Flight Destinations
Flights to Belize
Places in Belize
Belize is a small Central American country situated on the Caribbean Sea, bordering Mexico and Guatemala. Formerly Belize was known as the colony of British Honduras though it gained independence from Britain in 1981. Because of this status as a former British colony, English is the official language of Belize, making this an attractive destination for British holidaymakers.
Despite the former links with Britain there are unfortunately no direct scheduled flights to Belize from the UK, meaning travellers must make two stops and connect onto different flights to get to Belize. However, there is a good choice of airlines for this journey. From London Heathrow, flights to Belize are available with Continental, KLM, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines. The first stop for these flights varies, though the second stop will be in Houston for all airlines except Virgin Atlantic, which is via Dallas. Flights land at Belize’s main international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (airport code: BZE) which is near Belize City.
The Tourist Attractions of Belize
Belize is a great little country which offers an excellent alternative to many of its neighbouring countries. It has the benefit of the Caribbean Sea, beautiful landscapes and scenery, ancient cultures and friendly locals!
Belmopan and Belize City
Belmopan is an inland city and the capital of Belize. It became the capital following a huge amount of damage caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 when it was decided that a safer location than the coastal Belize City should be chosen. Despite its status as capital there is not a large amount of attractions here of interest to tourists.
The former capital, Belize City is situated on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and is the largest city in Belize. You would think there would be more here for tourists though in fact Belize City also lacks in attractions and is more useful as a transportation hub to the rest of the country.
Cayo District
The Cayo District of Belize is in the central inland region and is of far more interest to visitors. There are several of the country’s Mayan city ruins here, in addition to the Five Blues Lake National Park. The main feature of this park is the lake which shows five different shades of blue though the park also has caves and wildlife to see too.
Xunantunich is the most visited Mayan site in Belize. The 9th century ruins Mayan here are situated on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River. The impressive temples here include ‘El Castillo’, the tallest building on the site. Standing 40 metres high visitors can get excellent views all around them of the surrounding jungle, the site ruins and even into Guatemala. There are a total of about 25 temples and palaces here.
Just 25 miles south of Xunantunich is another ancient Mayan ruin, Caracol. At one point Caracol was one f the largest Mayan cities, spanning an area of 65 square miles. The remains are not this large, though they are impressive all the same. The temple here is the tallest structure in Belize.
Belize Diving Sites
As well as being an excellent beach holiday destination Belize is also well known for its great diving sites. Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize and a top destination for diving, particularly around the Belize Barrier Reef and the nearby Great Blue Hole.
When Should You Visit Belize?
Belize has a hot and humid tropical climate with a wet and a dry season. Wet season is from May to November and this is also the time of year when hurricanes are most likely. This leaves the dry season, February to May as the better time to visit. The average temperature on the coast in January is 24C, though daily maximum temperatures will be higher than this.