BELIZE 2024
INTRO
Belize might be one of the best countries I’ve been to. Belize is home to some of the most beautiful vegetation and wildlife I’ve seen but also has gorgeous and relaxing islands and beaches. While in Belize, the food is constant, fresh, and never short of amazing. To top it off, the locals are extremely kind and as a woman walking around at night, I felt incredibly safe. I cannot recommend Belize enough as my time there was unforgettable.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Accommodation
Mystic River Resort, Cayo
Alaia Belize, San Pedro
Activities
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Hike
Xunantunich, Cayo
Chocolate Making, San Ignacio
Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker
Restaurants
Elvis, San Pedro
Maxies Restaurent and Lounge, San Pedro
Caramba, San Pedro
The Baker, San Pedro
Namaste Cafe, Caye Caulker
GUIDE AND DETAILS
Mystic River Resort
Private location in the jungle in Cayo.
Offers free hikes, birdwatching, yoga, and kayaking.
Offers tours to ancient Mayan sites, ATM, and other day adventures for an added price.
The food was okay with the fry jacks being the highlight however, all the produce was grown in their garden.
This was a beautiful escape into nature and the workers were excellent and very knowledgeable. If booking, be aware there is only wifi in the lobby and restaurant.
Alaia Belize, San Pedro
Great location in San Pedro
Offers golf cart rentals (100% get a golf cart)
Multiple pools including a floating infinity pool
This hotel was great and super convenient however we didn’t spend much time enjoying the actual hotel because San Pedro is so amazing.
Activities
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Hike
This is a must-do. To even get to the opening, you must hike and cross 3 rivers. Once there you swim into the cave and begin a 3.2-mile hike combined of climbing, swimming, and walking. Inside the cave lies an ancient Mayan ruin where the people came to make sacrifices to the gods. Thousands of pots and bones lie along the path and are each artifacts of this ancient civilization. Most notably, within the cave lies the crystal maiden. The crystal maiden is a fully intact perfectly calcified skeleton. The beauty, history and spirituality of the cave was indescribale; This hike and experience was truly once in a lifetime.
Note: You must be physically in shape, you must be wearing covering clothing (no bathing suits), wear sneakers and no phones or cameras are allowed inside.
Xunantunich, Cayo
About 30 miles away from Belize City lies the ancient remains of the Mayan People. A site still not fully uncovered, Xunantunich feels like you’re walking into a hidden city in the forest. Upon arriving one can either drive or walk up to the site's entrance, purchase tickets and, begin moving further up into the site from there. Spend time climbing up the ruins, exploring the Mayan architecture and, experiencing the history of the site.
Chocolate Making, San Ignacio
Hot chocolate; The traditional drink of the Mayan people. This is very different from the hot chocolate you are most likely imagining right now; this drink is closer to the basics of just hot water and cocoa. Beginning with drying the cocoa beans, the Mayans would use two stones to crush the beans until a smooth texture was formulated. Once finished, hot water and some red pepper or another spice would be added and served. Traditionally, this drink is derived without any sweetener but currently, people will add sugar or honey to the drink as well. This class was a great opportunity to observe, taste and, learn about this ancient process through every step.
Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker
The most amazing experience and a must do when in Belize is a trip to Shark Ray Alley and an afternoon spent on Caye Caulker. Beginning with boating out into the Hol Chan Marine Reservation, the fishermen throw out some fish and the sharks begin to swarm. Being the first one in the water, I had to jump into a swarm of over 25 sharks. These sharks are all nurse sharks and will not bite you as they have small mouths that they use to suction food as opposed to outwardly attacking prey. While initially a bit unnerving to jump in, it was such an amazing experience being surrounded by these beautiful creatures (as they are literally ALL around you). After this, the boat takes you to a small island (literally only two roads that bring you around the entire island) called Caye Caulker. After an hour or so of exploring and eating, the boat brings you back and the day is over. This was just such an amazing and unique experience and I highly recommend it.
Resturants
Elvis, San Pedro
One of my favorites in Belize, this restaurant does not have a bad dish. Starting with the free banana bread they hand out, street corn, and empanadas, both were delicious with the empanadas being a MUST order. For entrees, we ordered crab claws, snapper sere, and a seafood special. Every single bite was so flavorful but the best was the snapper sere. That might have been my favorite broth I have ever tasted.
Note: 100% make a reservation and the floors are sand.
Maxies Restaurent and Lounge, San Pedro
A nice outdoor seating area and convenient location, Maxies is perfect for those first arriving in Belize. Maxie’s menus have the familiar staples but also the staples of Belizian cuisine. I ordered the red snapper which came with beans, coconut rice, and fried plantains. It was simple yet so good and I most definitely cleaned the plate.
Caramba, San Pedro
Have you ever wanted to pick exactly what seafood your eating, how it’s cooked and how it will taste to exactly your preference? If so, Caramba is perfect! In front of Caramba lies fresh seafood for you to mix and match for your meal. After picking your seafood, you choose how it’s cooked, how it’s seasoned, and what sides you want. This restaurant was so fun and so good; a must go for sure.
Note: Make a reservation beforehand, it gets packed really fast!
The Baker, San Pedro
The best cinnamon roll ever. Just around the corner from The Alia, The Baker has the best cinnamon rolls and while I didn’t try anything else, their savory items smelled so good!
Namaste Cafe, Caye Caulker
Stumbled upon this while walking in Caye Caulker and it was the perfect fresh bite we needed. They had refreshing items like smoothies, sandwiches, juices, and chia pudding. They use filtered water for their ice cubes so don’t worry about the smoothies or coffee either.
Final Notes
Bring a water bottle as there is no recycling in Belize.
Rent a golf cart for your time in San Pedro. It is 100% worth it.
Check out the chicken drop at Wahoo’s Lounge.
Bring bug spray especially if staying in the jungle.
Beliken, the beer of Belize, and Landshark are the best drink order while in Belize. Also, if you have a sensitive stomach or are nervous about ice, beer is the safest when drinking.
Belize is a beautiful country with much to offer beyond what Go and embrace the culture and people that make the country so beautiful. Belize was truly one to remember.
