Trip Report Quick Trip Report to Belize:

[chillyinCanada]

I've traveled through multiple countries in Central and South America. I've been to Honduras, won't go back there, either.

I am easy going, prefer greasy spoon diners and local joints instead of 5-star hotels. I don't have high expectations.

I eat from alley food carts instead of restaurants.

I've been to many countries that were former colonies.

I did lower my expectations when visiting Belize.

Doesn't change a thing.

Belize City is disgusting. It's a run-down and dirty country, more so than even I expected.



I rest my case about Belize.

FYI we ate at numerous small restaurants in Belize City, ones that were recommended by locals on the street. The food was good and we didn't get sick while in country.

Why did you stay in Belize City at all? No one does unless have to overnight because catching an lob.

 

[Doc Harry]

Why did you stay in Belize City at all? No one does unless have to overnight because catching an lob.

Transition layover because of flights home. And just to explore and experience other countries. Take your time and smell the roses. Or, in the case of Belize City, smell the garbage.

 

[salth2owannabe]

Why did you stay in Belize City at all? No one does unless have to overnight because catching an lob.

Years ago we found a little gem of a place west of the airport called The Black Orchid Resort. It's a small family run business that sits on the Belize River. It has a restaurant/bar, pool and anything you would really need on site. They offer airport and city transfers and will arrange tours for you also. We always stay there pre/post trip and don't spend any more time in Belize City than necessary.
(I'm not affiliated with the place in any way)

 

[34109411]

Transition layover because of flights home. And just to explore and experience other countries. Take your time and smell the roses. Or, in the case of Belize City, smell the garbage.

Omg

 

[profmason]

I do like that there are direct flights from LA to belize city. I did stay the night at a airbnb near the ferry terminals and it met my expectations (AC worked, quiet and clean enough for someone who lost their sense of smell with covid). I am glad I got to see Belize City, the Mennonites out early in starched shirts and overalls, the meat pies / pasties and the church owned banks. I didn't feel unsafe walking around the city at night, and like anywhere listen to your hotel front desk on where not to go.

It also looked to me like the city was going to swallowed up by rising sea levels. (This was particularly stark when flying over the north in a small prop plane).

It was pretty easy to taxi from the airport to the hotel near the ferry, get to the ferry early, grab a meat pie and be on Caye Caulker in time for the morning dive. All in all, like doing the bag drag from Cancun to Cozumel. However, if I were to do it again, I would try to arrange to take the $80 maya / tropic air flight direct to San Pedro and skip the night in Belize City.

 

[Derbdiver]

I took the family to Belize in the fall of 2019 just before Covid. We stayed at Coco Beach on Ambergris Caye. We didn't stay in Belize City but I booked an ATM cave tour one day and while the road was rural and rollie it was an unbelievable tour. I'm really sorry you got such a poor perspective of Belize my wife and 2 girls had a wonderful time. I didn't dive there but we did spend 2 other days snorkeling. One was the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and another day we snorkeled the Mexican Rocks. The 2 bedroom unit we had was more like a time-share condo than hotel room, full kitchen, beautiful pool. The food was absolutely wonderful. I've spent a lot of time in SE Asia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. I also spent time in Costa Rica working and I find it truely out-of-touch when I see these types of perceptions. I also spend at least 2weeks a year in Singapore(Cleanest most High-tech city in the world) but I always do my research when visiting a new place and set my expectations accordingly. It is absolutely unreal in this day and age of information not to find lots of info on a place before visiting. Attached some of my pics.
Cheers!

 

[chillyinCanada]

Coco Beach is a nice complex. That said, I haven't been there since it was new.

The ATM tour is a great adventure.