Blogs from Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central America Caribbean
February 25th 2010
After being on Caye Caulker last weekend, it seems that most tourists bound for Belize are actually only bound for Caye Caulker.... when telling people on the island the I was living in Belmopan for five months, all I got was blank stares. Now, I know this isnt the most exciting or happening city on the planet or anything, but I kinda think that If your venturing to a whole new country, you should at least know what the capital city is, right? maybe? It just kind of blew me away that almost know one (other than the locals, of course) knew what I ment when i said the word "Belmopan". Anyways, I have totally embraced this sleepy little town, and love being apart of it. From the 'tortilla man' who rides around town on his ... read more
We're In!!!
Published: February 8th 2010Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » BelmopanFebruary 8th 2010
Last Thursday, after realizing that our tourist visa had almost run out, Danielle and I ventured down to the immigration office to obtain our student visas. Here we saw the laid-back Belizean attitude really shine. When we arrived there was a line-up of about seven people, which only grew while we were there, one officer working, and about four others sitting in their cubicles either reading, eating, or texting and being less than helpful to anyone who tried to get questions answered by them. After waiting an hour and a half, we finally got to see an officer, who then brought our passports in the back for a good twenty minutes, and came back with a piece of paper with a signature and “50$ each” written on it. It wasn’t even over by this point, as ... read more
welcome to Belize
Published: January 15th 2010Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » BelmopanJanuary 15th 2010
Welcome to Belize! Danielle and I finally made it here last night after a very very long journey. It took three long and tiring flights from Vancouver to Pheonix to Charlotte and finally to Cancun to make it to Central America. From there we had two relaxing a nd rejuvinating (and chilly) days in playa del carmen and then yesterday morning we got on our first of many buses that would take us to Belize….we had no idea what was ahead of us. Our first bus to Chetemul was a nice comfy coach bus with tv’s which took us about four hours towards our destination. We then found out that the bus leaving for Belize City wouldn’t arrive until 4:30 (for another 2 ½ hours). This kinda sucked cuz we still had a long journey ahead ... read more
ATM - Belize
Published: November 19th 2009Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » Belmopan
November 19th 2009
ATM is a Mayan cave archeological site which everyone we met had been raving about. Just 30 minutes drive from Belmopan and we transferred to a 4 x 4 for a bone rattling ride into the middle of nowhere past row upon row of orange trees and grapefruits all looking just ready to eat. Finally arrived in the middle of nowhere and I mean absolutely nothing - no houses, shops or anything. Again just the two of us on the tour so once we had our helmets and head torches we were off for a 2.5k trek under the canopy wading through the river three times to get to the site. This Mayan site is significant as it was clearly a place where major sacrifices of animals and people took place and is such a bit ... read more
Belize - Caves Branch - Day 3
Published: June 4th 2009Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » Belmopan
February 13th 2009
This morning we again joined Dave and Barb for breakfast. Before coming to Caves Branch, they spent several days at Caye (pronounced “key”) Caulker, which is our next destination. We take this opportunity to do a little advanced scouting for our next stop. What should we do? What should we see? Where should we eat? They are full of suggestions and recommendations. From the sounds of it they loved Caye Caulker and are confident that we’ll love it too. They are leaving today and heading to San Ignacio to see a traditional Belizean market. I know how much I love seeing these roadside stands filled with all the colorful local produce and can only imagine how much it must excite them. At 9:00am we meet our guide for the Xunantunich Ruin tour. His name is Arnold. ... read more
Belize - Caves Branch - Day 2
Published: June 4th 2009Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » Belmopan
February 12th 2009
Wow. Words really can’t describe what we experienced last night. Sometime in the middle of the night Karin and I were awakened by perhaps the most frightening sound I have ever heard in my life. It sounded like a cross between a lion roar and a wounded wild boar (not that I’ve ever personally heard a wounded wild boar or a lion for that matter). It started as a long, throaty, scream followed by three quick grunts. There was a 10 second pause and then it would start again. I sat straight up. My heart was pounding. The animal was somewhere in the 20 yard patch of jungle between our cabana and the river bank and only a screen protected us from this wounded and surely ferocious beast. By this point Karin is freaking out. “What ... read more
Belize - Caves Branch - Day 1
Published: June 4th 2009Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » Belmopan
February 11th 2009
We are met at the airport by our driver Enrique. He greets us with a warm smile and a friendly handshake. Enrique is taking us to “Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Adventure Co. and Jungle Lodge” where we will be spending the next three days. Caves Branch offers nearly 30 different adventure excursions from basic stuff like jungle hikes, mountain biking, and kayaking to more unique adventures like cave tubing, waterfall climbs, and the famous “Black Hole Drop” where you hike up the side of a mountain and repel 300ft down into a natural sinkhole at the top. They even offer week-long jungle treks called “Ian’s Bad-Ass Expeditions” where you learn survival skills, build your own shelters, and live off the land. The website for Caves Branch boasts “Be prepared for a one of a kind adventure ... read more
An adventure-seeker's paradise
Published: January 23rd 2008Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » BelmopanJanuary 8th 2008
Cave's Branch Lodge near Belmopan, Belize We spent one week at Cave's Branch Lodge, located southest of Belmopan on the Cave's Branch River. The lodge was amazing, and our room was the most lavish of all our accomodations. Below are some pictures of our room, some of the views, and the main lodge. The Adventures Cave Tubing & Ziplining The cave tubing is not your ordinary tubing down the James... although you may think so at first. It starts with a leisurly stroll down the river on innertubes, soaking in the rays and chatting with... read more
Into the Wild...
Published: January 23rd 2008Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » BelmopanJanuary 4th 2008
Pook's Hill near Belmopan, Belize Our next destination was Pook's Hill Lodge, located in the heart of the Jungle about 40 miles west of Belize City. We took a flight from San Pedro to Belize City, and then our friendly guide picked us up from the airport to take us to the lodge. On the way, we had a chance to stop at the Belize Zoo, which was amazing. The zoo was created to protect the native animals of Belize. All the animals are found in the wilderness of Belize, and the ones living here are rescue animals... all of which seem to love their new home! The Belize Zoo The Tapir, national mammal of Belize: Freshwater crocodile: A young jaguar: img=http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/41592/2308468940102... read more
Mountain Pine Ridge/Jungle Walk
Published: April 25th 2007Central America Caribbean » Belize » Cayo District » Belmopan
April 25th 2007
We went down a bumpy road like the one we went down for Barton Creek Cave to do a hike through the rainforest. We went through caves and over vines. No animals were seen, since it is the dry season and the animals are by water. In the rainy season, more animals are out and the jungle is dark, since all the trees have their leaves. We continued to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to go to Rio on Pools. The pools are slippery, I should know first hand. As I slipped immediately, even with water shoes on. The water was perfect temperature. After a long ride, we came back to the resort to lounge by the pool and relax. Tomorrow will be a travel day for half the party, while the other three will ... read more
