Your Guide to Arriving at Belize’s International Airport

Your Guide to Arriving at Belize's International Airport

International flights to Belize arrive at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) located in Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City. The airport is easy to navigate as it has only one terminal and one runway. This guide will give you all the information you need to make your trip through the airport a breeze. The airport’s phone number is +(501) 225-2045.

Airlines flying to Belize

The following airlines fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport:
– Air Canada Rouge
– American Airlines
– Delta Airlines
– Southwest Airlines
– United Airlines
– WestJet
– Maya Island Air
– Tropic Air
– Copa Airlines
-JetBlue
-Sun Country
– TACA – Avianca El Salvador
– TAG – Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos

Travel within Belize is possible via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, as well as via bus and water taxi services.

Tourists over age 11 are required to pay a departure tax of $59.25 when leaving the country.

Arrival at BZE

As the airplane prepares for landing, enjoy gorgeous views of the coast and mangroves. If you fill out your paperwork before landing, you will save time. Brace yourself when you see the Belize river as the landing will be hard and fast.

Since there are no jetways, you’ll deplane onto the tarmac. Sometimes being in the back of the aircraft works to your advantage, both front and back doors may be used.

The ground crew will guide you to the terminal. Make sure to have your passport and travel documents ready for Immigration. There is a Belize Tourism Board office at the end of the hall where you can find free maps, brochures, and travel guides.

Immigration

You must have a valid passport. Visitors from North America don’t need a visa and should use one of the left lines.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Your longest wait will probably be at Baggage Claim, as two carousels serve all flights. If you don’t see your bag, you can check out the duty-free shops while you wait.

Once you have your bags, go through customs. If you have nothing to declare, there is a line for you that will move faster. Otherwise, customs inspectors will examine your luggage.

Overall, the entire process of deplaning can take as long as an hour, so make sure to allocate at least that amount of time if you have to catch a connecting flight or other transportation.

Your Guide to Arriving at Belize International Airport

Best Place to Stay in Placencia

The best place to stay if you are traveling to Placencia? Chabil Mar Villas. Set right on the beach, with access to a pristine private beach and dock, the resort provides luxury and comfort in a gorgeous natural setting.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

8 Hidden Gems around Belize You Need to Visit

In almost every corner you visit in Belize, you will encounter something beautiful – a Maya site, a diverse culture, a pristine nature reserve. The charming beauty of Belize is one of a kind and will certainly entice you to become one with Belize as the Belize Tourism Board alludes.

Below, we share with you 8 hidden gems that in our opinion are top attractions in the country that you must explore on a Belize vacation.

Xunantunich

xunantunich

Xunantunich is the most visited Maya sites in the Cayo District and is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River in the quaint village of San Jose Succotz in western Belize. The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the late terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region and Xunantunich’s name means “stone woman” in the Maya language.

“El Castillo”, the largest pyramid offers an impressive and panoramic view of the area.

Monkey River

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The Village of Monkey River is habitat to a plethora of flora and fauna and as a result it has been rated as one of the top destinations to visit in Southern Belize. Tropical birds, butterflies, crocodiles, iguanas, and of course howler monkeys are just a few of the wildlife that you will find encounter in this hidden gem.

Laughing Bird Caye

Laughing Bird Caye by Kurt Repanshek Chabil Mar Belize Resort

Laughing Bird Caye is an elegant and stunning Belizean Isle that is located 11 miles from Placencia Village and serves as an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, many travelers who vacation in Placencia visit this gorgeous piece of paradise for a full day of diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and even picnicking.

Laughing Bird Caye got its name from the Laughing Gulls – the birds that once used to breed on the Caye, however due to a growing human presence, the colonies moved to a nearby undisturbed Caye for breeding. Presently, the Island is home to a number of exotic birds like the brown pelican, green heron, and melodious blackbird.

Placencia

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Over the years, Placencia has been recognized as one of the best beach destinations not only in Belize but in the Caribbean, and this exquisite hidden gem can serve as a base to a potpourri of adventures like snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, and even exploring ancient Maya cities.

See also: Belize Family Vacation Package

ChabilMar, a guest exclusive resort is located right on the beach and their professional staff can assist you in arranging tours to the natural attractions in Placencia and surrounding areas.

 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin is recognized globally as the world’s first jaguar preserve and this hidden gem has been voted by travelers as a must see nature reserve in Belize.

See also: 13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Vacation in Belize

Cascading waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, nature trails, furry mammals, colorful insects, scaly reptiles and a variety of tropical birds are just a few of the things you will see at this sanctuary. Cockscomb Basin is also home to one of Belize’s highest points — Victoria Peak.

Half Moon Caye in Belize

rp_Half_Moon_Caye_Chabil_Mar_-_Belize_Resort.jpg

Another hidden gem in Belize that a lot of travelers do not know about is Half Moon Caye. This incredible caye offers divers the chance to go on a wall dive – a dive in which the vertical facades of the earth’s landmasses are explored. The depths at Half Moon Caye (and really at any wall dive) are tremendous, giving divers the very correct feeling that you are staring into an abyss.

The waters of this beautiful gem are particularly clear, despite the depth, so you will be able to see all manner of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, rays, barracuda, and eels.

Great Blue Hole

great-blue-hole-belize

The world famous Blue Hole is an incomparable natural wonder in Belize. It is located at the center of Lighthouse Reef and measures 1000 feet across and 412 feet deep. Giant stalactites, dripstone sheets and columns, and colorful marine life are the enchanting geological wonders that will fascinate you if you decide to dive this gem in Belize.

See also: Dive Blue Hole Belize Vacation Packages

It is interesting to note that Jacques-Yves Coustea, the popular ocean explorer revealed the secrets of the Blue Hole to millions of viewers in 1971 through the television serious The Undersea World of Jacques-Yves Coustea.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

ATM cave in belize

Actun Tunichil Muknal or the ATM Cave as it is locally known is one of the most breathtaking caving experiences you will have in Belize. The cave is located in the karstic limestone terrain of Roaring Creek Valley in the Cayo District and is approximately 5 km long and contains a perennial stream that runs through it including a ledge with two stelae and a large chamber full of intact human remains and Maya pots.

See also: Belize Beach and Jungle Vacations

Jaime Awe, Director of Archeology asserts that Actun Tunichil Muknal was a sacred place to the Maya who utilized the cave during the classic period AD 250-909.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Belize Vacation Ideas to Help Plan Your Adventure

The popular British travel website Wanderlust recently published an article entitled 4 great Belize itineraries that discusses some travel ideas for first-time visitors to Belize.

Here’s our take on Wanderlust’s suggestions:

Relax and Chill

Belize Vacation Ideas

Many travelers come to Belize simply to relax and unwind.
Sample itinerary:

  • Head to the island of Caye Caulker, just 45 minutes from Belize City.
  • Enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking or just chill on the beach.
  • Head to the island of Ambergris Caye and enjoy amazing seafood.
  • On the mainland, head to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to do bird watching.
  • Visit a resort and visit a spa, enjoy a champagne dinner under the stars, or relax in a hammock.

Nature’s Beauty

Belize Vacation Ideas

With so much gorgeous nature to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to do!
Sample itinerary:

  • From Belize City, head to the western Cayo District.
  • Explore an ancient Maya ruin like Xunantunich.
  • Zip line and cave tube in the jungle.
  • Enjoy a picnic at a waterfall in a national park.
  • Head to the offshore Belize Barrier Reef and enjoy world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise.

Culture

Belize Vacation Ideas

Belize may not have an opera house, but it more than makes up for a lack of high arts with an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions, and languages. English is the official language, but it’s possible to hear Spanish, Maya, Creole, Chinese, and Mennonite German as you travel around the country.
Sample itinerary:

  • Belize City to Dangriga, the home of the Garifuna people.
  • Visit the Garifuna museum and Pen Cayetano workshop.
  • Head to the nearby village of Hopkins, another Garifuna community, and learn how to cook Garifuna food..
  • Visit the Maya Center.
  • Stay at a Maya home in Toledo District.
  • Visit a Mennonite community at Spanish Lookout.
  • Visit a festival, concert, or holiday celebration.

A Bit of Everything

Belize Vacation Ideas

Combine the best of all worlds with this comprehensive itinerary:

  • In Belize City, visit the Belize Zoo.
  • Head to the interior and hike through a national park.
  • Visit an ancient Maya site or ceremonial cave.
  • Zip line and cave tube in the jungle.
  • Head offshore to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, fishing, and/or scuba diving on the islands.
  • Finish up in Ambergris Caye for delicious food and fun festivals.

Chabil Mar is an award-winning resort located on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize. Guests of Chabil Mar can see all of the above attractions and more.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

 

Why Placencia Is Belize’s Most Relaxing Beach Town (And Ideal for Winter Travel)

When winter arrives and daily routines begin to feel rushed and cold, many travelers search for a destination that offers more than just warm weather. They want peace, simplicity, and a sense of ease that allows them to truly unwind. Placencia Belize offers exactly that. Known for its gentle pace, welcoming community, and natural beauty, Placencia has earned a reputation as Belize’s most relaxing beach town and an ideal choice for winter travel.

For those staying at Chabil Mar, the experience feels even more intentional. Placencia becomes a place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy winter the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

A Slower Pace That Defines Placencia

 Belize relaxing beach town

Placencia moves to a rhythm that feels refreshingly unhurried. There is no pressure to rush through experiences or check off a long list of activities. Days are shaped by sunlight, sea breezes, and personal choice rather than schedules.

This slower pace is deeply rooted in village life. Walking through Placencia Village, travelers notice how easily conversations start and how naturally time stretches. Meals linger, beach walks last longer than planned, and moments of quiet reflection feel encouraged rather than interrupted.

This sense of calm is what many visitors describe as truly relaxing. Placencia does not demand attention. It invites presence.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Visit

Belize calm beach destination

Winter is one of the most enjoyable seasons in Placencia. From December through May, the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable. Days are sunny without intense heat, making it easy to spend time outdoors. Evenings cool gently, creating ideal conditions for beachfront dining and peaceful walks along the shore.

Unlike larger beach destinations, Placencia remains uncrowded during winter. Beaches feel open and spacious, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea and sand without competition or noise. Tours and excursions feel personal and well paced, adding to the overall sense of ease.

Winter travelers appreciate how effortless everything feels. Plans rarely change due to weather, and days unfold smoothly without stress. This reliability allows visitors to relax fully and enjoy the moment.

How Chabil Mar Completes the Experience

chabil mar villas

Chabil Mar reflects the same calm and balance that define Placencia itself. As the only guest exclusive resort on the Placencia Peninsula, Chabil Mar offers privacy and tranquility that align perfectly with the town’s relaxed atmosphere.

Guests enjoy spacious beachfront villas surrounded by lush gardens, with infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Mornings begin quietly with coffee by the water, and evenings end with soft ocean sounds and star filled skies.

The resort’s location allows guests to enjoy both serenity and connection. Placencia Village is close enough to explore on foot or by bike, yet far enough to ensure restful nights and peaceful mornings. Personalized service allows every stay to feel thoughtful without feeling intrusive.

This harmony between place and experience is what makes Placencia and Chabil Mar so appealing for winter travel. Together, they offer relaxation that feels genuine and deeply restorative.

Placencia does not try to impress loudly or overwhelm visitors with options. Instead, it offers something rarer. A chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy winter in a way that feels natural and unforced.

Discover why Placencia is Belize’s most relaxing beach town and experience winter travel the way it should feel with a stay at Chabil Mar.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Placencia for Couples: A Luxury Alternative to Crowded Caribbean Resorts

For couples seeking romance, privacy, and meaningful experiences, Placencia Belize offers a refreshing alternative to crowded Caribbean resort destinations. Instead of high rise hotels, packed beaches, and nonstop noise, Placencia delivers barefoot elegance, calm surroundings, and a sense of intimacy that feels genuine rather than manufactured.

This quiet peninsula in southern Belize has become a favorite for couples who want luxury without excess and connection without crowds. When paired with a stay at Chabil Mar, Placencia becomes an ideal setting for romance, relaxation, and unforgettable shared moments.

A Romantic Setting Without the Crowds

Placencia honeymoon travel

Placencia is defined by its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. Long stretches of soft sand, calm Caribbean waters, and golden sunsets create a naturally romantic backdrop. Unlike busier Caribbean destinations, Placencia remains peaceful even during peak travel seasons.

Couples can walk hand in hand along the beach without interruption, enjoy quiet swims in the sea, or linger over dinners without feeling rushed. The absence of crowds allows space for conversation, reflection, and genuine connection.

Placencia Village adds charm without overwhelming the experience. Couples can explore local restaurants, art galleries, and music venues while enjoying a pace that feels intimate and welcoming rather than hectic.

Experiences Designed for Two

Placencia honeymoon travel

Placencia offers couples the freedom to shape each day according to their mood. One morning might begin with snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef, followed by an afternoon of relaxation by the water. Another day may include a jungle excursion to waterfalls or ancient Maya sites, balanced with a sunset sail along the coast.

These experiences feel personal rather than packaged. Tours are small and thoughtfully guided, allowing couples to engage deeply with Belize’s natural beauty and culture. Even simple pleasures such as kayaking together or watching the sunset from the beach become meaningful memories.

This balance of adventure and ease is what makes Placencia especially appealing for couples who want more than a typical resort vacation.

Why Chabil Mar Is the Perfect Choice for Couples

Placencia for couples

Chabil Mar elevates the Placencia experience for couples seeking luxury and privacy. As the only guest-exclusive resort on the Placencia Peninsula, Chabil Mar offers a tranquil beachfront environment where couples can truly unwind.

Spacious villas provide privacy, comfort, and beautiful ocean views. Private verandas, lush gardens, and infinity pools create spaces designed for relaxation and romance. Service is warm and intuitive, allowing couples to feel cared for without intrusion.

One of Chabil Mar’s greatest advantages is its location. Couples enjoy a peaceful retreat while remaining close to Placencia Village. This allows for spontaneous evenings out, cultural exploration, and dining experiences, all while returning to a quiet and intimate setting.

Chabil Mar does not isolate guests from the destination. It enhances it, offering a stay that feels connected, refined, and deeply personal.

Placencia proves that luxury does not need to be loud or crowded. For couples seeking a romantic escape that feels authentic and restorative, Placencia stands apart as a destination that delivers both beauty and balance.

Discover Placencia as a luxury alternative to crowded Caribbean resorts and experience a romantic escape designed for two at Chabil Mar.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

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