It could be the second-smallest nation in Central America however Belize delivers throughout the board.

Eco-adventures by the rating, cultural heritage as numerous because the panorama, Maya temples that tower over trendy human-made buildings, a whole lot of islands with talcum-white sands, the world’s second-largest barrier reef – you get the thought.

On the mainland, overgrown rainforests reveal climbing trails to double waterfalls. Complicated cave programs run underground, whereas winding rivers are finest loved by internal tube. Then there’s the meals: fragrant, franchise-free bites might be discovered on each different road nook, as is the inviting Belizean spirit.

However the place to begin? Right here’s every part you want to know about visiting Belize before you even set off.

1. You’ll want not less than seven days in Belize

Belize can really feel like each the Caribbean and Central America – and you may expertise all of it in a single trip, because it’s simple to cross your complete nation in a one-day street journey. Nonetheless, it’s higher to do things the Belizean manner: unhurried.

Goal to spend not less than per week right here. Break up your itinerary between Northern, Central and Southern Belize, and plan to keep not less than three nights in every space. This may permit you adequate time to get pleasure from your lodging, go to the top-rated sights and recuperate in between.

2. You most likely received’t want a visa

A choose few international locations do, nevertheless. Confirm whether or not you want an entry visa to Belize on the Immigration Division’s web site. However word that every one guests — even visa-free entrants — will want to apply for an extension to keep within the nation for greater than 30 days, relying in your citizenship.

3. Drive in the course of the day

With rental vehicles costing as little as US$50 per day, it’s a doddle navigating the 5 main highways of Belize.

Nonetheless, they’re dimly lit and the single-lane roads are sometimes lined with “sleeping policemen,” a colloquial nickname for velocity bumps. They’re typically unpainted too, so it’s finest to stick to driving within the daylight.

4. Be careful for wildlife on the roads

Inexperienced indicators are directional, whereas yellow indicators warn that wildlife might be crossing. Look out for tapir on the John Smith Airport Hyperlink Rd and coatimundis on the scenic Hummingbird Freeway.

5. Attempt the road meals

Scooped from deep pots of aromatic stews, coconut milk-infused rice and beans are sometimes served with caramelized fried plantain. A quasi-religious meal, every part is home made and a few could take offense in case you don’t try to end your plate.

Avenue meals is comparatively low cost right here. Do not miss the gravy-filled meat pies that fog clear-plastic containers balancing on the bicycle handlebars of cellular distributors, or the “johnny truffles,” coconut-based baked biscuits sliced and stuffed for lengthy journeys.

Different staples embrace masa (a dough of floor corn) that’s reworked into deep-fried favorites like panades (crispy crescents of beans, cheese, or hashed fish) and salbutes (open-faced rounds piled with shredded hen and cabbage).

Late-night grub is usually meat-heavy road tacos, pupusas (a cornmeal cake filled with beans, cheese and fried pork), burritos, or a not-so-humble hotdog with bacon and caramelized onions. Any griddle on wheels will fill your abdomen for BZ$10.

6. It’s OK to drink faucet water in Belize however filtered water is the norm

Whereas it’s OK to drink faucet water in Belize, filtered water is the norm. It normally is available in small bottles or from a five-gallon water dispenser.

Since Belize’s single-use plastic ban took impact in April 2019 (albeit excluding disposable water bottles), carrying a reusable water bottle is applauded. Accommodations and resorts will typically have massive dispensers obtainable close to the entrance desk and most eating places will refill your bottle free of charge.

7. Time feels extra like a suggestion in Belize

Belize provides a really gradual, laid-back tempo of life. That goes for every part from authorities workplaces (together with immigration) to public transportation. Be versatile along with your plans and be affected person, even on the mainland.

Public transportation overland and on water is lower than a 3rd of the price of home airways comparable to Maya Island Air and Tropic Air however, unsurprisingly, it can take you for much longer to go the scenic route. Each the water taxis and bus routes are unlikely to go away on time, so account for 15 minutes of wiggle room.

To keep away from stopping for each roadside hitchhiker alongside the best way when utilizing the bus system, at all times select the “Specific” possibility in case your ultimate vacation spot is marketed on the windshield.

8. Be well mannered if you need to impress the locals

Locals will greet each other and reciprocity is anticipated. Bidding a basic “good morning” as you enter a room goes a great distance, and a easy nod of acknowledgment is returned with a smile. Belizeans like to chat, so anticipate to make small speak whereas ready in a queue.

9. Petty crime is your important security concern in Belize

Like all vacation spot, it’s finest not to make your self a goal for crimes of alternative. Keep away from remoted areas, don’t be flashy with cash or jewellery, and don’t take public transport alone at evening.

Taxis are pricier however safer and simply recognizable with inexperienced license plates. Accommodations may even normally have their very own checklist of trusted drivers.

In vacationer zones, some distributors could also be persistent, however a well mannered “no, thanks” ought to do the trick. Crime in Belize is basically drug- or gang-related, extra notably in choose pockets of Belize Metropolis.

Until actively looking for them out, the common traveler naturally bypasses notorious hotspots totally by sticking to designated tourism zones. Past signage, Tourism Police are omnipresent on foot, bicycle and floor patrols, however there’s nonetheless no higher indicator of security than your individual intestine.

10. Don’t overlook to tip

Tourism has helped to instill a tipping tradition in Belize, nevertheless it’s not an outright requirement. Some eating places auto-charge up to a 20% sit-down service cost, so double-check receipts before (unnecessarily) including extra.

A gratuity is anticipated in money for servers, appreciated for excursions and goes a great distance for housekeeping, nevertheless it’s completely discretionary primarily based on the service you expertise. You may skip tipping elsewhere however taxis generally spherical up a fare as Belize has no mounted tariffs.

In case you’ve obtained nice service, you’ll be able to match the 12.5% Common Gross sales Tax on the receipt. For an distinctive tour, a 20% tip is really helpful.

11. Pack some US {dollars}

You received’t want to carry a great deal of money, as there are many point-of-sale machines and ATMs within the extra standard locations.

US {dollars} are accepted throughout the nation at a price of two-to-one, although strive to carry US$10 and US$20 notes as they’re simpler to make change. You’ll doubtless get smaller payments in Belize {dollars} again.

12. Don’t worry the wet season

Belize’s wet season (June to November) coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. This implies cheaper resort charges, decrease room occupancy, and higher offers.

Main points of interest – like Maya websites, archaeological reserves, climbing trails and waterfalls – will all keep open throughout this era except nature decides in any other case. All in all, it may be an excellent time to go to.

Flooding dangers have a tendency to subside inside 48 hours and the excessive winds are extra of a danger to your driving than the downpours. Some resorts and eating places will shut throughout their slowest months, comparable to October, so verify forward.

13. Purchase journey insurance coverage

That is at all times really helpful however particularly so in case you resolve to go to in the course of the wet season. Purchase journey insurance coverage to shield your journey ought to a hurricane minimize it quick.

14. Belize has decriminalized weed, however that doesn’t imply it’s authorized

In November 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Medication Act to decriminalize marijuana use on personal property for adults in possession of up to 10g.

Nonetheless, be warned: promoting, rising, or smoking weed on public property stays a federal offense. Regardless of the impression given by some, it’s finest not to purchase or promote marijuana.

15. The LGBTIQ+ group is usually accepted

Though homosexuality wasn’t formally legalized in Belize till 2016, it was the primary former British colony within the Caribbean to overturn its anti-sodomy legal guidelines. Nonetheless, public shows of affection between same-sex {couples} could solicit stares right here. The primary tourism zones, comparable to Ambergris Caye, are essentially the most homosexual pleasant.

16. Solo girls vacationers are welcomed

No stranger to solo vacationers or backpackers on a price range, Belize can be pretty protected for girls traveling alone. Harassment will typically come within the type of cat-calling, however nuisances have a tendency to again off as soon as in case you stand your floor or ignore them outright. “No” is basically revered right here, however generally you’ll have to say it loudly.