Blogs from Belize, Central America Caribbean - page 7

The first of my many Maya city visits was a smashing success! I got to meet a few people on my tour, and then in the evening I met even more new people! I hadn't expected really to make new friends, but then I hadn't exactly expected to go to Caracol today. First off, Caracol is truly in the middle of nowhere. When I purchased this tour Saturday afternoon (right when I got to San Ignacio), the tour people said it was quite an adventure and worth the trip. As I've said before, I planned this trip so I could see ruined Maya cities. So this fool and his money were soon parted. Most of my time in Belize has been full of surprises because I haven't really be fully prepared for any of it. When ... read more

So after the joys of Tulum we had a long journey to Caye Caulker, Belize by bus and ferry. We hadn’t managed to get lunch before the ferry trip so bought some takeaway toasted sandwiches and chips from the rooftop bar. The word ferry conjures up some kind of slow moving large boat but what we actually went on was a speedboat. Speedboat plus waves plus sandwiches plus chips is not a good combination! Needless to say I felt a little nauseous for the first half of the journey but the sea got a bit calmer later on. We first stopped at another Island San Pedro for immigration then went on to Caye Caulker. We were met by a smiling man in a golf cart who turned out to be Pike from our Airbnb apartment. He ... read more

We headed out from Caye Caulker in tropical torrential rain, all 27 of us in rain jackets (23 neophytes + 4 Belizean crew) on a 35' catamaran, lots of wave motion wind and spray, all expecting the worst, but well tranquilized with early rum punches. A great way to get to know the fabulous mosaic of fellow travellers : a Basque tour operator, Sydney radio show producers, Idaho bush pilots, newly married Kiwis (on their second 6mo world adventure), hilarious Londoners, serious US solar energy profs, crazy..really crazy Italians (trying to learn English), and some humorous Dudes from Amsterdam, also Vancouverites and yours truly. And a fabulous Creol-speaking crew. By noon the weather cleared and we were off to 3 snorkeling stops along the reef: certainly treated to some of the best snorkeling in the world, ... read more

Well, after a week down here memories of the coolish North are fast fading into the distant sea reef surf. Today, it's even a bit a breezy here -- the Belizeans are into their winter clothes -- while us northeners are swaying in a hammocks under (seaside) coconut palms in barefoot shorts. This is Caye Caulker, two islands 45 mins out from Belize City by water taxi, close to the Belizean reef. It's very laid back, just golf carts and bikes, coral sand roads and paths, friendly tourists and helpful Belizeans. No franchise businesses. Lots of tourists with a youthful int'l, energy and vibe -- diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, reggae beach and sports bars, and lots of budget accommodation. I'm staying at the Tropical Oasis Hostel, 6 cabanas and 2 dorms, run by a friendly Belizean/Norwegian ... read more

San Ignacio is a small town tucked away near the Guatemalan border. It's famous as a base to go and explore the areas caves and waterfalls. On our first day here we met a local who offered to take us to a nearby waterfall in the jungle. This is a very serene waterfall off the beaten track, so we were the only people there to enjoy it. Day 2 we booked a tour to go to the ATM cave. I had heard this is a must do, but I was not expecting anything quite so amazing. After an hours drive, made longer by the minibus having a flat tire and a flat spare, we arrived at a car park in the jungle. We got kitted up with helmets and buoyancy aids before starting our trip to ... read more