BELIZE

Craving the jungle or the ocean? Belize has something for everyone.

BY KAITLIN NARCISO

San Ignacio is the heart of the Cayo District. Located in the jungle, a day in San Ignacio is filled with opportunities. From bird watching in the morning, to exploring ancient Mayan ruins during the day, to roaming the jungle on a guided night walk in the evening, there is an abundance of things to do for every type of traveler.

Spending the day in the middle of the jungle cave-tubing and zip-lining with Belizing.com and Belize Cave Expeditions is an unBELIZEable experience.

You’ll spend your morning zipping atop the trees, gliding from platform to platform, hiking higher and higher to the next lines--it’s exhilarating. After, while already filled with giddy excitement, you’ll make your way to the entrance of the cave system for an afternoon of cave tubing. Lounging lazy river style, you’ll float along for two hours, guided by the current through the different caves.

We learned about the history of Belize, the caves themselves, and the Mayan influence from our knowledgeable and incredible tour guide Luis. About an hour in, he asked if we’d like to go on foot into part of the cave and witness complete darkness. After climbing up into one of the cave’s crevasses, we army crawled through another section and found ourselves in a part that had old Mayan plates and artifacts. When we reached a certain point, Luis told us to switch off our lights. We took in the utter darkness in silence--completely mesmerized.

Trying the local cuisine is a must. From traditional dishes like fry jacks for breakfast, salbutes for lunch, jerk chicken with coconut rice and beans for dinner, and bread pudding for dessert, you’ll see the melting pot of cultures that is Belize melt together in the delicious dishes offered.

Most notably, Ko-Ox Han-Nah is a favorite among locals--and for good reason. Splitting the pork tacos, chicken quesadillas, and classic coconut rice, beans, coleslaw and chicken dish, Jess and I couldn’t put our forks down–except when handling our tacos. Affectionately called Han-nahs, this restaurant is a tasty haven filled with good people, flavorful food, and delicious drinks. 56 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

After a day spent exploring the jungle, retreating to the stunning San Ignacio Resort and curling up in one of the hammocks by the pool with a book, on the terrace with a coconut mojito from the bar, or in your luxurious bed with the television on and room service delivered, is the perfect treat.

San Ignacio Resort is a family-owned Belizean boutique hotel with breathtaking views and incredible grounds. Overlooking the jungle, it’s a bird watching haven and a wildlife lover’s dream.

During my stay in the Royal Suite I woke to toucans on the balcony and Bradford, the iguana, on the tree out front. It was simply magical.

To add to the charm, the hotel is home to the Green Iguana Conservation Project. At the forefront of the conservation efforts for the threatened species, the San Ignacio Resort and the Green Iguana Conservation Project raise, care for, and release these iguanas into the wild. The guided tour will take you to the conservation where you’ll learn about these dinosaur-like creatures and the conservation efforts.

The details of this hotel are what make this accommodation standout. From the friendliest staff, to the most stunning grounds, to the fantastic Running W restaurant, to the conversation efforts, to the incredible turn down service at night, everything is well thought through and enjoyable at the resort. TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 57

San Pedro is the heart of Ambergris Caye, the largest Belizean island.

With the Belize Barrier Reef just offshore, San Pedro is a diver’s paradise. Largest in the Northern Hemisphere and second largest in the world to Australia’s, the reef system spans 185 miles, comprises 7 marine reserve zones, over 400 cays, 3 atolls, and is a haven for plant and animal marine life

Onshore, the town is a bustling haven for tourism with popular restaurants, bars, hostels, hotels, and tour companies.

With the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, the snorkeling and scuba diving adventures are a must. The Blue Hole is perhaps Belize’s most popular diving spot. The giant marine sinkhole is circular in shape and reaches depths of over 400 feet deep. Mayan for ‘little channel’, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular scuba diving and snorkeling location in Belize, comprising of 4 different zones. In order to maintain the reef, certain zones permit commercial and sport fishing, while others do not. From manatees to dolphins, stingrays to nurse sharks, moray eels to barracudas, sea turtles to lobsters, the biodiversity of the Barrier Reef is tremendous. Shark Ray Alley, which is traditionally where fishermen cleaned their catch, welcomes nurse sharks and rays and is the most popular snorkeling spot in Belize, allowing snorkelers to swim alongside the incredible creatures.

For those looking for a balance of relaxation and adventure, a sailing adventure with Rum Punch II is the perfect choice. This is where you’ll find Captain George, which in and of itself is one of the best selling features. His company, which his daughter helps run, allows you to customize your adventure and choose which snorkeling and swimming spots you’d like to enjoy. He’s also quite the chef!

For a more action packed adventure, choose one of the Tuff-e-Nuff tours. Their experienced guides will get you in the water exploring a number of different spots. If you’re traveling with someone who wants to dive and someone who wants to snorkel, this company allows for both on their tours.

Back on the island, make sure to explore the not-so-secret Secret Beach. Fill your day with sunshine, boozy beverages, and delicious food from the Secret Paradise Beach Bar. Head to restaurants with local chefs like Hooked on Lina Point and El Fogon for a taste of the traditional cuisine. Hooked on Lina Point is a small open concept kitchen run by Chef Lucky. From the mainland, Lucky brings his favorite Belizean dishes to Lina Point. His jerk chicken, coleslaw, and coconut rice and beans were by far the best I’ve ever tried.

For live music and a little more of a nightlife scene, check out the on-the-water restaurants Palapas and Losers. If you’re interested in grabbing a nightcap and having a fun night out, Crazy Canucks offers themed nights of Karaoke, Trivia and Hermit Crab Racing. TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 59

If you’re looking to do San Pedro on a budget, Sandbar is the perfect choice for your stay. This beach front hostel is equipped with a casual open-air restaurant and bar, friendly staff, and a clean living area. With a hammock garden, plunge pool, and over-the-water deck with lounge chairs and water tubes, the fun atmosphere is the perfect paradise on a budget!

For a little more high end stay, Las Terrazas Resort offers a luxury complex on a private beach with an infinity pool, a spa, and a poolside restaurant. Here you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes and even learn to scuba dive at their on-site PADI Dive Shop.

The over-the-water bungalows at Lina Point are perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for a more quiet stay. Here you’ll be slightly more removed from the main hub of San Pedro but there are still restaurants like Dive Bar that are walking distance. The on-site restaurant, Hooked on Lina Point, is small but fantastic, serving breakfast until late with Chef Lucky in the kitchen.