Hi All,

We will be in Belize in December, and flying out on Christmas (Dec 25th); Our flight is at 1:45 out of BZE and I expect we will only have carry-ons (no checked bags).

It looks like transportation from Caye Caulker is either 9 to 10am or 1030 to 1130am... If we take the 1030; Is that enough time to get to the airport and check-in for an international flight? And given that it is Christmas, is there any concern about getting transportation from the water taxi to BZE & any recommendations on who can assist us with this transport?

ATV adventure ao beautiful riding through beautiful terrain, and this can be combined with Xunantunich Maya Temples or Waterfall.

What an amazing highway with absolutely fantastic views along the way to and from Hopkins. The Hummingbird Highway is as picturesque as can be. My family and I, being formerly from the Yukon, love our mountains back home and these ones here far exceeded our expectations. We eventually arrived in Hopkins and had lunch there on the beach at the Driftwood. A beautiful place unto itself. Belize 🇧🇿 is an extraordinarily diverse country. So far, for us, it’s been beautiful in every corner we’ve explored.

Planning a first time trip to Belize with my wife in mid October. We will plan on flying out on a Saturday from the US and returning on Wednesday/Thursday (debatable, can stretch out an extra day) of the following week. So basically 4-5 days total including travel time since we have to get back to our kids.

Looking to do a blend of relaxation & adventures (we are in good health). Google recommended going to Ambergris Caye for snorkeling / beach exploration then back to mainland / Belize City for ATM cave. Wondering if this itinerary is feasible or if there's a better idea to optimize our time?

• Day 1: Fly into Belize city; take domestic flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to stay at a resort
• Day 2: leisure stay at resort with snorkeling / fishing / beach exploration
• Day 3: transfer to mainland back to Belize City
• Day 4: try to go to ATM cave?
• Day 5: fly back to the US

We’re headed to San Pedro this week for a birthday celebration and made reservations for Sunset Lounge @ 9pm but I just found out they close at Midnight 😩.

I’m wondering if we need to switch and just go to Allure instead OR maybe we start at Sunset Lounge and walk to Allure afterwards?

Does anyone know if it’s an easy walk? According to google maps it’s about a 3 minute walk but not sure how easy it is to get to from Sunset Lounge.

Thoughts?

Traveled to Belize from Texas the week of August 14. Work has been exceptionally busy and school started so this trip report has been delayed.

First off I want to say that Francisco u/FranzJunior2025, contacted through this subreddit, proved to be an invaluable resource and guide. Francisco is gracious and warm and did us multiple solids throughout our trip. I’d recommend him as a guide in a heartbeat.

The first day we arrived in Belize City and rented a car. From there we drove to a late afternoon check in at an airbnb in Hopkins. The high level plan for the trip was to visit Hopkins, Placencia, hike Tiger Fern Falls, and snorkel. We had four days total (yes very short and we want more time next time), but with Francisco’s help we did everything we wanted to do. 

First day (Thursday), arrive and explore Hopkins. We had access to some bikes at the Airbnb so we biked to get ice cream and some drinks. The ice cream at Black Orchid was delicious and already we were enraptured by the climate, kindness of people we met, and easygoing feeling in and around Hopkins. 

Later I had some Belikin beer and hudut at Semeti Gifitti. Hudut is so delicious I recommend prioritizing eating it on your trip to Belize. There was a drum circle going while we ate. The ocean, drums, great food and beer made the evening.

The next morning we met Francisco to hike Tiger Fern. He was clear and helpful with his instructions and was always responsive if I had a question. Make sure you bring lots of water on the hike and some snacks. Expect a strenuous uphill. The hike overall isn’t long, but has some steep points. The jungle and clean crisp air made it worth it. We love to hike so all of it was gravy for us. Francisco shared some history and cultural knowledge as we hiked along too. He really is friendly and amazing. 

The falls themselves are stunning and a must do experience. The day we went we were fortunate to have the falls to ourselves. During the busier season that is not the case FYI. The water is absolutely refreshing and revivifying. We didn’t want to leave. You can climb on to the rocks below the waterfall and let the cool water wash over. It’s a rare, thrilling experience.

After wrapping up what proved to be an experience we’ll never forget, we drove on to Placencia. We walked around town, and bought some fresh fruit at a market. We had a drink or two at some restaurants and then found some bbq at Mr. Q’s. When we go back to Belize I’ll be back. Mr. Q’s was delicious. The pork chop was out so I had some bbq chicken. Can’t say enough how I scarfed this down and enjoyed every bit of it.

Francisco proved once again to be the real MVP because we didn’t have plans finalized for the next day. We found some charters for snorkeling, but two of them backed out or said they needed more people in our group to make the trip (they said they needed a group of four). Francisco connected us up with Akeem the evening before and it turned out to be an amazing time. 

Akeem met us the next day at Placencia and really made it a special day. Akeem brought some food and drinks, snorkeling gear, and was as knowledgeable as they come on Belizean history. We spent a few hours relaxing and drinking beer at Moho Caye. Akeem snorkeled with us around the Caye. We saw stringrays, tarpon, beautiful coral, it was exactly what we were looking for on a day of snorkeling.

Lunch was crab, lobster, and grilled vegetables. Heaven. You can’t beat the flavor and freshness and we ate it right there on the beach in paradise. 

Akeem took us to another Caye for a second round of snorkeling. The sea life was abundant and colorful. It turned out to be a perfect day.

When we returned to Placencia we ate at Vern’s Kitchen craving more Garifuna food. I ate more hudut. The flavor is coconut smooth with a little bite and goes well with the plantain and fish. You get the influence of Caribbean and Mayan right there and I can’t recommend it enough. 

We will be going back. It’s not hard to get away for a few days to Belize from Texas. On our next trip I’d like to spend a week and visit Xunantunich and do some tubing. The hike at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has more I’d like to see, and then there are more Cayes I’d like to visit and snorkel. Belize is a paradise and appeals to our laidback approach to travel.

Hey everyone! We are moving down arriving9/28 for hopefully 6 months (more actually) and it's our birthday week! Mine is the 27th and my husband's is the 23rd! We will be traveling from Montana USA to Houston that entire week, so waiting to celebrate until our arrival! Looking for a chill spot with great vibes (read: doesn't need to be fancy) to celebrate both our immigration and birthdays. We like great food, good drinks (beer/rum punch) and a easy going vibe. We're pretty excited to be unplugging for an extended period of time and getting to know our new "neighbors." Any recs?

Hello!

Maybe a silly question, but are there any spin reel fishing pole rentals available in Punta Gorda? Would only be for light catch and release river fishing.

If not, and I brought my own pole, are there any recommendations on what to use as far as lures or bait goes and possibly where to get bait?

Going for a week in November and our hotel says it's okay if we fish from the banks of the river on their property. :)

Thanks for any help or advice you might have to give!

I've been looking for cabins to stay in at Mountain Pine Ridge. We've stayed at places like Pacific Heights, and Green Shade Haven before but for church trips. I tried to get some contact info for owners but it seems hard to find. Do any of you have any recommendations for any cabins/campgrounds (with cabins) in Mountain Pine Ridge? Hopefully with contact info.

I have been looking at many of the Facebook marketplace listing regarding autos. Eventually in my longterm stay, having wheels will be a necessity. My question involves tags and registration. What's the process like buying a car in Belize? Or what if I find something that I build myself? How does that work? I can tell you, some of the things I was seeing on the roads barely fit the description of a vehicle, bumpers missing, hoods held down with rope and a few with no fenders. What are the car laws?

I’m going to Belize as a solo traveler. I’ve noticed all the tours charge me double the price bc I’m by myself even it’s supposed to be a group tour. I’m wondering if it would be better to just rent a car and drive myself. I’m mainly going to be in San Ignacio and Belize city. I don’t typically like driving, let alone in other countries, but I do it if I must, like in Chile to see the hand in the desert sculpture.

Can anyone let me know how difficult driving is there/how easy it is to park and stuff? Thank you!!

Hi, we're going to be in Belize in Dec, staying in S.I. area... Planning to do Caracol one day and would like to cave kayak and zip line another day. Top recommendations for cave kayaking/zip line tour? It would be 3 adults, 2 kids (6&8, 48"+)

My family and I are coming into Belize from Guatemala and are looking to rent a car while in the country but won't be entering through the Belize City Airport where it seems that almost all of the car rental companies are. Our itinerary takes us to San Ignacio, a jungle lodge along the Hummingbird Highway, Hopkins/Placencia, Caye Caulker, and then flying out via Belize City. We were wondering if there was anywhere that we could rent a car in San Ignacio or Belmopan and then return it in Belize City before going to Caye Caulker. If not, is that an option further South? Thanks in advance!

Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM Cave is known for is astounding Mystery and rich history, The Mayas Used it for human sacrifice making it one of the world's most famous cave.

Hi!

I am looking for some advise on what to do in Belize city for half a day. We are arriving around noon and then are leaving to Copal Tree Lodge at 8am the next day. We are likely going to stay at a hotel near the airport for the night but would love some recommendations for restaurants and things to do in Belize City.

Would be particularly interested in any fruit/vegetable markets (similar to Paloquemao in Bogota or La Boqueria in Barcelona).

Thanks!

Also known as “quash “