About Belize:
Belize is considered to be BOTH a Caribbean- and a Latin American country. Located with the Caribbean Sea to the East, Belize is bordered by Mexico to the North, and Guatemala on the South and West. The population growth is the second highest in the region, and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
Up until 1981, Belize was considered a part of the United Kingdom (under the name of British Honduras) and still retains a strong colonial feel to this day. The country, due to it’s proximity and influx of new residents, is also strongly influenced by the United States, and many Belizeans have either lived/studied in the U.S. or have family in the country.
Most visitors come to Belize to enjoy the ocean, the rainforests, and the barrier reefs that are located right off the coastline. Belize has also become a “mecca” for eco-tourism in recent years, with a number of well known “lodges” located across the country.
Ambergris Caye and San Pedro attract a lot of tourists year-round and have a wide range of hotels available.
The People:
Culturally, Belize is a diverse melting pot.
By far the greatest number of settlers are the Mestizo (Spanish Indian) followed by Creole (African-European), Maya, Garifuna, Mennonites and recently an influx of European, North Americans and Canadians have made the country their home.
The Belizean Climate:
Belize has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures of 80ºF, reaching 95ºF in summer months and down to 65ºF in winter months.
The rain season lasts from June to November, with torrential downpour for periods of the day, usually only lasting a short while each time, and clearing up in just a few minutes.
Time:
Belize is in Time Zone GMT -6, the same as U.S. central time. Belize does not observe Daylight savings time.
Travel & Access:
Access to Belize from the U.S. and Canada is easy, surprisingly affordable (especially on tickets booked in advance, and on low-cost airlines) and very quick – with flights from Miami clocking in under two hours. Travelers from a vast majority of countries can also enter free of any visa requirements and arriving in the country is not a big ordeal.
If you are more adventurous, or are arriving from within Central America, you may also enter by land at several crossings with Mexico and Guatemala.
Travelers specifically headed to Corozal may elect to fly to Cancun, and travel by car or luxury coach to reach us.
Cruise ships regularly make stops in Belize, usually spending a day in Belize City.