THE backpacker paradise in Belize is Caye Caulker. It was already when I traveled through Central America in 2013 and 2018, and it still is today. The island has elevated the statement ‘Go Slow’ to an art form.
The guidebooks describe Hopkins as one of Belize’s most touristic destinations. And that is true. But touristy Belize is an entirely different experience than touristic Mexico. No mass tourism, no Western chain stores, no cruise ships, and no rush. Love it!
At first, I think they are people. That some people somewhere in the distance make strange noises. But the sound lasts too long for a joke. It’s a continuous, deep, loud roar. It’s not people, I realize. I am surrounded by howler monkeys in the jungle of the Mayan city of Lamanai. So cool! Want to experience it too? I’ll explain what to expect and how to get there.
I have trouble characterizing Orange Walk in Belize. There is no one word or phrase to describe the city’s character. It’s a place where things that don’t belong together come together. Traditional Mennonites, a marijuana penchant, and a rich Mayan past all have a home in this dry, dusty city.
