Traveling West From Belize City

In order to get to the Western Highway from Belize City, get on Freetown Road. Take Freetown Road to the roundabout at the Belcan Bridge and cross it heading south on Central American Boulevard. Take a right on Cemetery Road (a service station appears on the far left corner) and continue heading west. As you follow the road, it passes the old cemetery and will soon turn into the Western Highway. If you are traveling to San Ignacio, it will take around an hour and a half driving time. Be cautious of speed bumps and pedestrian walkways on the highway before and after Hattieville.

If you would like to see Mountain Pine Ridge, you will turn off at Georgeville (mile marker 61). The bumpy, unpaved road will take you past Thousand Foot Falls, Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and the ruins at Caracol.

If you are proceeding on the Western Highway be aware of more speed bumps on the approach to Santa Elena and throughout the town. The beautiful Hawksworth Bridge in Cayo is for one-way traffic heading east from San Ignacio to Santa Elena. A sign will direct you to the new bridge and then west to San Ignacio. Continue on the Western Highway through San Ignacio to Xunantunich (mile marker 76). This hot spot is the towering Mayan site overlooking Guatamala. Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize’s border town to neighboring Guatemala, is just a few minutes west on the main road.

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The Cayo District

The Cayo District of Belize resides at the foothills of the Maya Mountains, following the Belize River Valley. Picture a beautiful place where the air is clear and the land is astonishingly fertile, and you will see the largest and arguably the most beautiful of Belize’s six districts.

Aside from being home to the nation’s capital, the Cayo District is deep with history and educational endeavors. The Spanish named the area “El Cayo” to describe the offshore islands and the seclusion the early settlers felt, being surrounded by the forest. This fitting illustration clearly depicts the district, a breathtaking peninsula between two converging blue rivers.

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Hiking

There are many hiking trails through the Cayo District. Trails can be found in Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and archeological sites throughout the area.

Some trails are through jungles of hardwood and soft tropical foliage, and some are through caves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, villages and Mayan ruins. There are also knowledgeable and experienced guides to show you many of the areas. Do not forget to bring your comfortable hiking boots, comfortable clothes, insect repellent and a camera. Some of the popular places to hike include Mountain Pine Ridge, El Pilar, Blue Hole National Park, Five Blues Lake National Park and Caracol.

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Caving

Belize is a great location for caves because of its wet climate and plentiful limestone. Many caves have Mayan archeological importance, several of which are easy and safe to visit such as Chechem Ha, Rio Frio, St. Herman's, Barton Creek Cave and Actun Tunichil Muknal. All of these are in the Cayo District.

Click here for more caving photos

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River-Running Activities... From daring and challenging... to serene and peaceful

For an Adrenaline Rush... Try Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing

The Cayo District offers some of the most exciting and challenging rafting trips, of course while enjoying a spectacular view. Check out the rafting trips offered by Slickrock Adventures for information. Every week on Fridays, full-day trips are offered to non-package visitors. Meet in San Ignacio where you will drive through lush jungle and then raft through a 20-mile stretch of the Macal River.


You’ll pass through maze-like channels, drop pools and big waterfalls in class IV whitewater as you travel the small, steep area. Even the worldly, expert guides will have chills running down their spines. You will encounter striking wildlife on your journey: tapirs, iguanas and river otters, to name a few. Slickrock is the only outfitter in the country running such adventurous trips. Be sure to contact them ahead of time as these trips are not run year-round because the water level drops during certain months.

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Canoeing Along the Banks...

One of the Cayo District and Belize’s most popular and fulfilling activities is canoeing through the lush rivers. This is a unique form of sightseeing because you are able to witness the wonders of nature.

You can spot the ever-changing flora: plants, trees, blossoms and vines thrive along the river banks. Shy animals can be seen living within their own private microcosms, including small underground burrows, sandy river beds and leafy branches of tall hardwood trees. The natural marvels of life you will experience are momentous.

On certain occasions it is so quiet that you can hear a fish jump for a hovering mosquito, whereas other times you will hear the dramatic roar of the howler monkey announcing its territory. Keep your eyes and ears open throughout your journey as you will not want to miss a thing. Many will agree this is the greatest way to see the country. Along with the Macal River, there is also the Mopan River, the Sibun River and the Belize River for exciting excursions.

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Macal River

The Macal River of the Cayo District is one that goes through the Mountain Pine Ridge and has one of the most diverse habitats in the Central America area and Chiquibul rainforest. The river houses many endangered species such as tapirs, jaguars and numerous birds. At certain points the river is fast and deep enough to be considered Class III through V for whitewater rafting.

One great stop along the river is the Rainforest Medicine Trail, where you can learn about the medicinal properties of the vegetation of the surrounding areas. The western border of all of these properties is on the Macal River.

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Horseback Riding through the Jungle

You may regularly see horses around the Cayo District. The horses in Belize are typically small, but strong. Within the area there are many miles of magnificent trails having views of some of the most exotic flora in Belize. Horseback is a great way to see the country side.

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Bird Watching

There are more than 500 species of birds that live in Belize year round or visit Belize as part of their migration. Birds from the north visit Belize during the winter months and birds from the south visit Belize during the summer months.

The Cayo District is excellent for birding because of its rich diversity of ecosystems containing forests, rivers, savanna and jungle. Trips along the Macal or Mopan Rivers are great for seeing waterfowl, such as herons, kingfishers and swallows.

Great opportunities for bird sighting can be found right on the properties. Some of the national parks such as Mountain Pine Ridge, make for great observations also.

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The Mayan Ruins of Belize

Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan Ruins in the World. With over 600 sites identified, several are close to the properties. Ancient Mayans flourished from around 300 BC to 900 AD. Archaeologists estimate that 2,000,000 Mayans once lived in what is now Belize, which currently has a population of about 250,000. They built cities, palaces and pyramids with their own hands in the unwelcoming jungle. Their sacred colors are red, blue, yellow and green. The diverse species of tropical forests supplied the essentials. The rivers provided and transportation and the limestone formations provided building blocks. Over a span of nearly 2,000 years, the Mayans developed a cosmology, an arithmetic system that included the concept of zero, a calendar system based on a comprehension of astronomy and a system of writing which included both hieroglyphics and phonetics.

The Mayan civilizations were rediscovered by explorers in the 18th Century with more discovery still to come by archaeologists today. In the Cayo District there is an abundance of Mayan sites thoughout, such as Chechem Ha, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Caracol and El Pilar.

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San Ignacio and Santa Elena

These towns are located on the Western Highway about 70 miles from Belize City. They have a feeling of old west meets tropical forest. San Ignacio together with Santa Elena make up the country's second largest urban area. These two towns are separated by the Macal River and are connected by the Hawksworth Bridge, built in 1949 and is still the only suspension bridge in Belize. The main street is Burns Avenue, which is full of people, shops and restaurants.

Saturdays are usually busy for the markets where vendors come from the surrounding areas to sell fruits, vegetables and other products. The town of San Ignacio has many of the essential services such as gas stations, car rentals, banking, grocery stores, post offices, health facilities, pharmacies, police, email, fax and cash advance services.

There are many expeditions in and around San Ignacio such as the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech and rafting through the Macal River. You can also stop at Mountain Pine Ridge when going to Caracol. Then there is also the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or caving at Chechem Ha. Aside from Caving and visiting Mayan ruins, other activities in the area include hiking, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding.

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Belmopan

Belmopan is located approximately 48 miles southwest of Belize City and 22 miles east of San Ignacio. It is the Capital of Belize and has a population of only 7,000. Belmopan is known as the "Garden City." The city was established in 1965 and many government offices moved to Belmopan by 1970.

The center of town is Independence Plaza. The Prime Minister's office, administrative buildings and post office are located in this plaza, as well as several embassies and University of Belize's main campus is close by. Market Square is next to the plaza and open most days of the week selling all sorts of products and fruits. The Novelo bus terminal is next to the market and the immigration office is across the street. Belmopan is emerging as a center for business.

The town of Belmopan was incorporated in 2000 and since then there have been many positive improvements for business, such as the restoration of the market. There are more plans in the works.

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The Belize Zoo

The natural habitat of the Belize Zoo is just off mile marker 29 on the Western Highway on the way to Belmopan. It boasts over 125 species of animals indigenous to Belize on its 29 acres of savanna. The Belize Zoo is probably the finest zoo in the Americas, south of the U.S. The zoo originally opened in 1983 and is well-known for its phenomenal conservation achievement. When you visit this historic animal habitat you get the chance to see native animals of Belize at close quarters, housed in spacious enclosures identical to their natural environment.

The zoo’s theme, “a walk through Belize,” contains a trail that takes you into the pine ridge, the forest edge, the rainforest, the lagoons and the river forest. The most famous inhabitant is a Baird’s tapir, April, locally known as a mountain cow. All the native Belizean cats are represented, included a rarer melanistic (black) jaguar. The existing birds include toucans, macaws, parrots, jabiru storks, a spectacled owl and several vultures. Additional spectacular animals include deer, spider and howler monkeys, peccaries, agouti (sometimes known as “gibnut” on menus), crocodiles and snakes.

The Belize Zoo is open daily between 8:30AM - 5PM and costs US$7.50 for adults and US$3.75 for children.

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The Tropical Education Center

The education center is across the highway from the Belize Zoo (off the Western Highway at mile marker 29). As the name suggests, there is a great focus on school, college and tour guide training groups, however it is also open to everyone who wishes to learn. There are self-guiding nature trails, observation decks and a lagoon. In addition, there are study facilities that include a classroom and a well-equipped library, as well as comfortable dormitory accommodations.

For more information, contact: P.O. Box 1787, Belize City

Phone: 011-501-220-8004

Email: tec@btl.net

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Five Blues Lake

Five Blues Lake is situated in St. Margaret's Village in the Cayo District at the eastern boundary at mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway. It was established in 1992 and consists of over 4,000 acres of tropical forest including caves and exotic wildlife in magnificent karst terrain. It is only a single lake, but is known as Five Blues Lake because of the varying water depths around the lake and the different limestone rock formations under water.

The water and rock reflect a different kind of blue or blue-green, or sometimes a dark green, and at different times of the day the blues change. The lake was formed from a collapsed cave system known as a cenote or blue hole, which runs 200 feet deep over about 10 acres. Swimming is permitted and there are hiking trails throughout. There is a visitor's center with maps, picnic tables and bathrooms by the park entrance.

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The Guanacaste National Park

This spectacular national park is just off mile marker 47 on the north side of the Western Highway where it meets the Hummingbird Highway and it is sponsored by the Belize Audobon Society, MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and the government. The park hours are 8AM until 4PM. The Guanacaste National Park packs a lot in a mere 56 acres, with its huge specimen of guanacaste or tubroos tree, ceiba, cohune palms, mammee apple, mahogany, quamwood, and other trees. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park as well as agouti, armadillo, coati, deer, iguana, jaguarondi and kinkajou. The resident blue-crowned motmots were among the rarer animals observed at Guanacaste. Hourly tours start at 8:30AM to 3:30PM.

Do not forget to pack a bathing suit when you tour the park. You may want to take a relaxing swim where the Belize River and Roaring Creek meet. It will not take much convincing to cool off at this breathtaking, quiet spot. Not too far away is the famous old guanacaste tree, over 25 feet in diameter and 100 plus years old. The spectacular tree is home to more than 35 species of exotic flora, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, philodendrons and cacti. Just past the tree, continue your journey on the trail and you will encounter the shore of Roaring Creek, the westernmost boundary of the park. Follow the trail and you will also see birds, delicate ferns, flowers and long parades of wiwi ants (clutters). Another hot spot to look for is steps that lead down to the Belize River, to the right of the entrance. The amate fig grows plentifully on the water’s edge; it provides food for the howler monkey and, waiting patiently in the water, the tuba fish.

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Mountain Pine Ridge

Mountain Pine Ridge is a 300 square mile forest reserve, south of the Western Highway in the Cayo District. Some of the features include the Hidden Valley Falls (1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On River, the Rio On Pools, the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, and many waterfalls and streams. With its karst limestone terrain, the area is great for hiking, caving, biking and horseback riding.

To visit the reserve take Chiquibul Road from Georgeville or take Cristo Rey Road from the Santa Elena. Mountain Pine Ridge offers a scenic drive on the way to Caracol and the Chiquibul Rain Forest.

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Rio Frio Cave

It is located less than a mile away from the Pine Forest headquarters in Augustine and consists of nature trails directing you to many smaller caves. There is an amazing 65 foot entrance to the Rio Frio Cave. There is a stream going through the cave that forms pools and waterfalls and beach area with gigantic boulders. From the entrance to the exit is about a 1/4 mile.

Do not forgot your flashlight. At the end the Cave there is another trail leading to another cave, Cuevas Gemelas. Laughing Jaw and a few other caves are also close by.

Click here for more photos of Rio Frio

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Rio On Pools

A serious of adjoining pools made from large granite boulders, connected by small waterfalls. Great place for swimming and hiking.

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Hidden Valley Falls

Also known as 1000 Foot Falls, is believed to be the highest waterfall in Central America and is actually over 1,500 feet. There is a viewing platform that overlooks the falls and a scenic trail with gorgeous views of the valley.

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Blue Hole National Park

Blue Hole National Park (the inland Blue Hole) is located about twelve miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The park consists of 575 acres, full of forest with an abundance of flora and fauna. The Blue Hole itself is a sinkhole filled with water that is part of the underground Caves Branch Creek tributary, which then disappears below the surface as it flows to the Sibun River. The collapsed karst sinkhole is about 25 feet deep and roughly 300 feet in diameter with stunning turquoise water.

The main enticements are the underground streams, rivers, sinkholes and the underground caves. There are also several great hiking trails within the park with many exotic species of birds to see along the way.

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St. Herman's Cave

St. Herman's Cave is also within boundaries of the the Blue Hole National Park and is about 500 meters from the Hummingbird Highway. This cave was used by the Maya during the Classic Period. Many archeological artifacts have been discovered at the cave by the Department of Archaeology.

The largest entrance to the cave is located in a sinkhole 180 feet wide narrowing to 60 feet wide at the entrance. You will find stone steps cut by Mayans covered by concrete steps and a trail with markers in the cave. From the entrance to the exit is approximately a 1/2 mile. You will see the incredible cave formations as you climb over rocks and move through water.

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Barton Creek Cave

Travel through a scenic Mennonite farm community to view large, multicolored cave formations and Mayan artifacts. You take a canoe through an underwater cave system thought to be a used for Mayan burial purposes. The Cave goes for approximately one mile from beginning to where it stops.

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Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve

Covers 6,741 acres, it is 360 feet above sea level, located at the northern end Mountain Pine Ridge. The reserve was created for research and preservation of genetic variety.

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Caves Branch

Located about 13 miles south of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. You can take a guided tubing tour all day for about seven miles in and out of this underground river cave system. Float by stalagmites coming out of the water and stalactites coming down from above. Then pass a subterranean waterfall. This challenging attraction will also require some underground hiking.

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Xunantunich

Pronounced Zoo-nan-two-nich and meaning "lord of war and fertility," is a site about 325 square yards, and is located near the western border, across from San Jose Succotz, about eight miles west of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. The most prominent pyramid, El Castillo, meaning the Castle, is 130 feet above the main plaza and has panoramic views of the Cayo District and Guatemala. Xunantunich is made up of six major plazas and more than 25 temples and palaces.

To visit from San Ignacio take Benque Viejo Road to San Jose Succotz. From there, a hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Mopan River and then there is about a mile walk to the entrance. The ruins are open daily from 8AM to 4PM.

Photos of Xunantunich - Click thumbnails to enlarge

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Caracol

The Caracol Archaeological Reserve, includes the Mayan ruin of Caracol, the largest Mayan site in the country. This ancient city had much importance and was large, advanced and hidden from the world by rain forest. Caracol encompasses 30 square miles of high canopy tropical rain forest, which is populated by various species of birds, cats and howler monkeys. Caracol, meaning "the supremacy of lord water," was re-found in 1938. The largest pyramid in Caracol, "Canaa" meaning Sky Place, is 143 feet high, making it the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Also included are several pyramids, three plazas, an astronomical observatory and many smaller buildings. Excavation and reconstruction is ongoing and there is a new visitor's center with photographs and diagrams of the site, as well as artifacts and a ceremonial altar.

Caracol is located in the Chiquibul Rain Forest and is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. The ruins of Caracol are located in the Vaca Plateau of the Cayo District. Next to the ruins is Caracol Camp, located at about Mile 46 of the Chiquibul Road.

Photos of Caracol - Click thumbnails to enlarge
 

Click here for more photos of Caracol

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El Pilar

A Mayan ruin site with several buildings 50 to 70 feet high, with a central plaza having temples, palaces, housing, water reservoirs and ball courts. Many buildings are in the beginning of excavation. The site has five trails which display its architecture, three archaeological trails and two natural trails.

El Pilar is located seven miles past the Bullet Tree Falls. To visit the site from San Ignacio, take the Bullet Tree Road, cross the Mopan River bridge in Bullet Tree, an you will then see signs for the picturesque El Pilar Road.

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Cahal Pech

This Mayan ceremonial site sits on a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. On two acres there are 34 structures with temples and two separate ball courts. The site was populated until 800 AD and means "Place of the Ticks" because it was used as a cow pasture in the 1950's.

Cahal Pech is open daily from 9AM to 4:30PM with a caretaker to answer questions and give tours. A tour takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. There is also a visitor's center with artifacts and a model of the site, which is open from Monday through Saturday. From San Ignacio, it is about a 20 minute walk to the site, which is just off Buena Vista Road.

Click here for more photos of Cahal Pech

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Chechem Ha

This site was used by the Maya to store grain and as a religious center for performing ritualized ceremonies. The cave has several levels with many artifacts, such as painted pottery. You could hike about 25 minutes to the Macal River to find Vaca Falls or you could swim at Chechem Hah Falls, which is only about a five minute walk from the site's entrance.

The site is located at the Mile 8 turnoff on Hydro Dam Road out of Benque Viejo. Drive into the Vaca plateau area and then there is a 20 minute hike up the mountain side to the entrance.

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Actun Tunichil Muknal

This challenging cave requires that you are in good physical condition. Discovered in 1989, it is one of the newer attractions with a variety of many Mayan artifacts. It is about an hour drive from San Ignacio, and then a 45 minute hike through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and streams.

Click here for more photos of Actun Tunichil Muknal

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Ecological Nature Trails

Take a stroll through the wild. Explore. See all sorts of exotic and endangered species of flora and fauna. Belize is full of eco-trails where you can see nature thrive in pristine conditions.

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Diving and the Atolls

Within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll lies the great Blue Hole, one of the most amazing dive spots in the world. The Blue Hole is 1,000 feet wide by 440 feet deep and just eight miles from the island of Long Caye. It is the largest ocean sinkhole in the world and the only one of its kind that can be clearly seen from outer space. To the right is a picture of the Blue Hole.

The atolls are the epitome of the Belize diving experience. They are far from shore and are basically wilderness existing in pristine conditions. They are huge; each by itself is about the size of Grand Cayman or Cozumel. Being farther from land, they are bathed in the clearest water on a consistent basis. Each atoll is distinctive.

The Turneffe Islands Atoll is the largest and closest to shore. Sponges of every shape and color are intertwined with Black Coral dominating the scenery with schools of snapper, grunts, spadefish and jacks milling about. It is also possible to encounter hundreds of groupers.

Glover's Reef is not the farthest atoll from shore but it is the farthest (70 miles) from Belize City. The scenery above and below the sea is simply spectacular.

The Lighthouse Reef Atoll is Belize's dive Shangri-La. It offers the best and most diverse marine life in the world. It is the outermost of the three atolls (45 to 50 miles east of Belize City) and is a universe of diving in itself. Sset at the southern end of Lighthouse Reef, is the famous island known as Half Moon Caye. This Belize Natural Monuments is preserved and protected by the Belize Audubon Society, and home to the only nesting site of the Red-Footed Booby Bird in Belize. Half Moon Caye also has a 24-hour a day manned solar lighthouse.

Although the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the farthest atoll from mainland Belize, it is undoubtedly the richest and most diverse of the three atolls of Belize. The Atoll has six cayes and more than 40 incredible dive sites. To the north of the island of Long Caye there is a great diversity of corals, all in extremely clear water. The visibility off Long Caye and throughout Lighthouse Reef is spectacular and just west of the island there are outstanding wall dive sites. Silver Caves, for instance, is one of the best with its black coral, orange sponges and marine life. There are also several shipwrecks throughout the Atoll, with many believed to have lost pirate treasures.

What's more, the Belize Barrier Reef has some of the best diving also. It is the second largest in the world and the largest coral reef ecosystem in this Hemisphere for its size. Aesthetically and ecologically, its integrity is virtually unharmed. Forming a nearly continuous fortification for 150 miles along the continental shelf edge, the Belize Barrier Reef provides life and security to all of Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem has remained pristine because the small, subsistence-level population has not stressed it unduly, keeping it a diver's dream.

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Snorkeling

If you do not dive and you want to enjoy the marine life, there is snorkeling, which can be just as exhilarating as diving. Snorkel in shallow water with brilliantly colored coral or over the deep ocean waters beyond the reef and experience the finest aquatic paradise in this hemisphere.

Going at night is a good way to see a variety of nocturnal sea creatures that are entirely different than those seen during the day. Many dive operators can arrange trips to the Belize Barrier Reef and the atolls. By day, there is a plentiful variety of marine life also. Just make sure you bring a bathing suit, light cover clothing, towel, sunscreen and snorkeling equipment.

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Windsurfing

The waters around Belize are great for windsurfing. Each winter month can offer many days with winds that are more than adequate to make for great windsurfing. The windy season is generally October through March, whereas the calmer months are generally July through September.

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Sailing, Kayaking and Canoeing

Fun for you and easier on the environment than using powered boats, equipment can be rented from most dive operators or hotels. Tours can be prearranged with local guides.

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Fishing

Spin fishing, fly fishing and trolling may be experienced throughout the year, and because of the abundance of game fish it promises to be an excellent sport. If you're looking for real excitement, check out big game fishing. Several hotels offer deep sea fishing and the country has several tournaments annually. Just outside the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is some of the best deep sea game fishing in the Hemisphere.

The inlets, estuaries and deltas to the rivers are known for their jacks, tarpon and snook. The lagoons and grass flats are popular fishing grounds for bonefish and barracuda. The coral reefs support snappper, jacks, grouper and barracuda. Deep sea fishing offers large game such as sailfish, bonito, pompano and marlin.

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When in Belize you may wish to experience the many other activities available on the mainland. They include...

National Parks

Belize has thousands of acres of beautiful protected areas, from rainforests to marine and wildlife preserves.

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Camping

This is a list of some campsites. Additionally some other hotels and lodges not listed will usually allow camping...

• Lagoon Campground, north of Corozal Town

• Caribbean Campground, in Corozal Town

• The Trek Stop, near San Ignacio, Cayo

• Jungle Drift Lodge, Bermudian Landing

• Cosmos, San Ignacio

• Chaa Creek, San Ignacio

• Mountain Equestrian Trails, Pine Ridge

• Clive's Campground, Placencia

Here are some park areas which allow camping. At some other parks, camping is permitted with prior permission.

• Cockscomb Preserve, Stann Creek

• Community Baboon Sanctuary

• Five Blues Lake, near Belmopan

• Bocatura Bank, on the Sittee River

• Douglas De Silva in the Pine Ridge

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Getting to Belize

Entry requirements

United States and Canadian citizens, nationals of Caricom countries and of the European Community member nations (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, UK, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden) do not require visas.

Visas are required for nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Japan, Korea (North and South), Libya, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine and Zaire.

Airlines

International flights from the United States depart through Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Charlotte. Major airlines servicing Belize are:
 

Airport Fees and Taxes

AIRPORT DEPARTURE FEES
Departure Tax - US$35.00
Conservation Tax - US$3.75
Security Fee - US$1.25
Total Airport Departure Fees: US$20.00

BORDER DEPARTURE FEES*
Border Processing Fee - US$10.00
Conservation Tax - US$3.75
Total Border Departure Fees: US$13.75

• Charged upon departure via Santa Elena (the northern border with Mexico) and, Benque Viejo del Carmen (the western border with Guatemala) the border fee is applicable to visitors 12 years and older. Visitors form border towns, Melchor and Chetumal, are exempted from these fees if they remain in the country for less than 24 hours.

AIRPORT SECURITY FEES
• International Airport to Domestic Airport - US$0.75
• International Airport to International Destination- US$1.25

Belize by Car

Traveling to Belize by car through Mexico (about 1,350 miles form the U.S. border) can be a challenging trip as long as you do not mind driving the bumpy, less-than-perfect roadways. You must buy Belize auto insurance upon reaching Belize.

For ease and flexibility within Belize borders, renting a car is the best option. There are few major highways in Belize which make for relatively simple travel. Little traffic, paved major highways, accessible fuel stations and tropical scenery make each road trip a tour in and of itself. When exploring areas off the major highways, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Car rental companies are available right at the International Airport.

Avis Rent A Car
Poinsettia Road, Ladyville, Belize
Phone: 501-205-2629
Avis - International Airport
Phone: 501-225-2385

Budget Rent A Car
2 Miles Northern Highway, Belize City
Phone: 501-223-2435 / 3986

Crystal Auto Rental
4 3/4 Miles Northern Highway
Phone: 501-223-1600

Euphrates Auto Rental & Sales
143 Euphrates Ave / Zeitown Street, Belize City
Phone: 227-5752

Jabiru Auto Rental
5576 Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City
Phone: 501-224-4680

Kia Rent-A-Car
Slaughterhouse Rd., Belize City
Phone: 501-223-6016 or 0642

Lewis Auto Rental
23 Cemetery Road, Belize City
Phone: 501-227-4193

Pancho's
5747 Lizarraga Avenue, Belize City
Phone: 501-224-5554
Pancho's - International Airport
Phone: 501-225-2540

Hertz/Safari Car Rental
11 A Cork Street, Belize City
Phone: 501-223-0886

Smith and Sons
12 A Banack Street, Belize City
Phone: 501-207-0159

Thrifty
Corner Faber Rd. and Central American Blvd., Belize City
Phone: 501-207-1271

Vista Auto Rental
798 Vista Del Mar, PO Box 1629, Belize City
Phone: 501-225-2292

Disclaimer: Belize Holdings LLC makes no warranty as to the quality of the goods or services or the accuracy or reliability of the products or services listed above. We have made every attempt to keep the list up to date, but we will not be responsible for errors or omissions.

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Maps