Belize's Surprising Highway System

Belize has a vast network of roadways, thoroughfares, and streets that measure over 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometres) long. There are four main highways in inland Belize, two of which start in Belize City. These are the Northern Highway, Western Highway, Hummingbird Highway, and Southern Highway. There are no four-lane highways in Belize, and the highways that do exist are two-lane roads with little-to-no pavement, few traffic lights, and not many directional signs.

Belize's highways are two-lane roads with no pavement, few traffic lights, and directional signs

Belize has five major asphalt-paved two-lane roads. These include the Philip Goldson Highway, formerly known as the Northern Highway, connecting Belize City to Corozal and the Mexican border; the George Price Highway, formerly the Western Highway, connecting Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen near Guatemala; the Hummingbird Highway, connecting Belmopan to Dangriga; the Southern Highway, beginning at the Hummingbird Highway in Dangriga and extending to Punta Gorda; and the Coastal Highway, also known as the Manatee Highway or the Shortcut, connecting the Western Highway west of Belize City to the Stann Creek Valley near Dangriga.

The Philip Goldson Highway, stretching 95 miles (153 kilometres), is a completely paved two-lane road. It serves as one of the three major thoroughfares in Belize, providing a vital connection between Belize City and the Mexican border. Along the route, travellers can explore ancient Maya sites, such as Altun Ha, and enjoy the pristine waters of Corozal Bay.

The George Price Highway, spanning 81 miles (130 kilometres), is another major thoroughfare that is entirely paved and features two lanes. It connects Belize City to the west, including Belmopan, San Ignacio, and the Guatemalan border. This highway offers a pleasant drive through rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, with the convenience of roadside restaurants and lodges.

The Hummingbird Highway, measuring 55 miles (89 kilometres), is a fully paved two-lane road that winds through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. It connects Belmopan in central Belize to Dangriga on the southeastern coast, passing through villages and orchards. This highway is particularly popular among visitors for its scenic beauty and access to attractions like St. Herman's Cave and the Inland Blue Hole.

The Southern Highway, starting in Dangriga and extending 97 miles (156 kilometres) to Punta Gorda, is a completely paved two-lane road. It serves as a vital transportation corridor in southern Belize, providing easy access to ancient Maya sites and traditional villages. This highway has been upgraded with culverts, advanced drainage systems, guardrails, and modern concrete bridges, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

The Coastal Highway, also referred to as the Manatee Highway or the Shortcut, is currently an unpaved gravel roadway. This 30-mile (48-kilometre) stretch connects an area west of Belize City to the north of Dangriga. While it offers a direct route, the condition of the road makes it challenging to navigate, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, plans are underway to upgrade and pave this highway in the coming years.

The Philip Goldson Highway is one of Belize's major thoroughfares, connecting Belize City to the Mexican border

Belize has a network of roads that spans over 1,900 miles (3,000 km), with approximately 350-357 miles (570-575 km) of paved roads. The country has five major asphalt-paved two-lane roads, and one of them is the Philip Goldson Highway, which is one of Belize's three principal thoroughfares.

The Philip Goldson Highway is a crucial transportation artery in Belize, stretching approximately 95 miles (153 km) from Belize City to the Mexican border. Formerly known as the Northern Highway, it was renamed in 2012 to honour Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a prominent Belizean newspaper editor, politician, and activist. The highway not only bears his name but also passes by the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.

The highway serves as a vital link between Belize City and northern destinations, including the Orange Walk District, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, and ultimately, the Mexican town of Chetumal City in Quintana Roo State. Along the route, travellers can access notable locations such as the village of Burrell Boom, the ancient Maya site of Altun Ha, the village of Crooked Tree, and the Hondo River.

The Philip Goldson Highway is a modern, well-developed roadway. It is completely paved and features two lanes for most of its length, making it a comfortable and efficient route for travellers. Additionally, the highway has undergone upgrades to improve its climate resilience and road safety. These upgrades include the installation of drainage structures, road markings, traffic signs, and the addition of pedestrian and bicycle paths in villages along the route.

The Philip Goldson Highway is an essential component of Belize's road network, facilitating trade, tourism, and transportation between Belize and Mexico. Its paved surface and accessibility make it a popular route for those seeking to explore the country's northern regions and experience the beauty and culture that Belize has to offer.

The George Price Highway, formerly known as the Western Highway, connects Belize City to the Guatemalan border

Belize has a network of roads that spans over 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometres), with approximately 350 miles (570-575 kilometres) of paved roads. The country has five major asphalt-paved two-lane roads, including the George Price Highway, which is one of Belize's three or four primary thoroughfares.

The George Price Highway is a vital route that connects eastern and western Belize. It runs through several notable towns and villages, including Burrell Boom, Hattieville, Belmopan, San Ignacio, and San Jose Succotz, before reaching the Guatemalan border. The highway offers access to various attractions, such as the Belize Zoo, the Hummingbird Highway, and the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich, located across the river from San Jose Succotz.

The highway has undergone several improvements over the years, including the construction of a new steel bridge over Beaver Dam Creek, replacing the old broken concrete bridge. In 2016, a roundabout was built at the junction with the Hummingbird Highway, and in 2020, the Roaring Creek Bridge was reconstructed to address congestion issues caused by its narrow design.

The George Price Highway is a significant transportation artery, facilitating travel within Belize and providing a connection to neighbouring Guatemala. Its history, attractions, and ongoing development make it an essential component of Belize's road network.

The Hummingbird Highway is one of the most scenic routes in Belize, passing through villages and orchards

Belize has a network of roads that spans over 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometres), with approximately 350-357 miles (570-575 kilometres) paved. There are five major paved roads with two lanes, one of which is the Hummingbird Highway.

The Hummingbird Highway is one of the most scenic routes in Belize. Named for the abundance of hummingbirds found in the country, the Hummingbird Highway connects central Belize to the southeastern coast. The highway is approximately 55 miles (86.4-89 kilometres) long and connects the George Price Highway (often referred to as the Western Highway) outside of Belmopan to the Southern Highway just outside of the town of Dangriga in the Stann Creek District of southeastern Belize.

The Hummingbird Highway is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. It passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountains, crosses several scenic rivers, and passes through fragrant citrus orchards before ending near the beach outside of Dangriga. Along the way, there are charming restaurants serving authentic Creole food, homemade ice cream, and other treats. There are also several villages nestled along the route.

The highway takes less than two hours to drive from end to end without stopping. However, there are many scenic spots along the way, including the St. Herman's Cave and Inland Blue Hole National Park (mile 12.2), the bridge over the Sibun River (mile 18.6), Five Blues Lake (mile 23), the scenic Hummingbird Gap (mile 26), and the bridge over the Mullins River (mile 34.7).

If you're planning on driving along the Hummingbird Highway, you can book your lodgings at the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge, located just half a mile off the highway near Belmopan. The lodge offers luxury treehouses, suites, bungalows, and cabanas, as well as adventure activities such as birdwatching, nighttime hikes, cave tubing, ziplining, and more.

The Hummingbird Highway is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize. It offers a panoramic view of the country's diverse landscapes, from mountainous regions to citrus orchards and coastal areas. The highway is also a great way to connect between northern and southern Belize, and it is the fastest way to get to the western and southern parts of the country from Belize City.

The Southern Highway is one of the major thoroughfares in Belize, providing access to ancient Maya sites and traditional villages

Belize has a network of roads that spans over 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometres), with approximately 350 miles (570-575 kilometres) paved. There are five major paved roads with two lanes, one of which is the Southern Highway.

The Southern Highway is one of the major thoroughfares in Belize. It runs from Dangriga in Stann Creek District to Punta Gorda and beyond in Toledo District, connecting to the Guatemalan border. The highway is approximately 97 miles (156 kilometres) long and is entirely paved. It is a vital transportation corridor in southern Belize, providing access to ancient Maya sites and traditional villages.

The Southern Highway begins at the southern terminus of the Hummingbird Highway in Dangriga. It was named the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway in 2020, honouring the founder of Garifuna Settlement Day. The highway provides access to Mayan archaeological sites, including the ancient Maya sites of Nim Li Punit and Lubantuun (or Lubantun), which are situated a few miles west of the highway in southern Belize. The highway also offers access to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located several miles west of the highway in south-central Belize.

The Southern Highway was completely paved in 2011, improving travel conditions and accessibility in the region. The paving project, which cost over $47 million, was part of a long-term plan to boost development in the Toledo District. In addition to paving, the highway was upgraded with culverts and an advanced drainage system to ensure safe and comfortable travel even during heavy rainfall. Guardrails, lane markings, and modern concrete bridges further enhance the safety and functionality of the Southern Highway.

The Southern Highway is a significant route in Belize, facilitating travel, tourism, and economic development in the southern regions of the country. Its completion has made it easier for travellers to explore ancient Maya sites and experience the culture of traditional villages along the route.

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