Five Days in Ambergris Cayes

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A June 2000 trip to Ambergris Caye by travel2000

Quote: What an adventure! And that was only getting to the Cayes! It was my first time in a plane that felt smaller than a minivan! The six passengers barely fit in the cabin. But as we took off, the view was unlike anything I've seen.

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Five Days in Ambergris Cayes

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Overview

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The snorkeling at one of the world's largest barrier reef, the colorful fish, hugging a shark and feeling the belly of sting rays, the beautiful clear water, having conch every night for dinner prepared 3 different ways, riding on a boat up the reef, the rainstorm in the middle of the night, walking in the muddy streets AFTER the rainstorm! It was not what we expected but it was so much fun.Quick Tips: If you don't want to experience howling winds and periods of heavy rain, don't go in the summer months. When we were there at the beginning of June, it was the start of the rain season. We were lucky to have the rain hit us only at night, but we also had some cloudy days. If I had to do it over...Read More

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Ramon's Village

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Hotel | "Ramon's Village Resort"

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We were debating whether to stay in San Pedro or outside, and decided to go with this resort. This is the few resorts in San Pedro with an actual strip of beach (other places just have rocks and then the water) and it also has restaurant and pool. We stayed on the top floor of the thatched-roof cabanas. Our room had air-conditioning, and a modern but small bathroom with shower. The plus was a balcony overlooking the beach. However, this is not a place for quiet times. They have a band on some nights (Fridays for sure) and the clientele at the resort tend to be young and active. If that's what you want, this the the place for you. We would've prefered something more remote. Overall, it was a good exper...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 7, 2000

Ramon's Village
Coconut Drive
Ambergris Caye, Belize
26 2071

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Mata Chica

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Hotel

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I actually did not stay here, but this was my other choice in my hotel toss-up. After our arrival at Ramon's Village, we wanted to check this place out, and were impressed and kicked ourselves for not staying here instead. There are colorful cabanas on a beachfront, and the decor and service seemed first-class. The place seemed quiet and peaceful, and supposedly, there is an excellent Italian restaurant. The only drawback would be the water taxi's you would need to take to and from San Pedro, but if it's peace and quiet you want, I recommend this place! At least, this is where I'll be staying on my next trip.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 7, 2000

Mata Chica

Ambergris Caye, Belize
021-3010

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Lily's Hotel & Restaurant

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Restaurant | "Lily's Restaurant"

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This is right on the boardwalk overlooking the beach and the dive shops. After a nice walk along the shore, we found this cute restaurant, a relatively quiet location without a loud band. We sat on the patio outside, and had drinks to start. Our waiter recommended something called "Panty Ripper", hee hee...yes, that's the name. It's like pina colada, but the rum here is so good it tastes like something else. In fact, our drinks were complimentary, part of our menu. I had a dish with conch, a little on the sweet side, and my husband had pork chops, which were delicious! We came back here once more and again, the food and service was very good.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 7, 2000

Lily's Hotel & Restaurant
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye, Belize
(501) 206-2059

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Elvi's Kitchen

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Restaurant

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We wanted to try Mayan cuisine and were told this is the place to do so. It's a big place with mahogony doors and sand floors. We had drinks (something the bartender made up on the spot, with pineapple juice and other rums!) and tried the famous chicken and spices wrapped in banana leaves. It was good. We also had seafood (with conch!) as a stew and that was delicious as well. This is a hang-out place for everyone, from huge groups to couples and kids. I think they do close on Sundays.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 7, 2000

Elvi's Kitchen
Pescador Drive
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
(501) 226-2404

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Cafe Ole

Restaurant

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This is on the strip right outside the airport. It's really a couple of tables, a small gourmet deli selling French and Italian goods, and the counter in the back making sandwiches, shakes, and cafes. It's owned by an Italian who also lived in Montreal, a very friendly guy. The food is good, and the atmosphere relaxing (maybe a bit too much...there was always someone there, sitting around doing nothing!). We found it a convenient place for early lunch and afternoon snacks. For some reason, when I think of Belize, my mind somehow wanders back to this sleepy cafe and the friendly tanned owner chatting on the patio!

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 8, 2000

Cafe Ole
Coconut Drive
Ambergris Caye, Belize
501-26-2907

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Coral Beach Dive Shop

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Attraction

Shark Photo - Coral Beach Dive Shop, Ambergris Caye, Belize

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This was highly recommended by a colleague at work, an older woman who snorkeled for the first time with a guide named Toulou at this dive shop. Since it would be my first time as well, this is where I headed. We had brought our own masks and snorkel, and rented the fins. Toulou was already out on a diving day trip, so we ended up with George. Our group had only one other couple, but they were pros so George was able to spend time with me. We first went to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a very popular destination. We anchored our boat and dove in. The water is so clear and the fish so colorful, it was like swimming in a giant acquarium. I really had a good time. The day was a bit cloudy, but you could still...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 7, 2000

Coral Beach Dive Shop
San Pedro
Ambergris Caye, Belize

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Altun Ha Maya Ruins

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Attraction

Altun Ha Photo - Altun Ha Maya Ruins, Belize City, Belize

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Though this is not the best or most dramatic Mayan ruin in the area (that title belongs to Tikal in Gautemala), this is worth your trip if you have limited time and don't want to travel far. We booked this trip on through our hotel. We basically paid the full fee at the hotel and took a plane to Belize City from San Pedro. Then there was a guide/driver with a nice minivan waiting for our arrival to drive us to the ruins. Usually, this should've been a small group tour, but the day had started with torrential rain so we luckily had a private guide. The drive took about one hour on mostly dirt roads after leaving Belize City. The area was a jungle, very remote and deserted. Our guide pointed out ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 8, 2000

Altun Ha Maya Ruins
Altun Ha/North of Belize City 30 miles
Belize City, Belize

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Additional Thoughts

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Story/Tip

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Although we didn't have time to go to Tikal, this impressive Mayan Ruin was highly recommended to me before my trip. I wanted to mention it here so those of you planning a trip can make sure to add that to your schedule. It's easy to get by taking a plane from Belize City or elsewhere in Belize. Check with your hotel or travel agent. It would be an all-day trip with early departure. I've seen my friend's photos and this site is amazing. Some of the temples are so tall, like skyscrapers. She said it was so difficult to climb up because of the height and the steepness of the steps, but the view was worth it. So try to fit this into your trip and don't miss out like I did! Another recommendation we di...Read More