Belize
A country that surprised us, not least because we entered it on a school bus as the driver took pity on us at the Guatemalan border. San Ignacio's ATM caves are worth the visit, and sandy paradise Caye Caulker will make you re-assess mainland living -(it'll also make you assess the ethics of the snorkelling tours offered there). We loved the country's laid back vibe and local delicacies like jerk chicken as well as rice and beans. You may want to tweak the itinerary if arriving into Belize City Airport.
Highlights
atm caves
lower dover hostel
diving & snorkelling
Itinerary
San Ignacio (3 nights)
Unitedville (2 nights)
1 hour 50 minutes
Belize City (0 nights)
1 hour
Caye Caulker (4 nights)
40 minutes
San Pedro (1 night)
San Ignacio
A hotspot for Mayan ruins, waterfalls and pine forests (an unexpected find in the Caribbean) San Ignacio is a charming town with wooden stilt houses, local markets and eateries.
There are two main tourist activities. The first is a day trip to Mountain Pine Ridge which involves visiting Caracol ancient ruins and several waterfalls (you can self-drive in a 4x4 or join an organised tour). The second activity is a tour of the infamous ATM caves, a Mayan archeological site, which must be visited with a guide.
We didn't stay long in San Ignacio, but visited Xunantunich Maya Ruins by bus (impressive but also recommend visiting the town centre ruins). A highlight was walking around town, and the running track next to Yellow Belly Hostel. We visited the ATM caves from Unitedville, as they're closer, and joined an epic tour.
Do
ATM Caves, Mountain Pine Ridge (Caracola ancient ruins, Rio frio caves, Rio on pools for a picnic spot, Big rock falls and 1,000 foot falls - only by 4x4), Xunantunich ruins, San Ignacio Market, San Ignacio local city ruins (Cahal Pech)
Eat
Ceinada's Belizean Food, Mom's Backyard
Stay
Yelllow Belly Backpackers
Tips
The easiest way to get around Belize is by bus as distances aren't far. It's not easy to find bus schedules online though, so plan your journey and give yourself more time than needed. Locals know the "unofficial" bus times and are happy to help! Busses are safe. Avoid walking through some Belize City neighbourhoods, espeicially on Sunday when nothing is open - areas around the bus terminal feel sketchy (if you arrive by taxi from the airport you'll be fine). Scuba Diving is expensive! Don't do your PADI here, just fun dives like the Great Blue Hole.
If we had more time...
1. The Great Blue Hole (diving or helicopter)
2. Chan Chin Lodge for Jaguar spotting
3. Hopkins (apparently great beaches)
4. Placencia (also known for beautiful beaches)