Belize Travel Guide

Set between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast, Belize is a small and easy-going country where English is widely spoken and nature is never far away. Forests, protected reserves and lively wildlife areas cover large stretches of the interior, while the shoreline and offshore cayes offer a mix of quiet beaches, mangroves and bright blue water.

Just off the coast lies Belize's greatest natural draw: its section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. The coral, marine life and calm, clear water make the region a favourite for divers and snorkellers. The famous Great Blue Hole, a deep circular sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef, remains one of the country's standout sights.

Inland, Belize's Maya history comes through in several excavated sites scattered across the lowlands and hills. Visitors can explore temples, plazas and stone structures at several accessible ruins, with many more still being studied.

Belmopan is the capital, but Belize City is the main starting point for museums, cultural spots, the Belize Zoo and the Mayan site of Altun Ha. The country isn't known for big nightlife or shopping, but it more than makes up for it with diving, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking and general exploring.

Belize's culture reflects a mix of influences shaped by its colonial past and its many communities. The atmosphere is relaxed, the people are friendly, and visitors often find the pace of life refreshingly unhurried.