An american influenced country masquerading as a British one. Despite the Queen on the money, the plugs are the frail US ones, when you order coffee they’ll ask if you want cream.

Hawkesworth Bridge

This steel suspension bridge spans the picturesque Macal River, connecting the towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The bridge was erected in 1949 and named after Leonard Percival Howell Hawksworth, a notable figure in the colonial government of British Honduras. The Hawksworth Bridge played a crucial role in promoting economic growth and development in the region. Today, it is not only a vital transportation link but also an impressive landmark.

Guava Limb

I was so disappointed to have missed out on the delicious cheesecake, but the pulled pork sandwich with a tantalizing Asian dipping sauce was truly a culinary delight, and even better with a little bit of hot sauce added! All of the pillars around the area were equipped with sockets, providing additional convenience to the guests.

The Spot Cafe and Lounge

Nice spot with some very friendly staff.

Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let's Go Eat)

Local food, from local farms. I had a Rogan Gosht, which is not much like a British one, wiht sour cream, but it was deliious, the decor eclectic, the staff lovely and the cheesecake brilliant.

Coffee Place

Brand new when we arrived, the coffee is dramatically more expensive than in the surrounding local cafes, but of a much higher quality and more international style. A diverse and sometimes confusing menu is offset by really passionate staff. When we were there a promotion was being run, buy a Medium Coffee, get a free T-Shirt and our whole group got one, I assumed that a large coffee would also qualify me for a T-Shirt given its a more expensive choice. Turns out, the sign meant exactly what it said and I was the only shirtless member of our crew.

San Ignacio, Belize, is a treasure trove for those who love to shop. This charming town is dotted with small souvenir shops, each one unique and filled with local crafts and trinkets. It's the perfect place to pick up a memento of your travels or a gift for someone back home. You'll find everything from handmade jewellery to traditional Belizean textiles, all showcasing the talent and creativity of local artisans.

But it's not just about the souvenirs. San Ignacio has a quirky side too, with a surprising number of electronic stores. It's a bit of a contrast, these modern shops nestled among the traditional ones, but that's part of the town's charm. You never know what you might find in these stores, so they're worth a browse.

And let's not forget about the food. San Ignacio is a foodie's paradise, with restaurants serving up a delicious mix of local and international cuisine. Whether you're craving traditional Belizean dishes or something a bit more familiar, you'll find it here. So, after a day of exploring and shopping, you can sit down to a fantastic meal. It's the perfect way to end your day in San Ignacio.

Back to your Roots

One place I stopped at, Back to your Roots is a cool souvenier shop with a caribbean vibe. Sat in one corner, half covered by coats on a rack, the owner told me about the Black Tamarind crystal I had picked up. Used by Mayans for its healing powers, it was so dense it was a rock but almost a gem. He told me to stop wearing my big hiking boots, it was too hot here and my feet needed to breathe. He was not wrong.

Horse Riding

The farmstead was a flurry of activity, with chickens, turkeys, kittens, and dogs all milling about, adding to the charm of the place. It felt like stepping into a scene from Noah's Ark, minus the impending flood.

With a boost and a bit of a scramble, we found ourselves atop our horses, ready to delve into the jungle. Our guides led the way, navigating the dense foliage with an ease that spoke of their familiarity with the terrain. The jungle closed in around us, but we pressed on, each of us finding our rhythm in the saddle.

Then came the water crossing. Our horses took to it like seasoned pros, wading through the cool water that splashed up around our ankles. It was a moment straight out of a Hollywood film, minus the dramatic score and slow-motion shots.

Our journey led us to Coran's Arch, an ancient ruin that seemed to exist outside of time. We paused there, soaking in the tranquillity of the place, before setting off again. As we galloped through the fields, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape.

The day ended with us loading onto a tractor-trailer, a bit like a band of merry prisoners, ready to be transported back to our van through the twilight-lit fields. The air was heavy with the heat of the day, but the promise of the cool evening was just within reach.

Cave Tubing

Our journey to the starting point for Cave Tubing took about an hour's drive. We hadn't booked Zip Lining, so we found ourselves with a bit of time on our hands while the rest of our group took to the treetops. We hadn't realised Zip Lining was on the cards, so it was a bit of a letdown to miss out. But, every cloud has a silver lining, and this gave us the perfect opportunity to rent some water shoes from a nearby stall.

Armed with our newly rented shoes, we collected our gear from the kiosk - a helmet, headlamp, life jacket, and an inflatable ring. Carrying the ring was a bit of a faff, but we managed to navigate the 30-minute walk along the river to our starting point without too much trouble. The hike was a breeze, and we even got to walk through a cave before setting up our rings in the water, under the watchful gaze of a towering cliff.

Before we embarked on our Tubing adventure, we took a dip in the shallow water. It was teeming with fish, some of which had a penchant for nibbling at dead skin - a treatment people usually shell out for at fancy spas. Luckily, my diligent moisturising routine meant I was spared this unexpected pedicure.

We then hopped into our rings, linked up, and let the river carry us into the mouth of a massive underground cave. The first main section was a vast, open space that echoed with the sound of dripping water. We stopped at a particular cave, clambered out onto the rocks, and took some time to explore. After a bit of a wander, we jumped back into the water for a swim. A couple of us even had a go at scaling some towering rocks and leaping into the water below.

There was a side passage that required a bit of an underwater escape act. I opted out of this one - tight spaces aren't really my cup of tea. Give me a high jump in the dark surrounded by rocks any day, but enclosed spaces? No, thank you.

Once we'd had our fill of exploration, we climbed back into our rings and let the current carry us through the darkness. Soon enough, we emerged from the caves, blinking in the sunlight and laughing as we navigated some mild rapids. The end of our journey was marked by a short walk back to our starting point, followed by a hearty lunch of rice, beans, and chicken. All in all, a day well spent.

San Antonio Women’s Pottery Cooperative

Technically you could describe this as dinner and a show, but the San Antonio Women’s Pottery Cooperative is a community lead project to benefit local women and artisans.

The village of San Antonio, a community of 3,500 people in western Belize, has its roots in Mayan traditions and currently practices subsistence agriculture.

https://planeterra.org/san-antonio-womens-co-op/

Supported by G-Adventure’s Planeterra organisation, the Cooperative employs 18 women and supports 11 local artisans and maintains an education fun for local girls to use to attend schools. Our experience was both a delicious home-cooked meal, and a pottery demonstration, which we were able to take part in. I gave it a go, and was doing very well until suddenly I was not doing well at all and clay was everywhere.