Belize: How Long Is Long Enough?

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It is known for its Caribbean feel, pristine beaches, lush jungle terrain, UNESCO World Heritage sites, incredible food, and friendly people. The country boasts the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and the famous Great Blue Hole sinkhole, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and marine enthusiasts. With its diverse offerings, Belize is an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure, paradise, and cultural exploration.

When planning a trip to Belize, it is essential to consider how much time to spend in the country. While some travellers may opt for a shorter visit, spending at least a week in Belize is recommended to explore its highlights thoroughly. This allows enough time to visit popular destinations such as the beach locations of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, as well as the mainland attractions in San Ignacio and Hopkins.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace or wishing to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, extending the trip to 10 days or two weeks can be ideal. This extended timeframe enables travellers to discover less touristy spots, such as Placencia, Dangriga, and Benque. It also provides opportunities to participate in various activities, including snorkelling, diving, zip-lining, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and interacting with wildlife at conservation projects.

Belize offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventurous activities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a leisure traveller, allocating a week or more for your trip will ensure a memorable and enriching experience in this captivating country.

How to get to Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It's easy to get to from the US, which is its primary market, but it can be expensive. Here's a detailed guide on how to get to Belize by air, land, and sea.

By Air

Flying into Belize is the most popular way to get to the country. All international flights land at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. This is the only international airport in Belize and the main hub for local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

From the US

Flights to Belize from the US are served by major carriers such as United, Delta, and American Airlines. These flights usually depart from cities like New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, with some flights also coming from Los Angeles and Chicago. While convenient, these flights are not cheap. It's worth noting that flights are generally cheaper during the rainy season (mid-May to November) and more expensive over major holidays.

From Canada

For travellers coming from Canada, West Jet and Air Canada offer direct flights to Belize during the fall and winter (high tourism season), which is from November to April. Outside of this period, you'll need to fly to Belize with a connection in the US.

From Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

If you're travelling from Europe, Africa, Australia, or New Zealand, you'll need to make flight connections. Passengers from these continents can connect through US cities like New York, Miami, Houston, and more.

From Central and South America

Passengers from Central and South America can fly to Belize with Avianca, usually with a stop in El Salvador. There are also local Belizean airlines that offer flights from Central American countries like Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.

By Land

Belize is accessible by land through its borders with Mexico and Guatemala. This is one of the most popular and inexpensive ways to enter Belize.

From Mexico

You can take an overnight bus from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to Belize City. The ADO company operates these bus routes.

From Guatemala

To get to Belize from Guatemala by bus, you can take the Maya De Oro bus line from Guatemala City to Melchor de Menchos, a town on Belize's western border. Alternatively, if you're in Flores, Peten, you can catch collectivos, which are small private vans commonly used in the region.

By Sea

Belize welcomes over a million cruise visitors each year, who typically stop for 5 to 6 hours as part of their Caribbean cruise.

By Cruise Ship

Primary cruise lines that include Belize as a stop include Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruises usually dock at the port of Belize City.

By Ferry

There are also ferry services connecting Belize to neighbouring countries. Requena's Charter Services operates a daily ferry from Puerto Barrios in Guatemala to Punta Gorda in Belize. Additionally, there's a twice-weekly ferry service from Livingston, Guatemala, to Punta Gorda.

For travel within Belize, water taxis and ferries are a common way to get around. For example, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, which takes about 1-2 hours.

How long to spend in each place

Belize is a small country, so a week-long trip is a perfect amount of time to visit. However, 10 days is also a good option, with 5 days spent inland and the other 5 on a beach or one of the Cayes.

If you're looking to spend time in multiple places, it is recommended that you spend 3 days at a beach destination such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, and 4 days in mainland Belize, staying in San Ignacio, Cayo.

Day 1 – San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

On the first day, rent a golf cart and explore the island. You can visit Secret Beach, play the Chicken Drop, hang out at The Truck Stop, and have a drink or lunch at Palapa Bar.

Day 2 – Diving and Snorkeling Belize

Book a day trip with a sustainable tour operator to scuba dive or snorkel at the barrier reef and other famous marine sites such as Hol Chan Marine Park and Shark Ray Alley.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Caye Caulker

Take a 30-minute water taxi to the small, vibrant island of Caye Caulker. The island has a distinct backpacker/bohemian feel and can be walked from end to end in 1-2 hours.

Day 4 – Hopkins

Swap the islands for the coastal jungle of Hopkins. Here, you can visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, go horseback riding, and explore the downtown area of San Ignacio.

Day 5 – Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves

Book a tour to visit the ATM caves, which involve hiking through jungles, wading through rivers, and swimming through pools to see human remains and artifacts from ancient Mayan sacrifices.

Day 6 – Tikal National Park

Take a guided tour of the ancient Mayan civilization of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore temples, palaces, and other ruins in the middle of biodiverse forests, wetlands, and savannahs.

Day 7 – Departure

On the last day, soak up the sun, enjoy the Caribbean waters, and reflect on your trip before heading home.

Where to stay

Belize has a wide variety of accommodation options, from beach resorts to jungle eco-lodges. Here is a list of places to stay in Belize, depending on your preferences:

Beach Breaks

• Placencia: A 16-mile peninsula with pristine, palm-fringed sand beaches and excellent facilities, making it an easy choice for families. It offers a range of restaurants and great diving and snorkelling opportunities.
• San Pedro: Located on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro is known for luxury beach resorts, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. It is a great choice for those interested in diving or spending a lot of time on the water.

Jungle Lodges

• San Ignacio: The second-largest city in Belize and a popular gateway for visitors who want to explore the country. San Ignacio is close to several Mayan ruins, expansive cave systems, and the spectacular Belize rainforest, home to exotic wildlife. It also has a bustling market and a colourful historic centre.
• Cayo: Known for its premier jungle lodges, Cayo is a hub for eco-adventures in Belize. Its lively downtown area is popular with tourists due to its unique restaurant and nightlife scene.

Other Options

• Dangriga: Located in the Stann Creek District, Dangriga offers a similar look and feel to Belize City but on a smaller scale. It is a great choice for those seeking a deeper insight into Belize's island culture and history.
• Belize City: As the biggest city and main port of Belize, Belize City has a lively and colourful atmosphere, reflecting the multitude of cultures that come together. While most people don't stay here, it is a great place to experience local urban culture and enjoy a wide range of entertainment and cuisine.
• Belmopan: The purpose-built capital of Belize is located almost in the centre of the country, close to caves, ruins, and National Parks of eastern Cayo. Although it has a planned city feel, Belmopan boasts some great restaurants.

What to eat

Belize's food scene is heavily influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, including Maya, British, Spanish-American, African, Indigenous, Caribbean, and Creole cultures. The country's cuisine also reflects its neighbours in Central America and the Caribbean. Here's what you should eat when visiting Belize:

Fry Jacks

Fry Jacks are a popular breakfast option in Belize. They are made of fried dough and typically served with refried beans and eggs. They are also eaten with sausage or bacon and can be shaped like circles or triangles.

Rice and Beans

Rice and Beans is the national dish of Belize. It usually includes red kidney beans cooked in coconut milk and is served with a protein like stewed chicken, BBQ chicken, or fried plantains. It is often accompanied by potato salad or coleslaw.

Ceviche

Belizean ceviche is made with fresh raw conch, shrimp, or lobster, marinated in lime juice, and mixed with onions, garlic, habanero peppers, and other ingredients. It is typically served as an appetizer with tortilla chips.

Panades

Panades are deep-fried corn tortillas folded in half and filled with smoked fish, beans, chicken, or cheese. They are topped with 'Cortido', a sauce made from white vinegar, onions, salt, and habanero peppers, adding a spicy, acidic flavour to the dish.

Chimole

Chimole, also known as "Black Dinner", is a traditional dish in Belize. It is a dark soup made with black recado (achiote paste), spices, chicken, boiled eggs, and vegetables. It is believed to have originated with the Mestizos but is now commonly prepared in Belizean homes for special occasions.

Salbutes

Salbutes are a popular snack in Belize. They are tiny fried corn tortillas topped with cabbage, chicken, avocado, and local hot sauce.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional dish that involves slow-cooking a banana leaf-wrapped pig in a smouldering pit lined with stones. The meat is marinated with spices and cooked in its juices for hours, resulting in tender, flavourful pork. It is often served with pickled onions and corn tortillas and is typically prepared for celebrations like weddings or family gatherings.

Conch Fritters

Conch Fritters are made by pounding queen conch meat, tenderizing it, and then frying it in a savoury batter with onions, celery, green bell peppers, and spices. They are commonly served with a spicy mayo sauce and are a popular snack in Belize.

Garnaches

Garnaches are a type of flat, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans, chopped cabbage, tomato mix, or pickled onion, and cheese. They are a popular street food in Belize.

Hudut

Hudut is a traditional Garifuna dish, consisting of a fish coconut stew served with green and ripe mashed plantains called "Fu-fu".

Pupusas

Pupusas are small, round corncakes filled with cheese and beans or meat. They were introduced to Belize by refugees from El Salvador and can be found in many restaurants, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Chaya

Chaya, also known as Maya spinach, is a leafy green shrub native to Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula. It is rich in protein, calcium, and iron and is often scrambled with eggs for breakfast or used in various other dishes.

Meat Pies

Meat pies are a popular breakfast option in Belize City and other Creole communities. They are made with a combination of onions, peppers, meat, and spices baked inside a warm crust.

Tamales

Tamales are another traditional dish in Belize, traced back to the Ancient Maya people. They are made with corn dough (masa) filled with beans, sauce, and seasoned chicken or meat, then steamed or boiled in plantain or banana leaves.

Bollos

Bollos are similar to tamales but are typically eaten during festivals and special events. They are made with corn dough (masa) filled with seasoned chicken or pork and wrapped in plantain leaves.

Belizean Drinks

When it comes to drinks, Belikin beer is a popular choice, with a range of options including Traditional Stout and Traditional Recipe Beer. For non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruit juices like lime, orange, pineapple, and watermelon are commonly consumed, along with carbonated drinks like Coke, Fanta, and Sprite, which have a slightly different taste due to the use of natural brown sugar.

How to get around

Belize is a small country, so it's possible to get from one spot to another within a few hours at most. However, the best way to get around depends on your budget and where you're going. Here are some of the transport options available in Belize:

• Plane – There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Flying is a memorable way to get around, with incredible views of the jungle canopy, sweeping savannahs, and the coastline. It's also a fast and convenient way to get around, although it can be a bit expensive.
• Taxi – Taxis are prevalent and affordable in Belize. They are a good option for shorter rides within a town or region. In Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro, taxis are easy to flag down, and fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approx. US$5 to $7.50). On Caye Caulker, golf carts replace taxis and can be rented for daily or weekly fees.
• Water Taxi – Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's numerous cayes. They are also the most affordable way to travel to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, offering daily departures to these destinations. Tickets cost between $21 and $31 one way.
• Bus – Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around Belize, and it's a great way to experience local life. However, buses are often jam-packed and slow, and the routes can be difficult to navigate. They run on a schedule that is mostly adhered to, and the cost varies by distance. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, which takes seven hours and costs BZ$27 (around US$13).
• Car – Renting a car enables you to visit harder-to-reach destinations and plan your own itinerary. However, some roads, especially those leading to Maya sites, can be rustic and challenging to navigate due to rainy weather. An international driving permit is required to drive in Belize.
• Shuttle – Shuttle services are a great way to get around, offering a range of mainland routes. They are often cheaper than taxis for longer journeys, with clean and well-maintained vans that even have Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions