Beautypically

Belize is located in Central America between Mexico and Guatemala. The small country is often used as a stopover when traveling between these two countries. In terms of landscape, it is one of the most interesting countries in the Caribbean and offers a wonderful variety with many beautiful nature reserves, from rainforest to beaches to great reefs. See andyeducation for education in Belize.

Fast facts to know

• Known for untouched nature.
• 40% of the country consists of nature reserves.
• Discarded school buses from the USA are often used as buses.
• In rural areas, buses are stopped by hand signals. There are no bus stops.
• A passport that is valid for at least 3, better 6 months from entry is sufficient for entry, a ticket that documents the return or onward journey. as well as financial means of at least 50 US dollars per day of stay.
• Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Vaccinations against cholera, polio and typhoid are advisable for longer stays.
• Price level compared to neighboring countries quite high.
• The predominant religion in Belize is Christianity (Roman Catholic).
• Better not to drink tap water, peel fruit.
• Comparatively safe travel destination.

Exciting cities in Belize

• Belmopan
• Belize City
• Corozal Town
• Dangria
• Orange Walk Town
• Punta Groda
• San Ignacio

History of Belize

• Originally settled by the Maya around 2,000 BC.
• Conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
• After times of piracy and slavery under the Spanish, British colonial rule followed from 1789 after the Battle of St. George’s Caye.
• In the 20th century, the resistance of the non-European population against British colonial rulers grew.
• Independence from Great Britain since September 21, 1981.

Climate & travel weather in Belize

• July through November is hurricane season.
• Subtropical climate with high humidity.
• Rainy season between September and November.
• Dry season February to May.
• Swimming possible all year round.
• Recommended travel time:
  • Best but also most expensive travel time between February and May.
  • August also recommended.

Ideas for trips in Belize

• Caye Caulker sand island.
• Numerous caves with stalactite formations worth seeing.
• Ancient Mayan sites, partially overgrown by rainforest.
• Belize Zoo near Belmopan.
• Mayan pyramid El Castillo in the Xunantunich ruins complex.
• Ruins of Caracol.
• Wildlife parks like Cockscomb Basin, Crooked Tree or Mountain Pine Ridge.
• Hiking, trekking, kayak tours.
• Diving, snorkeling, water sports in the Cayes.

Food & Drink in Belize

• Originally influenced by Mayan, Mexican and Creole cuisine.
• Belizean cuisine today is a delightful mix of Asian, South and Central American and European cuisines.
• Very important: fish and seafood (e.g. lobster and barracuda fillets).
• Commonly used: pork, mutton and venison, as well as paka (gibnut), a rodent related to the guinea pig.
• Desserts are calorie bombs. A lot of baking.
• Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with all meals.
• Tea is preferred to coffee (British heritage).
• Fans of American-style soft drinks and papaya, mango, watermelon and orange juices.
• Popular alcoholic beverages: Rum & Belizean Belikin beer, as well as wine made from berries, rice or wood sorrel.
• Typical dishes:
  • Rice and Beans (rice with kidney beans cooked in coconut milk).
  • Hudut (fish cooked in coconut milk and fresh herbs, served with plantain mousse or Creole bread)
  • Tapow Conch (lobster, shrimp, fish and vegetables cooked in coconut milk, herbs and grated greens or plantains).

Particularly scenic

• Nature parks such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Park (jaguars roaming free) or the Shipstern Nature Reserve with large mangrove forests and countless species of orchids.
• UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef in the world and consists of:
  • Bacalar Chico National Park & ​​Marine Reserve.
  • Blue Hole Natural Monument.
  • Half Moon Caye Natural Monument.
  • Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve.
  • South Water Caye Marine Reserve.
  • Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
  • Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
• Lonely, beautiful beaches at Placencia.