BELIZE CITY

Belize City is a good starting point for tours inland and to the reef. Belize City does not have a skyline like most cities, even though it is the biggest city in Belize. The city itself has approximately 75,000 residents. The tallest building is the Princess Hotel which is 6 stories high. the historic area is known as Fort George and has colonial architecture. Belize City has 2 airports, the international airport and a domestic airport.

CAYO DISTRICT

There three very distinctive and separate destinations provided in this area. Jaguar Paw is close to Belmopan, which is between San Ignacio and Belize City (approxiamtely 1½ hours from Belize City). It has access to the Caves Branch River so it is a popular place to do cave tubing. It is highly advised to go there on any day other than Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to avoid the cruise passengers (800-1000 per day) who come to Jaguar Paw to do the cave tubing. The main activities at Jaguar Paw are cave tubing (there are a number of different caving excursions), the zipline (canopy tour), jungle walks, and birdwatching. Two nights is recommended at Jaguar Paw.

The best jungle location would be San Ignacio, a charming little town in western Belize, 20 minutes from the Guatemala border, and 2½ hours from Belize City. Our San Ignacio hotels offer day tours to the Mayan ruins - Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol, all located in the Cayo District. Another popular day tour is Tikal, one of the most important sites in the Mayan world, located in Flores, Guatemala, a 3 hour drive from San Ignacio. Other activities in the Cayo District are canoeing and swimming in the Macal River; nature walks; horseback riding. For those who wish to be pampered, the Lodge at Chaa Creek has a full-service spa.

The Mountain Pine Ridge area in the Maya Mountains, is another unique destination in the Cayo District. With its Caribbean pine trees, the area is more of a mountain destination, with less jungle atmosphere. Our accommodation here is the fabulous Blancaneaux Lodge with the lovely Privassion River running through it. The activities at the Lodge include horseback riding, mountain biking, nature hikes, and a tour to Caracol Mayan ruins. It is also possible to do excursions to other ruins in the San Ignacio area, but from Mountain Pine Ridge area the distance is farther.

TIKAL/FLORES

A short hop to the west of San Ignacio will bring you to the Guatemalan border. From there it is 2½ hours to one of the most captivating of Mayan sites, Tikal. Nestled in verdant jungle growth this site dates back thousands of years. Tikal is well known for its grandiose pyramids as well as the wildlife inhabiting the area. For some a day trip may not suffice, in which case we have hotels conveniently located in and around the town of Flores, a one-hour drive from the site.

Around Tikal we focus on two areas, the shores of Lake Peten and the town of Flores. Camino Real and La Lancha, offer splendid views of the lake from their hillside locations. A short walk from either one will bring you down to the largest of Guatemalan lakes. Both hotels stress sunset boat trips, fishing, and nature hikes in the surrounding jungle. Another great option is to explore the modern day Mayan ancestors subsisting from traditional trades passed down from their ancestors.

In flores, Del Patio and Esplendido offer excellent options for those looking for a little "night life" after an adventurous day. Both offer great access to the island of Flores, where a visit to the town center will leave a lasting impression of a peacful Guatemala.

DANGRIGA/HOPKINS

These are small coastal towns several hours south of Belize City that are becoming popular tourist destinations. Dangriga, where the airport is located, is known as a Garifuna town. The Garifuna are an Afro-Caribbean people whose ancestors arrived in Belize in the 1800's from St. Vincent. Their cultural traditions set them apart from other Belizeans whose culture tends to be influenced by their Latin neighbors. These unique towns have a very relaxed, Caribbean feel with proximity to both jungle areas and beachfront access.

Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort is a spectacular property near the village of Hopkins, where our clients can take advantage of the fact that they are situated on both a lovely stretch of beach as well as within an extensive botanical garden/jungle. The Resort maintains a garden with vegetation characteristic to the region and to Belize. Diving is a major activity here, and they have a full-service dive facility. Non-divers can participate in a myriad of activities such as snorkelling, cave tubing, visiting the Jaguar Preserve, and nature walks. Hamanasi is a great destination hotel, and it is recommended that you stay at least 3 nights. Pelican Beach Hotel, which is a nice, moderate property that is located on the outskirts of Dangriga. it is good for younger travelers as well as budget travelers and offers good beach access. Jaguar Reef Hotel, another destination beach resort near Hopkins, offers diving and snorkeling as well as a variety of day tours such as the Jaguar Preserve, a float trip on the Sittee River, birding excursions. they also have bicycles and kayaks for their guests to use. In general, Dangriga can be booked as an alternative to Ambergris Caye, or in addition to the Cayo District/San Ignacio.

PLACENCIA

Placencia is a great location because it offers the best of both worlds - beach and jungle - and is only a 35-minute flight from Belize City. Being right on the Caribbean, travelers will have access to the warm water and be able to do all kinds of water activities such as diving, snorkeling and fishing. Travelers are able to take day trips inland to different Mayan sites and ruins, Monkey River to see the Howler Monkeys and many other species that thrive in the tropics, as well as to Cockscomb Basin the world's only Jaguar preserve. We have two excellent choices for stays in Placencia - Blancaneaux Turtle Inn and the Inn at Robert's Grove. Both are first class beachfront resorts that provide a combination of quiet relaxation and the opportunity to take advantage of the adventurous activities Belize offers.

Turtle Inn is a Francis Ford Coppola resort located 1 mile north of Placencia. Rooms are cabana-style with a Southeast Asia/Balinese design, yet very classy and tasteful. All rooms feature both an indoor and outdoor shower. Guests can either relax by the oval pool or utilize the complimentary sea kayaks and bicycles. The property is small in size but very open and airy. With great attention to detail and customer service, Turtle inn is perfect for honeymooners and those wishing to escape.

The Inn at Robert's Grove is the other superb choice. The resort boasts a sandy beach spotted with hammocks and a 180' pier stretching into the Caribbean. Robert's Grove is a high quality hacienda-style resort with Spanish colonial design. The guest rooms are colorful with unique artwork, natural wood furniture, and Mexican tile bathrooms. The resort has a great balance of peacefulness and activity. Guests can relax at the spa or one of the many rooftop Jacuzzis, or even spend time on one of the resort's two private islands. For those more active, there are tennis courts, two swimming pools, sea kayaks and bicycles.

AMBERGRIS CAYE

Largest of the Belizean Islands, Ambergris Caye is a 20 minute commuter flight from Belize City. The town is San Pedro, located in the southern part of the Caye. people go there to snorkel and dive at the second largest coral reef in the world, which is located a 1½ miles off the shore of Ambergris Caye. there is good bone-fishing in the shallow flats, and of course, deep-sea fishing. You can relax on the beach, but it isn't a good swimming beach. There are patches of seagrass close to the shore.

San Pedro is a fun little town with restaurants, internet cafes, small supermarkets, and local craft and souvenir shops. you can get around the area on rented golf carts, which is a fun way to go into town at night. The nightlife consists of small bars and discos.

EAT & DRINK

Tempt your taste buds with tropical cuisine: fresh-from-the-ocean fish and seafood, Spanish and Mexican specialties and exotic fruits. Sit down to lobster, conch, fish, squid, mussels, scallops, and even shark.

Complement your meal with a local libation, like lime leaf tea, ginger beer, cane tea, lemonade, or a mango cooler. Or sample one of Belize's domestic beers, such as Belikim.

WEATHER

Belize enjoys a subtropical climate with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean. It's dry and hot from January to April. The rainy season lasts from May through November. Average temperatures range from 80-95° in coastal areas, and 50-70° inland.

PACK SMART

Pack light, "breathable" clothing, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring tropical forests and hiking Mayan ruins. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

GETTING AROUND

Belize City is the starting point for visitors wishing to explore the country. You can rent a 4-wheel drive, use local air service (Maya Airways and Tropic Air), experience local buses or include transfers in your pre-planned itinerary. You may want to arrange either shared (SIB or Seat in Basis) or private transfers before you leave on vacation. Its is an excellent way to assure smooth travel. Private transfers will have a person waiting, with your name and an Avanti sign, to greet you.

MONEY

The Belize dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ$2 to US$1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, and credit cards. Smaller businesses may only accept travelers cheques or cash. Note: when using credit cards in Belize, most establishments add a 5% service charge to your bill.

TIPPING

Tipping is voluntary, with tips of 10% acceptable. Tip more if the service is exceptionally good.

WHEN IT'S OPEN

Banks are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Some banks are open Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Shops are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 until 6:00 p.m, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Some shops are open on Sunday. Museums hours vary; check locally for hours.

SPECIALTY GOODS

Belize City and Ambergris Caye shops offer a variety of high quality, reasonably priced, such as black coral jewelry (buy from reputable dealers who have obtained the coral legally), traditional Mayan slate carvings, wood and coconut carvings, baskets, and wooden furniture. Don't forget the "You Better Belize It!" T-shirt!

RELIGION

Most Belizeans are Roman Catholic, but there are a large number of Protestants. Indigenous Mayans and Garifuna, or Black Caribbeans, practice a mix of shamanism and Christianity.

GENERAL INFORMATION

English is the official language. Spanish is also widely spoken.

Electricity is 110/220 volts/60 cycles.

The international dialing code for Belize is 501, and there are currently 17 area codes within Belize (Belize City is 02). When dialing from outside Belize the zero in the area codes is not required-for example, to call someone in Belize City, dial 501, then 2, followed by the number.

Contact your health care professional or a travel clinic for the latest medical information like vaccinations required for travel to Belize, since international regulations and recommended vaccines change without notice.

The water in Belize is chlorinated, but you may want to purchase bottled water for drinking.

Insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies, cancellations, and loss of property.

The time in Belize is the same as US Central Standard Time.

US Embassy address: 29 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, Belize. Phone: 501.2.77161