Belize

[vc_row anchor=”why-visit-belize”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Why Visit Belize?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625963516325{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

A nature lovers’ paradise

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you’re looking for a beach and jungle vacation, then Belize is the place for you!

Belize is home to the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, and second largest barrier reef in the world. Making it the best place to snorkel/scuba dive and see tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and reef sharks. This tiny country is also known for its giant sinkhole off the coast – called Great Blue Hole.

In the mainland, Belize offers lush jungles, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and unique wildlife. From toucans and parrots, to monkeys and even jaguars. More than half of Belize’s mainland is covered by rainforest, and much of it’s under government protection.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625967541423{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Maya ruins and culture

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you’ve been to Chichen Itza and loved learning about the Maya culture, then you’re going to love Belize!

Archeologists have estimated that as many as two million Maya lived in what’s now the country of Belize. And because of this, Belize has the highest concentration of Maya archaeological sites. There are also many caves to explore that were once sacred portals to the underworld for the Maya.

And, you can easily drive across the border to Guatemala to explore more Maya sites – like Tikal. However, when I visited (June 2021) the border was still closed due to COVID-19.[/vc_column_text]

[vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625968109915{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

200+ islands off the coast

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Belize has so many islands, known as cayes (pronounced “keys”), to choose from and each providing a different vibe. Depending on your budget, there’s definitely an island perfect for you.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625968887339{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Diverse population

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For a small island, Belize has a unique blend of different ethnic groups, cultures and communities. In fact, the majority of their population are Mestizo (mix of Mayan and Spanish descent). Then it’s followed by Maya, Creole, and Garifuna (mix of Caribbean Indian and black African descent).

English is the official language of Belize – it’s also the only English-speaking country in Central America. But many Belizeans are also multilingual, speaking: Spanish, Kriol, Mayan languages, German, and Garifuna.

You may be wondering why German is widely spoken and that’s because of the big population of Mennonites. These immigrant farming-families are Dutch/German descent and exist apart from the Belizean government.

You’ll also come across American and European expats, I ran into a lot of them. Most visited Belize and decided not to leave and/or came back to retire – which I completely understand![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1626011744807{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Melting pot of delicious food

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The diverse population in Belize also contributes to the unique and delicious cuisine. From Maya and Mestizo-influenced dishes like tamales and empanadas. To Creole dishes like fry jack, and rice and beans – which is often accompanied with meat, potato salad, or seafood. All of the food I had in Belize was flavorful and large in portion.

I’d highly suggest eating as much seafood as possible, especially if you’re visiting the cayes. It’s fresh and fairly cheap – you can have: conch, ceviche, lobster (when in season), snapper, shrimp and more.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”covid19-entry”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

Please note: This is based on my travels (June 2021), you should check the Belize Tourism Board for updated information.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner simple_background_color=”#f7f2ee”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]To enter Belize you must:[/vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner simple_background_color=”#f7f2ee” css=”.vc_custom_1626016550370{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]In order to get back into the states, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days. There are plenty of places to take COVID-19 tests in Belize, including many hotels. COVID-19 tests cost $75 USD and you get your results within minutes – make sure to bring your passport with you.

Belize is also doing an amazing job with keeping their COVID-19 numbers low. In fact, when I visited, I was told the island of Caye Caulker had zero active cases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”10px”]

[vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”getting-around”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Getting Around

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Cayes

[/vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Mainland

[/vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1626277120720{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”]For shuttle service, I used Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours and Jose Tours Belize. Both were great, all the drivers were nice and informative about their country.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Getting from the airport to the cayes

There are two ways to get to, and from, the mainland to the cayes:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

By plane

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You can get to islands, including San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) or Caye Caulker, by plane. It’s the more picturesque option because you get to see the barrier reef. It’s also the most convenient and quickest option if you’re going straight to the islands from the Belize City airport. But this option can also be pricier, especially if you’re going roundtrip.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

By water taxi

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There are a couple of companies to choose from, but I heard that San Pedro Belize Express was the best. I didn’t pay for my tickets in advance because Weezie’s website advised waiting until arriving at the terminal. I paid $30 USD for a roundtrip ticket to/from Caye Caulker. Also, you can take a 25-minute taxi ride from the airport to the terminal, it should cost $25 USD.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner]

[vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”currency”][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Currency

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Since the exchange rate for the Belize dollar (BZD) to USD is 2:1, it’s easy to do the math. For instance, if something costs $50 BZD, that means it’s $25 USD.

You can bring USD with you because it’s acceptable at many businesses around Belize. In fact, I got mango with salt and hot pepper in a bag from a street vendor. I gave them USD, and they gave me BZD in return with no issues.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”blog-posts”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Blog Posts

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]