Belize -- When You Go

Traveling There: Flights connect from the United States to Belize City through Dallas, Houston, or Miami on Continental and American Airlines. The Web links and phone numbers are available at this magazine's Airlines page. Note that Belize time is equivalent to Central Time. When Daylight Savings Time is active in the U.S., Belize time is equivalent to Rocky Mountain Time. Flights are available from Belize City south to Dangriga, a 15-minute airline hop. Vacationers planning to stay at Jaguar Reef Lodge can arrange for a lodge shuttle van to meet them there for the 30-minute ride to the lodge, thus avoiding a car rental. If a car is necessary, rentals are available at the Belize City airport when reserved in advance from a major U.S. agency. Web links and phone numbers are available at this magazine's Autos page. Drive defensively, avoiding nighttime driving, and watch for potholes when off the four major roads. It is a four-hour drive from Belize City to Jaguar Reef Lodge.

Staying There:
Belize provides an incredible variety for exploration: 200 miles of coastline, the barrier reef and cays, and the southern Maya Mountain Range with jungle wildlife, caves and Mayan ruins. Our recommended guide book is Lonely Planet Belize. The best time to visit is January through May, the drier season, when the average daily highs are in the low-mid 80 慚 range. The humidity is high in Belize, but trade winds along the coast and reef make the days there comfortable. Be sure to take appropriate medical preparations for your trip through a travel clinic. Malaria, Hepatitis A and B preventive treatments should be considered depending on your specific itinerary. See the health website, Travel Health Online for initial guidance.

We found the option of staying at Jaguar Reef Lodge or Caribbean Shores B&B provided a perfect balance of luxury, lounging and good food (all meals provided) with a great choice of adventure day tours and individual explorations via kayak or mountain bikes. The option of staying in one of the five bungalows at tiny Coco Plum Cay can be considered for a stay of one or more nights on "island time."

Visitors to Belize must have a round trip air ticket and valid passport. The currency is the Belize Dollar which equals U.S. 50 cents. U.S. dollars are accepted in most commercial establishments. To telephone Belize from North America, dial 011+501+local area code+local number.

Belize
Belize Location

South Central Belize (Courtesy: Jaguar Reef Lodge)