Where To Go in Belize? A Beautiful Paradise in the Caribbean
WELCOME TO CARIBBEAN PARADISE
We had an unforgettable time on the small Caribbean island of Caye Caulker – and even though we haven’t explored the entire country (yet), we’d love to share our personal tips for this dreamy corner of Belize. Of course, you’ll also find inspiration for other destinations in the country that we already have our eyes on for our next trip!
BELIZE - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We arrived from Guatemala to Belize City. Entry by bus was seamless, and as of 2024, citizens of 106 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and most European countries, can enter Belize without needing a visa. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six more months, you have a return or onward ticket, at least one night of accommodation booked, and that your passport has a blank page. You can check it on this website.
Going back from Belize to Guatemala by is also straightforward.
In Belize, the official language is English, making it the only country in Central America where English is the official language. However, Spanish is also widely spoken, and many locals spoke Creole, a mix of English and African languages, as well as a few Mayan languages.
The currency used in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). The exchange rate was around 2 BZD to 1 USD, but it’s always a good idea to check the current rates before your trip. This made conversions very easy for us, and USD was, of course, also accepted.
When is the ideal time to visit Belize? The best time to explore Belize is during the dry season, which runs from January to May. We visited Belize in September, and similar to Guatemala, we experienced some rainy days.
In Belize, the standard electrical voltage is 110-120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The country primarily uses Type A and Type B power plugs:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins.
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type or voltage, you may need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Tap water in various locations in Belize is not always safe to drink, and we recommend against consuming it. We never tried the tap water because, especially in Caye Caulker, many supermarkets and restaurants sell bottled water.
Traveling in Belize can be safe, but like any destination, it requires some precautions. Here are some tips that we always respect:
Stay aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Secure your belongings: Keep your valuables secured and avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics.
Use reliable transportation: Take safe transportation options, such as licensed taxis, UBER or organized tours, especially at night.
Stay in safe areas: Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods and read reviews before booking.
Avoid certain areas at night: Some areas, particularly in larger cities, can be less safe after dark, so it’s best to avoid them. Check before you go, where those areas are.
Be cautious with alcohol: We enjoy having a few drinks while traveling, but if you choose to drink, do so responsibly and avoid getting wasted.
CAYE CAULKER TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE BELIZE - CARIBBEAN MEETS CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize is located in the Caribbean region and is part of Central America. It has around 400,000 inhabitants and, with an area of 23,000 square kilometers, is roughly the size of El Salvador. The mainland stretches about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide, making Belize the country with the fewest people and the most space per person in Central America.
When we think of the Caribbean, probably just like you, we imagine sandy streets, palm trees, crystal blue waters, BBQ, the smell of weed in the air, and always smiling people. After our three-week, exhausting, and exciting journey through Guatemala, this was exactly what we were looking for – and we found it in Belize!
Though we only had 5 days in Belize, it wasn’t possible to explore the entire country, so we focused our time on Caye Caulker, one of its 450 islands, and it didn’t disappoint.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BELIZE
Especially during a shorter stay, it’s important not to waste too much time on travel. That’s why Caye Caulker (pronounced “Key Caulker”) was the perfect choice for us. The good news for you is that if you’re wondering where to travel in Belize and arrive at the international airport in Belize City, you can easily reach the ferry terminal! From there, it’s only a 45-minute boat ride to Caye Caulker.
If you want to visit more islands, after your stay in Caye Caulker, you can take another ferry to San Pedro, famous from Madonna’s song “Isla Bonita.”Â
We decided to take a day trip from Caye Caulker to San Pedro. If you want to learn more about it, feel free to read our Belize Travel Guide. If you are looking for a beautiful destination in the Caribbean, our Caye Caulker Travel Guide is your perfect choice.
Although we haven’t seen everything yet, it doesn’t stop us from sharing what Belize is famous for and what we’re already dreaming of for our next trip. While traveling through Belize, we met several fellow travelers who had explored even more of the country than we did. Based on their tips and our own experiences, we’re excited to share some must-visit destinations in Belize that you might want to add to your itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Belize, here are some popular and unforgettable spots according to travelers who’ve been there.
A base for visiting Mayan ruins like Xunantunich and ATM Cave, plus an amzing jungle and local markets.
A relaxed beach town perfect for couples or families, with sand beaches and a growing food scene.
A bucket list destination for divers. Even if you don’t dive, you can take a flight over this world-famous sinkhole.
One of the best snorkeling areas in the world, near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
WHEN TO VISIT BELIZE: WEATHER AND TRAVEL SEASONS
We visited Belize in July, which is part of the rainy season, but don’t let that keep you from going. Most days were hot and sunny, perfect for exploring beaches, islands, and enjoying happy hours. We did experience a few rainy afternoons, but they didn’t last long and actually felt refreshing after the heat.
OUR HONEST ADVICE - IS BELIZE WORTH VISITING?
We’ve only scratched the surface of Belize, but if you’re looking for chill island vibes, friendly locals, and Caribbean food, this is your place. We always aim to be transparent with our recommendations. So while our firsthand experience is limited to Caye Caulker, we still want to help you plan, and get inspired for your Belize adventure. We’ll definitely be back to see more of this place and when we do, we’ll update this page with even more personal stories and tips.
Want more Central America travel tips? Follow us on Instagram or check out our guide for Guatemala. For more travel inspiration and our other top travel recommendations, check out our other blog posts!