FAQs

Question

Why Belize?

Answer

Pristine jungle, amazing cultural history and incredible wildlife! It should come as no surprise that we fell in love with Belize's unparalleled beauty when visiting in February of 2022. Mayan ruins blanketed by untouched jungle are just two hours from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. We love the the laid-back lifestyle, the authentic food, the bountiful nature and we can't wait to share it with our closest family and friends.

Question

What's the weather like?

Answer

Belize offers a subtropical climate with typical October temperatures ranging for the high 70s to low 90s. We will be in the heart of the Mayan jungle, so expect some humidity and the chance of light showers. We will be monitoring weather up until the day of the wedding.

Question

Do I need a passport to visit Belize?

Answer

Yes! Passports are required for all U.S. travelers, including children. Passports must be valid for the intended length of stay. Turnaround times can be lengthy, so renew or apply sooner than later. For passport info please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/

Question

What are the driving conditions like?

Answer

For those interested in renting a vehicle, driving is relatively easy and straight forward. Road signs are in English and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Most main roads in Belize are paved, but side roads are often unpaved (including the ones leading to our venue and the surrounding hotels). While 4 wheel drive isn't totally necessary, it may prove to be an added level of reassurance, though a 2 wheel drive vehicle will likely do the trick for most travelers.

Question

Will shuttle services be provided?

Answer

Shuttles will be provided from Chaa Creek Lodge and Black Rock Lodge on the day of our wedding. For guests staying at Chaa Creek, a shuttle will depart for our venue at 2:45 p.m. and a return shuttle will depart at 10:00 p.m. For guests staying at Black Rock Lodge, a shuttle will depart for our venue at 2:15 p.m. and a return shuttle will depart at 10:00 p.m. For those not wishing to rent a vehicle, both Chaa Creek and Black Rock Lodge offer shuttle services from Belize City to their properties for an additional price. Please inquire with your accommodation for more info. Those wishing to rent an AirBnB or other vacation rental can also book shuttles from Belize City to San Ignacio. This is a common route with many companies offering this service.

Question

When should I arrive?

Answer

We recommend that our guests arrive in Belize on Thursday, October 3rd at latest. We will be hosting a welcome dinner on the evening of Friday, October 4th and all guests are encouraged to attend! Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge and the surrounding lodges are about 2 hours from Philip SW Goldson Airport. For those arriving in the afternoon, you may be interested in staying the night in Belize City. We recommend the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza for accommodation here. Find it here: https://www.belizebiltmore.com

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

For the welcome night, think Jungle Garden Party. For the wedding ceremony, suits are not required, but men should have a collared shirt (short sleeves okay) and long pants (no jeans). Women are encouraged to wear dresses/wedding appropriate attire. We encourage fun patterns or colors; we're in the heart of the Mayan rainforest, have fun! Though weather can be unpredictable, we expect a warm tropical afternoon and want all of our guests to be comfortable.

Question

Do I need immunizations before visiting Belize?

Answer

From the Sweet Songs website: "No shots are required, but you might consider a gamma globulin shot for hepatitis A and B as they are a good idea anytime you travel, as are boosters for tetanus. As for malaria pills, they can cause unpleasant side effects so many people choose to do without. We don’t take them ourselves." We did not feel the need for any shots before our previous trip, but suggest you consult with your doctor to make a decision you are comfortable with.

Question

Will I have cell service?

Answer

Through much of Belize, most carriers will have some level of service. Please check with your carrier for the requirements or travel pass for your plan. For those interested in renting a vehicle, using Google Maps for navigation will work best. We also found it useful to download an 'offline map' with Google, in case of any gaps in coverage. See how here: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS See your expected coverages here: https://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/overlays/international-travel-coverage-map.html https://www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage.html https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans?country=Belize

Question

Do I need to convert money?

Answer

You can if you want to! Currency can be exchanged at banks and hotels but most businesses accept U.S. dollars and credit cards (AmEx, Master & Visa). The official currency for Belize is the Belize Dollar and the exchange rate is approximately BZ $2 to US $1.

Question

Do I need to brush up on my Spanish?

Answer

Again, you can if you want to! English is the national language of Belize, so you should be able to communicate with no issues. However, there is a chance you may interact with locals who prefer Spanish to English, and we think it's always good practice to have a few key phrases of dialogue handy.