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BELIZE TRAVEL INFORMATION

GETTING HERE, AROUND & AWAY

POINT OF ENTRY Touching down? Welcome to Beautiful Belize!! You'll likely land at Philip Goldson International Airport, just outside Belize City in Ladyville. From there, getting around is a breeze with options like buses, shuttles, taxis or renting a car. There are also small planes or puddle jumpers that fly to various locations around Belize ( not to Cayo tho) Try Tropic Airlines CROSSING A LAND BORDER If you're crossing from Guatemala or Mexico, expect the same friendly entrance procedures you’d find at airports. Border crossings may take a bit longer than flying, but they come with their own charm, especially if you’re taking the bus. No need to worry about fees when entering Belize from Guatemala or Mexico. But there is an exit fee of $40 bzd. Guatemala Crossing. If you’re coming from Guatemala, head to the Melchor de Mencos-Benque Viejo del Carmen crossing point. It's open from 6 AM to 10 PM. Fill out two immigration forms before crossing into Belize. For a smooth journey from Flores to San Ignacio, consider booking a shuttle with Mundo Maya.

DOCUMENTATION AND VISAS Travel Tricks and tips -Make sure your passport(s) is/are up to date with at least 30 days before their expiration. Don’t forget to bring along your departure itinerary, especially if you are planning to leave a different way you are coming in. Visas are issued upon arrival, usually granting a 30-day tourist pass. If you are traveling with children they need to have a current issued passport - the same as an adult. You will also need additional documentation if either or both of the parents are not present. #1 a notarized "permission to travel" letter that outlines the travel itinerary and dates. be as specific as possible. #2 notarized copies of both parents identification. For more details, hop over to [immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-requirements](https://immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-requirements/).

BELIZE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS There are several different options for traveling around on mainland Belize. If your budget allows car rental is a nice assent. Shuttle services are reliable and available country wide. Taxis are plentiful in and around Cayo. Public bus systems although somewhat rustic are a fun way to engage with regular Belizean life. Here is further information on all those options: •CAR RENTAL Driving in Belize** While car rentals are a bit pricier than in other Central American countries, having your vehicle grants access to off-the-beaten-path destinations. Roads in Belize are generally manageable but can be rough. A four-wheel-drive vehicle offers more versatility, especially on potholed roads. No need for an international driver's license; your valid license from your home country suffices. Remember to Drive like a Belizean. explore, stop, seek out. Don't park under coconut palm, expect the unexpected, unmarked speed bump at any moment and take note that the yellow lines and stop signs are only suggestions here. Be cautious, but not afraid. •Insurance Considerations**: Car rental agencies often require comprehensive insurance, which can be costly. Check with your credit card company about rental coverage specific to Belize. Some agencies may allow this option. For rental agencies TRY: Flames Auto Rental in Cayo District and Crystal Auto Rental at Belize City airport are reliable options. •Private shuttle company van services. These companies service any destination in Belize. Several companies provide this service with advanced reservations, offering comfortable rides with AC and door-to-door service. We recommend Williams Shuttle Services for safe and convenient transportation around Belize. https://williamshuttlebelize.com/ • Public bus. For a budget-friendly option, hop on the countrywide public transportation bus, affectionately known as the "Stop! Stop! Chicken Bus." While these buses are generally reliable, they can be crowded and time-consuming. However, they offer an immersive experience into Belizean culture and lifestyle. These buses run to and from San Ignacio Cayo to all major points in the country. It's a 3-hour journey from Belize City by public bus.

OUR LOCATION •Ananda Guesthouse & Cabanas nestles in the charming village of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District, Western Belize. Just a 3-minute stroll from the village center and a 10-minute drive to San Ignacio Town center. Situated on 14 acres of lush wooded rainforest with cultivated forest gardens. Check out our location on Google Maps at the bottom of the page. •ABOUT BULLET TREE VILLAGE: This cozy village boasts a population of a five hundred and offers delightful swimming spots, a local bakery, a handful of restaurants, and a community football field. Only about 5 miles from San Ignacio and approximately 15 miles from the Guatemala border, Bullet Tree Falls is a peaceful retreat close to the bustling town life. San Ignacio, the second-largest town in Belize, is a cultural and economic hub with easy accessibility and numerous attractions.

GETTING AROUND IN CAYO DISTRICT • If you have not rented a car TAXI SERVICES are very reliable and inexpensive. Our Local Bullet Tree taxi services run collective taxis on weekdays every 15 minutes from the bus stop at center of the village to the down town San Ignacio. NOTE: ALL TAXI 's have a green license plates. ALWAYS establish the price and confirm your destination BEFORE you get in the taxi. •The Bullet Tree taxi’s are “collectivo” meaning they will pick up other passengers on the way. The taxi ride from the village center into town is $1.50 usd per person ($3 BZD). If, for what ever reason, walking to or from the village bus stop is not possible, (you may have bags, or it is raining) For an extra $2 you can get a pick up or drop off at the guest house. •Please bare in mind that on weekends it is a bit harder to get a taxi and after 6pm the taxi prices double. •If you would like to have the collectivo taxi drop you at a specific location in town, just ask, the taxis are usually willing for a few extra dollars drive you to a specific location. ( for Example it is nice to get a drop up to Cahal Pech Ruins or Iguana Hatchery at San Ignacio Hotel because they are both a bit of an up hill hike to get to.) •We are happy call one of our taxi guys to pick you up here at the Ananda Guest House and take you to the location of your choosing. For a private taxi service around Cayo District the charge is usually $ 10 – 30 usd ($20 -60 bzd ) per person and will vary depending on where you are going. * GOOGLE maps is usually pretty accurate, if you have data or Wi-fi. Remember to down load The map of our location if you do not have international data on your phone. GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/bGJA5qbzAmdnR6QA8 Lost? No Worries! If Google Maps fails or you miss a turn, fear not! Belizeans are friendly and always willing to give directions. Just ask, and you'll be back on track in no time.

MONEY MATTERS * The US dollar is a two-to-one conversion on the street. Although the US dollar is widely accepted, the bills themselves cannot have ANY rips or tears. Also note, it is also difficult to spend large bills like $50s or $100s, as many people will not have change *Do I have to use the local currency? No you can pay with US dollars any where you go. In fact, there are places that only accept cash so make sure you have some on hand particularly if you plan to visit the market or smaller local shops and food venders. At the bigger hotels and tourist shops, always make sure you Ask if the prices are being listed in US dollars or in Belize dollars. It can make a world of difference to your budget *Where do I change my money? It is difficult to get your money changed with a bank if you do not have an account with them. But, you do not really need to do this because every where accepts the US dollar bills. When you pay with US dollars you will get your change back in Belize dollars. Note that, when leaving the country, it may be hard to convert your Belize currency back to USD. There are some kiosks at international airports that will convert your Belize dollars back to US but this is expensive and you will loose a lot on conversion. So best to plan on spending the your Belize dollars here. *Can I use an ATM/debit/credit card ? Yes we accept them and most businesses do. There are ATM machines at the Belize Banks sites and the Atlantic Bank sites that both will ATM cards. If you do plan on using your ATM or Credit card Just make sure to let your bank know that you will be using the card in Belize. And always factor in the exchange rates and your banks fees, when deciding what form of payment to use.

WHAT TO PACK •Proper footwear is a must. sandals and flip-flops don't work for waterfalls and caves. Hiking shoes on the beach are not right either. So Pack both. •The sun is powerful here, Bring sun screen and hats. Use them. •Single use Plastic is seriously awful. And technically, a crime here. Carry a water bottle fill up often. It is hot here for much of the year and you need to stay hydrated. •Almost any medicine you will need is "over the counter" but be sure to pack your prescription medicine and not expect to find your brand here. Go to the pharmacist first if you get sick. •The green alcohol makes the bug bites' stings stop and is a great disinfectant •Although it sounds counter intuitive: Pack long pants and long shirts - particularly the quick drying kind.. many things sting bite and stab and there are many tours that ask you to wear them. •bring bug spray. Preferably with Deet but if you can not stomach it there are some all natural bug repellants that may or may not work. •a small flash light is always useful •For your devises: Belize uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have 3 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter. *wet wipes may save the day in the public bathroom setting. * zip lock bags. there always seem to be something wet or that can spill which needs extra locking. •Last but not least Pack you’re an easy going attitude. Enjoy the adventure When traveling in Belize it helps to adopt the attitude of “Go with the flow” The expression in creole "soon come", is not a time indication but a practice in patience. So be flexible Don't depend on your timeline, Belize hurries for no one.

What To Do While Your Here 

ADVENTURES IN CAYO Along with our in-house river tubes that are available for a days worth of adventures we pride ourselves on individually care for each of our guests and help you to choose the best from the many activities the main land offers. You can choose between several grand temple sites, caves of international renown or explore the jungle and watch the wildlife. There is almost too much to choose from for the limited time of a vacation. We help you to select the right activities considering your preferences and abilities and coordinate your independent or guided explorations of beautiful Belize. Get the most out of your stay! There are so many fun amazing and wonder filled things to do it is not possible to be bored.. unless you want to be . Our area is famous for its amazing adventure travel excursions, Cave tubing, Mayan ruins, zip lining, canyoning, horseback riding, nature hikes, bird watching, Iguana hatchery tour, night hikes, rapture center, chocolate factory, Belizean cooking excursions… and more. We can recommend the best guides based on our own experience and can arrange for them to pick you up and drop off daily at the Guesthouse. The beautiful Mopan river is a short 3 min walk from the guest house. YES !!!! you can swim in the river. Most of the year. It does flood in rainy season. We have tubes you can use to float around and great swimming spots at Mahogany Hall Boutique Hotel with water falls and sandy banks Nice restaurant there also on the river to have some food for a great way to spend a day!

TO DO IN SAN IGNACIO TOWN San Ignacio Town ranks as the top inland destination in Belize, Central America. Travelers visit year round to experience the local cultures and countless activities and attractions. Here are a list of fun and interesting activities to do within in San Ignacio town all easy to walk to even if you don't have a car. Cahal Pech ruins - a Sweet little Maya ruin site right in the center of the town. With a little museum to visit. There are tour guides on the site that can be hired to give you a tour. there is a small entrance fee. Cahal Pech resort is nearby and offers a good restaurant with a beautiful view and options for swimming in their pool. Doable adventure for kids. (See also MAYA RUIN’s further down ) https://g.co/kgs/cFmjuYp Iguana hatchery conservation project - A fun little tour right in town at the San Ignacio hotel. Nice way to support the local effort for conservation and experience the baby iguanas. The tours happen every ohour on the hour and cost $10 usd per person. Ajaws Chocolate factory tour - A marvelous adventure. Demonstrations on how kakao is prepared and a tasting Included. Right downtown in san ignacio https://www.ajawchocolate.com/ San Ignacio market - open Everyday is a fun adventure for seeing local local culture and experiencing street food which we encourage you to try. Is particularly active on Saturdays and there is a nice little area int he market that sells locally made arts and crafts. https://g.co/kgs/fuPBAqL

OUT & ABOUT IN CAYO DISTRICT. These suggestions are easy drives from Bullet Tree and San Ignacio. They are only a smidgin of what Cayo has to offer. Some of these establishments offer shuttles or can arrange transportation if you do not have it: •Butterfly farm at ChaCreek. Nice natural history museum and tour. Great kids activity. Chaa creek resort has a nice restaurant and a pool for patrons. https://www.chaacreek.com/belize-tours/butterfly-farm-tour •Belize botanic gardens. Close to chaa creek butterfly farm. Tours are very informative. Lovely hiking trails. Offer fun cultural activities like making tamales in their maya hit fire hearth kitchen. Great for kids. https://belizebotanic.org/ •Oxmul coffee plantation. Great stop on the way to pine ridge. Nice tour of the farm that is run completely off grid and all the coffee is hand raosted and organic. https://www.facebook.com/oxmul?mibextid=ZbWKwL •Maya Belize traditional cooking classes and pottery making demonstration. With the san Antonio Womens collective. Really fun cultural experience. Contact them on facebook to book your reservation/ tour. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079039548965&mibextid=ZbWKwL •Pontoon boat rides on the vaca dam This adventure includes an off-road drive to the pontoon boat, cruising along the river, and exploring hidden waterfalls. Activities include swimming, cliff jumping, and a guided tour of the area's flora and fauna. A traditional Belizean lunch is usually provided on the boat. Check out KaWiil Tours - Contact: https://www.kawiiltours.com/ or Martz Farm with Joe Martinez https://www.martzfarm.com/

MORE ON MAYA RUINS We happen to be extremely fortunate in that we are living on ancient Mayan lands and the whole Ananda property is littered with Mayan pottery and history. As you walk the nature trails around the property you may very well encounter bits of pottery and shards. Do not remove or carry away any of the pottery you find on the ground. You are invited to pick them up and touch but please remember to return them to the ground. •Cahal Pech is our closest excavated site and is right in center of San Ignaio town any taxi in town can bring you up to the main entrance for a small fee. It is a small site but offers beautiful views and a little museum. There is a small entrance fee. https://www.themayanruinswebsite.com/cahal-pech-1.html •Xunantunich Ruin in the Succutz Village, about 15 miles outside of San Ignacio on the westernhighway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xunantunich tour company for Xunantunich https://www.kawiiltours.com/belize-adventure-tours/xunantunich-mayan-ruins/ Or explore Xunantunich on horseback is an amazing adventure: http://www.hannastables.com •Caracol Our largest excavated site in Belize. it’s a full days adventure and a beautiful drive out there through unique and diverse ecosystems. If you have your own car you can always hire a guide when you arrive at the site. There is a small museum and there is a small entrance fee. If you want to do a tour we recommend https://www.mayawalk.com/belize-caracol-mayan-ruins-tour/ https://belizeadventuretour.com/top-belize-tours/belize-caracol-maya-ruin-tour/ •Tikal it is an exciting adventure over the boarder that takes you to Tikal. Guatemala although not very far as the birds fly it feels like a world apart from Belize. indeed a whole new language and culture awaits. if you wish to travel to Tikal be prepared to cross a boarder with all the appropriate passports and documents for your vehicle if you have one. here is a good company to try if you are wanting to book a tour https://belizeadventuretour.com/top-belize-tours/tikal-national-park-day-tour-san-ignacio/

CAVES, ZIPLING AND TUBING Cave tubing in Belize is an adventurous and unique activity that involves floating through underground river systems on an inflatable inner tube. Located in the lush rainforest of Belize, this experience typically takes place in the Caves Branch River near the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve. Participants navigate through a series of dark, limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as crystal-clear waters and ancient Mayan artifacts. Guided tours often include a hike through the jungle, providing insights into the local flora and fauna before entering the caves. •Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave – or ATM cave - is one of the most popular tours in Belize… for good reason. ATM is an extensive cave system located in the Roaring River Valley Cayo, about an hours drive from Ananda GuestHouse. It Excavated and explored for the first time in 1986 they encountered a cave full of Maya artifacts and ritual offering dating thousands of years. You have to have a guide and go with a tour company to be able to see this cave. Please see the following section on recommended companies for tours. Good for kids 10 years and older and you have to be able to swim and not mind dark small places. (it is a cave) but if you have the inclination it is AMAZING. Cave tubing offers a thrilling blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a sense of adventure, making it a must-do activity for visitor. Zip lining here is an exhilarating experience, soaring above the lush rainforest canopy. gliding along high-speed cables, you will enjoying breathtaking views of the dense jungle, rivers, and wildlife below. Popular zip lining locations include the Bocawina National Park and the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, providing a thrilling adventure combined with stunning natural scenery.

TOUR COMPANIES WE CAN RECOMMEND. KaWiil Tours - Contact: https://www.kawiiltours.com/ Best at: Pontoon boat tour on the Vaca Dam Lake, ATM Cave tours, cultural and archaeological tours. Specialty: Sustainable tourism with highly knowledgeable and personable guides Run by Luis Zaiden, a highly experienced and knowledgeable guide, focusing on sustainable tourism and providing enriching historical and natural insights. They are do TRANSFERES AND SHUTTLE SERVICES. River Rat Expeditions- https://www.riverratexpeditions.com/index.html exceptional small family run company. Gonzo is simply the best tour guide for ATM. And check out there other day trips notably river kayaking and canoeing as well as tours of caraco. Free pick up at the guesthouse *Cayo Inland Adventure Tours. https://www.cayoadventuretours.com/ Contact: Best at: Xunantunich Maya Temple, cave tubing, zip lining, and custom-made adventure tours. Ask about womens maya collective, culture tour Personalized tours with experienced guides and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. Pick up for free at the guest house *Pacz Tours- https://www.pacztours.net well established complamy with knowledgeable guides. good for Cave tubing, zip lining or any one of the Maya Ruins including Caracol and Tikal. They have reputable and well established. Well trained guides. Pick up for free at guesthouse. *St. Leonards Stables and Tours. https://www.stleonardsbelize.com/ Family owned stable and farm. Great horseback riding experiences, Check out their horse back adventure to the ruins of xunantunich. Pick up for free at guesthouse.

EATING OUT  IN BELIZE 

Tips & Tricks For Dining in Belize 

•In most restaurants, If it's on the menu, that doesn't mean it's available. •No meal is served at the same time. Wait at your own risk. : •Learning to like your beverage warm is useful. Because it happens quickly. •No matter what they say... It is never butter... It's always margarine. And when all else fails, A squeeze of Lime or a little Maria Sharp hot sauce can make almost everything better. •Eat at roadside food places market vendors, Shack and stall food. they are the best you will ever have. And the cheapest. •Go to the farmers' market Particularly the Saturday market in San Ignacio. Ask questions. Have whatever they serve. Try the food. Pupusas are awesome!

RESTAURANTS WE  RECOMMEND 

Cayo district is known for its great food and near the Ananda Guesthouse we have everything from delicious roadside fast food to 5 star restaurants. Here is a short list that we enjoy.

Eating our n ear Ananda Guesthouse - In Bullet Tree Area French bakery. 1/4 mile village center. By bus stop, next to Chens supermarket. Good for breakfast and snacks. serves coffee and bakery goods. https://g.co/kgs/hnLkuwd Mahogany Hall. 1/4 mile Limited menu. A bit pricy Nice atmosphere. right on the River side view https://g.co/kgs/pMKn4n5 Remos Roadhouse Sports bar. 1mile. As you are leaving the village on the left side. Good bar food. Lively expat patrons. https://g.co/kgs/nMJk2eM Smoothie shack 1/3 mile Beside the football ball field. Inexpensive. Loud music. Basic menu. Vanilla Hills Resort- 3 senses- 3 miles. Great food. Pricey. Great atmosphere https://vanilla-hills.com/3-senses-restaurant/

Here is the short list of good restaurants in and around San Ignacio * Ko ox hanna - 5 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio 5.1 km Great food. Big menu. Something for everyone. Right down town in san ignacio town https://g.co/kgs/38Hp83A * Guava limb restaurant - Burns Avenue, San Ignacio 4.8 km Great food- nice atmosphere right down town san ignacio town https://g.co/kgs/R1NSFzb * CRAVE Classy, romantic and tranquil. It's a type of restaurant that caters for all sort of food ranging from local to international. It's a bit pricey but worth the experience.https://maps.app.goo.gl/QdBADT2ARqBXdpG99 * Lolas restaurant - 3rd, Blue Hole St., San Ignacio 5.1 km great view of san ignacio nice local food menu https://g.co/kgs/R1NSFzb * Erva's Restaurant is amazing! Local food. nice local clean atmosphere. 6 miles far west st. Great local food st great prices https://maps.app.goo.gl/ymWy4amtZGayxb618 * POPS diner 42 West St, San Ignacio. Great breakfast good prices popular with local crowded on Sundays opens 6am Pop's Restaurant ph#824-3366 https://www.facebook.com/share/a6VxviRxkW3cLwtG/?mibextid=qi2Omg https://g.co/kgs/W7t8J2m * Cenaidas Restaurant - serving authentically delicious Belizean food. fun local atmosphere. open for lunch only. great prices. https://g.co/kgs/j5H2AT5

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