Belize
Ruins, Jungles & Islands
A few years ago, a good friend of mine casually mentioned visiting Belize in Central America. The thought lingered with me, and fast forward, we manifested and made that idea come true for 2025!
Destination
Belize is a vibrant country, nestled between Guatemala and Mexico. Navigating it was incredibly easy since English is the primary language. We learned that this traces back to Belize gaining independence from Great Britain in 1981, a surprisingly recent milestone that adds another layer to its story.
The flight from Dallas was roughly three hours. After landing in Belize City, we picked up our rental car at the airport and began the two‑hour drive to our first destination, San Ignacio. That choice set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Car Rental
Planning ahead was essential, especially because a day trip to Guatemala to visit Tikal was at the top of our itinerary. We chose to drive ourselves rather than join a guided tour, and discovered that most agencies in Belize don’t allow vehicles to cross into Guatemala, except Crystal Car Rental. Note that if you plan to visit the famous Tikal Mayan Ruins, book your car at least 48 hours in advance to secure the necessary permits. Be prepared for additional fees, optional insurance, or a substantial $6,000 deposit.
San Ignacio
San Ignacio, near the Guatemala border, became our home base. We stayed at Las Haciendas Hotel, which I highly recommend. We had an entire townhome with two bedrooms and a rooftop pool, making our stay incredibly comfortable.
The hotel was fairly close to the Xunantunich ruins, my favorite stop of the entire trip. To reach the site, we crossed a small river by ferry before driving up to the entrance. Tickets were easy to purchase with cash, while online purchases could take hours to process if bought on the spot.
Exploring without a tour guide gave us the freedom to wander at our own pace, climb several ruins, and take in sweeping views from the tops. Walking through centuries‑old structures felt surreal, especially once the crowds thinned and a quiet stillness settled over the site. Local legends even speak of a ghostly woman with glowing red eyes haunting the ruins.
Roads
Driving through Belize was surprisingly easy. The main roads were well‑maintained, though speed bumps appeared frequently and sometimes without warning. The next day, once we crossed into Guatemala, the landscape shifted as we approached Tikal, pavement gave way to unpaved stretches, and potholes became more visible. It added a rugged edge to the journey, the kind of unexpected terrain that makes the adventure feel even more real.
Views
Nonetheless, as we began the drive into Guatemala, the landscape unfolded into some of the most beautiful scenery we saw the entire trip. Lush greenery, wildlife, and shimmering lakes lined our route. At one point, a vast lake stretched out to our right, offering spectacular views. On the left, we passed a lively town where locals fished and strolled along the water. I wished we had more time to linger, to photograph the town, the people, the rhythm of daily life, but our schedule had us heading back toward the Belize border that same day.
Tikal
Entering Tikal National Park felt like an eternity. The park is massive, and the drive from the entrance gate to the main site was longer than expected. Tour guides greeted us as soon as we arrived, but we chose a self-guided walk with a map in hand. With limited time, we knew we would only see a portion of it. Trails were marked with small signs, and amenities like clean restrooms and vendors selling drinks or souvenirs made the visit comfortable.
The ruins themselves were awe-inspiring. Towering staircases led to panoramic views, so the right shoes were a must. Hiking Boots. Bug spray was equally essential; it is a jungle, after all. Along the way, we spotted monkeys swinging through the trees and iguanas baking in the sun.
San Pedro
Toward the end of our trip, we took a water taxi to San Pedro Island. Renting a golf cart was the best way to explore the island. It led us to the famous Secret Beach, so good that we visited twice. It was the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy delicious food. The shrimp tacos at one local spot were unforgettable.
The island itself had a mix of paved and unpaved roads, with plenty of construction underway. It’s easy to imagine the entire route to Secret Beach being paved in the near future.
For dinner, I highly recommend Elvi’s Kitchen and Maxie’s Restaurant & Lounge, both of which offer incredible meals and a lively atmosphere.
Reflection
The Mayan ruins left me in awe. Standing among these ancient structures, I couldn’t help but imagine the lives of my ancestors, their daily rhythms, their sense of community, their resilience. The fact that these monuments are still standing, and that I could walk the same paths they once walked, felt powerful. I brought my new 360 camera specifically for moments like this, and I captured the ruins in a way that felt immersive and alive. I’m eager to visit even more Mayan sites; there are so many still waiting to be explored.
Guatemala, especially, took my breath away. I didn’t realize how rich and layered the country is, and I left wanting more time there. The drive into Guatemala reminded me of a dream I had recently: I was walking beside a large lake, holding the hands of my nephews, one who is no longer here. In the dream, they were children again, and there was a quiet beauty in simply being with them and guiding them. When I saw the vast lake along the road to Tikal, that same feeling washed over me, a sense of peace, familiarity, and déjà vu, as if the moment had been waiting for me.
💡 Quick Tips
Book car rentals early if crossing into Guatemala.
Carry cash for tickets and small purchases.
Pack hiking boots and bug spray.
Allow extra time for ruins, both Tikal and Xunantunich deserve it.
Rent a golf cart in San Pedro for easy island exploration.
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