As a tourist, driving yourself around Belize is a wonderful way to see the country. This gives you complete control in structuring your itinerary and the pace of your trip. For a growing number of tourists, this has become a part of their adventure...after all, as the brochures claim, Belize is "Undiscovered and Unspoiled!"

Considering that Belize is only 185 miles from north to south and 69 miles wide, it is not necessary to drive long hours on any given day. There are three principal highways: The Northern Highway, from Belize City north to Corozal and the Mexican border; The Western Highway, from Belize City west, passing by Belmopan, through San Ignacio, and on to Benque Viejo del Carmen and the Guatemalan Border; and the Hummingbird Highway, which starts near Belmopan and runs south to Dangriga. These are all paved. Additionally, there are the Southern Highway, from Dangriga to Punta Gorda, and the Manatee Highway, locally known as the "Coastal Road," which starts at La Democracia on the Western Highway (near the Belize Zoo) and also leads to Dangriga via Gales Point. The condition of all of these roads is described below.

One must bear in mind that the rainy season, which is generally June through October, can have a great impact on the accessibility of some sites and areas. At that time, it is not advisable to venture too far off the main roads. Even during the dry season, a four wheel drive vehicle is often recommended, as the level of maintenance on the unpaved roads can vary. Most of the rental agencies in Belize only handle four wheel drives, and all have fairly comparable rates, but it always pays to shop around.

If you are planning on driving your own vehicle to Belize, you will be required to purchase insurance in Belize for the duration of your stay. The Belize Insurance Company office is located across the street from the Customs office in Santa Elena, at the northern border with Mexico. It is open every day except Sunday, when you must go to their office in Corozal (about 10 miles south). Be sure to check with the Mexican authorities prior to departure to find out about restrictions on private vehicles transiting through Mexico.

Tips on driving safety are the same as in most any country: Do not leave valuable items visible in the vehicle; keep the doors locked at all times; avoid driving the highways at night; fill your gas tank whenever possible; and do not pick up hitchhikers or stop to render assistance to people you do not know.

January 1999: Budget Rent a Car of Belize now has a web site, to assist your travel planning, at: http://www.budget-belize.com.

Northern Highway: Paved, two-lane, in fairly good condition. There are several speed bumps near small villages; some are NOT marked!! There has also been work done, replacing culverts; many of these strips have not been repaved, and there are dangerous potholes in the dirt that could break an axle. Many of these spots are not marked, either. Driving time from Belize City to Mexican border: Approximately 2 hours.

Western Highway: Paved, two-lane, in good condition from Belize City to Belmopan exchange; again with some unmarked culvert repairs. A few speed bumps have been added, but are well marked. From Belmopan to the western border, this highway is in fair condition. Always be on the alert for sunken sections of pavement near the shoulder. Driving time to Belmopan: One hour, ten minutes. Driving time from Belize City to San Ignacio: 1-1/2 hours.

Hummingbird Highway: Excellent condition. Recent paving projects have been completed, and this highway is one of the country's finest! There are several single-lane bridges which must be approached with caution. Traffic is usually very light. Watch out for speed bumps near small villages. There is beautiful scenery along this route, and a couple of places to stop for a cold drink and a snack. Driving time from Belmopan to Dangriga: About 45 minutes.

Southern Highway: A wide, fully graded, gravel road in generally good condition. This highway is a fairly straight route, with light traffic. It can be very dusty when dry, and slippery when wet with some sticky spots. Driving time from Dangriga to Placencia turn-off: 1-1/2 hours in dry season, remaining distance to Placencia is very bumpy in spots: 30-45 minutes. Driving time from Dangriga to Punta Gorda: About 4 hours. Contracts have been let for paving of the Southern Highway in sections. From Punta Gorda northward to Big Creek, is nearly completed. Construction has also begun on the final, northern stretch, and motorists should be cautious of crews and equipment. Completion of paving will, of course, shorten these driving times considerably!

Manatee Highway ("The Coastal Road"): This "shortcut" route between Belize City and Dangriga is an unpaved, graded, gravel road that starts at the Western Highway and meets the Hummingbird Highway about 13 miles west of Dangriga. It shaves a little time off driving between Belize City and southern points. Driving time from La Democracia (on Western Highway) to outlet at Hummingbird Highway: About 1 1/2 hours. BEWARE: Dangerous flooding can occur along this route during the rainy season.