Semana Santa in Belize, March 2008
First stop in Belize was Orange Walk, a small city in the northern part of Belize which is the usual port of call for anyone that wants to see Lamanai,the site of pre-colombian Maya ruins dating back to the 16th Century BC. Although impressively set in the jungle a 2h boat ride from Orange Walk, I think I was a little ruined-out by then. I did enjoy getting a bit of a tan on the boat and seeing one crocodile. Shame we were surrounded by American Southerners....they gave a whole new meaning to the word southern drawl.
Next stop was the jungle. We stayed at Ian Anderson´s Caves Branch a Jungle resort of sorts, which combines luxury tree house accomodation and budget dorms. Guess where we stayed? The whole camp was actually quite cool, combining isolation (and howler monkeys!) with the perks of warm water in outdoor showers and comfortable beds. We set off on the Black Hole Drop expedition, which involved a challenging trek through the jungle and them being dropped off into the Black Hole (300 ft drop) with ropes ...of course.
After my 2 day stop in the Jungle I decided to go full circle and return to the same country I started this trip ... Guatemala. I had not had the opportunity to see Tikal the first time around and thought it would be fitting to return to Guatemala 6 months down the road. Unfortunaly my disposable camera failed me on this occasion, so no pictures.
Nothing could prepare me for the truly awesome feeling of walking by the Tikal Temples minutes before dawn, listening to the howler monkeys and the different bird species waking up in this isolated jungle setting. I have definitely found my favourite Maya Ruin Experience.
Next stop was the Caribbean coast and the laid back coral limestone island of Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is definitely chilled, there are no cars (except for golf carts), no big hotels but plenty of hammocs, rustic cabanas and rum punch! The people have a definite caribbean feel, polite and very friendly. They call it a Backpacker´s Heaven and I know why!
Unfortunately there are no beaches as the coast is filled with algue which makes any attempt to take a dip rather unpleasant. But for those who like to dive, opportunities to get out there abound, whether you want to swim with nurse sharks or see the famous manitees.
The place is perfect if you want to relax and not do much more than read a book and go for food. Which is exactly what I did. I also indulged in a little more rum than I probably should have but it made for unforgettable memories.
Soon enough it was time to say cheerio and embark on the journey home. I had initially planned to take a 2 hr boat ride to Corozal but plans changed dramatically when it appeared that boats didn´t leave at the time it said on the schedule. This is the Caribbean after all ... Instead, I took a boat ride to another Caye, boarded a plane to Corozal, then a bus over the border into Mexico. I then had a 22h bus ride to look forward to in order to get back into Mexico City. All fun and games except that the friggin´HSBC cash machine ate my card and that Mexico ´s Executive buses equal Argentina´s cheapo buses ... ie. they´re crap.
Next stop was the jungle. We stayed at Ian Anderson´s Caves Branch a Jungle resort of sorts, which combines luxury tree house accomodation and budget dorms. Guess where we stayed? The whole camp was actually quite cool, combining isolation (and howler monkeys!) with the perks of warm water in outdoor showers and comfortable beds. We set off on the Black Hole Drop expedition, which involved a challenging trek through the jungle and them being dropped off into the Black Hole (300 ft drop) with ropes ...of course.
After my 2 day stop in the Jungle I decided to go full circle and return to the same country I started this trip ... Guatemala. I had not had the opportunity to see Tikal the first time around and thought it would be fitting to return to Guatemala 6 months down the road. Unfortunaly my disposable camera failed me on this occasion, so no pictures.
Nothing could prepare me for the truly awesome feeling of walking by the Tikal Temples minutes before dawn, listening to the howler monkeys and the different bird species waking up in this isolated jungle setting. I have definitely found my favourite Maya Ruin Experience.
Next stop was the Caribbean coast and the laid back coral limestone island of Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is definitely chilled, there are no cars (except for golf carts), no big hotels but plenty of hammocs, rustic cabanas and rum punch! The people have a definite caribbean feel, polite and very friendly. They call it a Backpacker´s Heaven and I know why!
Unfortunately there are no beaches as the coast is filled with algue which makes any attempt to take a dip rather unpleasant. But for those who like to dive, opportunities to get out there abound, whether you want to swim with nurse sharks or see the famous manitees.The place is perfect if you want to relax and not do much more than read a book and go for food. Which is exactly what I did. I also indulged in a little more rum than I probably should have but it made for unforgettable memories.Soon enough it was time to say cheerio and embark on the journey home. I had initially planned to take a 2 hr boat ride to Corozal but plans changed dramatically when it appeared that boats didn´t leave at the time it said on the schedule. This is the Caribbean after all ... Instead, I took a boat ride to another Caye, boarded a plane to Corozal, then a bus over the border into Mexico. I then had a 22h bus ride to look forward to in order to get back into Mexico City. All fun and games except that the friggin´HSBC cash machine ate my card and that Mexico ´s Executive buses equal Argentina´s cheapo buses ... ie. they´re crap.
Labels: Belize March 2008 Easter Break
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