JeanH

My husband and I returned last week from our fourth trip to Belize. This trip we decided to make a brief (too brief) stop in San Ignacio before heading to Ambergris Caye. We tend to be wanderers and really prefer to be close to a town so we aren't at the 'mercy' of hotel/resort food. For that reason we stayed at San Ignacio Resort Hotel, just a short walk from downtown San Ignacio. We rented at car at BZE, and after heading off in the wrong direction, righted ourselves and headed out. The drive was easy and the road was decent. Lots of speed bumps when you're entering/leaving populated areas. Also lots of bicycles and pedestrians.

We arrived at our hotel late afternoon, just after a very windy storm had passed through. By the time we arrived the sun was shining though. The floor of our room was wet, the person at the front desk had it cleaned up in a few minutes. The room wasn't fancy, but had a nice little patio and a decent sized bathroom. Pool and restaurant on site (although we never ate there). We arranged to go bird watching/hiking early the next morning and headed into town. Wandered around, stopped a couple different places for drinks and finally ate at Serendib, a Sri Lankin restaurant. Very good curry.

Up bright and early to meet our guide, unfortunately, he was a no-show. The guy at the front desk couldn't find any record of our supposed tour, so didn't even know who to call. So, we walked into town for breakfast, had an excellent fruit plate at Eva's. Later that morning we made the hot hike to Cahal Pech, which really isn't that far, but a pretty steep hill to get there. Some neat ruins, would have been better if we'd had a guide, but was fun. That evening we had pizza at Martha's.

Next day was Saturday, we headed to the farmer's market early am. Pretty interesting. Everything for sale from fresh fish to furniture. Also lots of food stands. I would try and plan any return trips to be in San Ignacio on Saturday morning. I think when we head back that way, we will stay at one of the jungle lodges outside of town, but close enough to drive in one night for dinner. There are lots of things to do in the area, and it's really pretty.

Anyway, back to Belize City, dropped off the car, headed to the municipal airport. Tried to get on a earlier flight, but it was full. Oh, well, next one's in an hour. We wandered across the parking lot, found a small bar and sat down for a Belikin. Lots of locals there playing dominoes. We ended up talking to them and had a very pleasant hour.

Beautiful flight to Ambergrsi Caye, although we had to make a stop at the international airport on the way. This trip we stayed at the Palms. Very nice condo, absolutely great location, on the south edge of town.

While there we snorkeled Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley with Amigos del Mar. Also hopped on the water taxi and spent a day wandering, eating and drinking on Caye Caulker. It was still really kicked back, but much busier than when we were first there two years ago.

Restaurants we ate at were Caramba, good garlic shrimp, Jade Garden, they have lots of other things on the menu besides Chinese, Casa Picasso for pasta, BC's barbecue at noon on Sunday, Micky's on Wednesday noon for their wonderful burritos. Also had lunch at Fido's.

Wonderful time, our favorite place. Hot, hot, hot.

Ally

Great report! Brings back fond memories, especially snorkeling Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Have you ever considered a charter sail trip? That's what we did! Great way to see a lot of islands, and the best part is that they can get you to all the great snorkle spots before the masses arrive!

JeanH

Hi Ally,

Funny you should mention sailing. My husband is taking sailing lessons this summer. There is nothing he would rather do than island hop via boat. I'm afraid I don't share his enthusiasm, although I would be more than willing to try it for a few days.

How's your hotel is CR coming?

trevorjoyce

We loved CR last summer and would either like to go back next yr. or to Belize. We really enjoyed wildlife/rainforest in CR. Would we see much of that in Belize, or would it be more snorkeling and going to some ruins??? Joyce

LA_FadeAway

Thanks for the report! I'll be visiting Belize next month

JeanH

We didn't see animals in Belize like we have in Costa Rica or Panama. I know there are lots of howler monkeys on the trip from San Pedro to the ruins at Lamanai, but we've never made that trip. There were lots of birds around San Ignacio, but we weren't really out in the jungle much.

emma1968

Thanks for all the reports on Belize... We are already planning a March 2006 vacation and are considering Belize as a destination. We are not snorklers or scuba divers and really prefer lots of wildlife. Perhaps we should go back to Costa Rica. We have been there twice in the past years and it is definitely a favorite.

One question about Belize, does anybody know if they celebrate Holy Week? I know that week can be quite challenging in terms of finding availability at good hotels.

Thanks for any info you can provide!

Em

Katie_Valk

Easter is optimum vacation time for tourists, Belizeans and our neighbors in Central America. Much quieter and in some cases, less $ the week after. Book ahead.

emma1968

Thanks Katie! I will contact you if we opt for Belize.

JeanH

Emma, Have you considered Panama? We saw loads of wildlife while we were there this past January.

dfarmer

JeanH - ran across your report and saw your question to Ally on their hotel. Emailed with Ally a few weeks ago and she gave me the website of their property, just thought you too may want to see http://plumeriasdelmar.com/

Thanks for your valuable info on Belize, it is proving to be very helpful to me as I try to decide on Belize or back to CR.