Central America

Belize

Location

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico.

Petty crime is common and mugging is a big problem in major cities. Travel in groups if possible. Local militia groups, weapons (various), vehicle security, personal security, bandits, general travel, navigation, off road driving, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters. Not advisable to discuss politics with local people.

Use bottled water only.

Flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south.

Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May).

Frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south).

Dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Princess Margaret Drive, Belize city. Tel: 2-31548

Deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal.

Road traffic accidents are a common occurrence and local driving standards are poor, as are the road conditions. Care should be taken when driving.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.