Activity Level 3: Moderate
Through multifaceted activities, this eco-adventure showcases Belize’s biodiversity, archaeological treasures, and cultural and natural wonders as you explore coastal, riverine, rainforest, and urban landscapes. Also included are excursions to Guatemala’s Mayan ruins at Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yaxhá. There are two boating excursions, one on a large inland lake and another to a reserve on Belize’s Barrier Reef, where you may swim and snorkel. Other activities include cave tubing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and river kayaking. Active periods may last from 2–6 hours per day, balanced with free time to relax and enjoy your lodge facilities. Belize is typically hot and humid; the cooler dry season is generally between November and early May, when there is less rain and average daily highs in the mid-80s. There are two border crossings, as well as one internal connecting flight; and several overland transfers lasting 1–4 hours in private, air-conditioned motorcoaches.
Entry & Exit Requirements
American and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize. U.S. passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in Belize. It’s recommended to have at least six months’ validity from your date of departure, as entry requirements are subject to change without notice. Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from Belize.
A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days.
If you are traveling with minors, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. You may also be required to present documentation that the minor is traveling with the permission of any non-traveling parents/guardians, such as with a notarized letter of consent, custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Belizean Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). If crossing a land border (e.g. to visit Tikal in Guatemala), there is an exit fee of USD $20 for U.S. citizens, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note these taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Belize.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that the risk of malaria in Belize is low, but travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites. Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.
DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES
Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Belize. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. As there are no vaccinations to protect against these illnesses, the CDC recommends travelers protect themselves against mosquitos: cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Belize ReefPhoto by Steffi Lopez
Geoffroy's Spider Monkey at the Belize ZooPhoto by Michael Schamis
Nurse Shark seen while snorkelingPhoto by J Craighill Photography
Cave tubingPhoto by Tom Carr
Jaguar at the Belize ZooPhoto by Michael Schamis
Tikal Ruins at Tikal National ParkPhoto by Lily Wilde
Yaxha archaeological sitePhoto by Christopher William Adach
Jaguar ReefPhoto by Laura Hare
Sittee RiverPhoto by Larnie Fox
