We literally just had the most amazing few weeks. It was well needed after a little bit of a tough start to summer. We traveled to Hopkins Village, Belize and had the opportunity to discover a little town full of culture and authenticity. It is a country filled with so much natural, untouched beauty and fascinating ancient history. Traveling to Belize was the exact reprieve we needed.
When it comes to dream destinations, out of my own carelessness, Belize was never one of those bucket list places for me. I thought it was a a haven for scuba divers, and I’ve actually never tried SCUBA-ing before. Boy, was I wrong. It is nestled in Central America and bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Belize boasts an array of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and adventures that are sure to captivate any one. We still cannot decide on our favorite part. There were vibrant coral reefs, lush jungles and rich Mayan history. Simply put, Belize offers such a diverse range of experiences that make it a traveler’s paradise. And if Chris has his way it will be our future expat home location.
Hopkins Village, Belize
We based ourselves in the the picturesque coastal town of of Hopkins Village. The tranquil village of Hopkins beckons travelers with its unspoiled charm, rich Garifuna culture, and serene beaches. It is a town tucked away from bustling tourist crowds seen in many other places in Belize. I can’t imagine it will stay hidden for long – even Will and Kate visited Hopkins on their Caribbean/Central American tour last year. Hopkins offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and immersion into the local way of life. We booked this trip seeking a getaway that combined pristine natural beauty with an authentic cultural experience. And we found it in the hidden gem of Hopkins. We were lucky that it also happened to be the weekend of their ‘Hopkins Day’ festivities while we were there.
The allure of Hopkins lies in its serene beaches and laid-back atmosphere. We did ALOT on this trip, but were still able to have some days of lounging on the powdery sands, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and basking in the warm tropical sun. The resort we stayed at, Hopkins Bay Resort was the casual and relaxing place we needed. The village’s unhurried pace is the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. It was the perfect place to let us truly unwind and recharge our spirits.
While Hopkins itself had more than plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration, it also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions. Like usual I made sure we had a full itinerary. In planning the trip we found ourselves conflicted on wanting to venture to the ancient Mayan ruins, the jungle and the beach. We chose Hopkins for its more central access to all of these wonders rather than having to choose just one. Which brings me to the fun part – what to do once you make get to Belize. We booked all of our excursions with Josie and her team at Get to Know Belize Adventures, and they made us feel like family all week.
We were really able to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Garifuna people, descendants of African, Arawak, and Carib ancestry. One night at dinner there was traditional drumming, dance, and delectable cuisine highlighting the Garifuna way of life. The boys sat stunned when their boring mom joined in on the dancing.
A Day Fishing the Belize Barrier Reef
For those seeking adventure, Hopkins offers an array of water-based activities. One of Belize’s most iconic attractions is the Belize Barrier Reef. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest coral reef system in the world. We swam alongside vibrant marine life and marveled at the kaleidoscope of colors created the coral formations beneath the waves. I have never seen so many shades of blue and such crystal clear water. As if that wasn’t enough, we were able to kayak, paddleboard and fish to experience all the sea’s allure.
Reef fishing was possibly our favorite day of the entire trip. I cringe a little as I say that because we covered so many things in Belize and it’s so hard to decide. This was the equivalent of Disney dream day of fishing. Jake reeled in two barracudas in probably the first 3 casts of the day. Luke caught a six foot nurse shark on a handline. We caught more snapper than we could probably eat in a week. And we only did the half day excursion! If that wasn’t exciting enough, our captains took us to a little island called Bread and Butter Caye, and prepared us the freshest lunch with all our bounty.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins:
Belize is home to an impressive collection of Mayan ruins, each with its own unique history and architectural marvels. First, there is the ancient city of Caracol, nestled within the jungles, reveals grand pyramids and ceremonial centers. We were able to visit, tour and climb through mystical ruins of Xunantunich, only accessible by a hand-cranked ferry!
At the heart of Xunantunich lies El Castillo, a remarkable pyramid that not only served as a ceremonial center but also as a vantage point for observing the surrounding landscape. At the top of its many steps, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the dense jungle, the meandering Mopan River, and even glimpses of the neighboring Guatemala.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
This was straight up an Indiana Jones movie in real life. The adventure through the ATM Cave is as remarkable as the destination itself. At times we waded through the cave’s underground river, maneuvering through some very narrow passages, climbed bouldering rocks to experience the sensation of uncovering hidden chambers. All of which contributed to a sense of exploration and discovery that is both exhilarating and humbling.
Venturing deeper into the cave’s chambers, we entered a time capsule that transported us back to the ancient Maya civilization. About 1200 years ago, the cave served as a sacred ceremonial site. Rituals and offerings were made to the gods. Today, visitors can observe a wealth of artifacts left behind by the Maya. This includes pottery, skeletal remains, and stunning calcified formations that have formed over centuries.
Visting the ATM Cave was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the “shoes” of ancient Maya priests and witnesses the remnants of their spiritual practices. It’s a chance to connect with history, marvel at nature’s artistic creations, and be humbled by the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. Emerging from the cave, we vowed to carry not only mental memories of the journey but also a deeper appreciation for the ancient cultures that once thrived in this captivating realm.
*”Shoes” in quotations becuase at some point in the journey through the cave you will leave your take off your shoes. We were the idiots that didnt bring socks and had to go barefoot.
**No cameras allowed in the cave – so we don’t have the pictures to even prove we did it!
Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory
This was the surprise excursion of the trip. Rained out of snorkelling on our first day, I was determined to make sure we didn’t sit idle for one possible minute. So we were able to book at the last minute an afternoon at the Che’il Chocolate Factory. At Che’il Chocolate Factory, the emphasis is on crafting chocolate using traditional, artisanal methods of the Maya. The factory took us through every step of the chocolate-making process, starting from the cacao bean itself. Guided tours offer insights into the cultivation, harvesting, fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding of cacao beans to create high-quality chocolate products.
Knowledgeable guides, like Nancicio, lead us through the entire chocolate-making process, providing detailed explanations of each step. From cracking open cacao pods and sampling the sweet pulp to witnessing the transformation of cacao into liquid chocolate, we gained a deeper appreciation for the craft and the effort that goes into producing fine chocolate. It was so hands on also, by grinding roasted cacao beans and forming them into individual chocolate bars. This hands-on experience adds an element of fun and learning, as we connected with the art of chocolate making in a tangible way. I never would have guess the fruit inside a cacao pod was as sweet as it is!
St Hermanns Cave Tubing and Blue Hole National Park
St. Herman’s Cave is a captivating natural wonder located in the Cayo District of Belize. This limestone cave system, nestled within the rainforest of the Blue Hole National Park, offers a unique opportunity to explore subterranean passages. We were stunned by the intricate rock formations and learned about the geological and historical significance of the area.
The cave is home to an underground river that flows through its chambers. The river’s waters were crystal clear and and made for a float and tubing adventure. Unfortunately for our poor guide, the we had to go up the river before we coulf float back down the river. Following the tubing we were able to take a refreshing swim in the Blue Hole – a deep cenote (sinkhole) surrounded by lush vegetation. Exploring the park provided us an opportunity to appreciate Belize’s rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. The boys would have swam here all day long, even if we had already climbed ruins and ate a giant lunch. Those brave enough could use this area as a diving take off into the cave system. The other end was a continuing of the river through the jungle.
Ready to Travel to Belize Yet?
Belize is truly haven for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture aficionados alike. It really is a remarkable blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and the warmest hospitality. A journey to Belize promises unforgettable memories and experiences that left an indelible mark on our traveler souls. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey that will ignite your sense of wonder and exploration like never before.
More Caribbean and Central American Travel Suggestions:
File: Traveling to Belize
[…] my last post was about traveling to Belize for a week. What trailed was another week of travelling to round out the end of summer vacation. […]
[…] We plan ninety five percent of our trips on a whim to satisfy my cabin fever. The bigger ones like Belize and Costa Rica were maybe a month or two notice. But, we booked this about five months out and was […]