Big adventures in bijou Belize

If you’re travelling to Belize, you’ll likely be flying into Cancun Airport in Mexico. We recommend a stopover in the charming coastal town of Akumal, only an hour’s drive from Cancun. This little gem is home to a huge number of turtles as it’s a nesting ground for these gentle creatures, and you have the opportunity to snorkel amongst them during your stay here. There’s not a whole lot else to do besides enjoy the beautiful beach so just one or two nights here is plenty.

Getting there

If, like me, you’re coming from Tulum, there is an option to take the ADO bus, however I do not recommend this. I generally love to catch a bus while I’m travelling as it’s an affordable option that provides a chance to slow down and take in the views of the local area, however, speaking from experience this is one journey I won’t be repeating and I’m here to help you avoid it too! The buses do not run regularly, they’re extremely unreliable and, if you do manage to get on the bus, there’s no guarantee they’ll take you all the way! It completely depends on how busy it is. To save yourself a whole lot of hassle, I would recommend getting a private transfer.

When I arrived at Orange Walk, I was amazed by the epic mangroves surrounding my accommodation. After settling in I boarded a boat for a scenic ride along the river to see the incredible Lamanai ruins. One of Belize’s most fascinating Maya sites, Lamanai is located deep in the jungle and features several impressive temples and plazas. I enjoyed wandering around, climbing the ruins and learning all about the history of this captivating site from our brilliant guide. If you’re looking for adventure, Orange Walk is a base for many activities.

When it comes to transport options in Belize, self-driving is definitely the way to go in my opinion. There are only four main roads to access all the highlights and little-to-no traffic which makes driving super easy. It’s also much cheaper when compared to arranging private transfers and taxis. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended as the roads can be a bit bumpy and you may have to dodge the odd pot-hole – on my drive into the jungle in San Ignacio, I saw a waterfall running across the road! I was initially apprehensive about driving over it but realised there was nothing to fear with my 4×4 built for these types of things. I continued and passed over it with ease. With a little confidence and some driving experience, hiring a car is a no-brainer in Belize and once you get used to driving on the right side of the road, the freedom that comes with self-driving is well worth it.

I couldn’t write a list of highlights without including the adventure capital of San Ignacio. Think canoeing, cave tubing, ancient Mayan ruins and lush green rainforests. For our first adventure, we hopped in a canoe and slowly drifted down Barton Creek which was an easy-going experience, ideal for families. On our journey, we visited a cave filled with ancient Maya artefacts including pottery, vases and some skeletons! It’s believed the cave was used for rituals and burial ceremonies which may explain why these mysterious items can be found here. We also had a go at cave tubing which was a lot of fun, floating through a calm underground river and looking up at the glistening stalactites and fascinating rock formations.

Placencia is situated between the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon, where you can do a wide range of different activities. Snorkelling trips are a highlight for any stay in Placencia, with coral reefs and tropical fish dominating the seas. During my trip I only had time for one activity so I chose a trip to Monkey River, in search of Howler monkeys. Along with a few other travellers, I boarded a small boat and headed out on the open sea before cruising up the river with dense vegetation all around. We hiked through the jungle, dodging the terrifying yet fascinating spiders and listening out for the cries of the monkeys, as our local guide told us all about the wildlife and plant life that live here. Although it was raining a lot while I was in Placencia, I really enjoyed soaking in the Caribbean vibes, eating tasty jerk snacks from roadside food vendors and exploring Monkey River. I’d recommend avoiding the huge American resort-style hotels which stand out (not in a good way!) and opt for local, more authentic accommodation where you can immerse yourself in Belizean culture.

Saving the best for last – a huge highlight of my trip to Belize was the laid-back coastal town of Hopkins. The golden beaches, vibrant Garifuna culture and friendly locals meant that Hopkins quickly became one of my new favourite spots. I loved cycling around and exploring the colourful Caribbean buildings, an essential part of any stay in Hopkins, however, I was alarmed to discover the bikes had no brakes! Luckily I was travelling with some Dutch friends and they quickly pointed out the brakes here are the same as in The Netherlands – you have to peddle backwards to brake. Phew!

Another fun activity that’s a must-do here is exploring the underwater world on a snorkelling trip to the Belize Barrier Reef. This is the second-largest coral reef in the world and provided some of the best snorkelling I’ve ever experienced. We were lucky enough to see tonnes of beautiful tropical fish and incredible coral reefs as well as Eagle Rays and Nurse sharks!

Hopkins is a quiet town, where the main mode of transport is bicycle, and the atmosphere is more peaceful than other, more popular locations in Belize such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cave. It really feels like a hidden gem for now (but maybe don’t wait too long for a visit).