When you think of those dreamy Caribbean holiday spots - all warm blue water and platinum blonde beaches - we'd take a punt that Belize doesn't crop up that much. But it should. This Central American beauty not only has a Caribbean coast to die for, it has all the Mayan mystery and colonial charm of neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico - but with far smaller crowds.
And, in contrast to other Central and South American countries, English is the official language in Belize, so getting around is a breeze. You're likely to start in Belize City, where timeworn traces of its colonial past are worthy of a day's wandering.
But all the while you'll be eyeing the luminous blue waters of the Caribbean, and we don't blame you. So head south to the sandy peninsula of Placencia, where the living is easy. It's home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the ideal spot for first-time snorkelers.
Head just inland to Monkey River, where you can spot toucans, tapirs and jaguars - before taking a boat back downstream to the coast. Belize has incredible dark night skies, which make those post-dinner beach walks even more magical.
Undoubtedly November to April, when there’s far less rainfall. This is peak tourist season and there’s good reason for it. Many Belizeans believe the sweet spot is in March and April, as temperatures begin to peak but heavy rains are yet to begin. You could always brave the rainy season to save money and avoid crowds, but be prepared for adverse weather conditions to get in the way of your snorkelling adventure.
The climate in Belize is tropical and split into two seasons: the dry season (December-April) and the wet season (May-November). Temperatures only vary by a few degrees throughout the year, so expect it to be hot and humid whenever you visit. Wet season simply sees a lot more rainfall, with regular hour-long showers, plus the possibility of tropical storms and even hurricanes.
Belize dollar
English is the official language, although most people speak a creole patois. There are also a range of indigenous languages spoken by the Maya population, including Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekchí.
The time zone used in Belize is Central Standard Time (UTC-6), the same as Mexico City, Louisiana and parts of Texas. It’s one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles.
That depends on your perspective. If you’re comparing Belize to other countries around the globe then it is a cheap destination, especially if you’re coming from the US, UK or Western Europe. Belize is actually on the pricier side, however, when it comes to Central America. Most of its neighboring countries are extremely cheap, so if you’re exploring the region be prepared for a price hike when you cross into Belize.
Absolutely, Belize is a safe destination to visit, although it’s always worth reading up on your local government’s travel and safety advice before going. There is a reasonably high crime rate and a fairly underfunded policing system, but for tourists the danger is usually only classic petty street crimes like pickpocketing. Be wary of your surroundings, avoid dark alleys at night and, ideally, travel with a local guide to keep clear of that stuff. It’s also worth noting that hurricane season is between June and November so, again, try to keep abreast of latest weather reports when you travel.
