One of the most beautiful and surprising of the Central American States, Belize is an English speaking oasis in Latin America. It boasts the world’s second longest barrier reef and has some great jungle areas within easy distance of the main small coastal resorts. As part of the Mundo Maya (Mayan World) Belize can be easily combined with Guatemala and the Mexican Yucatan for superb variety. South American Experience would be delighted to book hotels and ground arrangements.

Consumer Protection
The flights and air holidays in these pages are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under our licence. South American Experience is ATOL6094.

Stopovers
Please note that you have to spend a night in either Houston or Miami on the way to Belize; we can arrange accommodation at or near the airports. No overnight stay is required on the return journey with American or Continental.

Documentation
British Citizens do not require visas for travel to Belize but a full, valid 10 year passport with at least 6 months to run is needed. This is normally good enough for the transit in the USA as well. Nationals of other countries should contact the Belize High Commission: Tel: 020 7499 9728.

Diving
Belize is renowned for its diving. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest in the world and there are many places to learn and practice scuba diving. We expect our clients to be sensitive to the environmental issues concerning the coral cayes.

Climate
The dry season runs from Dec. to Apr. and it is wet from May to Nov. Hurricanes are most likely in September/ October and we do not recommend travelling to the region at this time.

Travel Advice: Know Before You Go
South American Experience is a partner in the Know Before You Go campaign and we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British Travellers stay safe overseas. For the latest information regarding the political situation and personal safety, please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Open Jaw airfares
If you would prefer to fly to Cancun, Guatemala, Mexico or another destination in the region and to fly home from Belize (or vv) please contact us for the best airfares.

Inoculations
Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Malaria, and Polio are all strongly recommended but are not compulsory. The following website has some useful information:
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

History Lesson
The history of Belize is a fascinating tale of domination, war, slavery and struggle. The Mayas dominated the region from the 4th to 9th centuries, leaving behind them many ruins hidden away in the forests. From around 1640 the country was settled by the English with Jamaican slaves, eventually becoming a crown colony, British Honduras. Belize became independent on 21 Sept 1981.