Be Busy in Beautiful Belize!
- DH
- Dec 28, 2018
- 5 min read
Belize has long been a storied (and at times controversial) travel destination. Renowned as beautiful, this English-speaking nation can be the backdrop of your next great adventure! It can also be expensive :( Having lived there and being a frequent enough visitor, below are our experiences and money saving suggestions:
Who is the traveler?:
Late 20's - Black/African American woman
What's the budget?:
About $1,000 USD to spend while there
Tip: The US dollar is two BZE to one (i.e. $1USD = $2BZE). Belizeans are used to working in USD; so, you can use your US dollar bills all around the country and avoid some extra transaction fees. Use small bills ($1, $5, $10) for safety and ease.
How to get there:
Philip Goldson is Belize's international airport and is located just outside of Belize City. It's pretty small - you'll be in and out in an hour. There are a few steady flights in and out of Belize - e.g. Delta has two flights per day from Atlanta. Southwest has a few daily options, as well. JetBlue is rumored to begin a route, too. Depending on the time of year, you can get round trip flights for $400 USD (give or take). Also, you can get Cuban cigars at the duty-free store.
If you are a bit more adventurous, know Spanish and have extra time (and would like to save a few hundred bucks), I suggest that you fly into Cancun, Mexico and travel down to Belize City. We've all seen tickets to Cancun for less than $200 USD.
Once you land in Cancun:
Take a taxi to the ADO Bus Station
Take the ADO bus to Chetumal, Quintana Roo or to Belize City.
There is a bus that leaves Cancun at 10:15 pm and arrives in Belize city by 7am the next day.
Cost should be around $20 USD
Choose 1st class option - trust me. The bus will be air-conditioned, have a restroom, and movies will be played (in Spanish).
I confess, it is a 6-hour bus ride from Cancun to Chetumal or about 8-hours to Belize City. But, you get to see a beautiful portion of Mexico and, maybe, Belize. There will also be an exit tax of $20 USD to leave Mexico and enter Belize. If you choose to stop in Chetumal, you can take a taxi over to Corozal, Belize.
How to get around:
Use the bus, taxi cabs, or get a car service. Renting a car can be expensive but worth it for some who desire a bit more freedom.
Eat:
Corozal - I define Corozal as a "laid back town." It provides quick access to Mexico and San Pedro/Ambergris Caye
Jo-Mel-In Restaurant offers delicious, traditional Belizean food. Very affordable - expect to spend less than $15 BZE per meal. Strongly suggest that you order some fry jacks in addition to your meal. Some reviews.
Pappy Banner - Order the salbutes, panades, and garnaches. Trust me. This long standing eatery is next to the Corozal Bus Station. Expect to pay about $10 - $15 BZE.
Tony's Inn - close out your day at Tony's, if you would like a more sophisticated sit-down. Tony's has been around for decades and is well respected. It's a staple in Corozal and worth a visit. You might spend about $40 BZE for a meal.
Orange Walk -
Try some chicken tacos... from...almost anywhere (taco stands are plentiful)... These tacos are famous. There is even a Tacos Festival every year. Expect to pay about 3 tacos for $1 BZE. FEAST!
Belize City -
Ditt's is a Belizean institution. They serve traditional Belizean specialties and pastries. Try the jam rolls, meat pies, lemon pie and coconut tarts. You must try them. Expect to pay about $15 BZE for a mini spread.
Friendship Chinese Fried Chicken is a popular meal in Belize City. Fried chicken is eaten as commonly in Belize as it is here in the US. This is the place where many go to get their fix! Meals come with choice of fried rice or fries and "salad" which is more like coleslaw. The below is considered 1 piece/leg. So, you get plenty. Prices range but are low. You can expect to pay about $10 BZE for a meal + drink.
Sleep:
Corozal
There are several hotels in Corozal to choose from. Great options below:
Belize City
The Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina has been around for many years and is a trusted, well respected hotel.
Adventures:
Corozal
Take a walk
Corozal's downtown/city center and its bayside are quite charming. There are parks, shops and mini-museums all around. My favorite park is in front of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. There is a huge slide in the middle, trees, and food vendors. The church is also beautiful - take a peek.
Spend the day in San Pedro/Ambergris Caye
Rent jet skis. Go snorkeling around the coral reef. Reserve a golf cart to zip around the island. Scuba dive. Do some deep sea fishing. Visit the Blue Hole, Shark Ray Alley.This island has something for everyone. There are daily ferries to San Pedro/Ambergris Caye from the Corozal bay. Fare is $45 BZE each way. During holidays, the departure times will vary. Make sure to check!
Tip: To save some money, stay in Corozal and take a day trip or two to San Pedro/Ambergris Caye. Corozal is cheaper, quieter, and easily accessible.
Belize City
Visit an island/caye
Belize City has a water ferry/taxi terminal. Pick a caye and go! Belize has a whole lot of islands/cayes for you to choose from. I suggest Caye Caulker for your consideration.
Cayo
Near Belmopan is lush and truly beautiful. This area of Belize has many “be one with nature” type activities: explore Mayan ruins, check out animal sanctuaries, hike/bike through the rain forest, go canoeing, kayaking, etc.
You should also visit the Belize Zoo. It is so not your typical zoo. It is set in the rain forest and you become part of the animals’ world. There are no typical barriers between you and the wildlife. Of course, you are safe from being mauled by the jaguars. However, you may forget that once or twice.
Stann Creek/Toledo
If you are in Belize during mid-November, make your way to Dangriga, Hopkins and/or Punta Gorda for a day or two. Belize’s indigenous population is the Garifuna – descendants of Africans intended for slavery who sailed to Belize after fighting off their captors – and they celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. There are beaches and boutique resorts to choose from at each town.
Tip: In Dangriga, I love relaxing near the area where the sea meets the river. Check it out!
Resources:
Overall/Quick Notes:
Belize is beautiful. Have fun! Be adventurous. Be smart. Be safe.
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