"Looking back, I think the jungle lodge became one of our favorite parts of the entire trip."

Since we knew we'd be spending several days driving around the mainland, we also brought our lightweight travel car seat from home. It meant checking one extra bag, but it gave us peace of mind knowing it fit our son properly and was available whenever we needed it.

Xunantunich ended up being one of our favorite excursions in the Cayo District and is something I'd highly recommend. After crossing the hand-cranked ferry, we hired a guide waiting near the entrance who completely elevated the experience. He explained details we never would have understood on our own, answered countless questions, and even doubled as our family photographer. Belize's heat and humidity are no joke, though, so don't underestimate how much water you'll want to bring.

We also considered making a day trip into Guatemala to visit additional Mayan ruins. Had it been just the two of us, I think we absolutely would have gone. But with an almost two-year-old, the extra driving, border logistics, and heat made it feel like more than we wanted to take on. It was one of those decisions where traveling with a young child naturally shaped our itinerary.

A few of the smaller experiences ended up being some of the most enjoyable. We spent time wandering through the San Ignacio Market, trying local food (the pupusas were delicious), shopping for souvenirs, and simply taking in the atmosphere. We also visited the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where we learned about one of Belize's best-known reptiles and even had the chance to hold one. I wouldn't necessarily build an entire day around it, but it was a fun stop that supported a worthwhile conservation effort and was especially engaging with a young child.

When we weren't out exploring, we found ourselves slowing down and simply enjoying the lodge. Guests could borrow canoes at no additional cost, so one afternoon we headed out onto the Macal River. Adam handled most of the rowing while the rest of us enjoyed the scenery. It wasn't an adrenaline-filled excursion or something you'll find on every "Top 10 Things to Do in Belize" list, but it became one of those quiet travel moments that has stayed with me long after the trip ended.

One excursion we didn't get to experience was the famous ATM Cave. It was offered directly through our lodge and came highly recommended by several other guests we met during our stay. Unfortunately, it simply wasn't realistic with an almost two-year-old. It's definitely something we'd prioritize if we ever return when our son is older.

For the second half of our trip, we traded the jungle for the Caribbean. Deciding where to stay was actually more difficult than choosing our jungle lodge. We went back and forth between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Ambergris offered more upscale hotels and a busier atmosphere, while Caye Caulker was known for being smaller, quieter, and much more laid-back.

As someone who usually gravitates toward nicer hotels, it honestly wasn't an easy decision. I liked the wider range of accommodations on Ambergris, but I kept coming back to the idea of experiencing an island where golf carts replaced cars and life moved at a slower pace. Looking back, I'm really glad we chose Caye Caulker because it made the second half of our trip feel so different from the first.

We stayed at Blu Zen, which ended up being a great compromise. The resort offered newer condo-style accommodations and all the comforts we were hoping for while still letting us experience Caye Caulker's slower pace. Since it sits on the quieter northern portion of the island, we took the resort's boat into town whenever we wanted to explore. It required a little planning around the boat schedule, but we never found it inconvenient.

Once we reached the main part of the island, we mostly wandered without much of an agenda. We walked to The Split, enjoyed fresh lobster, browsed local shops, rented bikes, and spent one day exploring by golf cart. We stopped by Iguana Reef Inn to watch the stingrays gather along the shoreline and even discovered Bliss Beach, where we practically had the entire place to ourselves. It felt like our own private little beach club for the afternoon.

Exploring Caye Caulker by bike

The highlight of our time on Caye Caulker was a full-day snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with BlackHawk Tours. We spoke with several tour operators before booking, but I immediately connected with Daniel and had a good feeling about choosing his company. We often book private boat excursions whenever possible because they're simply easier when traveling with a young child, and this trip confirmed why.

Throughout the day we snorkeled at several different sites, including a shipwreck, swam alongside nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, and I even had the unexpected opportunity to swim near a manatee. We finished the day feeding tarpon before heading back, and the lunch served onboard was excellent. It was one of those days where every stop offered something different.

The only downside? I became so caught up enjoying the experience that I completely forgot to reapply sunscreen and ended up with one of the worst sunburns I've ever had. It certainly didn't ruin the day, but if I were packing for Belize again, a lightweight rash guard would be coming with me.

"Belize wasn't the most action-packed trip we've ever taken - but it reminded us that not every great vacation has to be."

Because we visited during hurricane season, we had a couple rainy days while staying on Caye Caulker. Rather than letting it derail our plans, we slowed down, explored whenever the weather allowed, and appreciated that our resort had games and puzzles to help pass the time. Sitting on our balcony watching the rain move across the Caribbean wasn't how we imagined spending the afternoon - but it ended up being relaxing in its own way.

When we first came home from Belize, I don't think I appreciated the trip as much as I do now. It wasn't as adrenaline-filled as South Africa or as unforgettable from a wildlife perspective as the Galápagos. But putting this page together reminded me just how well-balanced the trip really was. We experienced peaceful jungle life, explored ancient Mayan history, paddled down a quiet river, spent time on a laid-back Caribbean island, and swam alongside incredible marine life - all in one vacation. Looking back, Belize wasn't about one spectacular moment. It was about how naturally everything fit together, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable family trips we've taken.

Last updated: September 2026