I seem to have acquired a new trend to my travels — I head to a new country that I've heard good things about and seen some pretty photos of, but don't actually know that much about. I go in without expectations, having done little to no research, and simply open myself up to whatever happens.
So far, this has actually been a surprisingly good approach to traveling. It has left me pleasantly surprised in places like Romania and Bulgaria; in Iceland and Slovenia. I've made some great memories, and learned a few things along the way.
Most recently, I approached a trip to Belize and Guatemala in this way. I had heard rave reviews of Belize, but didn't actually know much about the Central American nation at all.
As it turns out, Belize is pretty darn interesting, despite being tiny. Here are some things I learned about the country:
8 fun facts you might not know about Belize
1. Ties to Britain
Belize is the only nation in the region with a British colonial heritage. The Spanish conquistadors originally explored Belize and claimed it for Spain, but they decided not to settle it because of a lack of resources.
Eventually they handed the colony over to the British, who first appointed a superintendent over the Belize area in the 1780s and formally declared it a British colony in 1854, calling it British Honduras.
Belize was granted independence from Britain in 1964, and became “Belize” in 1973. However, according to the CIA World Factbook, border disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed Belize's actual independence until 1981. Today, it is still a Commonwealth country.
Curiously (to me, at least), they do NOT drive on the opposite side of the road in Belize. I had expected them to, since their ties to the UK are so strong and so recent. But they don't.
2. The prevalence of English
Perhaps because of its ties to the British Empire, the official language in Belize is not Spanish, but English. Nearly everyone in the country speaks it, which is almost odd since it is completely the opposite if you cross the border into neighboring Guatemala or Mexico. However, most Belizeans speak English as a second language, with Spanish and Kriol (Belizean Creole) being more prevalent.
3. Caribbean vibe
Even though Belize is situated firmly in Central America, the country has a distinctly Caribbean vibe to it. Perhaps it's because of the English influence, or the fact that Belize is on the Caribbean Sea. Or perhaps it's neither of those reasons.
Regardless, Belize felt less to me like a Latin country, and much more like a Caribbean one (especially out on Caye Caulker, where the Rasta culture is alive and well).
4. Mayan history
Before the Brits (or any Europeans, for that matter) came in, Belize's main population was the Maya. Even though most people associate the Maya with Mexico, the civilization actually extended through Belize, Guatemala, and even Honduras at its height.
The largest Maya city in Belize was Caracol (which you can still visit today), and it's estimated that, at one point, up to 400,000 Mayas lived in the area that is now Belize.
5. Small population and size
Believe it or not, there are actually less people in Belize today than there were in the Pre-Columbian Maya days. There are only a little over 300,000 inhabitants in Belize these days, giving it one of the lowest population densities in Central America.
The country of Belize itself is small, though — it's not much larger size-wise than the U.S. state of Massachusetts.
6. Belize Barrier Reef
Off the coast of Belize lies part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which stretches from the upper Yucatan peninsula all the way down to Honduras, making it the second-largest reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Because of how close the reef is to the coast of Belize, it is easily the country's top tourist attraction, popular with both snorkelers and divers. (Go on a snorkeling and sailing tour with Ragamuffin Tours – they're great!)
7. Exchange rate
The exchange rate in Belize is $2 Belizean dollars to every $1 USD. It has been this way for decades, and will probably remain this way for decades more. Most places in the country will accept either Belizean or American money.
8. The dark side
I'd be remiss talking about Belize if I only focused on the good or safe facts. Like any country, Belize has its issues. Issues like poverty and bad roads and violence that cannot be glossed over. This isn't a “fun” fact, but one that I think it's worth knowing before planning a trip to Belize.
Belize currently has a heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment, and a notable income disparity between the rich and the poor (more than 40% of Belizeans currently live in poverty). There's also growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, and gang violence in cities like Belize City.
I'm not sharing this to scare you off of visiting Belize; I'm just simply pointing it out because you DO see evidence of most of this while traveling here. You'll find many unpaved or rough roads, there are many run-down houses and huts, you are not advised to drink the water, and Belize City is certainly not a place I would ever want to go walking around in on my own.
Most tourists won't be affected by this side of Belize; in fact, many might completely miss it depending on which part of the country they visit.
And, the positive things about the country – the friendly people, the beautiful landscapes, the interesting history, the uncrowded destinations – more than make up for Belize's shortcomings.
Overall, my experience in Belize was an extremely positive one. I learned all of these things about the country, plus one more:
I also learned that Belize is definitely a place I want to go back to.
Tips for planning your trip to Belize
I went to Belize on a tour with Intrepid Travel, but it's absolutely a Central American destination you can visit on your own.
How to get to Belize
Belize is a fairly short flight from most US destinations; all the major airlines fly to Belize City.
Where to stay in Belize
I would recommend spending some time on the mainland in San Ignacio (near Mayan ruins and some cool adventure activities), and then heading out to the Cayes – Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are the two most popular.
Hotels to check out include:
- Ka'ana Resort in San Ignacio – One of the best hotels in the city (and maybe in all of Belize), this eco resort can help you book all sorts of adventurous activities.
- Island Magic Beach Resort on Caye Caulker – This property is “beachfront” (really, waterfront as Caye Caulker doesn't have many actual beaches), and has a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.
- The Phoenix Resort in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) – This is the #1 hotel in San Pedro. It's located in town, but gives you the feel of staying at a secluded beachfront resort.
Cool tours to take in Belize
Here are some fun day tours to check out:
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave from San Ignacio
- Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley Sailing and Snorkeling Tour
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sailing Tour
More essential info
- Looking for packing suggestions for Belize? Head over to my Amazon shop to see all my favorite travel gear!
- Pick up a Belize travel guide before you go.
- Don't leave home without a good travel insurance plan – because you never know what might happen! I recommend World Nomads for affordable basic travel insurance.
Have you been to or would you like to go to Belize?
*Note: I explored Belize as part of a complimentary “Land of Belize” trip with Intrepid Travel. As always, though, all opinions are my own.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I read this http://www.belizenorth.com/expats.htm who is a real travel consultant, and an expat and wondered why your description is so different. I’ve done a lot of research on Belize and most of it is like this ex-pats. Are you real? or are you just an SEO plant?
I’m not sure what your question really is, Amelia? I am very real, and I didn’t really write anything about living as an expat in Belize (since I only have experience visiting as a tourist). So not really sure what you’re comparing?
I was in Belize in May-June this year and loved it. Sure there were moments of aarrgghhh… but all in all – I am on my way back right now! The post you mentioned is written as seen through the eyes of someone who is LIVING in the country. Besides many of her points reminded me a small child whining… Things are different in different countries – that’s just the way it is. Banks can be terribly irritating in Norway too and so on. The easiest way to enjoy living in another country is to learn to take it easy and to accept a few things. I have lived abroad for more than 10 years so I know what I am talking about 😉 Caye Caulker, here I am again – already tomorrow!
It’s nice to read all the comments I was born and raised in Belize lived in Canada for the past 14 years we move back to Belize a year ago. And so far have no plans of leaving there so many different things to do it’s a perfect place to visit perfect place to raise a family I can’t imagine dragging my kids anywhere else. Just stay away from Belize city
Haha, I like that even you advise avoiding Belize City… It’s definitely not a very nice place. But the rest of Belize (at least, what I’ve seen of it) is lovely!
A friend of mine owns a wonderful yoga studio that does retreats every year, and they did one in Belize a couple of years ago. The photos and stories made me really want to go there, and I like the fact that it’s not far from the U.S. (compared to Brazil, for example). Thank you for the comprehensive information!
Definitely not far from the U.S. in comparison to a lot of other destinations!
To be honest, the main thing I had heard about Belize was its reputation (among Central American countries) as a country that is not welcoming to same-sex couples, and apparently (at least according to Wikipedia), there is a “heavy penalty” for homosexual acts. I know there are plenty of countries where it’s apparently a lot worse (Saudi Arabia and its death penalty comes to mind), but considering that Mexico has marriage equality in some states, and that Belize’s other neighbours don’t seem too bothered about the matter, I never considered visiting if/when we travel in that region. However, you’ve painted a very nice image of the country, so we may have to reconsider!
I had not heard anything about a lack of tolerance for homosexuality in Belize, and I didn’t personally see any evidence of it while I was there. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not there, of course. Interesting! Now I want to know more.
That was true 5 years ago Sam, but the law has now changed in the interest of human rights. Just for clarity, homosexuality was not illegal. It was ‘buggery’, according to an archaic English law.
Don’t worry about gender, spent time in Belize and the quays, it’s beautiful and better and cheaper then the Caribbean islands. Just steer clear of the gangs like MS13 and the George street gang in Belize city. They r all into drug trafficking + people trafficking.
I’ve been to Belize before, and, like the locals say “You gotta SEEZ it to BELIZE it!” 😉
Haha, love that!
I enjoyed Belize for it’s compactness and easy communications as well. It takes awhile to get used to armed guards and violence when travelling through Central America, but I never felt unsafe in Belize, despite being quasi-kidnapped one night.
As with most countries in Central, just skip over their capital city, and your impression will likely be more positive!
Good tip on the skipping the capital cities part. I think I would probably agree with that!
But, like you, I never found myself feeling unsafe in Belize.
Fantastic post! I spent a couple months doing research in Belize last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The people were kind (I was even able to stay with a Mayan family in their house for a while), the Mayan sites were amazing, and the reef was absolutely stunning. Belize is definitely not for those accustomed to “package tours” (unless you head to Ambergris Caye), but the reward is definitely worth it. I do agree on the “roughness” of some parts of the country (I needed an armed escort for some areas I needed to head to), but for the majority of the time I felt safe and welcomed. From wading through Actun Tunichil Muknal to see crystallized skeletal remains of ancient Mayan sacrifices to diving and snorkeling with Whale Sharks near Placencia, Belize is definitely a place worth the visit. Again, great post and safe travels.
Thanks, Travis! I’m glad to hear that your experiences in Belize were similar to mine!
really appreciate this article and the honesty in it. I had never heard of this place before but Its a place I would now love to go to. Its interesting to think you can see evidence of the bad parts of the country, yet the reef looks so beautiful!
Belize is like any other country, really. It has its shortcomings and failings, but there are a lot of great things about it, too!
And yes, the reef is amazing!
Very interesting post. Learned a lot here. Darn, I realize I sound SO general here, but I mean it! I must admit I knew nothing about Belize except that it existed.
I must say it looks ‘nice’, but it doesn’t make me go: “I want to go NOOOOOOW!”.
I feel like most people don’t know very much about Belize. (In fact, my grandma DIDN’T even know that it existed, and didn’t believe me that it was a real place! She requested a postcard as proof. Haha.)
And, as for making you want to go there right now, check out my post on Caye Caulker. 😉 That might convince you!
I’m in Caye Caulker right now! 3rd time in the last 12 months!
Nice! I’m very envious!
Belize is definitely on my radar for 2013!
Great to hear! Hopefully you make it there this year!
My mom’s friend has a property on Ambergris Caye and the pictures she always shows looks fantastic. I knew a few of these, but I didn’t know Belize’s population was so low. That kind of surprised me.
Oh man, what I would give for a holiday home in Belize!! That must be lovely.
Good to see Belize getting some blog love – it’s one of those places that doesn’t seem to get mentioned much. Can’t wait to get out there myself this time next year, I’m going to be doing a few weeks on a backpacking honeymoon around the country. Helpful to know my terrible Spanish won’t be a problem too!
That sounds like an awesome honeymoon, Lucy! I would definitely consider Belize a great, little-known honeymoon destination. Such diversity in a small area!
I always find some new info in your posts, Amanda 🙂 I would, definitely, learn Spanish before going to Belize 🙂 and driving on the right side… that’s awesome! Would love to visit Mayan Caracol one day.
The great thing about Belize is that you DON’T need to learn Spanish! Everyone speaks very good English.
Of course they speak very good English. They are an ex-British colony. It’s on par with saying Canadians, Americans, Australians etc. Speak pretty good English. Different accents don’t make for better or worst English.
But with Belize being located in Central America, someone traveling there without much knowledge of their colonial past wouldn’t expect to find English as everyone’s first language. It’s a fact not everyone knows!
It’s only been recently (since you started writing the blog posts about Belize) that I’ve actually wanted to go. I’d never really given it much thought before. But now, Caye Caulker is one of the top things I want to do in the whole world! It looks so sunny and quiet 🙂 Belize is DEFINITELY a place I want to go to!
Thanks awesome to hear, Rebecca! Caye Caulker is so awesome – well worth being on your travel wish list!
It’s been a big dream of mine, and one of the first points on my Bucket List, to go to Belize. Sounds just as exciting as I’d imagine it!
Plus, what you say in the very beginning – for the last 3 years I’ve been traveling without usually as much as even looking at a guidebook, let alone getting it for myself or following it along the road. Not having expectations is the best thing we can do, not only while traveling but in life in general.
Well I really hope you make it there soon! It sounds like you would enjoy it.