How-To Belize

So here is what I learned thus far while in Belize....

All money is in local currency unless otherwise stated.

Belize City Airport to San Ignacio 30.50 USD

The taxi from the airport to Belize City is 25 USD. Not 30 USD which the guy told us after we had already got in the taxi because for some reason we were in some big hurry to leave the airport without loading maps of the city or anything. He told us some tale about how yes it used to be $25 but gas prices went up... this was a lie because everyone else we talked to said they only paid $25. I guess kudos to that jerk for ripping us off. He did offer to drive us all the way to San Ignacio for $140 (American) but there was no way that seemed like a better offer than the bus. Also note the 25 USD is for two people so you may be charged 50 USD if there are four of you.

We were fortunate enough to catch the express bus to San Ignacio, as the buses are the main source of transportation for the locals they are quiet full, we lucked out and got seats together and overhead room for our bags on a bus that got fuller and fuller as we made our way out of the city. As we were on the express bus it only took two hours, the normal bus which stops everywhere for everyone takes around 3. We paid 5.50 USD for the bus ($11 Belize) Well worth the extra money especially as the bus was extremely crowded, and all the windows were up because it was pouring rain, so also very humid. 

Once we arrived in San Ignacio there is actually free wifi at the bus terminal, which I was trying to connect to so I could look up directions to our hostel. However my adorable travel buddy was rather worried we were going to be robbed or sold into sex slavery did not want to stand at the bus stop for even a second. So off we went. Turns out the people of San Ignacio are pretty amazing, friendly and welcoming. We asked a guy selling tours if he could point us in the direction of our hostel and he was more than happy to oblige. In all fairness too, the guy on the bus (taking the fares) also asked us where we were staying and came to the conclusion taking us to the main bus station was the best place. Our hostel was literally just up the road from there.

Cost to self tour Xuanantunich $14

Me forever being the frugal traveller was not keen to do any tours so we decided to make our own way to Xuanantunich. This was easily accomplished by taking the bus headed to Banque. Literally runs every half hour, and for $2 takes you to the ferry crossing. From there its a moderate 1.6 km walk up the mountain to the entrance and for $10 you get to experience what is probably the most breathtaking of the ruins in Belize (or so lonely planet tells me) It was a blue bird day and you could see for miles from the top. For me it was well worth the money just for the hike. The little village where the bus lets you off is quaint enough and we got ourselves some ice cream and wandered up the road a bit to wait for the bus. The will pick you up from anywhere along the highway and take you back to San Ignacio for $2. Typically the buses are headed to Belize City. We had standing room only but it was a mere twenty minute ride, so not a big deal.

San Ignacio to Placencia $19

Getting to Placencia was a bit of a guessing game on our part. We just sort of thought we would wait to get a bit later of a start on the day and hopefully miss the commuting traffic, no such luck however we were just on a short hop to Belmopan, we ended up on an express bus so it cost $4. There we met a local of Dangriga who accompanied us and chatted my poor friends ear off all the way to Dangriga, for $7, where we were fortunate enough to only have to wait thirty minutes for the bus to Placencia. The bus to Placencia only cost us $8 but the wind stole away my two dollar note so it ended up costing me ten. However the man who collected our money came by when we were closer to our destination to find out where were were staying and let us off literally right in front of the property. He even took our bags down from the overhead rack and carried my friends all the way to the door for her. 

Placencia to Hopkins $7

Hopkins was our next stop and this was also a guessing game, the lady at our accommodations told us the bus leaves at 10:00, however it leaves at 10:30 from the bus stop in the town. This bus cost $7 and took us right into Hopkins. Note there are other bus options that drop you at turn off for Hopkins it is a quite a walk into the actual village.

Hopkins to Belize City $17

To get from Hopkins to Belize City cost $17 the bus we took left at 11:45 and although we went back to Belmopan we were not required to change buses which was nice, however the bus had no roof racks and sitting with my bag on my lap made for an uncomfortable ride. 

Getting to the Islands

There are a series of options for water taxis to get you over to the Islands, they all have websites. However it is worth noting that they will leave early if they are full. Prices for these are also posted online

Oceanferrybelize.com - this company is the cheapest but does not have as many sailing times, however they do have a secure free place to store your luggage if you are early or even on your way out if you want to explore the city a bit before continuing on. They also have free bathrooms in the terminal.

belizewatertaxi.com - definitely more expensive but have more frequent sailings. They leave early if they have enough people so this is something to note. Also when leaving Belize City they have two lines, one for Caye Caulker & one for San Pedro. Make sure you are in the correct line because they won't be looking for you if you aren't. Also you buy your ticket at one window then have to go to the window to the left of that one to validate it. So be prepared to wait in two lines before lining up for the taxi.