Belize and Puerto Rico are outstanding Caribbean destinations and we believe that a visitor will have a memorable experience in either country.
In this article, we provide useful insight into both destinations to help you determine which is more suitable for your vacation needs.
As a general rule, Belize is ideal for persons seeking world class snorkeling and diving experiences in a world class marine environment. Alternatively, Puerto Rico is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike El Yunque National Forest as well as bask on beautiful white sand beaches.
Read on for more attributes of Belize and Puerto Rico. This article was written by a Caribbean national.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Which Destination Is Bigger
Belize is remarkably larger than Puerto Rico being 8,867 square miles. On the other hand, Puerto Rico is 3,515 square miles.
Nevertheless, despite having the smaller landmass, Puerto Rico has the larger population 2,720,356 when compared to the 412,037 in Belize at the time of writing.
Both countries are surrounded by smaller cayes and islets.
Additionally, the countries are mountainous in appearance with Cerro de Punta being the highest point of elevation in Puerto Rico which stands at 4,390 feet.
Contrastingly, the highest point of elevation in Belize is slightly lower being Doyle’s Delight which stands at an elevation of 3, 670 feet.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Entry Requirements
As an overseas territory of the United States of America (USA), no passports are required by US citizens for entry into Puerto Rico.
Alternatively, US Citizens require a passport to enter Belize plus proof of a return ticket.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- What Are The Official Currencies
Puerto Rico shares the US dollar as its official currency as the mainland USA.
On the other hand, the official currency used in Belize is the Belizean dollar.
Bank notes are available in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Alternatively, coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1.
From 1978, the Belizean dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD.
Nevertheless, US dollars are widely accepted throughout Belize.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico: Does The Language Differ?
Despite being a US overseas territory, the official language of Puerto Rico is Spanish.
This is due to the fact that the island was previously an overseas province of Spain.
As a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the USA.
Belize is an English speaking country and is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and as such His Majesty King Charles III is the Head of State.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Which Destination Has The Better Nightlife
Puerto Rico has the better nightlife of the two countries and is known as one of the party destinations in the region.
La Placita de Santurce is a popular nightlife spot to meet locals on the island, to eat, relax and salsa dance in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This area is a market during the day but transforms into an entertainment hot spot at nights.
Other venues to explore outside the city are El Boricua and Le Central Bar for entertainment.
Alternatively, the best spot for nightlife in Belize is San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Wahoo’s Lounge, Wayos Beach Bar and Nauti Crab are three of the nightlife spots to try in San Pedro.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Which Destination Has The Better Beaches
If basking on white sand beaches is high on your priority list, then Puerto Rico is the better destination.
Some of the key beaches to visit are Playa Flamenco, Luquillo Beach and Sun Bay Beach in Puerto Rico.
Alternatively, if your key vacation goal is to enjoy snorkeling and diving in one of the best places in the Caribbean, then Belize is better destination.
In addition to the Great Barrier Reef, Glover’s Atoll, Shark Ray Alley and Half Moon Caye are excellent places to check out for diving and snorkeling in Belize.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Is It Easy To Access Other Countries
Belize provides outstanding opportunities to visit other Central American countries due to its strategic location.
The Central American country of Belize is bordered by Mexico to its North and Guatemala to the West and South.
This provides excellent opportunities for travelers to cross over into Mexico and Guatemala and also continue other countries such as El Salvador and Honduras from Guatemala overland.
Belize Vs Puerto Rico- Activities To Try In Both Countries
Belize Barrier Reef, Belize– according to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the Belize Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the Northern hemisphere.
It consists of several cayes, lagoons and atolls. As such, Belize is a remarkable destination for diving and snorkeling.
Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve, Belize- this location for Maya ruins is accessed via the Mopan River and it is near the Guatemalan border. Xunantunich means “stone woman.”
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico– this attraction is a must visit in Puerto Rico for nature lovers. There are numerous trails for hiking, natural features such as waterfalls, wildlife, flora and fauna.
Isla De Caja De Muertos, Puerto Rico– this island is uninhabited but it’s a beautiful place to getaway to sunbathe and relax. Activities to enjoy include hiking and swimming on the beach.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Belize is suitable for persons seeking a quiet and peaceful destination with premium snorkeling and diving experiences. On the other hand, Puerto Rico is ideal for persons interested in a vibrant nightlife atmosphere as well as hiking on remote islands such as Isla De Caja De Muertos.
Need More Information?
We hope that the information above was extremely valuable as you plan the Caribbean vacation of a lifetime.
Kindly continue reading using the search bar located above this page for more information on Belize, Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean.
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