The most striking feature about Belize is that is small - in fact tiny. There entire population could easily fit into a medium size American or European city. The whole country has two paved roads and a population as laid back as they come. It is a very pretty place only recently "discovered" and still unspoiled for the visitor who really wants to see untouched towns and villages. If you are looking to discover a place that the madding crowds have not yet trampled, Belize is the place to go.
The oldest cathedral in Central America (1857) is found in Belize City. The Belize City Museum is very good and contains artifacts from many periods including contemporary items. 30 miles northwest of Belize City is Altun Ha, a Mayan ruin, where the largest jade head figure was discovered. Xunantunich, which s 80 miles southwest of Belize City is an interesting Mayan site. Stann Creek Valley is found along the Humming Bird Highway. Another Mayan center is Corozal Bay where you can explore Lubaantun. A little over 70 miles from Belize City is San Ignacio which is on the banks of the Macal River. This is near the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, Cerros and Cahal Pech. Beach resorts are very good. Ambergris Cay is a well known large resort area. Smaller in size, but beautiful, are Half Moon Cay and St. George's.
Capital: Belize City
Population: 220,000
Area: 8,870 square miles
Language: English is the official language, however, various dialects such as Creole, Maya, Ganifuna and Spanish as well as a smattering of others are also spoken.
Time: - 1 from New York in the winter and -2 in the summer.
Electricity: 110 Volts AC, 50 Hz
Geography: Belize is bounded in the north by Mexico in the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The country is dominated by mountains. About 15 miles offshore is a spectacular reef which stretches nearly 200 miles which makes it the second longest in the world.
International Airport
Belize City - (BZE): 11 miles to the city. Some bus service. If using a taxi best to agree on fare ahead of time. This should be US$15.00
Tipping: Service charges are not included in the bill so a 10% tip is customary. Porters should get around $1.
Shopping: Opening hours are usually 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily except Wednesday when stores do not reopen in the afternoon. There is a lot of tortoiseshell here but it is illegal to bring this into the US because of the endangered species law.
Food and Drink: The national dishes of rice, beans and lobsters as well as conch and tomales should be tried. Many international favorites are available in Belize City but more limited elsewhere. The local drink is called "A and P" because it is a blend of Anise and peppermint. Rum is the main drink here. Otherwise try some of the fruit drinks which come in all sorts of flavors.
Social: The native are friendly here but as you get away from the main towns, little or no English is spoken. Handshaking is done more in the cities than in the country where a nod of the head in acknowledgment is sufficient at meeting someone.
Business: Appointments are helpful and business cards are essential. Formal business attire is recommended.
Banking: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday to Thursday and on Fridays also open from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm
Currency: The Belize dollar (BZE$). The rate is fixed to the dollar at a rate of 1US$ = 2 BZE$ Travelers checks are fairly well accepted.
Money Exchange: Banks and hotels.
Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
In this tropical setting the temperatures vary from 68 to 97 degrees F throughout the year. In the mountains it is a little cooler particularly at night. June to August is the rainy season dumping 50 inches in the north and 165 inches in the south during the year. February through May is the driest time of the year. Insect repellent is important here. | 