Belize Tours & Adventures with Trained Jungle Guides

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What You Need To Known About Belize

Belize Great Blue Hole
Belize great blue hole flyover
Actun Tunichil Muknal
Pacz Tours guide using a headlamp to illuminate the Crystal Maiden skeleton in the ATM Cave, Belize

🌍 Where Is Belize Located? (And Why You Should Visit)

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Where is Belize located?” or wondered if this small Central American country is worth visiting — you’re not alone. Belize may be small in size, but it’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s what you need to know before you plan your trip.

📍 Belize on the Map

  • Region: Central America
  • Borders: Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
  • Geography: A mix of Maya Mountains, tropical rainforest, limestone caves, and Caribbean coastline.
  • Size: About 9,000 square miles (similar to the state of Massachusetts).
  • Population: Fewer than 500,000 people — one of the lowest population densities in the world.

👉 This unique location makes Belize both a Central American and a Caribbean nation, offering travelers the best of both worlds.

✈️ How to Get to Belize

  • International Flights: Arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (code BZE) near Belize City. Direct flights connect from major U.S. cities like Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, as well as Mexico and Central America.
  • In-Country Flights: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air connect Belize City with destinations like San Ignacio, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker.
  • By Land: Belize can be reached by road from Mexico (via Chetumal) and Guatemala (via Melchor de Mencos).

🏛️ A Quick Look at Belize’s History

  • Once known as British Honduras, Belize gained independence in 1981.
  • It is a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
  • English is the official language — making Belize the only English-speaking country in Central America.
  • Today, Belize is a peaceful democracy with a rich blend of cultures: Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, and more.

🌴 Why Belize Is Worth Visiting

Belize’s small size hides an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences:

  • Maya Ruins: Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and nearby Tikal in Guatemala.
  • Caves & Rivers: The world-famous ATM Cave, Barton Creek canoeing, and cave tubing along the Caves Branch River.
  • Barrier Reef & Islands: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Glover’s Reef Atoll — all part of the UNESCO-protected Belize Barrier Reef.
  • Wildlife & Nature: Howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, whale sharks, and manatees.

👉 Belize is one of the few places where you can explore an ancient Maya city in the morning and be snorkeling on the reef in the afternoon.

🌦️ Seasons in Belize (Shaped by Location)

Because of its location in the Caribbean Basin, Belize experiences two main seasons:

☀️ Dry Season (November–May)

  • Weather: Clear skies, warm days, less humidity.
  • Best For: Exploring Maya ruins, caving adventures, reef trips.
  • Why: Rivers run lower and trails stay dry, making sites like ATM Cave and Caracol more accessible.
  • Tip: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated — afternoons can get hot.

🌧️ Rainy Season (June–October)

  • Weather: Afternoon showers, greener landscapes, higher rivers.
  • Best For: Waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and lush jungle scenery.
  • Why: The Maya Mountains capture rain, feeding rivers like the Macal and creating powerful cascades like Big Rock Falls.
  • Tip: Some water-based tours may be rescheduled for safety, but the rainforest is at its most vibrant.

👉 Because of Belize’s location, both seasons are great for adventure travel — it just depends on the type of experience you want.

Headshot of a crowd celebrating Belize Independence Day with flags and festive colors
Headshot of the crowd gathered for Belize’s Independence Day celebrations, full of national pride and festive energy.

🍲 People & Culture

Belize is a true melting pot of traditions:

  • Maya: Ancient heritage still alive in today’s villages.
  • Garifuna: Known for music, drumming, and coastal traditions.
  • Creole & Mestizo: Flavors of food, language, and daily life.
  • Mennonite: Farming communities that provide much of Belize’s food.

Food highlights include rice and beans with stewed chicken, tamales, hudut (Garifuna coconut stew with mashed plantains), and fresh seafood.

💵 Currency & Exchange

  • The Belize Dollar (BZD) is fixed at $2 BZ = $1 USD.
  • U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourism areas.
  • Credit cards work in towns, but cash is useful in rural areas.

🔒 Safety and Travel Practicalities

Belize is generally safe for travelers, especially in tourist areas like San Ignacio, Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker.

  • ATM Cave and other tours are carefully regulated for safety.
  • Licensed guides (like Pacz Tours) are required for many adventure activities.
  • As in any country, use common sense — avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep valuables secure.

🗺️ San Ignacio: Gateway to Inland Belize

While Belize City is the entry point, San Ignacio in western Belize is the adventure capital of the country. From here, you can:

  • Explore ATM Cave and other cave systems.
  • Visit Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech Maya ruins.
  • Canoe or tube on the Macal and Mopan Rivers.
  • Take a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala.

👉 [Discover San Ignacio Tourism →]

🌟 Plan Your Belize Adventure with Pacz Tours

At Pacz Tours, we’ve been guiding travelers since 1996. We specialize in:

  • ATM Cave Tours – world-famous and unforgettable.
  • Caracol & Rio On Pools – Belize’s largest Maya site and jungle waterfalls.
  • Tikal Day Tours – cross into Guatemala with expert local guides.
  • Cave Tubing & Barton Creek – classic Belize adventures.

👉 [Explore Belize Adventure Tours with Pacz →]