Belize

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Belize map

Belize lies on the Eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bordered on the North by Mexico, on the West and South by Guatemala and on the East by the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from it's neighbour to the South-West, Honduras.

The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with over 200 'cayes' (islands, pronounced "keys"), extending the entire length of the country. The cayes range in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Mayan ruins
The spectacular Belize Barrier Reef offers scuba diving which cannot be rivalled anywhere else in the World. It runs for 187 miles parallel with the coastline. There are only 4 Atolls in the entire Atlantic region and 3 of them are off the coast of Belize. These immense Atolls (Lighthouse, Turneffe and Glovers) account for another 140 miles of reef making a total of some 337 miles of coral reef to explore in Belize.

The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 174 miles and its greatest width is 68 miles.

There is a wide choice of lodgings in Belize from luxury hotels to simple island cabins and everything in between. Whether you are looking for a romantic beach hideaway for your honeymoon or a comfortable rainforest lodge for some exciting eco-adventures, there are many to choose from. Depending on your interests, and if you can spare the time, the ideal trip to Belize should combine both the rainforest and the reef.
Every destination in Belize offers something special. Throughout Belize, the natural ecology varies significantly and adds to the intrigue and expanse of the country’s environment. Each district also possesses a unique history that has contributed to the social surroundings that exist today.

Getting To Belize
Belize blue hole
Direct flights to/from the United States:
Houston to/from Belize City--Continental Airlines and TACA International Airlines
Dallas to/from Belize City--American Airlines
Miami to/from Belize City--American Airlines and TACA International Airlines
New airlines now or soon to be serving Belize include: U.S Airways and Air Jamaica

Flights to/from Guatemala:
Belize City to/from Guatemala City--Aerovias (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
Belize City to/from Tikal / Flores†Maya Island Air and Tropic Air

Flights to/from Honduras:
San Pedro Sula to/from Belize City--Taca International Air Line
Also from La Ceiba and Tegucigalpa north to Belize City

Flights/buses to/from Mexico
Cancun to/from Chetumal (Mexico-Belize border)--Aerocaribe Airlines (Tuesday and Thursdays), with first class bus to/from Chetumal to Belize City. (Total traveling time 8-9 hours)
Fun thing to do
Facts About Belize

English is the official language
We drive on the right side of the road.
Our electricity is 110 volts, same as the U.S.
Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize gained its independence and was renamed in 1981
Water and food are generally safe. Purified water is available at all establishments PE utilizes.
The exchange rate is fixed at $2.00BZ to $1.00US
The US dollar is widely accepted
Taxes: hotel tax of 7%; sales tax of 8% on goods and service.