Beautiful Belize

I've never been very good at going on vacation. I think this is a common malady for us westerners, our pocket Google-boxes give us access to work and home emails even as we sit sipping a rum drink thousands of miles away. Especially working as a trip planner my mind is always buzzing on vacation, trying to remember how long the flight took, are there a lot of taxi's around, what is the situation with money. It can be a little difficult for me to enjoy the moment and really soak it all in. Belize gave me just the reprieve I was looking for.

Though wifi is widely available throughout the country and I could have easily plugged in and kept my mind running with mental notes, the whole feel of Belize encourages you to stop and enjoy. Part of this has to do with how very easy travel in Belize actually is. Because the country relies so heavily on tourism for the local economy Belize is built for ease. 

What is the situation with money? USD and Credit Cards widely accepted. Easy Peasy
How do I communicate? National language is English. Done
Where should I go to eat? Literally anywhere - okay, I'll expand on this in another post, but really its hard to go wrong.
How do I get around? 15-20 minute flights link up most sections of the country with numerous departures per day or if you're not going to far, catch one of the numerous taxis. No problem

The best part of Belize is just how easy everything felt. I didn't spend much time worrying about my excursions or pick up times because just being in Belize felt like a breath of fresh air. I was so busy enjoying each moment that I often even forgot to take pictures or any notes at all and I hope that is everyone's experience when they visit Belize. Sit back, relax and enjoy - you know you want to.

If you've done any research on Belize you know that part of the appeal is the Mayan ruins tucked deep in the jungles throughout the country. You've probably stumbled across pictures of Tikal (across the border in Guatemala) and Xunantunich, maybe even Lamanai and Cahal Pech. What you might not have seen are pictures depicting the Mayan Underworld, the caves and rivers known to house Mayan rituals hundreds of years ago and now preserve pieces of that history in the form of artifacts and skeletons. The most alluring in the part of this underworld is the ATM Cave.

After a slight mishap many years ago - where a traveler caved in a skeleton skull - cameras have been outlawed in the ATM Cave. The only way to know about it now is by word of mouth and let me tell you, it is NOT overhyped. The ATM Cave is hands down one of the coolest thing I've ever done and even my slightly claustrophobic Boyfriend couldn't agree more.

I was thrilled to hear that we would be able to make it into the cave on our last day in the jungle. After several days of heavy rain the cave had been closed off and one the week leading up to our arrival. If the water levels are too high the cave isn't navigable. Luckily the water levels had reduced and we were allowed to head off.

Armed with only a head lamp and a life jacket Tim and I were ready for a one of a kind adventure. Our guide led us on a short hike which included 3 river crossings along the way - be prepared to stay wet! Once you arrive to the mouth of the cave it is time to swim/climb your way through the utter darkness. Our guide took great time and care telling us exactly what to hold on to and where to step. The water varied from 2-10 feet deep and all along the way we continue to wonder how the Mayan people made it through with torches and the artifacts they brought along with them.

In the dry chamber we took off our shoes (don't for socks!) and began to explore the artifacts and skeletons. The cave has been excavated so that every artifact remains in the exact position it was found. I've never seen anything like this and it effectively kept me in the moment imagining the tribes standing in the very spot where we now stood. The main even is a full skeleton left where he lay upon his death - I've never seen anything like it.

The way back was much the same except with more crowds now - Pro tip: take this excursion from a lodge near the cave like Pook's HIll. This allows you to arrive earlier and experience the cave with just your small group.

This is not an excursion for the faint of heart in the darkness and depths of the water, but it is not one that will be quickly forgotten. You'll want to be sure footed, but most able bodied individuals should feel confident that they can handle this excursion.

Our itinerary allowed us a few days in the junlge, but in retrospect I wish we had a few more. There is so much to see and do! Tim and I didn't feel up to a 12 hour day to visit Tikal in Guatemala so I has scheduled us for a much shorter excursion to the ruins at Xunantunich. Located just 30 minutes from our lodge, Ka'ana, we figured we would explore the ruins in the morning and still have plenty of time to catch some rays by the pool in the afternoon.

We planned to meet our guide at 8am but around 6 our phone was ringing letting us know that the river was flooded and we would not be able to visit the ruins. After a little discussion our guide recommended the ruins at Cahal Pech. Located just above the town of San Ignacio the drive would only take 15 minutes and there was still plenty to see here

What an experience, snorkeling in Belize. Though I've snorkeled in the BVIs and both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Costa Rica, Belize tops my list of favorites. Hol Can Marine Reserve seemed to have a little bit of everything, schools of fish, moray eels, nurse sharks, rays, and an abundance of coral in all different shapes and sizes. The protected area is vast, but the region were pretty much everyone goes to snorkel is small. We were there with at least a dozen other boats which immediately made me a little weary. Once we were in the water through none of that really seemed to matter. We did come across a few other groups, but our guide was skilled at guiding us and I hardly noticed as I swam past humans because of just how much there was to see below.

If you've never snorkeled before, no problem, the guides instructed us in all the details of keeping our masks clear and sealed. We had the option to take life jackets or not and for those who like to dive down they gave a quick refresher on regulating your air. It was easy and fun and even Tim, an experienced diver, said he's never seen such a high concentration of species in one outing.

Over the course of my stay in Belize I stayed at and/or toured 10 of our partner properties in Belize. Whenever I take a trip I like to visit the hotels that our travelers stay at all the time. Not only is it a great opportunity to spot check the property and rooms itself, but its nice to get that hands on feel for each destination. The excursions are an important part of the trip, but feeling comfortable where you sleep every night might be an even bigger deal.

I was pleased to find there were not many "wrong" choices. Everyone has their preference, want to feel secluded and luxurious? Go with Victoria House or Xanadu on Ambergris Caye. Simple and comfortable, Ramon's on Amberris Caye or Rabert's Grove in Placencia. Like you're part of the family, Pook's Hill gets top marks. Full tilt luxury, Ka'ana near San Ignacio or Chabil Mar in Placencia. There is something for everyone!