Belize is a small country, but its location makes it a destination with a rare variety of activities: Caribbean beaches, islands, rainforest, and Mayan archaeological sites, all within a few hours of each other.
A Destination with It All
Belize is home to the second largest coral reef in the world (the largest in the Americas), making diving and snorkeling among the most popular activities for visitors. On land, the options are equally extensive: hikes through the rainforest, caves explored on foot or by floating down the river—some with remnants of Mayan rituals—easily accessible archaeological sites that can be visited in a short time, zip-lining, and hikes in a jaguar conservation reserve, among many other possibilities.
Work and Tourism at the Same Time
My trip combined work and tourism. As a tour operator, we visited hotels and used the services we later recommended, to see firsthand what our clients would experience and thus suggest what best suits each person’s needs and budget. However, it must be said clearly: Belize is not a destination for those traveling on a very tight budget, as the cost of living is higher than in most Central American countries.
The places I visited and can talk about in this blog are Placencia, San Ignacio, and Caye Caulker. I also spent a short time in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, and in Belize City, where the main commercial activity is concentrated.
Darah Travel: The Team Behind the Itinerary
They helped me with the itinerary and are our partners in Belize. The service was efficient and punctual every step of the way, with friendly and professional drivers who also made the transfers an enjoyable part of the trip. As an added bonus, I stopped in Belmopan because they invited me for lunch and to meet the team in person: everyone was incredibly kind.
Placencia: White Sand Beaches and a Fishing Village
My first stop was on the Placencia Peninsula, a fishing village just 2.5 hours from Belize International Airport. It’s a charming Caribbean village with white sand beaches. I traveled during the rainy season, so the sky was cloudy at times, but it only rained at night, so I was able to enjoy the place without any problems.
Desde Placencia se organizan tours tanto en tierra firme come en el mar: excursiones a islas, buceo de inmersión y snorkel, visitas a cuevas, recorridos por la reserva del jaguar (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary) y paseos en lancha por el río Monkey, entre otros.
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I visited three hotels in the area:
- Oceano Brisa, where I stayed: a small hotel with its own restaurant, located in the heart of town, with direct access to the beach, restaurants, bars, and supermarkets within walking distance. It’s comfortable and offers studio-style units with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, each with a living room, equipped kitchen, and balcony. I liked the hotel. If you prefer to have a pool at the hotel, then this is not the hotel for you.
- Turtle Inn, one of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s properties, is located 2.5 km from the center of Placencia. Its thatched cottages and villas are nestled among palm trees, the beach, and the lagoon. Each features vaulted ceilings, fans, and a terrace, all finished with high-quality wood. It’s a luxury hotel, so even the most basic villa comes with a premium price tag.
- Chabil Mar Villas, un paso más allá del lujo de Turtle Inn: villas privadas de distintos dueños que la administración renta en su nombre, cada una decorada de forma diferente. Cuentan con sala, balcón privado, comedor, hamacas y una o dos habitaciones; algunas con vista directa al mar y otras al jardín o la piscina. No hay un restaurante único: se puede comer en cualquier área de la propiedad (el restaurante es exclusivo para huéspedes) o cocinar en la villa, ya que todas tienen cocina propia. Tiene un hotel Hermano en San Pedro, Xanadu Island Resort, que Espero visitar en un próximo viaje.
San Ignacio: Mayan Culture Among the Mountains
My next destination was San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border, a beautiful town nestled in the mountains of Belize. Along the way, I stopped at the Tierra Firme Blue Hole, an easily accessible natural spring, perfect for cooling off. It’s best to arrive in your swimsuit, as there are no changing facilities, and bring a towel to dry off before continuing your journey.
In San Ignacio, I stayed at Cahal Pech, very close to the Mayan ruins of the same name, with views of the valley and the town. From there, you can take tours to ATM Caves, Tikal, Xunantunich Caracol, and other attractions. It’s a rustic and basic hotel with comfortable beds, a restaurant, a pool, and spa and massage services: a good option for mid-range budgets, without luxuries but with a great location.
I also visited:
- San Ignacio Resort is luxurious from the moment you arrive. I couldn’t see the rooms because they were fully booked, but the breakfast—eggs Benedict—was delicious. It has a pool, bar, restaurant, tennis court, in-room treatments (facials, massages, manicures), and an iguana conservation project where you can observe, though not touch, different species. It faces a main street, but the back overlooks the jungle and the Mopan and Macal rivers, ideal for birdwatching.
- Cassia Hill was a pleasant surprise. The reception area gives the impression of an old, unrenovated hotel, but upon arriving at the cabins—some with wooden walls that lend a distinctive aroma—you’ll find a completely modern room with very comfortable beds and renovated bathrooms. The garden is beautifully maintained, and the infinity pool looks immaculate. Only the restaurant needs remodeling; as it’s under different management and was closed for the off-season, I can’t comment on the food or service. It’s located on the outskirts of town, so you’ll need transportation to reach restaurants, bars, or shops (you can ask the hotel for help in arranging a taxi).
- Chaa Creek, the most remote of them all, is set in a spectacular environment. It’s a luxury hotel with villas—some overlooking the river, others the jungle—within a 500-acre reserve where they cultivate much of what’s served in their restaurant, following a farm-to-table philosophy, and also sell their harvest to other local restaurants. There are trails to explore with a guide or, for the more adventurous, without one. Other activities include horseback riding or ATV tours through the reserve, a visit to the organic Mayan farm, a natural medicine trail, a natural history center and butterfly garden, as well as a full-service spa with very attentive staff. Accommodation options range from villas to suites and unique cabins, all furnished with wood crafted from the reserve itself. The hotel is committed to sustainability: 5% of room revenue is donated to community projects. Prices are high, but they feel justified, especially considering the hotel’s contribution to a smaller carbon footprint and the support of local communities. Only the villas have private jacuzzis and infinity pools; the other categories share a beautiful shared pool.
Cave Tubing in Nohoch Che’en
After checking out of my hotels, I headed to Nohoch Che’en for some cave tubing. The site is well-organized, with basic but clean restrooms and changing rooms. Everything you bring will get wet, so it’s best to leave your belongings in the car. The experience begins with a 20-minute hike over rocky terrain (40 minutes if the river is high), crossing the river three times, so you’ll need sturdy shoes that won’t slip off easily when you get in the water.
Floating down the river, guided by an instructor who explains the importance of the caves to the Maya and their connection to the underworld, is a memorable experience. Upon exiting, you continue downstream to the starting point, where you leave the float and walk back to the changing rooms and parking area.
Caye Caulker: Life at the Pace of “Go Slow”
After the tour, I continued on to Belize City, where I took the San Pedro Belize Express ferry to Caye Caulker (there are also direct flights from the international airport). Caye Caulker is the smaller of the country’s two main islands, and its motto – “Go Slow” – perfectly encapsulates the experience: you can explore it on foot, although golf carts are available for rent or as a taxi.
Situated across from the Great Barrier Reef, it’s an excellent starting point for diving and snorkeling tours to the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, and Half Moon Caye Wall, among other sites.
I visited two hotels from the same group:
- Caye Condos Boutique Hotel by Barefoot, relatively new, with modern and spacious rooms and suites, some with pool views and others with ocean views. It even has suites with direct street access and others with kitchenettes.
- Barefoot Cay Caulker, an older building currently undergoing renovations (including the pool and rooms), with friendly staff, a central location, and a restaurant across the street. The hotel is modern and comfortable.
Both are very good options for accommodation on the island.
Belize City: Last Stop
Returning from Caye Caulker by ferry, I stayed at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. The rooms are comfortable and luxurious, the service is good, and it has a concierge, bar, restaurant, pool, and gym: a good option if your plan includes exploring the city or if you want to be close to the airport.
Is Belize worth a trip?
Belize feels like stepping back in time: a relaxed country where everything moves a little slower. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy nature, Mayan culture, the rainforest, water sports, or simply relaxing. It’s an expensive country, yes, but in return, it offers quality amenities, excellent cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and activities that make you want to stay a little longer.
