Since we are only 1.5 hours away from the border of Belize, we want to make a side trip to Belize. First, we take a tuktuk ride to Santa Elena, then a minibus to the border. It takes a while for our bus to fill up, but the border crossing is uncomplicated. Then we take a taxi to San Ignacio.
Upon arriving in Belize, we no longer feel like we are in Latin America. It is a very multicultural country with people of different ethnic backgrounds (Mayans, Creoles, Mestizos, etc.) and different languages. The official language is English, but due to the cultural mix, Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, and Mandarin are also spoken. Julio continues to get by with his Spanish, and it usually works, at least here near the border. However, many, especially the Afro-descendants, only speak English.
In addition to curiosity about visiting this country, we have plans to see more Mayan ruins. Xunantunich is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites and is located about 13 km from San Ignacio. We ride an old American school bus for 2 Belize Dollars per person until 1 km before the site, from where we cross the Mopan River with a small ferry and then walk another 1 km to the ruins.
Of course, these ruins are not as impressive as Tikal, but definitely worth a visit.
The heat is unbearable, and the cooling off in the turquoise river afterwards is just what I need. Many Mayan families apparently come here to swim.
Besides archaeological sites, Belize also has many caves, but unfortunately, the country is also very expensive (European standard), so we decide to go back to Guatemala.
At the border, we are unfortunately faced with an exit fee of 40 Belize Dollars (20 US Dollars) for me and 10 Belize Dollars for Julio. Well, it was still worth the experience to have visited the country. :)
