The Ultimate Guide to Belize for First Time Visitors
Welcome to Belize, Central America’s only English-speaking country, home to over 200 tranquil Caribbean islands, 1,400 Mayan archaeological sites, an abundance of lush jungle, and some of the world’s best eco-resorts.
If you’re planning your first trip to Belize, you’re in for a treat! Since I have family in Belize, I visit this gorgeous country frequently and created this Belize travel guide to help you plan the best possible trip. Keep reading for insider tips on the best areas to stay in Belize, the best things to do, how to get around the country, and everything else you need to know for your trip.
Soon you’ll be dipping your toes in crystal clear Caribbean waters, climbing ancient Mayan pyramids, experiencing some of the world’s best snorkeling, and maybe even inner tubing beneath chandelier-like stalactites on a underground river!
👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛
Belize Travel Guide
In this Belize travel guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your first trip to this special country! I share the best hotels, best things to do, and other essential Belize travel tips. Scroll through the find the most relevant information for where you’re at in the planning process and leave a comment if you have questions!
Why visit Belize?
- 🏝️ You can experience pristine Caribbean islands and lush jungle all in one trip — I share about this in my 10 day Belize itinerary
- 👍🏼 Belize is an English-speaking country, so it’s very easy to navigate
- ✈️ Belize feels much less touristy than most destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, and you also don’t have to worry about getting scammed the way you do in more popular tourist destinations
- 🏺There are over a thousand Mayan ruins in Belize and it’s less than two hours away from Tikal, Guatemala, which was the ‘Paris’ of the Mayan world
- 🥾 You can climb to the top of most of the Mayan temples in Belize (unlike in Mexico)
- 👙 Belize also offers a variety of unique jungle adventures like cave tubing and the ATM Cave tour
- 🌿 Belize is home to some of the most tranquil jungle lodges I’ve ever stayed at, including plenty of budget-friendly options. Think an eco-lodge in the middle of nowhere with a private waterfall! (Read my guide on Where to Stay in Belize)
- 🤿 Belize has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world along the Belize Barrier Reef
- 🦈 You can also swim with nurse sharks and sting rays year round, and spot a diversity of other marine life like manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins
- 🦜 On the mainland, you’ll have the chance to see rare tropical birds macaws and toucans, plus howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coati (pizote) and more
- 🗺️ Belize is home to thousands of caves, many of which you can explore on a guided tour. Cave tubing, kayaking, and spelunking are popular. The most famous cave is Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave where you can see the remains of ancient Mayans in their final resting place.
What to know before visiting Belize
- 🧭 Belize borders Mexico and Guatemala. And you can cross the border into Mexico and Guatemala, though you need special paperwork if you’re crossing with a rental car.
- 👍🏼 English is the official language of Belize. This is because Belize was a British colony until 1981.
- 🇺🇸 You can use US dollars. The Belizean dollar is fixed to the US dollar ($2 BZE = $1 USD) and every business accepts USD and BZE. Just be sure you know which currency price is in so you don’t overpay!
- ⌛️ You can stay in Belize for 30 days max. Belize’s tourist visa lasts 30 days, after that you have to pay $200 BZE for a 30 day extension, or exit and reenter the country (ie on a day trip to Tikal, Guatemala!)
- 🚙 Some roads in Belize are really bad. Others are freshly paved. Just drive carefully and expect potholes on older roads!
- 💦 Tap water is (usually) safe to drink. Unlike in nearby Mexico, you can almost always drink tap water in Belize. There are, of course, always exceptions, so if you’re uncertain, just ask your hotel staff!
- 🇧🇿 Belize has several distinct cultural groups, including Mestizos, Garifuna, Mayans, Mennonites, Creoles, among others.
- 🗺️ Belize is a small country and has the smallest population in Central America. It feels small, too! If you travel around the country, you’ll see the same tourists in different areas as your itineraries overlap.
- 🚐 Public transportation options are limited (and busses are slow). Unless you’re an extreme budget traveler, I recommend renting a car or hiring a driver on the mainland.
- ❎ Avoid staying in Belize City. Some areas are unsafe and there really isn’t much to do here.
- 🪭 Head to Mountain Pine Ridge for cooler temperatures. This gorgeous secluded forest reserve near San Ignacio always has cooler temperatures because it’s at a higher elevation.
When to Visit Belize
Since my sister-in-law and several other relatives live in Belize full-time, I have some unique insights into what Belize weather is really like throughout her year.
Belize’s Dry Season ☀️
December through May is Belize’s dry season. The weather is perfect with no hurricanes and less rain compared to other times of the year. The average temperatures range from 70-86° Fahrenheit. December through March marks the high season for tourism, and since it’s the most popular time to visit there are more tourists and hotels can be a little more pricey compared to the offseason. That said, I’ve spent a good amount of time in Belize during these months and never felt like it was too crowded!
Belize’s Rainy Season 🌧️
Most people avoid Belize during the rainy season (June through November) but you still get a lot of sun throughout these months, particularly in summer. Rain showers usually only last an hour or two, and then the sky clears up. That said, Belize’s rainy season does coincide with hurricane season in the Caribbean. Although it’s rare for a hurricane to hit Belize, visiting during this time can be risky.
I was in Belize when Hurricane Lisa hit in November 2022. I was staying with family inland and all we experienced was a big windstorm and the internet going out for a day. It didn’t affect our trip much, but there was damage and flooding across the country that really impacted locals.
How Much Time to Spend in Belize
If you want to experience both the tranquility of Belize’s Caribbean islands and the adventures of Belize’s mainland, spend at least a week in Belize.
In my opinion, 10 days in Belize is the perfect amount of time, with half of your time spent exploring the mainland and the other half spent slowing down on one of the islands. You can also easily enjoy several weeks in Belize, there is enough to explore without getting bored!
If you’re short on time and only have five days or less in Belize, I would recommend choosing between the mainland and the islands—both are lovely, but you won’t have enough time to experience both on a shorter trip.
📷: Photo of Matachica Beach Resort by Megan Blay
Where to Stay in Belize
Belize has some of the best eco-resorts, hotels, and B&Bs that I’ve ever stayed at! Since I’ve spent so much time in Belize, I’ve stayed at many of these places and can wholeheartedly recommend them—I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
As I’ve already mentioned, my recommended Belize itinerary includes some time adventuring around the mainland, followed by a few days relaxing on one of the islands. Consider staying at 2-3 different places in Belize, maybe more if you have a longer trip! Read my guide to the best areas in Belize for more details.
📷: Swimming at the Rio On Pools, Jaguar Creek photo by Megan Blay, Blue Creek photo by Megan Blay
Best Places to Stay on Mainland Belize
- ☀️ Gaia Riverlodge (Mountain Pine Ridge): Boho luxury resort on a cliffside overlooking the Five Sisters’ Waterfall. Highlights include yoga in a cave, being served tropical drinks while you sunbathe beside a waterfall, and cliffside dining. Check prices.
- 🌺 Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge (Hummingbird Highway): This award-winning resort is so beautiful, it feels like a botanical garden! So much so that it’s where one of my dear friends got engaged. There are several great restaurants and a pool, and several scenic viewpoints. Check prices.
- 🌴 Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort (Hopkins): My favorite beach stay in Belize! This incredible regenerative resort was ranked #1 resort in Belize in 2024. It has some of the best service I’ve experienced anywhere, and they specialize in diving and snorkeling tours. Read my review of Hamanasi.
- ✈️ Black Orchid Resort (Near Belize City): Serene jungle resort only 20 minutes away from the Belize international airport. The resort is right on the Belize River with a beautiful pool and excellent restaurant. If you don’t want to travel far from the airport but still want to feel like you’re in the jungle, this is the place to go! Check prices.
- 🌿 Copal Tree Lodge (Near Punta Gorda): This luxury resort in southern Belize is an incredible off-the-beaten path place to stay in Belize. The spacious suites are nestled in the jungle, with a beautiful pool overlooking the river below. There is an excellent onsite restaurant and distillery, plus plenty of adventurous activities like zip lining, snorkeling, and chocolate-making. It’s also close to Punta Gorda, Belize’s southernmost town, which has a ferry to Livingston, Guatemala! Check prices.
🌺 Best budget-friendly options: Kane Villas, Jaguar Creek, Maya Beach Hotel, Tropical Education Center, Palmento Grove.
📷: The pool at Weezie’s, walking on a dock on Caye Caulker, and an overwater bungalow at Thatch Caye Resort
Best Places to Stay on the Belize Islands
- 🌺 Weezie’s (Caye Caulker): Probably the most luxurious hotel on the main island of Caye Caulker, Weezie’s has a gorgeous property on a quieter part of the island with a large private dock and waterfront area, and beautiful pool. Check prices.
- 🥥 El Ben Cabañas (Caye Caulker): Situated on the more secluded North Side of Caye Caulker, I love the feel of El Ben Cabañas, with gorgeous high-end thatched-roof cabanas, incredible service, a pool, and picturesque setting on the turquoise blue Caribbean. Check prices.
- 🛖 Thatch Caye Resort (Thatch Caye): Overwater bungalows on a secluded Caribbean island! This private island exudes pure luxury and is my top recommendation (if you can afford it). They offer all-inclusive stays with kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and a great restaurant. Check prices.
- 🍹 Matachica Beach Resort (Ambergris Caye): A friendly boho luxury resort secluded on a Caribbean beach north of San Pedro. Matachica is my sister-in-law’s favorite resort in Belize (she lives in Belize), she says ‘it’s the type of place you never want to leave‘. Check prices.
- 👙 PUR Boutique Resort (Ambergris Caye): One of Belize’s only adults-only hotels, with six luxury cabanas, a swim-up bar, and onsite taco bar. It’s highly-rated and close to San Pedro town but still secluded. Check prices.
🌺 Best budget-friendly options: Tobacco Caye Overwater Bungalows, Colinda Cabanas, Belize Budget Suites, Bella’s Backpackers Hostel.
Getting Around Belize
Getting Around Mainland Belize
Public transportation options are limited in Belize (and very slow), so I recommend renting a car if you’re spending any time on the mainland.
I always check DiscoverCars for a comparison of local and international car rental companies, but I typically end up renting with Crystal Car Rental, a great local rental company located right at the Belize Airport. They are one of the few rental companies in Belize that will help you get all the right paperwork to cross the border into Guatemala, and they also offer shuttles to/from the ferry terminal.
Driving in Belize: Some of Belize’s roads are full of potholes, while others are smoothly paved. Just be prepared for a mix of good and bad roads, and avoid driving somewhere new after dark.
Other Options for Getting Around Belize:
- Shuttle: I recommend reserving a shuttle rather than trying to take a taxi. A few shuttle options: $70 shuttle from the airport to San Ignacio and $16 shuttle from the airport to the water taxi.
- Tours: Guided tours are a great way to explore Belize’s attractions (Maya ruins, cave tubing, etc) with roundtrip transportation from your hotel. In my experience, Viator has the best variety of tours in Belize.
- Flights: You can fly from Belize City to Hopkins and Placencia. Flying is more expensive than driving, but you save time!
- Chicken Bus: Belize’s old school busses that only cost a few dollars. Expect a cramped full bus with no AC and lots of stops.
Getting to Caye Caulker & San Pedro
There are two main ways to get to Belize’s main islands: flying or taking the water taxi (ferry). If you wanted to, you could also reserve a private water taxi.
How to Get to Caye Caulker
The water taxi (ferry) ride takes about 45 minutes and costs $21 per person. Meanwhile, the plane ride only takes about 10 minutes (not including time spent in the airport) and costs around $90 on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
There are two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. San Pedro Express sails more often, so it’s typically the more popular choice. If you take the ferry, you don’t need to book in advance, just show up and pay for your ticket onsite.
How to Get to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
The water taxi to San Pedro ride takes about an hour and a half and costs $31 per person. Meanwhile, the plane ride only takes about 15 minutes (not including time spent in the airport) and costs around $90 on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
There are two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. San Pedro Express sails more often, so it’s typically the more popular choice. If you take the ferry, you don’t need to book in advance, just show up and pay for your ticket onsite.
Transportation on Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island, and it’s quite walkable and a great place to ride a bike! There are no motor vehicles on the island beside golf carts. If you want, you can rent a golf cart, but keep in mind that it’s tricky to find parking sometimes.
You can also take a golf cart taxi if needed — I recommend reaching out to your hotel to reserve a ride from the water taxi when you arrive with all your luggage!
Transportation on Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)
Ambergris Caye is large and spread out, so I highly recommend renting a golf cart if you want to explore the island. If you’re staying in a walkable area of San Pedro you may not need a golf cart, but you will need one if you want to visit Secret Beach!
ATM Cave Photo via MayaWalk Tours
10 Best Things to do in Belize
1. See skeletons and Mayan artifacts in the ATM Cave
Some people travel all the way to Belize to go on a tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave) where you can see the skeletal remains of human sacrifice victims in their final resting place! ☠️🤯
This unique experience involves an Indiana-Jones-style adventure up a river through the cave until you reach the gorgeous cathedral room, where you’ll find skeletons and hundreds of pieces of Mayan pottery.
Only 125 people are allowed in the ATM Cave each day, and you can only visit with a tour guide. I went on this tour with MayaWalk and had the most amazing guide, Hugh. He went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of, equipped, and safe. He also shared about the cultural circumstances that led the Mayans to resort to human sacrifice in caves this like one.
2. Snorkel along the second largest barrier reef in the world
Did you know that the Belize Barrier Reef system is the second largest in the world?! Only after the Great Barrier Reef, of course!
Belize has the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced with vibrant coral, sea turtles, tons of friendly stingrays, lobsters, manatees, octopus, gentle nurse sharks, and over 500 species of fish!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Caye Caulker and Ambergris is one of the most popular areas to snorkel, but my favorite area was around South Water Caye on a snorkel tour from Hopkins. Keep in mind that you almost always need to go on a snorkel tour, since the barrier reef is a bit offshore.
- 🤿 From Hopkins: Half Day Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour
- 🤿 From Caye Caulker: 7 Stop Snorkeling Tour
- 🤿 From San Pedro: Full Day Ambergris Caye Snorkeling Tour
- 🤿 From Placencia: Silk Cayes Snorkeling Tour
- 🤿 From Belize City: Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour
3. Go cave tubing
Cave tubing is the perfect combo of adventure and relaxation, and it’s something that you can really only do in Belize! You inner tube along an underground river that flows through a cave, lit only by your headlamp, which helps you spot gorgeous stalactites hanging like chandeliers above you.
There are several places you can go cave tubing in Belize. The two most common spots are St. Herman’s Cave on the Hummingbird Highway and Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve near Belmopan.
My recommendation is St. Herman’s Cave since it’s right off the Hummingbird Highway (Belize’s most scenic drive). It’s easy to get to and there is a lot more to do nearby including swimming in the Blue Hole cenote, hiking to the Billy Barquedier Waterfall, and more.
You’ll save money if you yourself to St. Herman’s Cave and meet your guide there, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. That said, the more popular option is to book a cave tubing combo tour from San Ignacio or Belize City, most of which usually include a stop at Mayan ruins as well.
4. Climb to the top of a Mayan pyramid
Belize is sometimes referred to as the ‘Heart of the Maya’ because it is home to over 1,400 recorded Mayan sites—and the highest concentration of Mayan ruins in Central America. So visiting Mayan ruins in Belize is a must, but the question is, which ruins?
I’ve visited the majority of Belize’s popular Mayan sites (and several lesser known ones) and my two favorites are Xunantunich and Lamanai.
Xunantunich is only 20 minute away from San Ignacio, and it’s a must if you’re staying in the area. The intricate designs carved into the main temple are stunning, and you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the jungle. And getting to Xunantunich is part of the fun, you have to cross a river on a hand-cranked ferry—it only take a minute or two and is such a unique experience!
If you don’t have a rental car, you can take this day trip from San Ignacio, which includes round-trip transport and a guided tour of the archaeological site.
Meanwhile, Lamanai is a little more difficult to get to, but again, the journey is part of the fun because the best way to Lamanai is via a scenic river cruise! You depart from Orange Walk in Northern Belize and jet along the New River, which is lined with tropical foliage. Then you arrive at an ancient Mayan city that is now inhabited by howler monkeys. This Lamanai day trip from Belize City is my recommendation.
5. Drive along the scenic Hummingbird Highway
Belize’s Hummingbird Highway is the most scenic drive in the country. This lush jungle highway gently winds through the Maya Mountains, connecting Belize’s capital city, Belmopan, with the gorgeous Caribbean ocean.
With such beautiful landscapes and a handful of attractions situated right along the edge of the road, a drive down the Hummingbird Highway is worth taking, even if you don’t need to. You can easily visit on a day trip from Hopkins, San Ignacio, Belize City, or even Placencia.
My favorite things to do on the Hummingbird Highway include the short hike to the Billy Barquedier Waterfall, exploring St. Herman’s Cave, hot sauce tasting at the Marie Sharp’s factory, driving up to the scenic overlook at Sleeping Giant Lodge, and chocolate tasting at Lamanai Chocolate Co.
6. Chase waterfalls, go caving, and swimming in Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of my favorite places in Belize, with gorgeous waterfalls, swimming holes, and enchanting caves. Since it is situated at a higher elevation, Mountain Pine Ridge is always a little cooler than the rest of the country, so you can escape from the heat for the day!
My favorite things to do in Mountain Pine Ridge include swimming in the Rio On Pools, exploring the gigantic Rio Frio Cave, drinking mocktails overlooking the waterfall at Gaia Riverlodge, visiting Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, and seeing Big Rock Falls.
Keep in mind that you need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get most places in Mountain Pine Ridge. If you don’t have one, you can go on this Mountain Pine Ridge day trip which includes round-trip transport from San Ignacio.
7. Go island hopping in the Caribbean
Belize is home to over 200 of cayes (islands) and atolls, so naturally one of the best things to do in Belize is go island hopping! Each island is unique, and I’d recommend basing your island hopping around where you’re already staying in Belize. Here are the best options for island hopping from different areas in Belize:
- 🏝️ From Placencia: Silk Caye and Moho Caye Snorkeling Tour
- 🏝️ From Placencia: Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Tour
- 🏝️ From Belize City: Goff’s Caye Snorkeling Tour
- 🏝️ From Hopkins: South Water Caye / Bread and Butter Caye Snorkeling Tour
- 🏝️ From San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: Caye Caulker and Snorkeling Sailboat Tour
8. Take a day trip to Tikal, Guatemala
Believe it or not, one of the best things to do in Belize requires you to leave Belize…
That’s because one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world is just over 2 hours away from San Ignacio, across the border in Guatemala!
Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is massive (over 220 square miles) and the temples are much taller than others in Belize and Mexico. For instance, Tikal’s Temple IV is 230 feet tall, which is over double the height of the famous Chichen Itza El Castillo temple near Valladolid, Mexico.
The best way to visit Tikal from Belize is to take this tour, which includes a guided tour of Tikal and round-trip transport from San Ignacio. The tour is a little pricey, but after driving myself across the border (which was more confusing and difficult than expected), I definitely recommend splurging for the tour with a local!
9. Rappel down a jungle waterfall
Rappeling down a waterfall at Mayflower Bocawina National Park near Hopkins is another one of the best (and most adventurous) things to do in Belize!
The park has professional guides who guide visitors through the park’s extensive jungle zip line routes and waterfall rappelling every day. There are two waterfall rappelling experiences to choose from:
- 🥾 Bociwana Falls Waterfall Rappelling & Zip Lines: The experience starts with a 2.5 mile zip line course through the lush jungle, and then you take a break to enjoy lunch. Next, you rappel 100 feet down the face of the falls and swim in the emerald pool at the base of the falls. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance on Viator.
- 🥾 Antelope Falls Waterfall Rappelling (Challenging): Hike to a gorgeous viewpoint 1000 feet up overlooking the jungle and ocean. Then rappel 250 feet down Antelope Falls and get to swim in a pristine turquoise pool below. The whole experience takes about 4 hours, and you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance.
10. Immerse in Garifuna culture in Hopkins
Belize’s Garifuna people are the descendants of survivors from slave ships that crashed near St. Vincent in 1675 and Arawak Indians who were indigenous to the Caribbean islands. The Garifuna were forcibly displaced several times, with many of them eventually ending up in Belize.
Today you can experience the rich Garifuna culture, traditional drumming, dance, and food in Hopkins, a village known for its vibrant Garifuna community. You’ll meet Garifuna all around Hopkins and get to enjoy traditional drumming at the Driftwood Beach Bar on most Saturday nights.
But if you really want to immerse in Garifuna culture, check out the Garifuna immersion experience at Kulipuna Cultural Heritage Island. You’ll spend a day a learning about the history and culture of the Garifuna from elders, you’ll gather ingredients and cook traditional Garifuna food, and participate in a drumming session.
Keep Planning Your Trip to Belize
Thanks for reading this Belize travel guide for first timers! I have several other Belize articles that go into greater depth on different topics:
Save for later on Pinterest:
