San Pedro Town: The Jewel of Ambergris Caye

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dee-skool-pe/lo see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr 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 gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la Policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh 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 gustaría 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?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

San Pedro's history begins long before the arrival of Europeans, with the area being inhabited by the Maya civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Maya utilized the coastal resources of Ambergris Caye, where San Pedro is located, for fishing and trade. The remnants of ancient structures and artifacts reflect a rich cultural heritage that laid the groundwork for the community's development.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, marking the beginning of European influence in Belize. Although the Spanish focused primarily on the mainland and did not settle in San Pedro immediately, their presence paved the way for future colonial interests. Throughout the 17th century, the area began to see sporadic visits from Spanish ships, which were drawn by the natural resources of the Caribbean.

The late 19th century marked a significant turning point for San Pedro as settlers, predominantly from the Yucatán Peninsula, began to establish a community centered around the coconut industry. This led to the establishment of copra production, which became a vital economic activity. Fishing also emerged as a crucial livelihood, with San Pedro developing a reputation for its bountiful waters, which attracted fishermen and traders alike.

San Pedro was officially recognized as a town in 1984, though it had been a thriving settlement long before that date. The growth of tourism in the 20th century, particularly after the establishment of coral reef protection efforts, transformed San Pedro into a popular destination for divers and visitors seeking the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef. This evolution significantly impacted the local economy and culture, leading to a vibrant mix of traditional and modern influences.

San Pedro's culture is a rich tapestry woven from its historical roots and the influx of various ethnic groups, including Mestizos, Creoles, and Garifuna communities. The town is famous for its annual festivals, such as La Fiesta de San Pedro, which celebrates the patron saint of the town with lively parades, music, and dance. This event highlights the community's deep appreciation for its heritage and the blending of diverse cultural traditions.

San Pedro Town is accessible via a short flight from Belize City to the San Pedro Airport, which is located just a few minutes from the town center. Alternatively, travelers can take a water taxi from Belize City or Caye Caulker. The water taxi ride offers scenic views of the Caribbean Sea and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

San Pedro Town is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation and can be rented for the day. Taxis are also available, but they may be more expensive. There are no public buses or trains in San Pedro Town.

San Pedro Town is generally safe for tourists; however, it is important to remain vigilant. Areas near the southern part of the island may experience higher crime rates, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and keep valuables secure. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local clinic can provide basic medical services, and there are several pharmacies in town for minor ailments. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing, suitable for the tropical climate. Don’t wear swimwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t expect strict schedules. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or 'Hello'. Don’t rush through greetings, as locals appreciate friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy street food. Don’t leave food on your plate, as it can be considered wasteful.

To experience San Pedro Town like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with local fishermen and learn about their daily catch. Join community events or festivals when available, as these are great opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Don't miss the chance to sample local delicacies, such as conch fritters and fresh ceviche, at street vendors or local restaurants.