A Journey Through Belize & Guatemala:

Ruins, Reefs & Relaxation in Belize

Day 1 in Belize City, Belize

Touchdown in Paradise:

Hello, Belize! Just touched down & ready for adventure!

Landing in Belize City instantly felt like stepping into a postcard. The warm, tropical breeze hit me the second I walked out of the airport, and suddenly, vacation mode was real.

We checked into the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, which had that perfect mix of cozy and tropical. There was a cute pool area that felt like a little hidden oasis in the middle of the city. Lunch by the pool was the ideal way to kick off the trip with fresh flavors, fruity drinks, and total “I’m really here” vibes.

My first wildlife encounter came quickly. A giant iguana was sunbathing on the patio like he owned the place. He was so relaxed, I think he inspired my entire energy for the day. Day one was easy, breezy, and the perfect way to start this adventure.

The Biltmore Hotel - I'm already feeling the tropical vibes!

Poolside lunch with fresh flavors and sunny views.

Met my first Belizean friend... He has mastered the art of vacationing.

Day 2 in Belize City & San Pedro, Belize

Ancient Ruins, Royal Rat, and Island Escape:

Climbing these Mayan temples felt like stepping back in time.

The morning began with a journey back in time at the Altun Ha Ruins, a breathtaking ancient Mayan city surrounded by lush jungle. Climbing the stone temples and looking out over the trees felt surreal, like peeking into another era. It was incredible to imagine how thousands of people once lived, worked, and worshiped in this now-quiet site hidden in the Belizean rainforest.

After exploring history, I tried something I never considered trying before. Paca, also known as royal rat, was once served to the British royal family as a bit of a joke. To my surprise, it actually tasted a lot like pork. If I wasn't told beforehand, I probably would have never known what it was until I found a tiny leg bone... that was definitely a reality check. This was one for the books and a funny food memory I will never forget.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the stunning island of San Pedro and checked into White Sands Cove Resort. This boutique resort truly felt like paradise with its beachfront views and peaceful atmosphere. The villas were charming and welcoming, and everywhere you looked there were ocean views that reminded you that you were on island time. Palm trees swayed in the breeze, the sound of gentle waves filled the air, and everything about it felt serene. The rest of the evening was spent simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings and soaking in the relaxed island vibe.

Tried Belize's famous "royal rate" - Yes, really!

White Sands Cove Resort - Island escape unlocked

Day 3 in San Pedro & San Ignacio, Belize:

Snorkeling Adventures, Secret Beach Bliss, and Jungle Hideaways:

San Pedro - Colorful streets, friendly vibes, and island charm at every turn.

Bright, colorful San Pedro was full of life with its vibrant streets and warm, welcoming locals. After wandering through town, it was time to head out on the water for some adventure.

The snorkeling trip was unforgettable. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, was alive with color. The water was crystal clear, and we glided past incredible coral formations and schools of tropical fish. It felt like swimming through a living, breathing aquarium.

Once back on land, we headed to the famous Secret Beach, a calm, turquoise haven where we relaxed, enjoyed drinks, and floated in the warm, shallow water. It was the perfect tropical escape.

Later that afternoon, it was time to trade the beach for the jungle. We journeyed inland to San Ignacio, where we checked into the charming Cahal Pech Village Resort. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the resort felt like a secluded jungle retreat. The private huts were adorable and cozy, each with its own unique charm and surrounded by lush greenery. It was a completely different atmosphere from the island, but equally as beautiful.

Diving into a whole new world at the Belize Barrier Reef!

Secret Beach - Turquoise water, soft sand, and total island bliss.

Cahal Pech Village Resort - We got our own private huts!

Day 4 in Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Temple Climbing and Jungle Friends:

Tikal National Park - Climbing ancient temples in the heart of the Guatemalan Jungle!

Crossing into Guatemala, we explored one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the world, Tikal National Park. Walking through the park felt like stepping into another time with massive stone temples emerging dramatically from the dense jungle canopy.

Climbing to the top of Temple IV, the tallest one, was a workout, but the panoramic views over the endless rainforest made every step worth it. You could see the tops of other temples peeking out above the trees, a reminder of how vast and powerful this ancient city once was.

Along the way, we spotted incredible wildlife, including playful spider monkeys swinging through the branches, colorful tropical birds, and even curious coatis wandering near the pathways. It was a day where history and nature blended perfectly, leaving us in awe of both.

Spotted this little coatis exploring! How cute!

Standing at the base of Tikal's towering Temple IV felt unreal!

Day 5 in San Ignacio, Belmopan City & Placencia, Belize

Market Treasures, Soursop Juice, and Sweet Surprises:

The San Ignacio Market - For any friends who couldn't make the trip, you're getting a bracelet!

Today was all about flavors, culture, and local life. At a market in San Ignacio, we wandered through vibrant stalls filled with handcrafted goods and fresh produce. I picked up bracelets for my friends back home, beautiful keepsakes that felt like carrying a little piece of Belize with me.

Next was the farmers market in Belmopan City, where I tried soursop juice for the first time. Light, refreshing, and subtly sweet, it was the perfect way to cool off under the warm Belizean sun. I also could not resist fresh mangoes and a bit of local street food, all bursting with flavor.

Afterward, we made a quick stop at Blue Hole National Park, a stunning cenote hidden deep in the jungle. The water was freezing cold and gave me a little shock at first, but it was so refreshing that it was completely worth it.

The sweetest part of the day came next at the Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory. We learned the entire process of making chocolate the traditional way. I tasted it at every stage: the cacao fruit, which was surprisingly sweet and refreshing; the raw nibs, which were rich and bitter; and finally the smooth, creamy chocolate. I even helped make it, although the chocolate expert had to remind me to smile because I was taking my “job” far too seriously.

By evening, we arrived at Umaya Resort in Placencia, and it was truly a dream. We were greeted with a welcome drink and shown to a beautiful room with a back patio that opened directly onto the beach. The resort had amazing food, incredible drinks, and some of the warmest hospitality I have ever experienced. They even had a refrigerator ready for my stash of freshly made chocolate.

Soursop Juice - Light, refreshing, and a local favorite for a reason!

Blue Hole National Park - Freezing, but refreshing. Totally worth the stop!

Start to finish - the cacao fruit was a treat of it's owe... chocolate is still my favorite though!

Day 6 in Placencia, Belize

Baby Parrots and Party Boats:

Met the sweetest little parrot while exploring!

Placencia has this easygoing charm that makes you slow down and notice the little things. While exploring town, I met a local girl who was caring for a tiny baby parrot she was nursing back to health. Watching her gently feed it melted my heart.

Later, we switched gears and went full party mode on a catamaran cruise through Placencia’s canals. There was music, drinks, and nonstop laughter. At one point, I even got to steer the boat, which was equal parts terrifying and fun. But the best part was singing and dancing with the girls onboard, turning the whole cruise into our own floating dance floor.

Views like this from the catamaran made everything feel magical. Sunshine, calm waters, pure bliss!

Took the wheel on our catamaran crise through Placencia's canals.

Day 7 in Placencia, Belize

Zip-Lining, Cave Tubing, and Bonfire Farewells: 

Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy was so much fun!

As the trip neared its end, Belize’s southern coast gave us a final day full of beauty, bliss, and just the right amount of saltwater and soul.

We started the morning snorkeling in the Cayes, where the water was crystal clear and teeming with color. Every dip beneath the surface revealed a new patch of vibrant coral and curious marine life. It was like swimming in a living postcard.

Afterward, I settled into the relaxing beach day I didn’t know I needed at the stunning Umaya Resort. The views, the breeze, the peaceful pace. It was everything. One of the staff members even climbed a tree, cut down a fresh coconut, popped it open with a drill, and handed it to me with a straw. I mean… dream moment!

That evening, we ended the trip gathered around a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories, laughs, and a few final toasts to what had been a truly unforgettable adventure. The stars came out, the waves rolled in, and we soaked up every last second.

Flying over water and through the Belize Jungle!

Evenings on the beach in Belize are calm and beautiful.

Living the hammock life! not a care in the world!

Day 8 in Belize City, Belize

Goodbye, Paradise: 

Morning came way too fast. We packed our bags, said goodbye to beautiful Placencia, and headed back to Belize City for our flights home.

Leaving was bittersweet, but my heart was full. Belize gave us everything: wild jungle adventures, serene beaches, ancient history, incredible food, and the friendliest people. It is the kind of tropical paradise that stays with you long after you leave.