Belize

Key facts

• Region: Central America — Sovereign states
• Capital: Belmopan
• Currency: Belize dollar (BZD), pegged to the US dollar at 2:1
• Languages: English (official), Spanish, Belizean Creole
• Main airport: BZE — Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, serving Belize City
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; the rainy season runs June to November

Overview

Belize is a small English-speaking country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, which makes it straightforward to navigate for North American travellers. It combines the second-largest barrier reef system in the world with dense Maya ruins inland and a lightly populated interior of jungle rivers and caves. It is pricier and less developed than some neighbours, but simpler to travel independently.

Airports

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City is the only major international gateway, with direct flights from several U.S. and Canadian cities. Within the country, small domestic carriers link Belize City to San Pedro (SPR) on Ambergris Caye, Placencia (PLJ) and Dangriga (DGA). These short hops are the usual way to reach the cayes and southern coast without a long drive.

Main cities

Belize City is the transport hub and where most international flights land, though it is not a main destination in itself. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the busiest resort town, with diving, snorkelling and easy reef access. Placencia is a quieter mainland beach village in the south. San Ignacio, inland near the Guatemalan border, is the base for caves and Maya ruins.

Places to go

The Great Blue Hole and the wider Belize Barrier Reef are the main draw for divers, reached from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is the smaller, slower alternative to San Pedro. Inland, the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) near San Ignacio is a well-known archaeological cave site. Caracol, Xunantunich and Lamanai are the largest Maya ruins in the country. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary protects one of the world's first jaguar reserves. Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atoll offer further diving and fishing.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Belize, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked