Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival San IgnacioComing from Flores, you'll be picked up very early in the morning for a 1½ hour transfer to the border at Mechlor de Mendez. Here you can exchange your Guatemalan quetzals for Belizean dollars, but make sure you get the correct exchange rate. You'll receive your exit stamp for Guatemala and 500m further on pass the Belize border.As soon as you cross the border you'll enter another world. It's a weird experience, all of a sudden the people don't look Latino anymore but Caribbean with dark skin and afro hair. Belizeans speak Creole, a type of Pidgin English. The houses look distinctly Caribbean too: wooden, pastel-coloured houses built on stilts, often with a large veranda but always with a couple of rocking chairs.Mountain Pine Ridge villageIt's another hour to San Ignacio, a village with no more than 8000 inhabitants which proudly promotes itself with the slogan "the west is best".The village has several outdoor cafes, internet, a cash machine, souvenir shops and a lively fruit and vegetable market. Everything's very close together and the atmosphere is very safe and welcoming. Take a taxi from the centre to the hotel, located on a hillside approx 15 min walk from the centre.The hotel cabañas are scattered around a large tropical garden. They have thatched roofs, a private veranda and all rooms, decorated in cheerful Caribbean style and all have private bathrooms and air-conditioning. In the evening you can lie back in your hammock and listen to the soothing sounds of nature around you.

Day 2

San Ignacio, canoe tripOn day two of your mini Belize trip you'll be heading out onto the river on a canoe trip with an English-speaking local guide. Along the river lies the Barton Creek Mennonite settlement. You can catch a glimpse of their traditional way of life without modern-day technology. Further down the river you'll arrive at the entrance to the Barton Creek cave, an ancient Mayan site accessible only by canoe. The serenity and beauty of the cave give it a magical atmosphere. Lunch isn't included on the trip so bring some snacks with you.After visiting the caves it's nice to be back in the open air again so if there's enough time you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters. You'll return to the hotel around 2 pm and you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax and spend as you like.

Day 3

San Ignacio, departureIt's an early start today as the minibus will pick you up at 7am for the 3 hour transfer to Belize City. You'll be dropped off at the little harbour where, with access to the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. If you want you can catch one of the regular boats to the island. Tickets can be bought on the spot. If you want to continue on to Chetumal on the Mexican border our local agent will give you instructions on how to get there.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Transportation from Flores via San Ignacio to Beliza City (or vice versa), 2 nights’ accommodation in San Ignacio, six hour canoe trip with local guide through Mountain Pine Reserve.

Exclusions -

Border fees (approx. £4), transfer San Ignacio to lodge, meals and other excursions.