong Mexican inspiration. Tamales from Belize are stuffed with a variety of meats, cheese, vegetables, and spices.

Chimole: A delicious chicken stew with a lot of aromatic spices, including black achiote paste, and it has Maya origins. It is served with cooked eggs and tortillas.

Rice and beans: can be eaten with any type of meat, including fried fish, stewed chicken, baked chicken, turkey, and baked beans.

History and Culture

The Maya were the first people to live in what is now Belize and create a distinctive civilization. However, this once-proud culture began to crumble by the 14th century. The Maya was hardly present when the Spanish came in the 16th century.

Despite having dominated Belize ever since they arrived in the New World, the Spanish were never able to fully dominate the region. When the British destroyed the Spanish Armada at St. George’s Caye in 1798, they seized complete control of the area from Spain. In violation of the Monroe Doctrine, Great Britain declared Belize to be a colony.

The nation became formally known as Belize in 1981 after achieving complete independence.

Family

Canoeing down the Belize River and camping along the route is one of the best ways to showcase Belize’s natural beauty and rich history to your family. You will experience local culture as you explore small communities and observe a variety of birdlife sitting on cliffs. Visit the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, where kids and teens get to see the crystallised remains of Mayan sacrifices. They will also have the opportunity to climb, tube, and swim through archaic underground worlds. Go ziplining through the jungle or rafting on the Mopan River for a less terrifying but nonetheless thrilling experience.

Spectacular reefs, impressive historic sights and a plethora of natural delights, Belize is a Central American nation sure to amaze.

Top Locations in Belize

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Belize has the second-richest underwater marine life after the Galapagos Islands. The greatest location to go snorkelling and diving is at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the seven reserves in Belize that make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shark Ray Alley
Visitors to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve get the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at the well-known Shark Ray Alley. They are harmless to people, as long as you don’t obstruct them.
The Great Blue Hole
A highlight of your adventure will be a helicopter ride over The Great Blue Hole. It was formerly a large cave with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, but when the sea rose, it collapsed underwater. The Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 450 feet below the surface. This underwater sinkhole may be found in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and features a section of deep blue water ringed by shallow turquoise waters.
Mayan Ruins
The Cayo District, which features various pre-Columbian archaeological sites, is where the Belizean Mayan ruins are located. The two tallest structures in the country, those of Xunantunich and Caracol, are still standing among the ruins.

Let’s start your Journey