Belize is the northernmost Central American country it borders Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. It hosts the largest Barrier Reef in the western hemisphere, hundreds of islands, beaches, Mayan sites, and much more.
You can get to Belize easily from Mexico. If you have read Backpacking into Central America from Mexico, you would be stepping off the bus from Mexico in Corozal, Belize. Entering Belize through Mexico is the cheapest way to travel into Central America. Find out how to catch the bus into Belize, before you go.
The first part of your adventure in Belize will take you to San Pedro in the Ambergris Caye, from there we will explore Caye Cauker and then head into the Cayo District for some jungle exploration before we arrive at the Guatemala border.
- The exchange rate in currency in Belize is around $2BZ = $1US
- English is the official language of Belize, the only English speaking nation in Central America
Corozal
Corozal is a popular stop for people heading to and from Mexico. It is a commercial and farming community. Once you get off your bus in Corozal, you can catch a water taxi to San Pedro; the water taxi is about one block from the bus stop, just head down to the water.
The water taxi is a high speed boat owned by Thunderbolt and they travel daily to San Pedro from Corozol. Usually taxis leave at 7am and 3pm. The trip is about two hours long and cost about $45BZ
If you need to spend the night in Corozal you can find budget accommodations at Nestor’s Hotel from $30 to $50 US.
Ambergris Caye, San Pedro
The water taxi will let you off on the lagoon side of the town of San Pedro, the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye.
Where to stay in San Pedro:
Budget Accommodation – Ruby’s Hotel, from $18 to $54 US.
Things to do on Ambergris Caye:
- Beaches & Swimming
- Scuba & Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Water Sports; Kite Surfing, Windsurfing
- Manatee Watching
- Boating
If you are in the Cayes, it is recommended that you take a scuba course before you venture out to the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is part of a 560-mile long Mesoamerican barrier reef system, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world – second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
A resort scuba course will cost you about $160 US and includes basic knowledge, pool session with gear, and one open water dive. It qualifies you to dive in the Marine Reserve with a certified dive master at depths of up to 40 ft.
Points of interest:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located four miles from San Pedro on the Belize Barrier Reef. The water inside the reef is clear and shallow, ideal for both snorkelers and divers. You will see a wide variety of marine life and coral including sharks, stingrays and moray eels.
Shark-Ray Alley
Shark-Ray Alley is a popular dive and snorkel spot just south of Hol Chan and is perfect for those who wish to see sharks and rays up close and personal.
The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is an almost perfect circle, more than 1000 feet across and about 400 feet deep. It is famous for its sponges, barracuda, corals, angelfish, and schools of sharks
Excursions begin at $25 US, plus marine park fees $10 US for Hol Chan US and $30 for the Blue Hole.
From San Pedro to Caye Caulker
Water taxi is $20 BZ per person from San Pedro to Caye Caulker and leaves San Pedro at 8am, 9:30am, 1pm, and 3:30pm.
Caye Caulker attributes include; no cars, beautiful white sandy beaches, good food, laid back atmosphere, and sapphire waters.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker:
Budget Accommodation – Mara’s Place, $25 to $38 US.
From Caye Caulker to Belize City
Water taxi is $20 BZ per person from Caye Caulker to Belize City and leaves Caye Caulker at 8:30am, 10am, 1:30pm, and 4pm.
Belize City
Take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio in Cayo District.
Belize City bus station (Novelo’s) is located .4 miles west of the Swing Bridge and located on West Collect Canal. Routes run on regular schedules and will stop to pick up or drop off passengers along the way.
Express to San Ignacio $5.50 US, regular to San Ingancio $3.50 US, takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
San Ignacio & the Cayo District
In the western Cayo district, on the Macal River, is the picturesque town of San Ignacio.
To do in San Ignacio & the Cayo District:
- Caving
- Jungle Exploring
- Mayan Ruins exploration
- Cave Tubing
- Horseback Riding
- Canoeing & Kayaking
Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins
Cahal Pech is in walking distance from San Ignacio, albeit uphill, it is an excellent first stop before heading on to larger ruin sites.
Caracol Mayan Ruins
You will need a guide to take you into the high canopy jungle to the Caracol Mayan Ruins. The ruins cover 30 square miles and includes; five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
You will also need a guide to take through the Caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre), one of the most striking caves in the Beliz rainforest. The cave is Mayan museum of human sacrifice and artefacts, all of which can be viewed in its original context.
Nohoch Che`en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
You will need to take a bus or hitch a ride from San Ignacio to Belmopan for this guided experience. This experience includes tubing through the Caves Branch River cave systems. The caves represent the entrance into the underworld of the ancient Maya, and serve as an abode of their gods.
There are many guides available in the town of San Ignacio. You may want to begin your search for guided tours and rates with Pacz Tours or Kin Winik Jungle Tours.
Where to Stay in San Ignacio:
Budget Accommodation – Casa Blanca Guest House, from $24 to $49 US (Less than a three-minute walk from the bus stop).
San Ignacio, Belize to Flores, Guatemala
You can catch a bus from San Igancio to head into the tourist haven of Flores, Guatemala. You will need to pay a border fee of around $40 US.
Teena Clipston - Teena Clipston is publisher and editor-in-chief of TheGreenGazette. www.thegreengazette.ca
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