Mexico and Belize are unquestionably one of the easiest tropical countries to get to if you live in the United States or Canada. They are ideal for both shorter vacation (even weekend getaways) and longer two-week vacation. Both places are very well known for their great tourism infrastructure that caters to tourists from all over the world. Both countries are also very popular with American expats.

LOCATION

Mexico and Belize are located south of the United States. They are neighbors and both countries also have border with Guatemala. Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas, while Belize is a very small country, slightly smaller than Massachusetts. In 2010, the population of Mexico was about 112,322,757 people while the population of Belize was only 333,200 people.

LANGUAGE AND RELIGION

The official language of Mexico is Spanish. English is known as a second language mainly by people who work in tourism. In Belize, English is the official language, however most people speak Spanish or Kriol as a native language. Both Mexico and Belize are deeply Christian countries.

MONEY

The local currency in Mexico is peso. In Belize, the currency is Belize dollar (the official value is pegged at 2 Belize dollars = 1 US dollar). Belize is more expensive than Mexico. In some places, Mexico is very inexpensive which makes it a great place for budget vacation (wide variety of cheap accommodation and cheap flights).

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

In both countries, the tourist industry is well-established. You can choose from many different accommodation options and dozens of activities. In Mexico, Mexican Caribbean coast is more developed for tourists than the Pacific coast. Belize is a very small country and most tourism infrastructure is located at the Caribbean coast.

If you’re looking for white sand beaches and turquoise water, choose either Belizean coast or Mexican Caribbean coast. If you’re looking for something less popular with tourists, choose small towns at the Mexican Pacific Coast.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Tourist resorts in both countries are relatively safe. Most crime occurs outside of resorts or in bigger cities – in Mexico especially near the Mexico-United States border, in Belize in Belmopan. However, the Caribbean coast of Mexico is safer than southern states of the country. Use common sense, stay near tourist areas and don’t wander on the unlit streets. Keep in mind that petty crime occurs in resorts on a daily basis.

In urban areas in both countries you can find good public and private hospitals. There’s no risk of serious diseases, although remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes and always wear sun protection.

HOW TO GET THERE?

You can get to Mexico and Belize from most airports in the United States. There are also many cruises. You can also get there easily by car.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Rainy season lasts from April/May to October/November and dry season is from December to May. Hurricane season is from June to November.

Average temperatures in the coastal regions of Mexico (Caribbean coast) and Belize range from 75–80°F (24–27°C) in January to 92°C (33°C) in July. No matter when you’ll go, you won’t freeze – average daily low temperatures (temperatures at night) in January are usually around 70 °F (21 °C).

ACTIVITIES

Both places are a paradise for beach tourists, divers and water sports lovers. Mexican Pacific Coast is a great place to learn to surf. In Belize, snorkeling and scuba diving are world-class. You can also explore caves there. In Mexico, especially in the Caribbean coast, be sure to visit cenotes and of course Mayan ruins.

SUMMARY

Recommended for:

• Luxury vacation
• Budget vacation
• Family vacation
• Short vacation

Advantages:

• Geographic proximity to the United States
• Inexpensive
• Well developed tourism infrastructure
• English speaking (Belize)
• Many different activities to choose from

Disadvantages:

• Very popular with American tourists
• Some places are overdeveloped
• Some places are unsafe
• A lot of touts, beggars and tourist scams