Belize Travel Guide - Introduction

There are many different cultures and people living harmoniously in Belize which include the Creole, Mestizo, Maya, East Indian, Garifuna, Mennonite, Chinese and Arabs as well as a small number of European and American expatriates. However English is the official language as Belize is the only Central American country with a British colonial heritage and was once known as British Honduras.

It’s a wonderful country to visit with an abundance of natural and historical attractions. Here you will find the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, lush tropical rainforest with a huge variety of flora and fauna and numerous ancient Mayan sites.

Belize currently attracts more than 850,000 visitors per year who come to explore the fascinating Mayan sites such as Altun Ha or Lamanai, go snorkelling off the reef at Caye Caulker or go toucan spotting at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourism is currently the country’s number one source of employment and investment, closely followed by sugar and bananas.

It is possible to get to Belize by land, sea or air. Many visitors arrive on cruise ships. but to truly appreciate the beauty of the country, a longer stay is required. Visitors wishing to travel overland can enter Belize from either Guatemala or Mexico. It is also possible to arrive by boat from Guatemala and Honduras. Flights are available into Belize from major airports across the US and El Salvador.