For anyone who’s explored Central America or the Caribbean, the beautiful country of Belize has probably been in the queue for potential places to visit. For us, Belize was the only choice – more specifically, the small settlement village of San Pedro located on Amergris Caye. Just for a little bit of history: Belize was formerly British Honduras, and is now an independent Commonwealth realm on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, and to the south & west by Guatemala. The beautiful waters of the Carribean Sea surround the east of Belize.
The 30 minute flight in our puddle jumper aircraft from Belize City (the capital of Belize) to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye was one [flight] which we’ll never forgot! The plane seemed to just barely clear the end of the blacktop runway and catch enough uplift for…
Yes it’s that time of the year! Some of you are probably planning your yearly vacation, your fiftieth trip or your first vacation ever! Whichever one it is, let’s face it- we all have a budget!
Taking care of finances can be a pain! What if I told you that you can travel to San Ignacio, Belize on a budget? How awesome is that!
Whether you’re traveling solo, on a family vacation or with a group of friends- I’ve got you covered.
Let’s start with transportation from the Belize International Airport (PGIA) to San Ignacio:
You can choose Airbnb in town or beside the river. Prices vary according to location and amenities. If you’re a solo traveler, I would recommend you to stay in town due to transportation, food and entertainment.
Photo Courtesy: Jungle Splash Eco Tours
Places to eat on a budget:
Local fast foods – Minchos, Yolis Pizza
Local restaurants – Cenaida’s Belizean Food, Pops Restaurant, Ko-ox Han nah (lets go eat), Eva’s Restaurant
Street food – Hot dogs, Mexican tacos, Empanades, burritos, tamales, garnaches
(Only buy street food if it’s hot or directly off the grill)
Not sure which restaurant to choose?
Look for reviews on their Facebook page or TripAdvisor.
San Ignacio’s night life is one Burns Avenue. Visit restaurants, bars and gift shops that are a #1 traveler’s choice in town.
Things to do in San Ignacio, Belize:
Mayan Ruins – Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol
Waterfalls – Thousand Foot Falls, Pontoon Waterfall Adventure, Big Rock falls, Five Sisters Falls and Rio on Pools
Caves – Actun Tunichil Muknal, Rio Frio Cave, Barton Creek Cave, St. Herman Cave and Crystal Cave
Canoeing – Barton Creek Cave, Macal River
Kayaking – Mopan River
Horseback Riding – Tour to Xunantunich, River Valley, Farm tour and Waterfall Tour
Medicinal Trails – Chaa Creek Botanical Gardens and Belize Rainforest Medicinal Trail
Bird Watching – Caracol Mayan Ruins and The Aguacate Lagoon
Iguana Conservation Project
Butterfly Farm – Chaa Creek and Blue Morpho butterfly farm
The San Ignacio market – Opens every Saturday
Visit the local farmers market to buy fresh veggies, taste Belizean food or meet new people.
Some tours are five to fifteen minutes away from town, while others are two to three hours into the jungle or pine ridge. Tours range from full day to half day, and the half day tours can be done in the morning or afternoon.
Ultimate Bucket List For Belize Adventures in 2018
“Well well… How ironic”, says the realist!
“Huh?”… says you’re weirdo friend.
“Whaaat! Where is this place, let’s do this!”…said the travel freak.
Who do you think lived the happiest life? Don’t answer just yet!
Let’s take a look at this Million Dollar vacation before you make any assumptions!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in this case, it’s in the eye of a
ravenous traveler. Most people see it as a vacation, while a traveler
sees it as a lifestyle. Therefore, a million dollar vacation is valued, not
on how much money you spend, but on the experience, adventure and excitement!
Let’s take a look at Belize’s Million Dollar Destinations:
The Belize Barrier Reef
Being the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, this natural attraction has attracted thousands every year. Sail into the
blue- snorkel, swim and dive among magnificent coral gardens. Meet many species of fishes including Sharks!
Second Largest Barrier Reef
The Belize Blue Hole
This giant sink hole in the Caribbean is one of the top ten diving destinations in the World. Thousands flock
Belize every year to experience this incredible “Bucket List” dive. The blue hole is not a colorful dive, but contains
massive stalactites, many types of fishes including: giant groupers, nurse sharks, reef sharks and hammerheads.
Belize Great Blue Hole – Lighthouse Reef
The ATM Cave ( Actun Tunichil Muknal)
The Actun Tunichil Mucknal is one of the top ten sacred caves in the world, according to National Geographic. The
number of visitors rise yearly, as this is a “bucket list” cave. Take a hike into the Mayan Underworld known as “Xibalba”.
See but Don’t touch! The massive stalagmites and stalactites will blow your mind- and that’s not all…meet the “crystal
maiden”! Hike through the thick jungle, wade through crystal clear rivers and explore the great underworld!
The World’s FIRST Jaguar Preserve. The name “cockscomb” derives from the mountain ridges that resembles a rooster’s
comb. This magnificent mountain range is visible from the coastal plain of the Caribbean Sea. It is very popular for its spectacular
waterfalls, mountain views, nature trails, and rich diversity of tropical birds. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all
five (5) of Belize’s cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Ocelot.
Cockscomb Basin wildlife Sanctuary
Caracol Archaeological Site
Located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the largest Mayan Site in Belize. During its classic period, Caracol
hosted a population of 180,000 people. The central core area covered 15 square miles and was linked together by more than
20 miles of causeways. Over 70 formal tombs have been excavated, and many hieroglyphic texts were found on stelaes, altars,
walls and capstones.
Caracol Archeological site – Popular Day Tour in San Ignacio Belize
These are five “bucket list” Activities in Belize. However, they are only the beginning of an incredible Belize adventure.
Visit the five major tourist destinations: San Ignacio, Placencia, Hopkins, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Is this a Million Dollar Vacation or What? Travel on a budget and experience priceless moments in tropical Belize!
Everyone enjoys traveling, and no one should be limited as to where they can travel. However, the question comes up too often-mostly because of safety reasons.
Is Belize a Gay Friendly Travel Destination?
Does Belize support Gay Pride?
Are we safe traveling to another country as a gay/lesbian couple?
Due to Archaic sodomy laws passed on by former British rules, it is illegal to be gay in Belize. On the other hand, Belize has a motto “Live and let live”. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As far as I know, Belizean officials have never prosecuted any gay/lesbian traveler. As a matter of fact, there are many gay/lesbian couples in Belize. Gay pride is not celebrated openly in Belize, but I have heard of private functions. Belize does not have gay pubs, restaurants, hotels or tours. It’s a free country! However you should know, in Belize, any intense public display of affection is frowned upon- whether gay or straight.
While working in the tourism industry, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many gay couples traveling throughout Belize. So far, none of them complained about criticism, rejection or favoritism. Being a tropical country, Belize is a famous destination for romance, adventure and relaxation. Yes, Belize is a gay friendly travel destination!
Destinations
There are five major travel destinations: San Ignacio, Placencia, Hopkins, Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Since they are “tourist destinations”, they are people friendly meaning- anyone is welcome.
Being a Belizean Travel Agent, I’ve got the latest scoop, and I can definitely hook you up. You can choose from-Inland, Coastal or Island Destinations. Accommodations vary from luxury suite to jungle/beach cabanas. As your Belizean travel expert, I will recommend the popular gay travel hotels and resorts. From the moment you enter Belize, you will be escorted by a private transportation to whichever destination you desire. I choose to offer private transportation since other travelers may not be gay friendly.
Activities
All tours and activities are private, or simply for your group. Activities include:
Cave Tubing and Zip Lining
Mayan Ruins and Caves
Mountain Pine Ridge
Rappelling waterfalls
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Sport Fishing
Eco Tours…etc.
Yes, every tour in Belize is gay friendly, but I will personally choose Tour Guides to work under my expectations. Whether gay or straight travelers, everyone will experience the same when booking with Belle Escape Travels.
Belize Facts
Belize is an English speaking country
The currency exchange rate is $2BZ to $1US
San Pedro-Ambergris Caye is a major gay travel destination in Belize..more facts about Belize
Belize Travel and Vacation 