• Belize

    Backpacking Hopkins, Belize: A Hidden Gem

    Most people have never heard of Hopkins, Belize, and for those that have, it’s likely not on your to-do list in Belize. Hopkins isn’t heavily promoted like other destinations in the country, but I’d argue that it is Belize’s greatest hidden gem.   Short History on the Garifuna of Hopkins Hopkins is a unique small town populated by the Garifuna people. The Garifuna are descendants of West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak people. It is said that Spanish ships carrying West African slaves (likely Nigerian) found themselves ship wrecked in 1635 on the island of St. Vincent. The slaves escaped and found refuge among the local Carib-Arawak people.…

  • Belize

    Lamanai Tour From Orange Walk

    If you’re in Orange Walk, you’re probably transiting to another city in Belize or Mexico, or you’re here to do the Lamanai tour. Outside of that, there isn’t much to see or do here. Orange Walk is perhaps the most laid back city in Belize, but a great place to kick back and relax. There isn’t much of a tourist industry, so you get the most authentic Belizean experience. I spent much of my time here relaxing and walking around this tiny town. My friend Kendrya and I came specifically to see the Lamanai (Mayan term for Submerged Crocodile) archaeological ruins. In order to visit these ruins you’ll need to book a…

  • Belize,  Mexico

    How to Get From Belize to Cancun

    Flying in and out of Belize can be expensive, which is why many fly to Cancun first and travel to Belize by land after. Doing so can save you nearly $200, which may or may not be worth the extra hassle. Here’s how to get from Belize to Cancun. There is a nightly bus from Novelo’s Bus Terminal in Belize City to Cancun airport, which stops in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen along the way. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase tickets online or by telephone; you must buy it in person at the bus terminal between 5pm and 7pm; however, tickets can be purchased up to 7 days in advance. The…

  • Belize,  Mexico

    How to Get From Mexico to Belize

    Traveling from Mexico to Belize is straightforward and quite cheap. The first thing you need to do is to get to the border city of Chetumal. From Old ADO station” (la terminal antigua de ADO) on Salvador Novo street near Av. Insurgentes and Av. Belize in Chetumal you can purchase your ticket to Belize. The bus will make stops in Corozal and Orange Walk before reaching Belize City (final destination). The ride from Chetumal to Belize City is around 3 hours and costs less than $5. The bus is far from luxurious, but still pretty cool. They are actually renovated school buses. It felt as if I was reliving my…