Belize
Central America · BLZ
Editorial Snapshot
Why Go To Belize
Belize is one of the easiest small-country trips in the Americas if you want reef time, jungle ruins, and a route that mixes water and inland days without huge transit demands. Most first visits are strongest when split between one cay and one western inland base, rather than trying to overnight across every marine and jungle stop in the country.
Popular For
Things To See
- Belize City
- Ambergris Caye
- Caye Caulker
- San Ignacio
- Great Blue Hole
- Caracol
Best Months
Know Before You Go
- December through April is the easiest broad season for a first trip.
- Belize works especially well when divided into one reef stop and one inland stop.
- Boat connections and small flights are useful, but short trips should stay selective about how many bases they add.
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Flights
Hotels & Accommodations
Compare stays across major booking options
Open hotel and accommodation options for Belize.
Guidebooks
📚Browse Belize Guidebooks on AmazonTours & Activities
Country Data
Stats At A Glance
Practical travel, safety, climate, and quality-of-life stats for Belize.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Population
- 417,634
- Area
- 22,966 km²
- Region
- Central America
Languages
- Belizean Creole
- English
- Spanish
Currency
Belize dollar ($)
BZD
Exchange rate unavailable for USD.
Cost of Living (World Bank)
53.5
Price level index (US = 100)
- Groceries
- 52.6
- Restaurants
- 39.3
- Rent
- 13.6
Safety & Peace
higher score = safer everyday environment · derived from World Bank homicide data
Monthly Climate Averages
These weather averages are based on data for Belmopan (17.25°N, 88.77°W).
LGBTQ+ Friendly
22/100
Traveler LGBTQ score
- Legal protections
- 20/100
- Lived safety
- 27/100
This score blends legal protections with lived-safety context so strong laws alone do not automatically push a country to the top of the ranking.
- Homosexuality legal✅
- Relationship recognitionNone
- Adoption recognition❌
- Anti-discrimination laws❌
- Employment protections❌
- Legal gender recognition❌
- Conversion therapy ban❌
Human Development Index (UNDP)
0.721
High human development
- 5-year change
- -0.002
- 10-year change
- -0.003
- Trend
- stable
- Data year
- 2023
- Gender Dev. Index (GDI)
- 0.981
- Gender Inequality Index (GII)
- 0.428
- Planetary-adjusted HDI (PHDI)
- 0.670
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1)
- 🌿
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Inscribed 1996
Natural Beauty (World Bank)
- Protected land area
- 37.3%
- Forest cover
- 54.5%
Source: World Bank.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
- Threatened mammal species (IUCN)
- 10
- Threatened bird species (IUCN)
- 8
Source: World Bank / IUCN Red List. Higher counts indicate richer biodiversity, typically in tropical rainforest, island, and savannah ecosystems.
Food & Cuisine
46/100
Food and dining score
Built from two layers: dining-scene breadth and open prestige signals. We combine restaurant density, cuisine diversity, distinguished restaurants, and gastronomy-city recognitions from open data sources.
Luxury Infrastructure
27/100
Luxury & premium accommodation score
Based on OpenStreetMap luxury hotel density and World Bank international tourism receipts.
US Travel Advisory
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Isolated incidents of violent crime can happen even during the day and in tourist areas, though the south side of Belize City has historically had the highest concentration of violent crime. Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. Emergency medical services are usually unavailable or significantly delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses normally require medical evacuation to another country. Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same guidance as government employees while traveling. U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from: Traveling to the south side of Belize City from the Haulover Creek Canal to Fabers Road. Driving between cities in Belize after dark. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belize. Risks in specific areas Southside Belize City - Level 3: Reconsider travel Reconsider travel to Southside Belize City due to crime. Violent crime in Belize City mostly happens in the south side of the city. It is often connected to gang activity. U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from travel to the south side of Belize City from the Haulover Creek Canal continuing south to Fabers Road due to the danger of crime. If you decide to travel to Belize: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Belize. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. We highly recommend you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Read full advisory →Data current as of May 2026 and subject to change. Travel advisory information is sourced from the U.S. State Department and reflects conditions at the time of data collection, not real-time conditions. Do not rely solely on this information for travel decisions. Always check current government advisories for your nationality. Terms of Use · About our data