Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Belize, a small country on the Caribbean side of Central America. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to see in Belize, we love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the ten things that will shock you on your Belize vacation.
They Speak English in Belize
Many tourists are surprised to learn that English is actually the official language of Belize. It’s not just that a lot of people in the tourist industry speak English; everyone in Belize speaks English. Road signs are in English, and menus are in English. Belize used to be British Honduras, and only became an independent country in 1981, so English has been spoken here for many years.
Everyone is on Island Time
You may think that Belize will be prim and proper, having been under British rule for so long. However, that’s not the case at all. Belize is definitely more “Caribbean” in that aspect. Island Time requires some patience and adjustment as nobody is really in a hurry. Most of us visit Belize to relax and unwind, but when you are starving and ready to eat, you have to realize the servers and cooks are on island time, too.
You Can Pay With US Dollars
Belize has its own currency, the Belize Dollar, but pretty much anyplace you go will accept US Dollars. The Belize Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar 2-to-1, so whatever the price is in Belize dollars, you can pay half that in US dollars. It can be hard to find ATMs, so it’s nice to be able to bring money from home and not worry about getting cash when you arrive.
Belize is Expensive
Belize is sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, two very affordable countries in Latin America. So you might expect Belize to be a budget travel destination. However, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s the most expensive destination that we’ve been to in Central America. If you visit the Cayes, expect to pay even more, as everything has to be imported from the mainland.
Belize Beaches and Underwater Experiences
The beaches in Belize are fantastic, and the sea life is really incredible. Even on the ferry over, we saw tons of fish swimming around. If you go out snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll be amazed at all of the wildlife that you’ll see. Belize has the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Watching sunrise and sunset from the Belize Cayes is an amazing experience.
Mayan Ruins in Belize
Today’s population of Belize is around 400,000 but back in the day, there were nearly one million Mayans scattered throughout the area. Naturally, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of Mayan ruins scattered around Belize. Caracol is the best-known Mayan ruin in Belize, but there are many others to see, including Altun Ha, Santa Rita, and Cahal Pech. You can even visit Tikal in Guatemala on a day trip from San Ignacio.
Getting Around Belize
Transportation in Belize can be a bit of a shock. You will fly into Belize City, and then hire a car to take you to wherever you need to go. You may then board a ferry, or take a small plane, to get to some of the islands. The roads can be pretty bumpy, but you’ll have some gorgeous views of the countryside. When you get to Caye Caulker, you’ll realize there are no cars, only golf carts. There are many interesting ways to get around Belize.
Relaxed Liquor Laws in Belize
Another shock of visiting Belize is that you can walk around with your alcoholic drinks. You can’t have glass on the beach, but otherwise, you’re pretty much good to go. The rum is really good in Belize, so grab yourself a rum drink and head out for a stroll on the beach.
Safety in Belize
Many travelers question how safe they will be in Belize. We were surprised at how safe we felt during our entire Belize vacation. It’s pretty laid-back and even the street peddlers are super laid-back and not aggressive at all. Crime statistics for Belize aren’t very positive, but the crime is mostly concentrated in the cities. We felt very safe in the resort areas of Belize.
Cool Things to Do in Belize
Belize is one of the original eco-tourism destinations of Latin America. There are so many cool things to see in Belize, and a ton of tours you can take to see them. San Ignacio is a great base in Belize for adventure travel. You can go cave tubing, visit Mayan ruins, horseback riding, kayaking, and canoeing.
With the amazing beaches and adventure tours, Belize makes for a really well-rounded vacation destination! Want more tips for traveling in Latin America? Check out some of our other blog posts!