San Pedro: The Jewel of Ambergris Caye

• HelloBuenos dias
  [bweh-nohs dee-ahs]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fah-vor]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-seeahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe
  [dees-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como estas?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Y tu?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?Hablas ingles?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaria ver el menu, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaria pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!Llama a la policia!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Llama a un medico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaria comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?Cuanto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-eh-so]

• What time is it?Que hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (dies)]
• MorningManana
  [mah-nah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowManana
  [mah-nah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyes]

• Where's a/the...?Donde esta el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?Cual es la direccion?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-seeohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [meh poo-eh-dehs moh-strahr (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Cual es el proximo (autobus)?
  [kwahl ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, has its origins rooted in the ancient Mayan civilization. The island was part of a vast network of trade routes that connected various Mayan cities. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was inhabited by the Mayans as early as 1500 BC. The Mayans used the island primarily for fishing and trade, taking advantage of its strategic location along the Caribbean Sea.

The first Europeans to arrive in the area were the Spanish in the 16th century. Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés passed through the region, although they did not establish permanent settlements on Ambergris Caye. The Spanish influence is still evident in the region's language, culture, and place names.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Ambergris Caye and the surrounding waters became a haven for pirates and buccaneers. The island's secluded bays and coves provided perfect hiding spots for these seafaring outlaws. Legends of buried pirate treasure still intrigue visitors and locals alike.

In the 18th century, the British began to establish control over the region, which later became British Honduras. Ambergris Caye, including San Pedro, was not heavily settled but served as a strategic point for the British. The British influence brought about changes in governance, trade, and culture that are still evident today.

San Pedro was officially founded in 1848 by refugees from the Caste War in Yucatán, Mexico. These settlers were primarily Mestizos and they contributed to the town’s initial development. The village was named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, reflecting the community’s reliance on fishing as a primary industry.

Starting in the late 20th century, San Pedro began to transform from a quiet fishing village into a bustling tourist destination. The establishment of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in 1987 marked a turning point, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world. The local economy shifted significantly towards tourism, leading to rapid development and modernization.

Today, San Pedro is a vibrant community that reflects a rich tapestry of cultures. The influence of the Mayans, Spanish, British, and the Mestizo settlers is evident in the town’s festivals, cuisine, and architecture. Annual events like the San Pedro Lobster Fest and the Costa Maya Festival celebrate the island’s diverse heritage and draw visitors from across the globe.

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. To get there, you can fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From Belize City, you can take a domestic flight to San Pedro Airport (SPR) with airlines like Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Water taxis are operated by companies such as San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize.

San Pedro is a walkable town, but if you need to travel longer distances, the most popular mode of transportation is by golf cart, which can be rented from various rental companies. Taxis are also available, though they are typically golf carts as well. Bicycles are another common mode of transport and can be rented throughout the town. Public transportation is limited, so renting a golf cart or bicycle is often the most convenient option.

The official currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. The exchange rate is generally 1 USD = 2 BZD. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available in San Pedro, but they may charge a fee for international cards.

San Pedro is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and during the night. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas. While crime rates are relatively low, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the backstreets away from the main tourist areas and beaches at night.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. San Pedro has a local police station and medical facilities, including the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't wear revealing swimwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. San Pedro is predominantly Christian, and conservative dress is appreciated in religious settings. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and other passengers. Don't expect a highly organized public transport system. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning/afternoon.' Smiling is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and beverages, such as seafood and Belizean rum. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.

To experience San Pedro like a local, visit the local markets and food stalls where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Belizean dishes. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and lifestyle. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving. For a unique experience, participate in local events and festivals, such as Lobsterfest or the San Pedro Carnaval.