February 2024
Transportation to:
We flew directly from the Midwest to Belize City, with flight prices ranging from as low as $450 to as high as $1,500.
Transportation while there:
We didn’t rent a car during our trip as our hotel and lodges provided all the transportation we needed. Based on everything I read, it seemed that using the transportation options offered by the hotels, lodges, and excursion companies was much more convenient than driving ourselves.
For example, when we arrived at our first lodge, Caves Branch, they met us at the airport and brought us directly to the lodge. When we left to head to Caye Caulker, they took us to the dock for the water taxi. The lodge also offers transportation packages where you can choose your pick-up and drop-off locations.
On our way back from Caye Caulker, we flew with Tropic Air, which was a fantastic experience. The flight was smooth, and it landed directly at the airport, making our return to the airport very convenient.
Jungle Area Lodging and Activities
Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch: Nestled in the heart of the Cayo District jungle, just a 1.5-hour drive from Belize City, we had an unforgettable experience! It truly felt like we were staying with close family friends. The staff went above and beyond, offering exceptional hospitality, while the food, accommodations, and tour guides were all top-notch. They offer all-inclusive packages that cover transportation, meals, and a daily excursion. There are several lodging options available, and we stayed in a river-view treehouse that was perfect for families. The treehouse featured a king bed, a bunk bed, and a pull-out couch—one of my favorite lodging experiences to date. The property also boasts stunning pools, a beautiful botanical garden, and playful monkeys swinging through the trees. Just a heads-up: you might be treated to a nighttime symphony of monkey sounds like you’ve never heard before!
Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch: You can book directly through Caves Branch via their website, where you’ll submit your information online. Their staff will then reach out to you with available options. This process was a bit different from any booking experience I’ve had before, but it went smoothly. One step involved faxing them some details, which felt a bit unusual, but everything turned out fine. I was initially concerned about the security of my information, but fortunately, there were no issues! 🙂
Excursion/tours while staying at Caves Branch: Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch website has great descriptions of each excursion!
We selected the three activities listed below, and we absolutely loved each one. I can’t say enough about how incredible every guide was!
Waterfall Cave Expedition – This was an amazing cave tour where you trek through pools and climb waterfalls. The guides were fantastic at assisting our girls (ages 11, 9, and 9) as they navigated the waterfalls. The guides provided helmets, headlamps, life jackets, and backpacks for everyone. You’ll get wet, so be sure to bring a waterproof option for your camera. I highly recommend wearing pants that reach your shoes (no capris) and sturdy hiking shoes, boots, or grippy athletic shoes that you’re comfortable getting wet and walking in for an extended period of time.
!!! Be sure to bring at least two pairs of hiking or athletic shoes, as one pair may not dry out in time for the next day’s excursion !!!
Black Hole Drop – This excursion begins with a relaxed, easy-paced hike of about an hour to the Black Hole area. The guides carry all the heavy equipment, so you don’t need to worry about that. Once you arrive, they set up all the rappelling gear and assist you in safely lowering yourself into the sinkhole/large open cave. The guides were incredible at supporting our girls throughout the experience. Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch down below, take some time to explore, and then climb a ladder out before hiking back. For both the cave and Black Hole tours, the guides provide lunch for you along the way.
Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Maya Temple Tour – The tour begins with a 1.5-hour drive to the temples, where the knowledgeable guides provide in-depth information about the area and its structures. We gained a wealth of insight into the history and significance of the sites. Having never visited ancient temples before, we were excited to explore this unique opportunity, and it definitely exceeded our expectations.
Spending part of you time on a local island
Island options:
Belize offers a variety of charming islands to explore, and we chose to stay on Caye Caulker (pronounced “key caulker”). Another popular island destination is San Pedro, though I heard from three different travelers who had visited that they would recommend a different island, as San Pedro can be a bit crowded and not as clean.
Caye Caulker is famous for its laid-back “go slow” vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind. It’s just a 40-minute boat ride from Belize Water Taxi or a 10-minute plane ride from Tropic Air from Belize City. The boat is more affordable, but the plane ride is a unique and thrilling experience. We took the boat to the island and flew back, which made for an easy return to the airport without needing to navigate through Belize City by car or taxi. From what I’ve read, the less time you spend in Belize City itself, the better!
Island Lodging:
Blu Zen is located on the northern part of Caye Caulker. To get there, you can take their complimentary taxi from the boat dock, which runs at specific times throughout the day. The front desk will send you the current schedule via WhatsApp. The location feels both secluded and safe, offering a peaceful escape. While many beaches in Belize are often affected by sargassum seaweed, we had no issues with it at Blu Zen. The area was clean, quiet, and the perfect spot to spend our last three days relaxing by the beach, enjoying the pool, and going on a snorkel tour. The property is very cost-friendly, and the food was decent. It has more of a condo setup, and the interior felt brand new, with plenty of space—making it ideal for families. They also offer complimentary kayaks and bikes. There are two restaurants/bars and a small grocery store nearby. The saltwater pools were very clean, and while they were saltwater, you barely noticed. They were perfect for the kids. While construction was happening on the south side of the resort as they expand, it wasn’t near where we stayed, so it didn’t affect our experience at all.
You can book directly on their website at Blu Zen Belize. However, the website does have certain requirements regarding the minimum number of nights to book. When we made our reservation, I reached out directly to inquire about booking just three nights. The team was incredibly responsive and accommodating, and they found us a perfect space for our family of five! We opted for a sea-view penthouse, which was reasonably priced. While there is a “seafront” option, I didn’t feel like we missed out, as all the units are very close to the water. Being on the top level provided a great view, but honestly, there didn’t seem to be a bad location on the property. Every condo seemed to offer a decent view and a great setting.
While on Caye Caulker, we mostly relaxed by the beach and pool. We also booked a half-day catamaran snorkel tour through the resort with Wanderlust Sailing. The boat was fantastic, and the staff was friendly and professional. It was a wonderful way to get out on the water and explore three different snorkeling spots.
Happy Planning- We loved our Belize Adventure and hope you do too!
~Sadie