Belize

It was nice to arrive in an English speaking country and compared to Guatemala, Belize had it sorted. There were a lot of similarities but a lot of important differences like half decent roads, uncrowded buses and ATM machines that worked.

We got straight on a bus and headed up the coast in search of beach, we were not disappointed when we arrived in Placencia but the weather wasn't the greatest. We still managed a good day and a half of quality R & R.

Placencia beach, early evening



The longest legs I've ever had



After another early start and long day of travel (bus and boat) that took us through the capital Belmopan and Belize City, we arrived at Caye Caulker. This was a very cool place and we had a great time.

Welcome to Caye Caulker



All the streets were sand and the main way of getting around was by golf cart.



Dinner was at Jolly Rodger's grill - Roger was huge but cooked a fine feed of lobster.



How about the serenity



The highlight of Caye Caulker was the snorkelling trip we went on. It was for a full day and it was nice and hot, the snorkelling was incredible and the rum on the way back was pretty good as well....

We got our fair share of sea life, swimming with nurse sharks, sting rays, green turtles, barracuda and countless other species in crystal clear water.

Taking the dinghy out to the sail boat.



Me snorkelling



A couple of nurse sharks



After a few rums, with 'Captain' Charlie. He was impossible to understand and after a few rums even worse, but a good chap and he made superb conch salsa.



Don't put this one on your mantelpiece



From Caye Caulker, it was time to head back toward Guatemala via San Ignacio which was near the border. We wanted to camp out near the jungle but due to the lack of transport options to get there it was not worth it. Instead, we were talked into a trip to the ATM caves and met a very friendly chap who ran a hostel. We were normally very suspicious of anyone who approached us but this guy was great. He drove us to his hostel, gave us the best room in the place, took us to our first Maya site, regaled us with plenty of stories, gave us breakfast and when we left he took us to the border in his truck. And, the room had a hot shower, our first since Antigua!

Cahal Peck Maya ruins near san Ignacio



Maya pottery at Cahal Peck



Maya skeleton



We had heard a lot about the ATM caves and they lived up to reputation. Similar to the caves at Semuc Champey, we again had to wade and swim in the cave but this time we had good head torches that didn't go out when they went underwater. Eventually we came out in an old riverbed in the cave and were guided around the Mayan remains.

River crossing on the way to the cave



Cave entrance



Walking around the remains



Inside the cave



Skeleton, they don't know if they were all sacrifices or not



Pottery



Skull



So with a sound introduction into Maya ruins and skeletons, it was time to say goodbye to brilliant Belize and head back across the border to shocking roads and cramped minivans for a visit to the mother of all Maya sites, Tikal.