Mara Vorhees - Lonely Planet Belize

With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize combines the best of both worlds.

Youve heard that the Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest in the world. But have you heard that this reef is home to more than 100 different kinds of coral and some 500 species of fish? This alluring underwater world is undoubtedly the top attraction in Belize. Snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish and turtles; divers go deeper, investigating underwater caves and walls and the world-renowned Blue Hole.

The turquoise waters are inviting even for those who choose to remain above the surface. Kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another; windsurfers and sailors skim across the surf by the power of the breeze; sunbathers lounge on the dock, lulled into relaxation by the gentle lapping; and foodies feast on delectable fresh fish, spiny-tailed lobster and other creatures of the sea.

Inland, a vast network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries offers a safe haven for wildlife, which ranges from the industrious cutter ants to the national animal of Belize, Bairds tapir. Birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species, which roost along the rivers and lagoons and in the broadleaf forest. Of course, many of these birds and animals are elusive, but keen-eyed visitors can easily spot both spider monkeys and howler monkeys, peccaries, coatimundis, gibnuts, American and Morelots crocodiles, green iguanas and countless species of birds. Even the showy keel-billed toucan the national bird of Belize occasionally makes an appearance in public.

If thats not enough adventure for you, Belize is also home to one of the worlds most mysterious civilizations the ancient Maya. The country is sprinkled with archaeological sites that date to the Maya heyday, known as the Classic Period (AD 2501000). Enormous steps lead to the tops of tall stone temples, often yielding 360-degree jungle views. Curious climbers can explore excavated tombs and examine intricate hieroglyphs, while adventurers can descend deep into natural caves to see where the Maya kings performed rituals and made sacrifices to the gods of their underworld.

Coconut palm at sunset, Ambergris Caye
RALPH HOPKINS

CURRENCY

Belize Dollars (BZ$)

LANGUAGES

English, Kriol, Spanish

MONEY

ATMs are widely available; credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops.

VISAS

For most nationalities, visas are issued upon entry for up to 30 days.

CELL PHONES

Local SIM cards can be used in European and Australian phones. Other phones must be set to roaming.

DRIVING

Drive on the right; steering wheel is on the left side of the car.

When to Go

HIGH SEASON (DECAPR)

Expect sunny skies from February to April

Prices for accommodations increase by 3050%

Extra-high peak prices from mid-December to mid-January; reservations are essential during this period

LOW SEASON (MAYNOV)

Heavy rainfall from June to November, especially at night

Hurricanes possible between August and October

Few tourists; prices for accommodations drop significantly

Your Daily Budget

BUDGET LESS THAN BZ$150

Dorm bed BZ$2540

Excellent, filling street food for cheap

Take the bus; snorkel under the dock

MIDRANGE BZ$150300

Double room with private bathroom BZ$100200

Dine at local restaurants

Splurge on a snorkeling tour or a river cruise

TOP END OVER BZ$300

Luxury accommodations from BZ$240

Fancy restaurants in resort areas

Transportation by rental car or organized tours

Websites

Belize ( www.travelbelize.org )

Belizean Journeys ( www.belizeanjourneys.com )

Belize Forums ( www.belizeforum.com/belize )

BelizeNews.com ( www.belizenews.com )

Government of Belize ( www.belize.gov.bz )

Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/belize )

Toucan Trail ( www.toucantrail.com )

Exchange Rates

Australia	A$1	BZ$2.06
Canada	C$1	BZ$2.00
Europe		BZ$2.77
Guatemala	Q1	BZ$0.25
Japan		BZ$2.37
Mexico	1 peso	BZ$0.17
New Zealand	NZ$1	BZ$1.53
UK	UK1	BZ$3.14
USA	US$1	BZ$1.94

For current exchange rates see www.xe.com .

Important Numbers

Belize has no regional, area or city codes. Dial a seven-digit local number from wherever you are in the country.

Country code	501
Directory assistance	113
Emergency	911
International access code	00
Operator assistance	115

Arriving in Belize

Philip Goldson International Airport

Many hotels and resorts offer airport shuttles

Taxis into town cost around BZ$50

No public buses run See also

International Bus Services

Frequent buses from Guatemala and Mexico to border towns; daily express buses go all the way to Belize City

International Boat Services

Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro

Livingstone and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, to Punta Gorda

Puerto Corts, Honduras, to Placencia and Dangriga

VACCINATIONS & MEDICATIONS

Only yellow fever is required for Belize, and only if youre arriving from a country in Africa or South America where this is a problem. Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations such as chicken pox and measles. Several other vaccinations are recommended, including hepatitis A and B (the latter only for long-term visitors or people who anticipate very close contact with the local population), tetanus-diptheria and typhoid. A rabies shot is recommended for travelers who might come into close contact with bats or other carnivorous animals. Visit your doctor one or two months before your departure to allow time for the vaccinations to take effect. Malaria pills are recommended for travelers heading to Cayo, Stann Creek or Toledo Districts. Your doctor might also prescribe medication for travelers diarrhea.