Travel Notes on Belize
Planning to visit Belize? Here's some information for you which is extracted from the fourth edition of Explore Belize by Harry S. Pariser. This text is copyright 1998, Harry S. Pariser. All rights reserved.Contact the author for reprint or other rights.
Caribbean yet Central American, Belize encompasses a hybrid cultural potpourri. Numbering among its bountiful treasures are the hemisphere's longest coral reef, hundreds of sandy offshore islands, 250 varieties of wild orchids, 500 species of birds, cats and other wildlife, and innumerable Mayan ruins--many of which are still unexplored. Set in an isthmus reknowned for population density, Belize, a relatively small nation, also contains a small population (est. 225,000) relative to its size. The greater part of its territory is dominated either by the craggy Maya Mountains or lowland swamps. Both the relatively small population and the nation's physical isolation have made the construction of roads a formidable task, and many parts of the nation remain inaccessible today.
WHO SHOULD COME: If you're looking for a large resort with a pristine white beach and attendants holding out white towels and catering to your every need, then Belize is not the place for you. Belize is for the adventurous traveler--one who doesn't mind trading a modicum of discomfort for a maximum amount of experience. Belize is not the destination for everyone. If the least little sandfly bite or mosquito sting takes you aback, then Belize isn't the place for you, and you won't like it much unless you confine yourself to San Pedro's most luxurious resorts. Mainland Belize is truly for adventurous people who don't mind being a bit uncomfortable if that's what it takes to really experience things. You'll find that the rewards are worth every bit of the discomfort you endure.
WHEN TO COME: When you should come depends upon your motives for coming. The best time is definitely off season when rates for hotels plummet and there are few visitors to be found in the more popular spots. The rain is heaviest June through January. If camping and hiking are important items on your itinerary, it would definitely be preferable to arrive during the dry season. And, if you go to the more inaccessible or untouristed towns, parks, and reserves, crowds shouldn't be a problem no matter what the season! The time not to arrive is at Christmas and Easter when Belizeans themselves go on holiday. Don't count on finding a hotel room in Placencia during Holy Week for example.
PLANNING EXPENSES: Expect to spend from US$25 pp, pd at a minimum for food and accommodation. Generally, you'll find yourself spending at least US$40 total and, depending upon your needs, probably more. Differences in price from top to bottom reflect upon facilities and comfort, so the more you can do without the cheaper you can travel. The best way to cut down on expenses is to stay in one (relatively inexpensive) location for a time.
GETTING THERE: The most practical way is to fly from the Continental US. Carriers include TACA (800-535-8780) and American Airlines (800) 433-7300. You can also take a charter flight to Cancun and then bus it.
SIGHTS AND DESTINATIONS: Too many to detail all of them here. Chief among these are Maya ruins, hiking, and snorkeling. Here are some suggestions:
Ambergris Caye--The largest island and one developed for resort tourism. If you're into fine dining and diving and the tourist trip, this is the place to be. Tropic Air flies from both the international airport and from near Belize City.
The Belize Zoo--A humane zoo in which the animals get a chance to have a life!
The Blue Hole--One of the world's most unique dive spots.
Caracol--Belize's most extensive ruined city. Still undergoing excavation. Getting here is a real adventure!
Caye Caulker--The nation's second most populous island, and the only one really geared towards budget travelers.
Community Baboon Sanctuary--A chance to see howler monkeys in a protected habitat as well as interact with locals.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary--Excellent birding and a nearby Maya ruin.
Lamanai--A Maya ruined city set in the jungle and reached by a beautiful river trip.
Placencia--A fishing village with a narrow strip of beach and fine snorkeling, diving, and kayaking offshore.
The Panti Trail--A herbalist's tour of all the forest offers.
Tikal--Central America's most impressive Maya ruins. In neighboring Guatemala but still accessible.
Xunantunich--To get to this ruin with its dramatic frieze, you must cross a river by ferry and then proceed along a jungle road.
Related pages
Discover the true Belize!
Read excerpts from Discover Belize
Order this travel guide from Amazon.com
Order this travel guide from the author
Travel Notes for Belize
Selected Travel Links forBelize
Read about the Pariser's Discovery Guide Series
This page last updated: Thu, Jul 2, 1998