Belize

A barrier reef, Mayan ruins, and jungle in one small country

Region

Central America · Belize

Best time to go

Belize is often drier from late fall through spring, though conditions vary by region and weather can change fast. The wetter months, from about June through November, bring heavier rain, and that period is also hurricane season.

Getting there

Nonstop flights from several US hubs into Belize City; West Coast trips usually need a connection, so check current airline schedules for your departure city.

Why go to Belize

Belize is a small, English-speaking country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, with the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere offshore and rainforest and ancient Maya cities inland. Most trips combine a few days on the cayes or the southern coast with a few days in the jungle of the Cayo District.

Anglers Divers and snorkelers Wildlife lovers Sailors and boaters

Things to do in Belize

AdventureHol Chan Marine ReserveHol Chan Marine Reserve protects a channel in the reef just south of Ambergris Caye, with coral, fish, turtles, and rays. Most visitors snorkel it on a short boat trip, often combined with Shark Ray Alley, and a licensed guide is required.Explore related tours

AdventureShark Ray AlleyShark Ray Alley is a shallow area near Hol Chan where nurse sharks and southern stingrays gather around boats. It is a calm, popular snorkel stop, so follow the guide's instructions and do not touch the animals.Explore related tours

AdventureGreat Blue HoleThe Great Blue Hole is a huge, deep marine sinkhole in Lighthouse Reef, far offshore from the mainland. Divers can take a full-day boat trip, while others can see it from above on a scenic flight.Explore related tours

AdventureActun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)ATM Cave is a Maya ceremonial cave near San Ignacio where visitors wade, swim, and climb to see ancient pottery and skeletal remains. It requires a licensed guide and good fitness, and cameras are not allowed inside.Explore related tours

CultureXunantunichXunantunich is a Maya site near the Guatemalan border, reached by a short hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. Climb El Castillo for a wide view over the jungle, and go early to avoid the midday heat.Explore related tours

CultureCaracolCaracol is a large Maya city deep in the Chiquibul Forest, with Caana, one of the tallest structures in Belize. The drive is long and rough, so go with a guide and combine it with stops in Mountain Pine Ridge.Explore related tours

BeachCaye CaulkerCaye Caulker is a small, car-free island with sandy streets and a relaxed pace, reached by water taxi. Swim at the Split, and remember the local motto, go slow.Explore related tours

CultureLamanaiLamanai is a Maya site in northern Belize usually reached by boat along the New River, with wildlife and birds along the way. The Mask Temple and the High Temple are highlights, so bring insect repellent and a hat.Explore related tours

NatureCockscomb Basin Wildlife SanctuaryCockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize was created to protect jaguars and has rainforest trails, waterfalls, and river tubing. Sightings of jaguars are rare, but birds and smaller wildlife are common, so start early.Explore related tours

NatureMountain Pine RidgeMountain Pine Ridge is a cooler, pine-covered upland in the Cayo District with waterfalls and natural pools. Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools are favorite swimming stops, but the roads are rough.Explore related tours

CultureHopkins Garifuna cultureHopkins is a coastal village in southern Belize known for Garifuna culture, including drumming, music, and food. Take a drumming lesson or try hudut, and check for community events during your stay.Explore related tours

FamilyThe Belize ZooThe Belize Zoo is a small, well-known zoo on the road between Belize City and San Ignacio, home only to animals native to Belize. It is a good stop with children, and many of the animals were rescued or raised in care.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Belize

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)Lively island town, reef accessAmbergris Caye is the largest and most developed island, with San Pedro as its busy town center. It has the widest choice of places to stay and quick access to Hol Chan. Golf carts are the main way to get around. It suits first-timers, couples, and divers.first-timerssnorkelingdining

Caye CaulkerSmall, barefoot, easygoingCaye Caulker is a small car-free island with a relaxed backpacker feel, sandy streets, and simple guesthouses. It is close to good snorkeling and has a friendly, social atmosphere. It suits budget travelers, younger groups, and anyone who wants a slower pace.budget travelersrelaxingsocial scene

San Ignacio and the Cayo DistrictJungle, ruins, adventure baseSan Ignacio is the main town in the western Cayo District and the base for ATM Cave, Xunantunich, Caracol, and Mountain Pine Ridge. Lodges in the surrounding jungle offer quiet nights and birdlife. It suits travelers who want adventure, history, and nature.adventureMaya sitesnature

PlacenciaMainland beaches, laid-back villagePlacencia sits at the tip of a long, narrow peninsula in southern Belize, with sandy beaches and a walkable village. It is close to cayes, the reef, and the Cockscomb sanctuary. It suits couples, families, and travelers who want beach time on the mainland.beach timecouplesfamilies

HopkinsGarifuna village, quiet beachHopkins is a small coastal village with Garifuna culture, a long quiet beach, and easy access to Cockscomb. It is less developed than Placencia, with a mix of guesthouses and beachfront lodgings. It suits travelers who want culture and quiet.culturequiet staysnature trips

When to go

Dry season

December to April

Weather: Warm and mostly dry, with the most sunshine and calmer seas.
Crowds: Busiest time, especially around the holidays and Easter.
Value: Highest rates of the year.

Early wet season

May to July

Weather: Hot, with rain starting, usually in short, heavy showers.
Crowds: Quieter than winter.
Value: Usually good value, with green landscapes.

Late wet season

August to November

Weather: Wettest period and the peak of hurricane season, with more frequent rain.
Crowds: Quietest time, and some businesses close for a break.
Value: Usually the lowest rates, with more weather risk.

Getting the best value

December through April, especially the holidays and Easter, is the most expensive period. May through November usually costs less, with late summer and fall offering the lowest rates in exchange for more rain and storm risk.

Check tour dates

Getting there and around

Getting there

International flights land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City.
Several US hubs, mostly in the South and on the East Coast, have nonstop flights, while West Coast travelers usually connect through one of them.
US citizens need a valid passport, and the passport should have plenty of validity left, so check current entry rules before booking.
From the airport, take a short domestic flight to the cayes, Placencia, or Dangriga, or a taxi or shuttle to the Belize City water taxi or to San Ignacio.

Getting around

Small domestic airlines link Belize City with Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and other towns, and these short flights save a lot of time.
Water taxis run between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
Rental cars work well on the mainland, but some roads to ruins and waterfalls are rough, so a high-clearance vehicle helps.
On Ambergris Caye golf carts are the main transport, while Caye Caulker is easy to walk or bike.

Eat and drink

Rice and beans with stewed chickenRice and beans cooked in coconut milk, served with stewed chicken and potato salad or plantains, is the classic Belizean plate. It is a common lunch at local spots across the country.Fry jacksFry jacks are puffy pieces of fried dough served at breakfast with beans, eggs, cheese, or honey. They are found at almost every breakfast stand.HudutHudut is a Garifuna dish of fish cooked in a rich coconut broth, served with mashed plantains. Try it in Hopkins, Dangriga, or other Garifuna communities.Lobster and conchFresh spiny lobster and conch are favorites on the coast, grilled, in ceviche, or as fritters. Both have closed seasons to protect stocks, so availability depends on when you visit.Salbutes and garnachesSalbutes are puffy fried tortillas with chicken and toppings, while garnaches are crispy tortillas with beans, cheese, and cabbage. They are cheap, tasty street snacks.Hot sauce and local drinksBelizean habanero hot sauce is on most tables, and local rum and fresh fruit juices are common. Try a seaweed shake, a creamy local drink made with seaweed, milk, and spices.

Day trips from Belize

Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley snorkelShort boat trips from San Pedro or Caye Caulker visit the reserve and the shallow ray and nurse shark area. Morning trips often have calmer water.Explore related tours

Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse ReefFull-day boat trips head out to the Great Blue Hole and nearby reef sites, often with a stop at Half Moon Caye. The boat ride is long and can be rough, so take motion sickness precautions.Explore related tours

Laughing Bird Caye from PlacenciaLaughing Bird Caye National Park is a small island reserve offshore from Placencia, with snorkeling and a beach. Trips usually include a stop for lunch on the island.Explore related tours

Lamanai river tripBoat trips along the New River take you to Lamanai, with wildlife spotting along the way. It is a full day, so bring a hat, water, and insect repellent.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

5 days in Belize

Day 1Fly into Belize City and take a short domestic flight or water taxi to Ambergris Caye. Settle in and explore San Pedro.
Day 2Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley in the morning. Relax by the water in the afternoon.
Day 3Return to the mainland and drive to San Ignacio. Stop at the Belize Zoo along the way.
Day 4Spend the day at ATM Cave with a licensed guide. Rest in the evening at a jungle lodge or in town.
Day 5Visit Xunantunich in the early morning. Return to Belize City for your flight.

Browse activities for this itinerary

7 days in Belize

Day 1Arrive and travel to San Ignacio. Stop at the Belize Zoo on the way.
Day 2Spend the day at ATM Cave with a licensed guide. Rest at your lodge in the evening.
Day 3Visit Caracol and stop at Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools in Mountain Pine Ridge.
Day 4Visit Xunantunich in the morning. Return to Belize City and take a water taxi to Caye Caulker.
Day 5Snorkel the reef near Caye Caulker. Relax at the Split in the afternoon.
Day 6Take a day trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, or a full-day trip to the Great Blue Hole if you dive.
Day 7Enjoy a slow morning on Caye Caulker. Return to Belize City for your flight.

Browse activities for this itinerary

Good to know

The Belize dollar is fixed to the US dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted, but you may receive change in Belize dollars.
Carry small bills and some cash for water taxis, small shops, and remote areas where cards may not work.
Use strong insect repellent, especially in the jungle and around dusk.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch coral, sharks, or rays when snorkeling.
Book popular tours like ATM Cave and the Great Blue Hole in advance in busy months, and confirm the guide is licensed.
Use normal city precautions in Belize City, especially at night, and keep valuables out of sight.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to visit Belize?

December to April is the driest and most popular season. May and June can be good value, with some rain.

How many days do I need in Belize?

Five days lets you see one island and one jungle area. A week or more is better for combining the cayes, Cayo, and the south.

Is Belize safe for tourists?

Most tourist areas are generally considered safe, but use normal precautions, especially in Belize City at night. Check current travel advisories before your trip.

Do I need a car in Belize?

Not on the cayes, where you walk, bike, or use golf carts. A car is useful on the mainland, but many visitors use shuttles, tours, and domestic flights instead.

What language is spoken in Belize?

English is the official language, and Kriol and Spanish are widely spoken.

Is Belize good for families?

Yes, with calm snorkeling, the Belize Zoo, river tubing, and easier Maya sites. Some adventures like ATM Cave have age and fitness limits.

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