A Week in Belize
In March of 2022, two years after the pandemic began, and three canceled trips later (Italy/Japan/Scotland), Chris and I made it to Belize for spring break.
A highlight for me was going on the Ragga sailboat for a snorkeling tour of the Mesoamerican reef. We saw nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and so many types of fish/coral. The best ceviche of our trip was served on the sail home. I came home with a nasty sunburn.
Part 1: Caye Caulker
This was a small town on an island, packed with adventure sports, hammocks, and fruity cocktails. Oddly enough the island doesn't have a beach, but there are many access points to the water.
 |
| Drinks at a sunset bar on our first night |
 |
Beachfront stone crabs in garlic butter sauce |
 |
Sailing home with sunburns |
 |
Rum punch in the water |
Some other activities here included kayaking, biking around the south side of the island, taking a ferry to the North island to lounge at a beach club, and eating dinner made by Maurice at Wish Willy's multiple times. He serves up local home-cooking from his backyard.
 |
Perfect waters on Caye Caulker |
 |
Nothing like a foot massage in a tiki hut on the water |
Part 2: Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge
This was an extremely romantic and off-the-beaten-path jungle lodge. Like 4 miles down a steep dirt road off-the-beaten-path. With welcome rum cocktails free on arrival, we knew it was going to be a luxurious stay. Chris and I opted for the all inclusive package which included meals, drinks, and access to all the facilities, because without a car you are stranded in the middle of the rainforest.
 |
Photo from their website Dining hall in a treehouse |
There was so much wildlife on the grounds. We saw toucans, howler monkeys, and kinkajous in our first day! Also: infinity pool. On a cliffside. Daily happy hour. It was blissful!
 |
Toucans come for breakfast every morning |
 |
They feed kinkajous nightly |
 |
Happy hour drinks and snacks at the pool daily |
 |
Infinity pool awesomeness |
My favorite activity besides the tubing was visiting the nearby ATM Caves. This is an underground limestone cave system that runs for 5 miles with a flowing river inside. We had to swim in, and went 1/2 mile deep into the chambers. When we got to the part with Mayan ruins, we had to scramble up very steep wet boulders in the dark, only to be greeted with preserved skeletons and pottery. On the way out, our guide took us on a much more claustrophobic route, which ended up being super fun.
 |
Photo from the internet since we couldn't bring cameras Entrance to the cave system |
 |
Photo from the internet since we couldn't bring cameras Huge caverns, and this portion was done in socks |
 |
Photo from the internet since we couldn't bring cameras Remains from Mayan human sacrifices |
 |
Photo from the internet since we couldn't bring cameras Some really tight squeezes |
 |
Photo from the internet since we couldn't bring cameras This was the hardest part of the climb for me personally |
Miscellaneous thoughts:
One thing I had forgotten about traveling in Latin America was the amount of cat-calling. That did get really annoying, and at times scary on Caye Caulker.
On the way home, our 6 hour journey became 28 hours and we got stuck overnight in Denver. The airline put us up at the Gaylord Convention Center, which was a super bizarre experience. It was annoying having to have a friend swoop in and dogsit for me last minute, but the hotel was very memorable.
 |
The Gaylord Rockies hotel in Denver where the airline put us up overnight |
I can't wait to travel post-covid when things go a bit smoother and I'm (hopefully) not as worried about being separated from the pup.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment