Belize packs remarkable diversity into a tiny country. The barrier reef rivals Australia's for snorkeling and diving. Ancient Maya ruins (Caracol, Lamanai, Xunantunich) emerge from jungle. The cayes (islands) offer Caribbean relaxation. And everything is English-speaking, making Belize unusually accessible. The country works for both adventure and relaxation. Split your time between jungle and coast; most visitors do. Caye Caulker has backpacker vibes; Ambergris Caye is more developed; the mainland has ruins and jungle. Flight deals to Belize City appear from US cities, making this compact destination surprisingly easy to reach.
Best Time to Fly to Belize
Peak Season
December through April is dry season with perfect weather and peak prices. Christmas, New Year's, and Easter bring the most tourists. February-March is busiest.
Off Season (Best Deals)
May through November is rainy season with lower prices and fewer crowds. September-October is wettest and has hurricane risk. June-August sees some rain but also good weather.
Dry season (December to April) brings sunny weather at 75-85°F. Rainy season (May to November) has occasional storms at similar temperatures. The cayes are hot year-round. Jungle interior is humid.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season. Hurricane season (September-October) is riskiest. Belize is small; availability can be limited at popular spots.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Belize
Cheapest Months
September, October, June
Most Expensive
Christmas/New Year, February to March, Easter
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Must-Try Foods in Belize
Rice and Beans
Belize's staple: rice and red beans cooked in coconut milk, served with stewed chicken, fish, or pork. It's different from Caribbean rice and peas; the coconut makes it distinctly Belizean. Every restaurant serves it; quality is consistently good.
$5-12
Fry Jacks
Fried dough pillows served for breakfast with beans, cheese, eggs, or jam. They're Belize's breakfast of choice. Every local spot serves them; quality varies by freshness. Best eaten immediately after frying.
$3-8
Seafood on the Cayes
Fresh lobster (in season), conch, and fish dominate caye menus. Beach restaurants grill whole fish; upscale spots offer creative preparations. Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye have excellent options. Lobster season (June 15 to Feb 14) is best.
$15-40
Top Attractions in Belize
Blue Hole & Barrier Reef
The Great Blue Hole is a bucket-list dive site: a collapsed cave 400 feet deep. Snorkeling the surrounding reef is equally impressive. Day trips from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye reach the hole. The reef is excellent throughout.
Caye Caulker
This small island embodies 'Go Slow' Caribbean vibes. No cars, sandy streets, waterfront bars, and excellent snorkeling. It's backpacker-friendly without being party-focused. The reef is a short boat ride away.
Mayan Ruins (Xunantunich/Caracol)
Belize has impressive Mayan sites without Mexican crowds. Xunantunich is easily accessible; Caracol is remote but spectacular. Lamanai adds river journey to the experience. Jungle settings make these sites atmospheric.
Daily Costs in Belize
Belize is moderate. The cayes are pricier than mainland. Water sports and Blue Hole trips add significant costs. Budget travelers manage on $60-80 daily; comfortable travel costs $120-180.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$30-70
Mid-Range
$100-200
Airbnb
$60-150
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$5-12
Restaurant
$15-35
Coffee
$2-5
Transport
Local Transport
$5-30/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$80-180
Getting Around Belize
From the Airport
Belize City Airport (BZE) is the main hub. Water taxis to Caye Caulker (45 minutes, $20) leave from the city. Domestic flights reach cayes in 15 minutes ($100+). Most visitors head directly to the cayes.
Getting Around
Water taxis connect Belize City to the cayes. Domestic flights reach cayes and Placencia quickly. Buses serve mainland routes cheaply. Renting a car works for ruin visits. The country is small; nothing is far.
Tips
- •Take the water taxi to Caye Caulker. It's cheap, frequent, and scenic. San Pedro Express and Caye Caulker Water Taxi are reliable.
- •Rent a car for mainland exploration. Roads are decent; ruins and jungle lodges need wheels.
Where to Stay in Belize
Caye Caulker
The laid-back island has the best balance of relaxation and activities. Snorkeling, diving, and Blue Hole trips are easily arranged. Accommodation ranges from budget to mid-range. It's Belize's most popular destination for good reason.
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
The larger caye has more restaurants, bars, and nightlife than Caye Caulker. It's more developed and slightly upscale. Beach bars and live music fill evenings. It's still relaxed Caribbean, not party island.
San Ignacio / Cayo District
The jungle interior has Mayan ruins, caves, and wildlife. San Ignacio is the base town. It's a different Belize from the cayes: green, historic, and adventurous. Combine both for a complete trip.
Smart Travel Tips for Belize
FAQs About Flights to Belize
Belize is moderate. Hotels cost $100-200 on cayes, less on mainland. Meals $10-35. Blue Hole trips $200-350. Budget travelers manage on $60-80 daily; comfortable travel costs $120-180.
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