Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Belize located? +

Belize is located south of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, and east of Guatemala’s northern Peten Province. We are approximately two hours flying time from the major US cities of Dallas, Houston and Miami.

What language is spoken in Belize? +

English is the official language of Belize and is spoken by the vast majority of the population, as well as its derivative, Creole. The Belizean people are multilingual, individuals and mixtures of bloodlines resulting from a glorious history of immigration, survival, and independence. Spanish is the second most widely used idiom, followed by Garifuna, Ketchi Maya, Mopan Maya and Yucateca Maya. The small Mennonite communities speak German and German dialects while the growing Asian community speaks Mandarin.

Can you tell me a brief history of Belize? +

Belize has been an independent nation since 1981. Formerly British Honduras, Belize has a rich history starting with the great Maya civilization through pirates, buccaneers and slavery, to modern day independence and democracy. Our history has awarded us with numerous public and bank holidays: March - 9 Baron Bliss Day, September.-10 St. George’s Caye Day, September.-21 Independence Day, October.-12 Pan American Day, and November.-19 Garifuna Settlement Day.

What is the climate of Belize like? +

Belize enjoys a subtropical climate with brisk prevailing winds from the Caribbean Sea. Temperatures average between the 70s to the 90s with temperatures dropping into the mid-60s during the evenings in our winter months (December - March). The green season in Belize runs from July through to November.

What is the population and makeup of Belizeans? +

While there is no ’’typical Belizean,‘’ about 60% of the population call themselves ‘’Creoles’’, which refers to a degree of African and English ancestry. The Creole language is spoken in a singsong dialect. The original Belizeans were the indigenous Maya, who settled here as early as 2000 B.C. Isolation from other groups has kept the Maya bloodline pure in many scattered villages throughout the country. Today, there are three language groups of Maya living in Belize, the Mopan Mayan, the Kekchi Maya, and the Yucateca Maya. Usually speaking both Spanish and English, they provide the Central American feel to inland Belize. The balance now appears to be shifting towards the Hispanic and Mestizos populations. Additionally, the indigenous Maya have a strong presence in most rural areas of the country, with the Garifuna people settled mainly along the southern coastline. Now add to the mix, Indians (from India), Koreans, Chinese, Europeans, Americans and immigrants from the Caribbean and Central America and you have some idea of the human melting pot that is modern Belize. With a population of almost 250,000, there is plenty of room for all to enjoy.

What is the size and geography of Belize? +

Consisting of approximately 9,000 square miles, it is a country close to the size of the state of Massachusetts. With the Caribbean Sea being the eastern border, Belize has an extensive low-lying coastal plain, with the elevation and topography changing as you travel west. The country is traversed at the midsection by the Maya Mountains, the highest point being 4020 feet above sea level. Visitors to our wonderfully natural Belize will find two countries in one: Offshore and along the coast is a true but unique Caribbean, a blue-green world of picturesque mangrove and coral islands, a variety of fringing reefs, a nearly continuous barrier reef groomed with a multitude of pristine islands with beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see and three huge atolls on the outside of the reef normally seen only on postcards. These islands (locally known as cayes) possess some of the most comfortable and luxurious hotels in the Caribbean. Within the jungle interior, visitors will encounter many striking vestiges of the ancient Maya civilization, pine-clad mountains, slow and fast moving rivers, majestic waterfalls, placid lagoons, dense tropical forest, yawning caves and caverns, and panoramic grasslands.

What kind of currency can be used and/or changed in Belize? +

The currency in Belize is the Belize dollar, which is equivalent to U.S. $0.50. This makes for a simple exchange of 2 Belizean Dollars for 1 U.S. Dollar. While major credit cards and traveler’s cheques are widely accepted, U.S. Dollars can be used countrywide at the above stated exchange rate. Carrying cash in small denominations and avoiding the receipt of change in local currency is recommended. And to avoid the long lines at the local commercial banks, you can use the newly established Casas De Cambio to quickly facilitate the exchange of foreign currency.

What kind of medical facilities does Belize have? +

Belize City has three private hospitals and a central government hospital. There are also various regional government hospitals providing service for the northern, southern and western regions of the country.

Travel Insurance

How Do I get Travel Insurance? +

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