Belize
By Christopher Angell
Belize vacations - Belize tours
Our tailor made tours and Belize honeymoon packages range from five star luxury to budget Belize vacations. All services are arranged to maximize your level of enjoyment and comfort.
Belize, the choice destination for honeymooners seeking privacy, romantic surroundings and a sensual vacation experience that will stay with you forever.
Choose from an inspiring selection of Belize vacations and be delighted by the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, the Maya Mountains and Pine Ridge. Zip lining through the forest, tubing or kayaking through Maya caves, diving and snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, sailing the cayes, parasailing or just hiking through the jungle, you will find Belize offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Take a Belize vacation and enjoy its amazing coral reef system, the second largest in the world. Many cayes are surrounded by astounding reefs perfect for swimming and fishing. The majority of Belize is protected National Park home to hundreds of bird species, exotic tropical plants, monkeys, manatee, crocodiles and thousands of colorful fish. Add to this the laidback, friendly Belizean lifestyle evident throughout colorful towns and villages; Belize is a perfect Caribbean paradise.
We offer the most romantic resorts for those yearning for the best.Our staff are ready to help plan your trip to this magnificent destination!
Country Guide
Capital: Belmopan City
Population: 18,100. Belize City (the former capital) has a population of 65, 2008.
Language: English is the official language of Belize but Kriol is the language that all Belizeans speak.
Voltage: Current is 110 volts AC/60 cycles, same as in the U.S., and plugs/outlets are the same, too.
HISTORY
No other country in Central America or the Caribbean has a more fascinating and elusive past than Belize- with glorious Maya civilizations, English buccaneers and mahogany cutters, African slaves and Spanish conquistadors. Belize’s past is an intriguing array of epic tales seasoned with stolen treasure, stone pyramids, logwood-cutting and multi-ethnic cultures, all ending with a peaceful, friendly and independent nation. Travel with us and be transported to a place where history remains within reach.Unlike the rest of Central America which was colonized by Spain, Belize was once a British colony. Spanish authorities failed to clearly designate the southern boundary of the Yucatan, allowing buccaneers (pirates) preying on the Spanish treasure fleets offshore to find refuge along the coast of what became known as British Honduras.
On September 10th, 1798 the British claimed victory over the Spaniards at the Battle of St. George’s Caye thus establishing a British colony. Today, Belize’s official language is English and the government and legal system are modeled on the Westminster system. While independent since 1981, Belize remains a part of the British Commonwealth in which the Queen of England is the nominal head of state and is represented locally by the Governor General.
The head of government is the Prime Minister who with the Cabinet, form the executive branch of the government. The legislature is comprised of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. An independent judiciary includes the Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and magistrate courts. In each village, city and town are respective village, city and town councils elected on a regular basis.
From vibrancy to the decline of an ancient Maya civilization, through the challenges of piracy, colonial reign and slavery, surfaced the rise of a nationalist movement, the struggle for independence, the trials of globalization and the tribulations of politics in a developing country. Through this passage of history and development, Belize has resisted the violence and revolution of many of its neighbors and has emerged a peaceful and democratic nation.
GETTING TO
Entry for international visitors arriving in Belize by air is at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) is 16km (10 miles) northwest of Belize City. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city (journey time – 20 minutes); prices should be agreed with the driver beforehand. Taxi drivers are not tipped. There is an airport bus to the city centre, but it runs infrequently and should not be relied upon (journey time – 30 minutes). Facilities: Duty-free shops, bank, shops, restaurant and bar.
VISAS
A passport valid until after your departure date is required to enter Belize along with proof of exit. No visas are required for travelers from the United States, United Kingdom and most Caribbean countries. Most other countries require visas. Please check with your local Belizean Consulate. Visitors are allowed 1 month visit without requesting an extension.
MONEY
Belize’s currency, the Belizean dollar (BZ$), has been fixed for many years at US$0.50, although talk of a devaluation is never far beneath the surface. The currency bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of one, five, 10, 25 and 50 cents and one dollar; bills come in denominations of two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.Prices in Belize are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at up market hotels, where you can expect to pay international prices. Most types of tours are charged in US dollars. In fact, US dollars are widely accepted, but the standard unit of currency is still the Belizean dollar (BZ$). The exchange rate has hovered around US$1=BZ$2 for years.
Prices in this book are quoted in BZ$ and include all taxes and service charges.Traveling by public bus is dirt cheap, but car hire, taxis, boats and hotel transfers are not. Expect a day’s auto rental to cost between BZ$150 and BZ$200. Currency exchange Currency can be exchanged at most hotels, banks, and travel agencies. While not strictly legal, there are also freelance money exchangers who often have a better rate. Many ATMs accept foreign cards, but there is a $500 limit per day. ATM exchange rates are usually 1% lower than bank rates. 1 Pound Sterling = Bz$3.9 1 US Dollar = Bz$1.96 1 Euro = Bz$3.04 TAXES There is a US$36 departure tax when leaving by air. Check that this tax was included in the price of your airline ticket.Visitors leaving Belize by road must pay an US$18.75/BZ$37.50 land departure tax, payable in either currency.
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
There are seven government hospitals – one in Belmopan, one in Belize City and one in each of the other five main district towns, but, generally, medical facilities are limited and there is a shortage of doctors in rural areas. Medical services in rural areas are provided by rural health care centers, and mobile clinics operate in remote areas. Medical insurance is strongly advised. Most hospitals and doctors expect to be paid in cash, whether you have insurance or not.
Vaccine recommendations: Before visiting Belize, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination:(Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.Malaria: is recommended for all areas except Belize City.
TRANSPORT
Belize has four major highways, the Northern Highway connecting Belize City with Chetumal on the Mexican Border, the Western Highway connecting Belize City with Belmopan and continuing to the border with Guatemala, the Southern Highway linking the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts and the Hummingbird Highway. All principal towns and villages are linked by roads to Belmopan and Belize City.Regular bus services operate to and from all main towns.The speed limit is 90kph (56mph) on highways and 40kph (25mph) on most other roads. Seat belts are compulsory. You must purchase car insurance. At police checkpoints, officers have the authority to ask to see proof of your.
Documentation: A national driving license is acceptable for three months, after which an International Driving Permit is required. Taxis: Each of Belize’s cities has its own taxi companies and fare schedules. Still, you’ll find that a few things remain the same:Taxis are easily identifiable by green plates indicating their status as an official taxi.Remember to negotiate the fare before you get into the taxi.Taxi drivers will often attempt to get the attention of tourists.Taxis in Belize never have meters.Small children are not required by law to be restrained in a child safety device, and taxis will not provide them to those who wish to use them as a precaution. If you don’t feel comfortable traveling in a moving vehicle without a car seat or booster seat, make sure to bring your own from home.
CLOTHES YOU SHOULD BRING
Light, informal clothing is recommended, except for jungle excursions where the thick forest growth and insects should be taken into account. A sweater or jacket for cool inland mornings and evenings is advisable.
SAFETY
Tips on Staying Safe:Only travel in taxis with green license plates, and never ride with strangers (other than the driver, of course).Don’t flash your cash! Keep large amounts, as well as important documents, hidden in either an underclothes money belt or your hotel safe.Never leave valuables in your hotel room. Break-ins are common.Though Belize seems laid-back when it comes to drugs-especially marijuana-penalties are extremely severe. Don’t partake.
WEATHER
Belize has a subtropical climate with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity peaking in the summer at above 80%. The rainy season is from mid-May until November but even during this ‘rainy season’ it is unusual to have long rainy periods, and sunny weather returns after a day or two.Dry season from January to April. January is the coldest month and May is the hottest.
Gallery
©Victoria Reay
©Victoria Reay
©Victoria Reay
©Victoria Reay
©Glen Murphy
©Glen Murphy
©Glen Murphy
