Belize

Whenever I travel we try to stay in local places, or fun places… Here is a list of places we stayed in Belize:

• Tiny Houses – Belimopan  These tiny houses are great for finding a quiet out of the way local place to stay.  The owner is kind and fun.  She is full of advice about the area and very helpful with booking adventures for the day or week.  The houses themselves are tiny but big enough for 2 or 3 people with showers, kitchens, and private bathrooms.  Please note that they don’t have AC.  But you can’t beat them for the price! (Use air B&B to book)
• Park Place – San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)  This small boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay for those who are looking for a locally owned, full service, and inexpensive hotel.  Also known as ‘hotel on the beach’ the staff here is very helpful and always smiling.  Use them to book your adventures with the local companies for less that if you walked up or tried to book them on your own.  The location is also good as it is located at the north part of the lower half of the island.  Just north of San Pedro downtown its within walking distance to most things.

We had so much fun in Belize.  Here is a brief rundown of the things we did:

• ATM Cave – This amazing cave was featured by National Geographic as the #1 most sacred cave in the world.  It is a small adventure to get into and climb around in the cave.  It is NOT difficult and appropriate for anyone who is able to swim, hike, and crawl around.  Its easy to find a company that will take you in there and you are not allowed to enter without a local guide.  Don’t use the company we used as they were unreliable and not very professional..
• Belize Zoo –  We don’t usually do zoos in foreign countries as conditions for the animals can sometimes be difficult to see.  However, after many, many recommendations we did visit the Belize zoo.  It is very impressive.  More of a rescue than a zoo, there are many local animals in very large enclosures.  The animals are obviously well taken care of.  There are also some very fun opportunities to interact with the animals which we highly recommend.  These include being licked by a jaguar!  Don’t miss it!
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins –  Well restored ruins near San Ignacio, these ruins are a good example of what a Mayan city must have looked like.  There are ample opportunities for pictures and learning at this beautiful and safe ruined city.  Allow about 2-4 hours to explore.
• SCUBA –The scuba opportunities are abounding on the coast of Belize.  You can see manatees, sharks, eels, all sorts of fish, as well as a living reef.  Use the company we did,  Amigos del Mar.  They did a great job making sure everyone was safe.  They are also the only company who actively knows how to call in sharks to view. (yes it was safe)
• Snorkeling – The snorkeling off Ambergris Caye is world class.  If you use the company that we did you can get a local guide that knows exactly where to look to find the best animals.  He was very adept at finding manatees without crowds around.

Belize has so much to offer it is tough to narrow down the things that were amazing.  Here is a short list of things we think you should see while in India:

• ATM Cave – You must go here and see this.  It is an exciting and incredible day of adventure.
• Belize Zoo – We can’t reccomend the zoo highly enough, From the friendly and helpful staff to the amazing animal encounters you can’t go wrong here.
• Scuba – World class scuba opportunities abound in Belize
• Scotchies Restraunt in Belmopan – A local fun restraunt found in Belmopan.  The food is good, the atmosphere is really fun with thatch roofed eating areas.
• Briana’s Food Place in San Pedro – If you want local food, you can’t go wrong with Briana’s.  Near downtown San Pedro the food is very inexpensive and really good.  Don’t miss it.

As with every trip there are always things you wish you hadn’t wasted your time doing.  Here are a few:

• Don’t use BelizeCaveTubing for your ATM adventure.  Not only did they cancel last minute one day, but they used unprofessional guides for the cave who had old equipment and were no overly friendly.  There are other companies out there who provide a much better service.
• Avoid going to chain restaurants… they aren’t good.

A few parting thoughts:

• American citizens don’t need a specific visa to enter or leave Belize.  There is an airport tax but it is included in the price of your ticket.
• Southwest flies to Belize, their rates are quite good and their flight times are short.  Make sure to check their website to see if they offer a good flight for you.
• The local currency is based on a fixed 2:1 for the USD.
• Pay the extra for the animal encounters at the Belize Zoo!
• Driving in Belize is easy but get an SUV or truck as some of the roads can be rough.
• Buy some Marie Sharps hot sauce to take home, its cheap at the grocery stores outside of touristy areas.  Don’t buy it at the airport or at a souvenir shop, you’ll over pay.