To say that Belize is Unbelizable is an understatement. I consider myself to be somewhat traveled and I can say that the ATM Caves is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my Life!! They are also rated the #1 Sacred Caves in the World by National Geographic and The Discovery Channel. (Sorry you won’t see pictures. Cameras are banned; apparently at tourist destroyed some archaeological artifacts w/ their cell phone on the quest for the perfect selfie. This is one of the only to found…)
So let’s talk about Belize, Baby….
Placencia
Our first stop was Placencia Village a beach village on the Caribbean coast of Belize. It features beautiful white-sand beaches and dive sites on the coral Belize Barrier Reef! I definitely recommend diving or snorkeling!!
Turtle Inn
We stayed at the Turtle Inn https://thefamilycoppolahideaways.com/resort/turle-inn/ and it was nothing short of fantastic! The food was excellent and I would venture to say the BEST in Placencia. We dined out several times but ended up disappointed that we just didn’t eat at every restaurant at the Turtle Inn. From the onsite organic farm to the outstanding service we felt like queens!
My only complaint (not really a complaint) but something of which you need to be aware..is that there is no air conditioning. Belize is humid but it did not bother me except when I was blow drying my hair after a shower as the single unit dwellings are well shaded and ventilated with fans. I was never hot or uncomfortable at night. The PLUS side is that this is true sustainable living which is a trend, yes, but so needed as sustainable living can ultimately help to protect our planet for years to come. There are so many wonderful places to see in the world…we need to protect them.
Laughing Bird Caye/Snorkeling
We snorkeled at Laughing Bird Caye (means “island”) and had the Best Day on this enchanting island.
We also ate at the following places in Placencia Village: Maya Beach Bistro, Rumfish y Vino, Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna (lively bar–a lot of locals–more for drinks than eats). Even if you don’t stay at Turtle Inn….VISIT & eat at one of their restaurants, it will Not disappoint.
ATM Caves
Known as the “Mayan Underworld” aka the #1 Sacred Cave in the world by National Geographic–some go as far as to say they are “enlightened” by this experience. I would not say that I wasn’t.
Where do I even start? Again, you can’t take pictures. This really is Unbelizeable! I felt like I was in a whole new world underneath the earth and I really I was! There are TONS of ancient artifacts proving that indigenous people lived, worshipped, ate and slept in these ancient caves.
Please Call Basilio
The amazing staff at the Turtle Inn set up us with the most wonderful guide for this excursion. His name is Basilio +501 624 1470, exoticbelize.com. You can not do this w/o a guide! I recommend reaching out to him directly via phone &/or email so that a cut of the $$ is not going to a big tour company. Basilio is good people and he is Mayan…I love giving my money back to the Mayan people directly. I learned so much on this tour with Basilio! The tour would not have been the same w/o him.
This tour does require a level of fearlessness as you will be traversing across rivers, swimming through narrow caverns, climbing rocky terrain, etc. You will be wet and dirty but wide eyed and astounded by the sites around you! I saw crystalline glittering cities within the cave system and I was not tripping on anything.
You do need to wear shoes & socks and will be asked to remove your shoes and walk with your socks on throughout the caves. I recommend wearing clothing that can get wet that dries quickly and maybe a bathing suit underneath. Nothing nice…as you will be dirty and wet.
Belmopan
Belmopan is the capital of Belize. We stayed here because we wanted to visit the ATM Caves (which is the #1 place to visit in Belize) and it is close. We rented a car to get from the beach, Placencia to the jungle/forest of Belize. I typically love to do the beach and inland to get a real flavor of the land and we like to hike. I was not disappointed!
We hiked at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary which was on the way (about 1 hour). There are tons of hiking trails in one of Belize’s most beautiful natural attractions. We did Ben’s Bluff (steep incline–my heart was pumping!) and Tiger Fern Trail.
The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
We stayed at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant https://sleepinggiantbelize.com and I could not have been any happier with this selection. The grounds and gardens are this place are unparalleled….there are hiking trails, organic gardens, ponds with swans & ducks, a river were we spotted lizards hanging out in the trees, a secluded yoga sanctuary on the river, horseback riding, spa services, cooking classes….the list is endless. You could spend days here and not see and do everything that is offered!
Lamanai Chocolate Company
The last & final highlight of our trip was a stop at Lamanai Chocolate Company https://facebook.com/lamanaichocolate/ I LOVED AND ADORED this farm where we saw the chocolate beans growing on the plants while 3 monkeys in the trees watched us from above! We got the Best Tour that ended in the making of the best chocolate I have ever tasted. I could love on the fumes alone that were permeating the air as the cocao beans were ground down.
If I ever come back to Belize I would do the ATM Caves, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, and our the Lamanai Chocolate Co tour all again! This is not usual for me…but it was that good. And, I do want to share these special experiences with others that I love because it was mind-blowing & opening.
What adventures have you have that has been mind-opening?
For more adventures like this…
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