All About Belize
Get the full Belize experience
Explore the culture, the food, the history, the eco-system and all the other attractions that Belize has to offer.
Additional Information
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Same as U.S., 110 volts AC.
GOVERNMENT: Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.
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RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS: Most denominations are represented in Belize. The majority is Roman Catholic; there are also Anglicans, and Methodists, etc.
TIME ZONE: Belize occupies the time zone GMT-6, the same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is not observed.
WATER: Tap water in Belize is potable.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Direct-dial and cellular telephone, fax, TV, e-mail and Internet are available. Internet cafes are plentiful, and wireless is available at some resorts. Satellite phones in remote areas.
MONEY: Currency exchange; Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or $BZD. One US dollar is equivalent to BZD$2. Banks and ATM’s throughout the country include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Scotia Bank and First Caribbean.
WHAT TO PACK?
Take light, casual clothing for the beach. For jungle exploration, pack lightweight long pants, long sleeve shirts, good walking shoes or hiking boots and socks.
THE ESSENTIALS:
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Bug repellent for mosquitoes and sand flies.
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High SPF sunscreen.
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Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses. Swimwear and beach shoes.
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Hat for sun protection.
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Poncho for rainy days.
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Sweater for high elevations in winter.
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Digital camera and don’t forget battery charger and extra memory cards.
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Disposable underwater cameras for snorkelling and boat trips.
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Medication you will need for the length of your trip.
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Copies of your passport and credit cards in case they are lost or stolen.
Placencia, Belize
In many ways the Placencia Peninsula presents a microcosm of the best Belize has to offer. Over twelve miles of untrammeled golden beaches look out onto scores of enchanting cayes, the barrier reef and beyond that the pristine atolls. It’s an ideal base for amazing diving and snorkeling – including our famous whale sharks, as well as world class fly fishing and trolling. But marine attractions are only half the story. Across the Placencia Lagoon via a perfectly paved road lay all the wonders of the southern mainland: the majestic Maya Mountains, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers and the inspiring cities of the ancient Maya. Some visitors even manage to experience both surf and turf in the same day.
But the Placencia Peninsula isn’t just an attraction for the eco-traveler. The culinary tourist is in for a colorful and tasty food adventure. Fresh caught seafood is the specialty and served up as traditional fare of various ethnicities as well as more internationally inspired fine cuisine.
While the respective communities on the Placencia Peninsula have maintained their charming village appeal, the pace quickly picks up during major annual events such as the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in February and Lobsterfest in June. A rich multi-cultural utopia awakens in the night at local bars and clubs where free spirits can opt to dance barefoot to the rhythms of the Garifuna drums, the electrifying riffs of guitars or to the pumping dance tunes from beloved local DJs.
Whether you come by road, air or sea, the good life Placencia style is about as authentic as it gets. Barefoot Perfect.
Central America, Belize
Belize occupies 8,866 square miles. On the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s territory along with three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere. Doyle’s Delight is the country’s highest peak at 3,688 feet.
The climate is subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and August.
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English is the official language and is widely spoken. Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna are also spoken.
The population of Belize is approximately 311,500 comprising Creoles (African-European), Garifunas (Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish, Indian), Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indians and Europeans.
