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BELIZEHOTELS.ORG
Northern Belize offers spectacular treasures to discover. Experience the amazing Maya archaeological sites: Lamanai, set alongside the New River Lagoon, or Cerros perched above the azure waters of Corozal Bay. Many animals, including jaguars, crocodiles and storks, inhabit the river banks and lush forests of northern Belize, and the country is a birdwatcher’s paradise. with over 570 recorded species. Tour Belize City, the commercial hub, and view stunning historical artifacts at the Belize Museum, visit the old downtown area, the historic St. Johns Anglican Cathedral, and the House of Culture.
Ecotourism adventures abound in Cayo, which is also the gateway into Belize from Guatemala. The lively towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and the quiet border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen provide a glimpse into the lives of the friendly residents. Numerous accommodation options from which to base your explorations range from luxurious jungle lodges to local bed and breakfasts. Adventures include horseback riding, canoeing, exploring underground rivers, hiking, cave tubing, ziplining, mountain biking and birding. The region offers an unsurpassed combination of nature reserves, national parks, Belize’s largest Maya sites and Central America’s largest cave systems.
If you are only staying a few hours take a day tour. Visit Altun Ha Maya site, or explore the ancient Maya city of Lamanai, cruising along the New River and spotting exotic wildlife as you make your way toward the awe-inspiring archaeological site.
Go cave tubing and ziplining, two of the most popular activities people from all over the world come to experience in Belize. Hike through the lush jungle of the foothills of the Maya Mountains to see the flora and fauna, or float on tubes through a large cave system past the stalagmite and stalactite formations; then get your adrenaline pumping on a seven-line zipline adventure.
Try snorkeling at the famous Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens sites; you will swim in pristine waters with nurse sharks and sting rays and be dazzled by coral formations teeming with marine life.
Country Size: 8,867 square miles, including 266 square miles of offshore cayesClimate: The climate is subtropical with prevailing winds from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages 27° Celsius or 80° Fahrenheit.Government: An independent country since 1981, with a democratically elected parliamentary government, Belize is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.Population: The population of approximately 370,000 is made up of diverse ethnicities including Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian.Languages: The official language is English; however, other languages, including Kriol and Spanish are widely spoken. Other languages include Maya (Mopan, Kekchi and Yucatec), Garifuna, German (spoken by Mennonites) and Mandarin.Time Zone: Belize´s time zone is GMT-6 (US Central Standard Time). Daylight saving is not observed.Currency: The Belize dollar has a fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (BZ$2 = US$1). Other currencies such Pounds and Euros can be exchanged at most banks. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Be sure to notify your bank or credit card provider of travel plans in advance.Clothing: Light cotton clothing is recommended during the day, with a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt for cool evenings. For jungle locations and trekking, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hiking boots are recommended, as are binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hats. Cuisine: Restaurant choices, at hotels as well as in towns and villages, include an eclectic combination of local and international cuisine. Tasty local favorites include rice and beans, fish simmered in coconut milk, spicy chicken escabeche with fresh corn tortillas and refreshing tropical fruit.
Water: Tap water in Belize is treated and fit to drink; however, bottled water is readily available.Passport and Visas: All visitors require a valid passport with proof of a return ticket. Many visitors do not require visas for stays less than 30 days. A notarized permission letter from parent/s not traveling with their child/children is required and will be requested at your departure point. Contact the Belize Embassy in Washington DC, Belize High Commission in London, or the Belize Consulate in Canada for more information. For a complete and current listing of countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Belize, visit www.mfa.gov.bz Departure Fees: Airport departure fees are included in most airline tickets. Please check with your individual airline for more information. Exit fees at the borders with Mexico and Guatemala are US$20 per person.Taxes: Hotel Room Tax is 9%. General Sales Tax (GST) is 12.5% on most goods and services.Tipping: 10-20% is the standard gratuity for most restaurants and tour guides. Establishments may add a service charge.Mobile Phones: Cellular coverage is widespread and there are two providers. SIM cards may be bought at the International Airport. If you wish to roam, be sure to check your home carrier’s plans; roaming fees can be costly. Wifi is available extensively.Safety: Basic safety tips should be followed wherever you go in the world. Ask your hotel manager or local guide for specific safety advice for local areas.Health Services: There are three hospitals in Belize City; one public and two private. Several private doctors are also available. The district towns and larger villages also have hospitals or clinics. It is recommended that all international travelers purchase medical insurance prior to traveling.
QUICK FACTS NORTHERN BELIZE
WESTERN BELIZE
VISITING FOR THE DAY?
PLAN THE PERFECT VACATION WITH USSOUTHERN BELIZE
The picturesque Hummingbird Highway snakes across the Maya Mountains leading visitors from Belmopan, the capital of Belize, to the towns of Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia and Punta Gorda. The vibrant local cultures of the Maya and the Garifuna are alive with rich traditions in this part of Belize. This is also home to the world’s first Jaguar Reserve, the intricate Maya architecture of Lubantuun and over five offshore marine protected areas.
Dangriga is a great choice for experiencing the music, art and rich traditional Garifuna way of life before exploring the islands offshore. The quiet fishing village of Hopkins further down the coast offers sandy beaches and a range of visitor services. Placencia has become a thriving tourism center as a quaint seaside village with a local flair, while the peninsula offers modern resorts, vacation rentals and condominiums. Punta Gorda is the gateway to lush rainforest, Maya villages, waterfalls, rivers, Maya sites, extensive cave systems, and numerous national parks and protected areas teeming with wildlife.
Over 450 exquisite small islands, locally known as cayes dot the turquoise waters off the length of Belize’s coast. Three atolls sit outside the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef system in the world. The azure waters offer a truly remarkable experience for the first-time snorkeler or the avid scuba diver. Caye Caulker, the epitome of the “laid back island” lifestyle, has brightly-colored wooden houses interspersed with shops, restaurants and small hotels. The larger islands in the north support charming towns, while elsewhere on the Barrier Reef, smaller, private islands provide exclusive getaways. The town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye offers an eclectic choice of accommodation and a wide variety of sophisticated international cuisine in beachside restaurants. Traditional Belizean food can also be tasted at charming local restaurants. Top activities include exploring Bacalar Chico National Park and snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
PHOTOGRAPHY © BELIZE TOURISM BOARD & MAYNOR LARRIEU
ISLANDS & CAYES
ABOUT THE BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATIONThe Belize Hotel Association (BHA) is Belize’s oldest private sector tourism organization and is a non-profit, nongovernmental association. The BHA works diligently to support the sustainable growth of its members and the tourism industry in Belize, through global marketing initiatives, private and public sector partnerships, and training opportunities aimed at growing tourism and increasing standards and professional service.
DMCs & TOUR OPERATORS
DIVINGThe azure waters offer a remarkable experience for the first time snorkeler or avid scuba diver. The Belize Barrier Reef stretches for 185 miles (298km) along the length of the country. The beauty of this natural wonder is recognized locally and internationally with seven marine reserves having World Heritage status. With so much to choose from, it is no wonder that snorkelers, divers, sport fishermen and marine biologists come to Belize and return often. Come and see what they enjoy.
ECOTOURISMWhether seeking extreme adventures or a yoga retreat, travelling as a couple, with family or even solo, the level of adventure and degree of comfort can be customized. Each region of Belize offers unique examples of globally acclaimed biological diversity.
MAYABelize has hundreds of Maya sites, ranging from small mounds to internationally acclaimed pyramids, from city complexes to sacrificial cave systems. Experience one or try many. They are all so very different.
ROMANCEBelize combines the perfect elements to create a romantic getaway, wedding or honeymoon of your dreams. Intimate or extravagant, you are only limited by your imagination.
13 Cork StreetP.O. Box 2480Belize City, BelizeTel: (+501) 223.0669Email: [email protected]
Belcove Hotelbelcove.comRegent St. West, Belize City T: (+501) 227.3054E: [email protected]
Almond Tree Resort Hotelalmondtreeresort.com425 Bay Shore Dr, Corozal Dist.T: (+501) 422.0006 / 628.9224E: [email protected]
Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plazabelizebiltmore.com3.5 Mls Philip Gldsn Hwy, Belize City T: (+501) 223.2302E: [email protected]
Bird’s Eye View Lodgebirdseyeviewbelize.comCrooked Tree Village, Belize Dist.T: (+501) 203.2040 / 235.7333E: [email protected]
Black Orchid Resortblackorchidresort.com2 Dawson Ln, Burrell Boom Village T: (+501) 225.9158 / (866) 437.1301 E: [email protected]
Chan Chich Lodgechanchich.comGallon Jug, Orange Walk1 King St, Belize CityT: (+501) 227.7031 / 223.4419Intl: (877) 279.5726 E: [email protected]
Hill Bank Field Stationpfbelize.orgRio Bravo Conserv. & Mgmt Area 1 Eyre St, Belize CityT: (+501) 227.1020 / 227.5616E: [email protected]
Lamanai Landings Hotel & Marinalamanailandings.comTower Hill, Orange Walk T: (+501) 670.7846E: [email protected]
La Milpa Lodge & Research Centerpfbelize.orgRio Bravo Conservation & Mgmt AreaOrange Walk1 Eyre St., Belize CityT: (+501) 615.3900 / 227.5616E: [email protected]
Orchid Bay Beach Club Casitasorchidbayrentalsbelize.comChunox Village, Corozal T: (+501) 650.1925E: [email protected]
Ramada Belize City Princess Hotelramada.com29 Newtown Barracks Kings Park, Belize CityT: (+501) 223.2670 / 223.2671E: [email protected]
The Great House Inngreathousebelize.com13 Cork St, Belize CityT: (+501) 223.3400 or 1.214.613.9296E: [email protected]
Villa Boscardivillaboscardi.com6043 Manatee Dr, Belize City T: (+501) 223.1691E: [email protected]
MAP OF
Belize
A Belizean Nirvanabelizeanirvana.comWestby Way, PlacenciaT: (+501) 523.3331 / 636-4833E: [email protected]
Belize Ocean Clubbelizeoceanclub.comMaya Beach, PlacenciaT: (800) 997.1289E: [email protected]
Caribbean Beach Cabanascaribbeanbeachcabanas.comThe Sidewalk, Placencia T: (+501) 622.4142E: [email protected]
Copal Tree Lodgecopaltreelodge.com15 Wilson Road, Punta GordaT: (844) 238.0216E: [email protected]
Green Parrot Beach Houses & Resortgreenparrot-belize.com1 Maya Beach, Placencia T: (+501) 533.8188E: [email protected]
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resorthamanasi.comSittee River Rd, Hopkins T: (+501) 533.7073E: [email protected]
Hopkins Bay Resorthopkinsbaybelize.comNorth End, HopkinsT: (800) 603.7610E: [email protected]
Los Porticos Villaslosporticosvillas.comPlacencia PeninsulaT: (+501) 523.3227 / 607.4448E: [email protected]
Laru Beya Resortlarubeya.comPlacenciaT: (+501) 523-3476 Intl: (800) 890.8010 E: [email protected]
Naia Resort and Spanaiaresortandspa.comMile 17.5 Placencia PeninsulaT: (+501) 523.4600E: [email protected]
Pelican Beach Resort (Dangriga)pelicanbeachbelize.com DangrigaT: (+501) 522.2044 / 522.2570 E: [email protected]
The Farm Innthefarminnbelize.comSan Antonio - Santa Cruz Rd.Toledo T: (+501) 732.4781E: [email protected]
The Lodge at Big Fallsthelodgeatbigfalls.comPunta GordaT: (+501) 732.4444E: [email protected]
Thatch Caye Resortthatchcayebelize.comThatch Caye, Hopkins T: (800) 435.3145E: [email protected]
Villa Veranovillaveranobelize.comSittee Point, Hopkins T: (+501) 533.7016E: [email protected]
Banana Beach Resortbananabeach.comSeagrape Dr, San Pedro, A.CT/F: (+501) 226.3890 Intl: (877) 288.1011E: [email protected]
Banyan Bay Suitesbanyanbay.com100 Seagrape Dr, San Pedro, A.C. T: (+501) 226.3739 Intl: (866) 352.1163 E: [email protected]
Caye Casacayecasa.comBeachfront, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226.2880 T/F: (800) 936.3433 E: [email protected]
Caye Caulker Plaza Hotelcayecaulkerplazahotel.comCaye CaulkerT: (+501) 226.0708E: [email protected]
Cayo Espantoaprivateisland.comSan Pedro, A.C.T: (910) 323.8355E: [email protected]
Day Dreamin’ Bed & Breakfastdaydreaminbelize.comTropicana Dr.Tres Cocos, San Pedro, A.C,T: (+501) 601.3360E: [email protected]
El Secretoelsecretobelize.com11 Miles North of San Pedro, A.C. T: (+501) 236.5111T/F: (800) 479.5037E: [email protected] Grand Caribe Belize Resortgrandcaribebelize.com2 Miles North of San Pedro. A.C.T: (+501) 280.4726E: [email protected]
Itza Lodgeitzalodge.comLong Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll T: (305) 600.2585E: [email protected]
Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hiltonmahoganybayvillage.comSea Grape Dr, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 236.4817E: [email protected]
Mayan Princessmayanprincesshotel.comBeachfront, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226.2778 / 226.2779E: [email protected]
Pelican Beach (South Water Caye)pelicanbeachbelize.comSouth Water CayeT: (+501) 522.2044E: [email protected]
Portofino Beach Resortportofino.bz6 Miles North of San Pedro, A.C T: (+501) 226.5096 / 678.5096E: [email protected]
Ramon’s Village Resortramons.comCoconut Dr, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226-2071E: [email protected]
San Pedro Holiday Hotelsanpedroholiday.com6 Barrier Reef Dr, San Pedro, A.C. T: (+501) 226.2014 / 226.2103Intl: (713) 893-3825E: [email protected]
Sea Dreams Hotelseadreamsbelize.comNear the Split, Caye CaulkerT/F: (+501) 226.0602E: [email protected]
St. George’s Caye Resortbelizeislandparadise.comBeachfront, St. George’s CayeT: (800) 813.8498E: [email protected]
Sunbreeze Hotelsunbreeze.net7 Coconut Dr, San Pedro, A.C. T: (+501) 226-2191 / 226.2346 E: [email protected]
Sunbreeze Suitessunbreezesuites.comBarrier Reef Dr, San Pedro, A.C. T: (+501) 226.2191 / (800) 820.1631 E: [email protected]
The Palms Oceanfront Suitesbelizepalms.comCoconut Dr, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226.3322E: [email protected]
Turneffe Island Resortturnefferesort.com Turneffe AtollT: (800) 874.0118E: [email protected]
Victoria House Resort & Spavictoria-house.com22 Coconut Dr, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226.2067E: [email protected]
Xanadu Island Resortxanaduislandresort.comSea Grape Dr, San Pedro, A.C.T: (+501) 226.2814 T/F: (866) 351.4752E: [email protected]
Banana Bank Lodgebananabank.comMile 49 George Price Hwy, Belmopan T: (+501) 832.2020E: [email protected]
Caves Branch Adventure Co. & Jungle Lodgecavesbranch.comMile 41.5 Hummingbird Hwy. Belmopan, Cayo T: (+501) 610.3451E: [email protected]
Crystal Paradise Resortcrystalparadise.comCristo Rey Village San Ignacio, Cayo District T: (+501) 615.9361E: [email protected]
El Rey Hotelelreyhotel.com23 Moho Street, BelmopanT: (+501) 822.3438E: [email protected]
Jaguar Creek Lodgejaguarcreek.orgMile 42 Hummingbird Hwy.T: (+501) 610.2034 E: [email protected]
Pook’s Hill Lodgepookshilllodge.comRoaring River (Teakettle), Belmopan T: (+501) 832.2017E: [email protected]
Rumors Resortrumorsresort.com2 1⁄2 Miles Benque Viejo Rd, Cayo T: (+501) 824.2795E: [email protected]
San Ignacio Resort Hotelsanignaciobelize.com18 Buena Vista Street, San IgnacioT: (+501) 824.2034E: [email protected]
Adventures in Belizeadventuresinbelize.comT: (+501) 610.3451E: [email protected]
Ayinha Adventures Ltdayinha.comT: (+501) 671.2946E: [email protected]
Chukka Belizechukka.comT: (+501) 223.4438E: [email protected]
Darah Travelbelizetravelservices.comT: (+501) 822.3272E: [email protected]
S&L Travel and Tours Ltd.sltravelbelize.comT: (+501) 227.7593 / 610.3358E: [email protected] [email protected]
Splash Dive Centersplashbelize.comT: (+501) 523.3058E: [email protected]
VIVA Belizevivabelize.comT: (+501) 822.3850E: [email protected]
Hidden Valley Innhiddenvalleyinn.com4 Cooma Cairn Rd, Mountain Pine Ridge T: (+501) 822-3320 Intl: (866) 443.3364E: [email protected]
ALLIED MEMBERSA&S Suppliers Inchotelitems.com.T: (305) 557.1688E: [email protected]
Atlantic Bank Ltd.atlabank.comT: (+501) 223.4123E: [email protected]
Amigos del Maramigosdivebelize.com T: (+501) 226-2706E: [email protected]
Belize Foam & Furniture Ltd.belizefoam.comT: (+501) 222.4143E: [email protected]
Belize Brewing Company Ltd.belikin.bzT: (+501) 227.7031E: [email protected]
BRC Printingbrcprinting.comT: (+501) 823.3139E: [email protected]
Creative Marketingcreativemarketing.bzT: (+501) 207.2023E: [email protected] Ltd.edatabz.bzT: (+501) 223.1805E: [email protected]
Energy Management Ltd.energymanagement.bzT: (+501) 223.2246E: [email protected]
EVOO euro bistroevooeurobistro.comT: (+501) 226.4001E: [email protected]
Green BelizeT: (+501) 223.5572E: [email protected]
Heritage Bank Ltd.heritageibt.comT: (+501) 223.5698E: [email protected]
IdeaLab Studios Ltd. idealabstudios.comT: (+501) 223.6386E: [email protected]
Karl H. Menzies & Co. Ltd.karlemenzies.comT: (+501) 223.0896E: [email protected]
Love Entertainment/Love FMlovefm.comT: (+501) 203.2098 / 0528E: [email protected]
McNab Visual Strategiesmcnabvisual.comT: (+501) 223.1025E: [email protected]
Madisco madisco.bzT: (+501) 224.4158E: [email protected]
Mirab & Co.mirabsbelize.comT: (+501) 222.4333E: [email protected]
Ocean Ferry Belize oceanferrybelize.comT: (+501) 223.0033E: [email protected]
Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Terracerainbelize.comT: (+501) 226.4000E: [email protected]
Sigmatex-Lanier Textilessigmatexlanier.comT: 212.593.0606 / 646.525.8824E: [email protected]
Smart!smart-bz.comT: (+501) 280-1000E: [email protected]
The Added Touch Belizetheaddedtouchbelize.comT: (+501) 223.1461E: [email protected]
Tropic Airtropicair.comT: (+501) 226.2626E: [email protected]
Vista Real Estate Services Ltd.vistabelize.comT: (+501) 610.1404E: [email protected]
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![IA (Black Carib] OF BELIZE - Smithsonian Institution · Tradi~ional Music o'f THE IiARIFUI\IA (Black Carib] OF BELIZE Recorded and Produced by CAROL and TRAVIS JENKINS ... Belizean](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/5b344bb57f8b9a436d8bd615/ia-black-carib-of-belize-smithsonian-institution-tradiional-music-of-the.jpg)
