Central America: Belize

Northern Belize

Covering the two districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, the north is a Belizean bonanza of natural wealth and archaeological wonder. Spectacular ancient cities, highlighted by the temples at Lamanai, evidence the ancient Maya's affinity for the area. With jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers, the region is home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes the jaguar and the manatee. Culturally the north is primarily mayan and Spanish with the Mennonite farmers adding their old world flavor to the mix.

Belize District
The district is dominated by Belize City and offers a host of attractions including several sanctuaries, the world class Belize Zoo, a new museum, historic government buildings, churches and the incredible Maya site at Altun Ha. The city is a great place to spend a day or two learning about Belize's history and its multi-cultural heritage while mingling with the amiable, laid back Belizeans who greet you with a smile. It's also the perfect place to plan and begin your discovery of Belize and offers all kinds of access to any destination in the country.

Ambergris Caye
The largest of all the cayes, Ambergris Caye is renowned for its beaches and proximity to the coral reef. From here you can indulge any wet adventure you can dream up; Sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and manatee watching are among the most popular. San Pedro, the caye's hub, offers any variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars and nightlife. For a change of pace and scenery, the bay side of the caye is a great place to get acquainted with Belizean bird life.

Caye Caulker
Just south of Ambergris is the relaxed and slow paced Caye Caulker where you can indulge your island fantasies on a quiet beach and get to know the Mestizo and Creole culture, customs and traditions. Offering budget accommodations and excursions with a full range of services, Caulker is also well known for its friendly, easygoing people who make it difficult for you to leave this sunny, sleepy little island.

Cayo
Located in the western interior of Belize, Cayo is a 1500 square mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit and explore. To the east is the capital city of Belmopan and to the far west, visitor friendly San Ignacio, the main city of the district. Between the two lie a world of forests teeming with wildlife and immaculately beautiful tropical watersheds catered to by a variety of jungle and river lodges to suit any style, budget and adventure.

Stann Creek
The journey in by road on the Hummingbird Highway, with breathtaking vistas of the rainforests and the Maya Mountains, takes you all the way into culture rich Dangriga, historic home of the Garifuna people. Opportunity for marine adventure abounds with the nearby coral reef, cayes and coastal villages, while the Cockscomb Basin bears witness to Belize's lush broadleaf tropical forests that are home to countless species of plants and animals. Stann Creek is ideal for its accessibility to a huge variety of Belizean discovery destinations both inland and out in the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean.

Placencia
White sand beaches, brilliant blue waters and a hundred ways to enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you at Placencia. Spend your days in the water diving, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach, and your nights at the many interesting restaurants and watering holes that feature local food, culture and live music.

Southern Belize
Nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure minded and the adrenaline addicted is the Toledo district of Belize. A cultural lean towards the Mopan and Kekchi Maya is evident and homestays will give you an inside look at how the Maya have balanced tradition with the demands of a modern world. The ancient Maya cities, intricate cave systems and pristine rainforests headline a long list of attractions accessible from the coastal city of Punta Gorda, including lagoons, rivers, creeks and cayes. Wildlife, birds, trees and plants in astounding variety make Toledo a nature lover's paradise.

Atolls
Made up of 450 precious gems ranging from mere specks of coral awash a high tide, to exotic resorts. Snorkelers breathe in colors un-imagined. Divers plunge into world class dive sights. Three of the Atolls are:

Glovers Reef
15 Miles long by 4 miles wide Glover’s reef is a treasure. A marine reserve since 1987, is enjoyed by boaters, divers, anglers, kayakers and even campers. It’s pristine lagoon harbors 750 coral patches, while outside the ring of islands, 50 miles of sheer drop offs from 400 to 2,600 feet, plus numerous shipwrecks, wait to entertain divers

Lighthouse Reef
50 miles east of Belize City, 20 miles long and four miles wide lays Lighthouse Reef. Here 2 lighthouses warn ships of the shallows: one on Sandbore Caye to the north; the other- dating to 1828 is half moon Caye to the south. Thousands of coral heads thrive in brilliant turquoise water no more than 30 feet deep. There is one exception – the famous Blue Hole. The blue hole plunges to a depth of 412 feet deep and is 1000 feet wide, made famous when Jacques Cousteau first explored its depths. At the crest of this thousand foot circular reef, snorkelers in clear waters delight to exquisite corals, exotic fish, colorful sponges and graceful sea fans.

Turneffe Islands Atoll
The Largest of the 3 atolls, Turneffe Island is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, is encircled by myriad shallows and lagoons. Site of 2 lighthouses – an 1885 beacon on Mauger Caye to the North and a second tower on Caye Bokel to the south. This archipelago supports fine resorts, research facilities and an airstrip. Best known for wall diving, 70 named dive sites surround the atoll. At the elbow, a popular dive site at the southern tip, is home to schools of grunts, grouper, snapper and jack.

RESERVE INFORMATION

1. Shark Rey Alley – Located in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this dive site is becoming one of the hottest marine attractions in the Caribbean. Schools
Of colourful fish dart about and southern stingrays and huge nurse sharks will come right up to you. Feel free to swim and snorkel, and take advantage of this unique opportunity to watch and photograph an awesome display of grace and beauty provided by Mother Nature.

2. Hol Chan Marine Reserve – Hol Chan (Mayan for “Little Channel”) is a cut in the barrier reef, some four miles southwest of Ambergris Caye. Established in 1987, this five square mile reserve was the first of its kind in Central America. This site is a popular snorkeling day trip from both San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

3. Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area – This 260,000 acre reserve is located in the northwest corner of Belize in the Orange Walk District. It is managed for conservation, scientific research, sustainable-yield timber harvesting, non-timber forest product extraction, eco-tourism and educational purposed by the Programme for Belize, a private, non-profit Belizean organization. The area consists of broadleaf forest, swamp, palms, savannah, and marsh. Due to its remote location and prohibited hunting, many endangered species including the black howler monkey, Central American spider monkey, jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, jaguarondi, tapir, peccary, ocellated turkey and Brocket deer have found refuge within the reserve. Also a bird watchers paradise, ornithologists have recorded over 344 species of birds. In addition to the abundant natural history, over 40 Maya sites have been discovered within this area. The largest center is at La Milpa which ranks only below Caracol and Lamanai in size.

4. Xunantunich “Maiden of the Rock” – To reach Xunantunich, in the Cayo District, visitors cross the Mopan River at San Jose Succotz Village on a picturesque hand cranked ferry. A major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, the site has six major plazas, surrounded by more than twenty-five temples, palaces and a ball court. Near the top of the 130 tall pyramid “El Castillo” (the castle) are two magnificent friezes that have been reconstructed to protect the original surface.

5. Mountain Pine Ridge – This 300 sq miles of forest reserve is south of the Western Highway in the Cayo District, with access via the Chiquibul Road from Georgeville or via the Cristo Rey Road from Santa Elena. Here you can view Hidden Valley (1,000 Foot) Falls, swim in the Rio On Pools, and explore the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail. Besides offering magnificent vistas, the cooler temperatures, along with a refreshing swim can provide a welcome respite to the travel-weary tourist.

Things to know

CLIMATE/CLOTHING
The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and August.

CURRENCIES/ RATES
Currency exchange; Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or $BZD. One US dollar is equivalent to BZD$2. Banks and ATM’s throughout the country include Atlantic bank, Belize Bank, Scotia Bank and First Caribbean.

Postal rates to the U.S. are BZD$0.60 for standard letters, BZD$0.30 for postcards. To Europe, BZD$0.75 for standard letters, BZD$0.40 for postcards.

Taxes. The hotel tax is nine percent. The General Sales Tax on goods and services is ten percent (10%)

ANIMALS
From all countries: The pet animal is to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a registered veterinarian in the country of origin, and should also be accompanied by an import permit that should be issued by BAHA. You can contact BAHA at 501-224-5230/224-4794 or email: baha@btl.net for more information on obtaining the permit.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES

Importation of Currency
Under the Customs Laws of Belize, all persons entering Belize are required to declare any currency in their possession in excess of 10,000.00 BZ or foreign currency equivalent. If you are carrying currency in excess $10,000 BZ or foreign currency equivalent you must complete a “report of Currency Importation” Form C300, to be supplied by a Customs Officer.

List of Duty Exemptions
As an arriving passenger, you are entitled to the following exemptions:
1) A. Wearing apparel, jewelry, toilet requisites and any portable articles in your accompanied in your accompanied baggage or on your person, which you might reasonably be expected to carry with you for your own regular and private use.

If you are 18 years or older (and not returning from a visit to a neighbouring Border Town or City):
One-liter total of wine or spirits and 250 grams tobacco or 50 cigar or 200 cigarettes.

2) If you are a Belizean:
In addition to the above, you can claim duty exemption on accompanied
goods acquired abroad for personal or household use or as souvenirs or
gifts, with an aggressive value of $200.00 BZ twice a year through other
ports or places of entry.

Merchandise
Under the Customs Laws of Belize, every person importing any goods whether for commercial, personal or any other use, must declare such goods to customs and pay the appropriate duties. The total value of all items acquired abroad whether new or used, dutiable or not or acquired as souvenirs or gifts, must be declared.

The amount of duty to be paid will be determined by a Customs Officer. It is a serious offence to evade or attempt to evade customs duties.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Same as US, 110 volts A.C.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A passport (the validity of which must extend beyond the duration of your stay) is required to enter, along with proof of return. No visas are required from the United States, United Kingdom, and most Caribbean countries. Most other countries require visas. Check with your travel representative. Visitors are allowed a month visit without requesting an extension.

Anyone traveling with an infant must provide proper documentation for the child including a valid passport.

GOVERNMENT
Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.

LANGUAGE
English is the official language and is widely spoken. Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna are also spoken.

POPULATION
The population of Belize is approximately 311,480 comprising Creoles (African-European), Garifunas (Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish, Indian), Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, Eastern Indians and Europeans. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these different cultures have blended successfully.

DENOMINATIONS
Most denominations are represented in Belize. The majority being Roman Catholics, there are also Anglicans, Methodists, and Jehovah’s Witness etc.

PORTS OF ENTRY
Land Borders
It is possible to enter Belize through the Northern border in Santa Elena, the Western Border in Benque Viejo and at the Southern Border in Punta Gorda.

Private Boats
The following is a list of seaports where vessels may be entered or cleared. Ports: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Additional information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16.

Private Aircraft
All aircraft must clear through Phillip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.

TIME ZONE
Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is not observed.

TOPOGRAPHY
Belize is an area of only 8,866 square miles. It is situated on the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s territory and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere.

CULTURE
One of the most prominent ethnic groups are the Creoles, which form 26.9% of the population in 2001. Creoles are descendants of the intermingling of the early British settlers with African slaves. More than 50.7% of the population is Mestizo. They are descendants of mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans who fled from the Yucatan in the mid 1800's. Another 6.1% of Belize's population is the Garifuna. The Garifuna have their own language and culture. The Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi are three Amerindian groups which also make up Belize's population. The Chinese, also are an integral part of the with many having distinct communities, as well as the East Indians and the Mennonites.
English remains the most common language spoken followed closely by Creole, but Spanish is becoming more widely spoken. The Garifuna, Mayas, and Mennonites each speak their own language.

Creoles
The Creoles are descendants of British settlers and African slaves and can be recognized more by their values and way of life rather than by biological manner.
Two thirds of the Creole population resides in Belize City. Creole men, even after slavery, dominated positions in logging crews, and even now dominate civil service.


Garifuna
The Garinagu came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras on 19th November 1803. They are the result of the intermingling of African slaves, Carib and Arawak Indians. The Garinagu dominate the southern towns of Punta Gorda and Dangriga as well as the villages of Seine Bight, Hopkins, Georgetown, and Barranco. Some Garinagu also reside in Belize City and Belmopan.
Fishing and agriculture is a traditional way of living for the Garifuna. Rituals and traditions are still being retained as the Garinagu strive to maintain a place in Belizean society.
November 19th is a national holiday in Belize to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize.

Belize Maya
There are three Maya groups present in Belize, namely the Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi Maya.
The Yucatec originated from Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and came to Belize in the mid-nineteenth century running from the Guerra de Castes (Caste War). They now reside in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts. Today the Yucatec Maya have exchanged their spoken language for English and Spanish.
The Mopan Maya, who were fleeing taxation and forced labor, came to Belize in 1886 from the Peten region of Guatemala. Settlements can be found in San Antonio Village in Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District.
Kekchi Maya came to Belize in 1870's, running from enslavement by the German coffee growers in Verapaz, Guatemala. They settled in the lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout Toledo. Because of their isolation, the Kekchi have become the most self reliant ethnic group in Belize. They are also peaceful people known for their cooperative practices in farming and cultural development.

ANCIENT MAYA
Belize was the home of the earliest Maya settlements as proven by glyph translations and diggings. In the Orange Walk District, Archaeologists have found evidence that trace Mayan communities as far back as 2000 BC
Mayans considered themselves, and still do, as products of the ceiba tree. This tree is, said to be in the center of the universe, holds up the heaven and is a symbol of life.
The fact that the Maya have contributed the concept of the zero among other things, tells that they had an advanced civilization. Yet it is somewhat a mystery why such a civilization disintegrated.

The Mestizos
The Mestizos are people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent representing roughly 48% of the Belizean population. Originally arriving in Belize in 1840 to escape La Guerra de Castas in Yucatan they were joined by others fleeing an oppressive regime in the Peten. The Mestizos are found everywhere in Belize but most make their homes in the northern regions of Corozal and Orange walk and in the western district of Cayo. The Mestizos are an integral part of the Belizean community and have been instrumental in the growth and progress of the county.

East Indians
East Indians make up about 3.1% of the population and first began to arrive in Belize after Emancipation in 1838. Initially coming in as indentured, many of them stayed on to work the sugar plantations and were joined by other East Indian immigrants. East Indians are spread out over many villages and towns primarily in the Corozal and Toledo districts and are fairly well integrated into the Belizean population.

Chinese
The Chinese population in Belize first began to arrive here to escape the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II. Moving around the Central American republics, many of them settled in Belize. More recently, many Taiwanese made their homes and established businesses in Belize as part of the economic citizenship program that was being offered by the Belizean government.

Mennonites
The Mennonites began arriving in Belize in 1958 from Manitoba, Canada, Chihuahua, and Mexico. They reside in the Orange Walk and Cayo District in six main communities: Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize, Progresso, Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek. Mennonites are easily identified by their apparels, the women who wear bonnets and long dresses and the men with denim overalls and hats.
The Mennonites have made it a point to have their own school, church, and financial institution in their community. They are well grounded in agriculture, as most Belizeans benefit from the sale of their poultry products throughout the country. Furniture crafted by the Mennonites has also been placed on the Belizean market. Throughout the country they are recognized as a group of hard working people.


Information and pictures provided by travelbelize.org

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