San Ignacio, Belize {Part 2}

Our last day in Belize, we did a 1/2 day tour to Barton Creek Cave. This is a Mayan cave system that is only accessible by canoe. We were basically paddled along the mile long creek, so it wasn't the most entertaining. According to our guide, there were over 20 skeletons on ledges above us, but we weren't able to access them. Since we were on a private tour, we did get to go through some pretty low stalactites, so that was fun. Compared to the ATM caves, it was honestly a let down. We did get to take pictures here though!

Getting to know our guide paid off as well - we were able to bring a few illegally imported Guatemalan beers into the cave with us! Apparently Belikin (Belize's beer) has a monopoly on the beer industry here. While it was good, it definitely didn't compare to the Guatemalan stuff!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at our hotel. Ka' Ana is a small resort that was definitely outside of the norm for us. We're so glad we splurged a little to stay here! We had breakfast delivered daily to our room, tours completely arranged for us, turn-down service (complete with tasty treats), yummy food/cocktails and amazing service. The resort area was beautiful as well.  I would obviously recommend it to everyone!

The next morning, we caught a 30 minute flight from Maya Flats Airstrip to Belize's international airport in a 4-seater plane! It's a good thing we're not claustrophobic or afraid of flying/heights! After a quick wait at the airport and a super delicious breakfast, we were confirmed (and upgraded to exit row!) for our quick flight back to Houston.

Honestly? Belize was probably the perfect mix for Jason's and my vacation tastes. The active/cultural experiences were amazing and even found on the same excursions. I can't say enough good things - the people were amazing, the sites were amazing, the food was amazing.

As always, thanks SWA (and United) for letting us fly there for cheap!

Up Next: We're looking forward to a getaway within Texas and hopefully a trip to Sonoma Valley and/or New Orleans to finish out the summer.

San Ignacio, Belize {Part 1}

After our 4 days in Ambergris Caye, we took another quick hopper plane (30 min) to San Ignacio on the western border of Belize. Yup, Belize is tiny!! This town was to be our jumping off point for many day trips. We stayed at Ka Ana Belize and it was amazing. Seriously, I'm so glad we splurged a little to stay here. More on the hotel in a later post.

Our first adventure was to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (or ATM Caves). Caves are known in Mayan folklore for being the entryway into the underworld. We arrived at the park entrance early, grabbed our gear, and made the 30 minute hike to the cave. After crossing through three rivers, (this tour is not for those who don't want to get wet!), we got to the cave entrance.

A tourist dropped his camera on a human skull that was over 1,000 years old, so no cameras are allowed on this tour any more. The pictures below are from Google to give you an idea just how cool this experience was!

 After we swam through the river (above), we had to wade through knee, waist, who-knows-how-deep water inside the cave and our guide pointed out different cave features along the way.  After about an hour, we reached the upper dry chamber and entered into a room that is called 'The Cathedral'. This room was so immense - it's easy to see why the Mayans thought this place was sacred. We had to change from our wet shoes into socks in order to preserve this holy place. From this point on, we were basically rock-climbing in order to climb between rooms.

I do have to mention that we paid for a private tour. This was definitely worth it as we were the first people in the cave in the morning and had the upper chamber to ourselves. Our guide turned off our headlights and basically creeped us out with talk of human sacrifice. It was pitch black at this point in the cave - you couldn't see your hand in front of your face! Imagine what you would have done if you were a Mayan and your torch went out?!

Our guide told us that sacrifice was an honor and guaranteed souls entrance into the afterlife. Once he turned the lights on, we were standing right in front of multiple skeletons and blood-letting pots that hadn't been moved from their spots in thousands of years. 

Since we were ahead of everyone else, we got to see a few additional chambers. We went into a room called the 'Angel's Cave' that had a body of a little baby in it. We saw many skeletons on our walk (there are 14 in all), but none as epic as the last. We made the final climb into the last dry chamber. It's up here that we saw the iconic 'crystal maiden' of the caves; a perfectly intact full skeleton encrusted into the rock.  

On the way out, Jason jokingly asked to slide down a mini waterfall. Since it was just us, the guide obliged! We shot through this tiny hole and came out in a tunnel that was barely wide enough for us to fit through. Since we couldn't touch the bottom or swim (it was too narrow to kick our legs), we had to shimmy along the walls. It was SO cool. We were obviously completely soaked at the end, but it was absolutely worth it.

Since the government has left ancient bones, pots, and other artifacts in place, instead of hauling them off to labs and museums, it made this trip unique. This was honestly the most authentic tour I've ever had and I would encourage everyone to make it down here quick - before they stop allowing tours! I honestly think this tour is one more "accident" away from closing. I definitely get why they want to protect as much as they can, but I am so grateful we were able to have the experience!

This ended up being the unanimous winner for coolest thing we did on our entire trip - it was so surreal! We both rank it up there right after Ha Long Bay as one of our best life experiences to date.

Next up: Our Day Trip to Tikal, Guatemala!

We're Off To: Belize & Guatemala

It's been quite a while since we've had a long vacation (over a year since SE Asia!) and we are crazy excited! We broke our own rule on this trip and booked hotels ahead of time, so we're really grateful to have confirmed seats now! 

We are flying into Belize City today and taking a quick flight over to Ambergris Caye. We'll be spending 4 days on an island paradise kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddling boarding, etc...

Mid-week, we're hopping on another quick flight to San Ignacio. This city is on the west side of Belize in the Cayo District. It has a completely different feel from the caye as it's in the heart of the jungle! We'll be staying here 4 days as well. It's a great jumping off city for day trips to Tikal, Guatemala and cave tours in the area.

Look for our posts when we return and follow along on instagram while we're away. I'll be posting when I can!