If you are thinking about travelling through middle America you shouldn't miss out the pretty caribbean island
Caye Caulker in Belize. Last weekend we organised a tour to this tiny little piece of land located in the second largest reef after the famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia: the Belize Barrier Reef.
We started our trip from Merida southwards to Chetumal, a city just a few km from the border, from where we took a local Belizean bus - kind of American school Bus without Air Condition and many room for your legs - to get to Belize City: 4 hours for some 160 km due to many bus stops and bad road conditions. Once you crossed the border to Belize you find yourself in a totally different world compared to Mexico: the official language is English with some creole and Spanish influences, you pay in Belizean Dollar and its much more harder to for example negotiate for prices.
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| On our way to Belize City |
After another 1-hour boat ride we finally made it to Caye Caulker. Its like Holbox in Mexico but with a touch of relaxed and laid back Jamaican feeling. You will find that spirit all over the island: colourful wooden signs of
"Go slow" ,
"No shirt, no shoes, no problem". It's basically the dream of every backpacker. The majority of the inhabitants are Belizeans from all ethnic groups (Asians, Africans, Creoles) and some european and north american guys who started restaurants or hotels there (check out the
Caribbean Color Art Cafe by Lee Vanderwalker for delicious food and marvellous caribbean art)
.
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| "Go slow hot dog crossing" |
Once we all settled down in our hotel we went to explore the island by foot (you also can rent bikes or golf cars but walking still is the most relaxed way to discover the island). On the North end of the island you will find the Split - a cool spot to hang around at day to get tanned or meet backpackers and locals. It's named the Split because the island was splitted by a heavy hurricane in the 60s.
We checked out the different tour operators doing snorkeling tours in the nearby reef and went for some drinks at
Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Reef and later on for the best pizza of the island at
Pizza Caulker owned by Greg a pretty crazy Canadian (don't miss the coconut rum shots).
The next day after breakfast at Cubana House we did a combined fishing and snorkel trip with a local fisher. Unfortunately we didn't fish that much and either saw that many fishes how they promised us. Its recommended doing that tour with a licensed company as only they have access to the reef. For dinner some went to the Happy Lobster and others to Habaneros - both serve delicious seafood for a reasonable price and we again popped by the Sports bar for Karaoke.
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| Let's go snorkeling |
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| Caribbean views |
The next morning we used to explore the island per bike or foot and bought some souvenirs before we took the water taxi to San Pedro (remember Madonnas' La isla bonita: Last night I dreamed of San Pedro). From here we took a speedboat to the city of Corazal which we thought would save us some time instead of taking the bus again (even if it had some kind of charme). The drive is two hours and you're likely to get seasick I wouldn't recommend that option. Corazal is just a few minutes from the border and it's easy to get taxis close to the harbour.
Here some facts you should consider when travelling to Belize from Mexico:
- exit fee Mexico 306 MX
- exit fee Belize 300 MX
- entry fee Mexico 300 MX (as you're entering via land)
- best place to change Pesos to Belizean Dollar is at the border
- be prepared that Belize is relatively expensive compared to Mexico
- it's not recommend negociar for prices
Anyhow you shouldn't miss to visit this beautiful spot, so enjoy your trip and remember to go slow and better belize it.
