Where Is Belize Located?
(And Why It’s Closer Than You Think)

Many travelers are surprised when they realize just how close—and how easy—it is to visit Belize. Whether you’ve heard about our jungles, Maya temples, or world-class reef, one of the first questions people ask is:
“Where exactly is Belize?”

Here’s everything you need to know—plus why our location makes Belize the perfect alternative to Mexico or Costa Rica for your next adventure.

🌎 So, Where Is Belize?

Belize is located in Central America, on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala. It borders:

Mexico to the north (specifically the Yucatán Peninsula)
Guatemala to the west and south The
Caribbean Sea to the east

We’re just a short flight from major U.S. cities—and no, we’re not an island (though our coastline and cayes sure make it feel like one!).

🗺️ Personal Note from Alvin:
I’ve never seen Belize from a International Airline window, but I’ve traveled overland to Tikal in Guatemala and Cancun in Mexico. If you draw a line between those two—you’ll find Belize tucked in the middle, right where the rainforest meets the Caribbean.

🗣️ We Speak English—But Not Only English

Yes, English is the official language of Belize. That surprises a lot of visitors. But we’re a multilingual country—and our culture shows through our speech.

I’m Creole (or Kriol), and if I met you abroad, I might say:

“Mek wi go dah Belize?” – Let’s go to Belize?
“Cohn dah Belize!” – Come to Belize!

We also have Mestizo communities, with strong Maya-Spanish roots who speak mostly Spanish. In southern Belize, you’ll hear Garifuna drums and language, and deeper inland you may even hear Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya.

What ties us together is the warmth in how we welcome guests—no matter what language we speak.

✈️ How Far Is Belize From the U.S.?

You might be closer to Belize than you think. We’re in the Central Time Zone, with no daylight savings, and U.S. flights arrive daily.

✈️ Common Flight Times:

Miami ➝ Belize City: 2 hours
Houston ➝ Belize City: 2.5 hours
Dallas ➝ Belize City: 3 hours
Atlanta ➝ Belize City: 3.5 hours
Los Angeles ➝ Belize City: 5 hours

All international flights land at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), just outside Belize City.

🐢 Fun Fact: Back in 2024, Belizeans were cheering for Peggy, a loggerhead sea turtle who was satellite-tracked swimming all the way from Belize to Miami. If a turtle can make the trip—imagine how easy it is by plane. 😄

📍 View Belize on Google Maps

💵 Currency & Cash Tips for Visiting Belize

✅ Can I Use U.S. Dollars in Belize?

Yes — U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Belize, especially in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and gift shops. The exchange rate is fixed at $1 USD = $2 BZD.

However:

⚠️ Some local vendors and small businesses no longer accept $1 USD bills. I’m not exactly sure why — maybe they’re worn, or too easy to confuse with our $2 Belize notes.
I’ve got a stack of ones just sitting at home, waiting for my wife’s niece to take them back to the States. 😅

Tip: Bring clean $5s, $10s, and $20s. Avoid $100s unless you’re exchanging at a bank or hotel. You can also use ATMs in most towns to withdraw Belizean dollars.

🚫 Currency Restrictions for Entry & Exit
If you’re carrying cash when entering or leaving Belize:

✅ Up to $5,000 USD (or equivalent) is allowed without declaration
💼 Anything over $5,000 must be declared to customs officials

💡 Most travelers bring a mix of small bills and cards. Big cash is rarely necessary.

💡 Alvin’s Quick Tips:

❌ Don’t count on using $1 USD bills — have larger denominations or BZD
✅ ATMs are available in major towns (e.g., San Ignacio, Placencia, Belize City)

⏰ What Time Zone Is Belize In?

Belize is in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone — the same as Chicago or Dallas in winter, and no daylight saving time is observed here. That means:

When it’s 9 a.m. in Houston, it’s 9 a.m. in Belize
In the summer, we’re one hour behind much of the U.S.

📍Easy travel + no jet lag = more time for adventure.

🛃 Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa?

No. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 30 days.

You’ll just need a valid passport and a return ticket.

📘 Belize Immigration Department – Official Info

🔐 Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Yes—Belize is considered safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like San Ignacio, Placencia, the islands, and most national parks.

Like anywhere, basic precautions are wise. But visitors who travel with licensed guides, stick to well-known areas, and respect local customs typically find Belize to be relaxed, friendly, and secure.

Pro tip: Traveling with a local guide (like me!) adds an extra layer of safety, context, and peace of mind.
🛂 Check current U.S. travel advisories for Belize

🏞️ Why Belize’s Location Is So Special

What makes Belize different is how much you can see in a small, easy-to-navigate country. From one base, you can:

Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef
Hike to ancient Maya temples
Explore jungle caves and waterfalls
Visit vibrant villages and local markets

There’s no need for internal flights or exhausting travel days—you can do reef and rainforest in the same week (sometimes the same day).

👉 See my locally guided Belize tours

Frequently Asked Questions

In which country is Belize City?

Belize City is in Belize, located in Central America along the Caribbean coast. It’s the largest city in the country and a common arrival point for international travelers.

Is Belize cheap to visit?

Belize offers great value—especially for outdoor adventure, nature, and local experiences. It’s not as cheap as backpacking in Guatemala, but more affordable than many resort towns in Mexico or Costa Rica. Traveling with a local guide helps you spend wisely.

Is Belize an alternative to Guatemala, Costa Rica, or Mexico?

Yes—Belize is a refreshing alternative for travelers seeking fewer crowds, easier logistics (English-speaking, USD accepted), and a mix of reef, jungle, and Maya culture.

👉 Read: Why Belize Is America’s Best-Kept Travel Secret

How does Belize compare to Mexico for vacation?

Belize offers a quieter, more nature-focused experience with smaller crowds, English-speaking locals, and easy access to jungles, rivers, and coral reefs—all without the resort overload. It’s ideal for travelers looking for authenticity over all-inclusives.

Is Belize better than Costa Rica for first-time travelers?

For first-timers, Belize is easier to navigate (English-speaking, same currency exchange for USD), less crowded, and offers reef + rainforest access from a single base. It’s also shorter flying time from many U.S. cities.

What’s the difference between Belize and Guatemala for travel?

Guatemala is larger, mountainous, and known for cities and highland Maya culture. Belize is more coastal, Caribbean-influenced, and known for diving, wildlife, and accessible ruins—all in English. Many travelers combine both on the same trip.

Is Belize a good alternative to popular beach destinations?

Yes—Belize has beautiful cayes and beaches, but adds jungle waterfalls, cave rivers, and Maya ruins all within a few hours’ drive. It’s perfect for travelers who want a beach and an adventure.

What is the capital of Belize?

The capital of Belize is Belmopan, though many people assume it’s Belize City. Belmopan became the capital after Hurricane Hattie destroyed parts of Belize City in 1961.