Food in Belize is mostly rice and beans, sometimes cooked in coconut milk, and you should be sure not to expect anything gourmet. The highlight of this country is in the scenery, not the food. Tropical fruit, however, is first-rate and almost always fresh.

Guidebooks will give you lots of options in major touristy towns like San Ignacio and the Cayes. A couple places stood out to me:

Tradewinds in Placencia - $50 USD a night for a bungalow with two double beds and a private, hot water bath. These bungalows are prime beach-front property and each has a private deck with a hammock and a few chairs.

Hi-Et in San Ignacio: Not for the luxury traveler, but definitely easy on the wallet. Rooms are sparse, but the hotel has a funky charm and is right in the center of town by the main bus and taxi pick-up. Shared bath is $15 USD/night, private is $20.

Barefoot Caribe in Caye Caulker: While there are plenty of great budget places in Caye Caulker, this one is worth the extra few dollars. $60 USD/night gets you a private hot-water bath, air conditioning, a mini-fridge (so you can buy your own drinks and make up the cost of the room), and a balcony with a hammock overlooking the ocean. It's clean and nicer than most other accomodations in this price range.

Take a plane from Belize City to Placencia. A ride is $80 pp, but well-worth the price. Being that the country has so few roads, this is one of the only ways to see much of its natural beauty. If you want to go slightly more budget, you can take the plane just to Dangriga, and then take a 2 hour bus ride to Placencia from there.

The ruins of Caracol (in the Cayo district) aren't even close to being fully excavated but archaologists believe this ancient city once rivaled well-known Tikal. For a less touristy experience, you might decide to go here instead - but know that Tikal has been more extensively excavated. Caracol will likely be more of a tourist destination in a few years.

Everywhere. As tourism is Belize's biggest growing industry, the people of Belize are very friendly, and love to tell you stories and give you travel tips. Just smile and say hello!

The quickest way to get around is by renting a car, but perhaps because of the poor quality of roads, cars are very expensive. If you plan to explore the Cayo district, it's probably worth it because the various hikes and waterfalls are all short drives apart, but otherwise, stick to public transportation.

The bus system is remarkably reliable, if slow and packed. Still, for anyone looking for an authentic Belizean experience - this is the way to go. It's also the best way to get between Belize City and San Ignacio without renting a car.

Both Mayan Airlines and Tropic Air fly regular flights up and down the coast as well as to Flores, Guatemala for travelers wishing to visit Tikal. Flights from the municipal airport are cheaper, but if you're already at the international airport and have to take a taxi into town, the difference is negligable.

7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at airport and take a connecting Mayan or Tropic Airlines flight to Placencia. Relax and ease into "Belize Time".

Day 2: Spend the morning in Placencia, and take the early afternoon bus out towards San Ignacio. You'll have to change buses a few times - but your bus drivers will make sure you get where you're going. Arrive in San Ignacio in time for dinner and a stroll down to the bridge. Listen to the sounds of the river life.

Day 3: Arrange through your hotel or at Eva's Restaurant to do some sports in the lush Cayo district. Inner tubing, hiking, and swimming in natural pools are all on the menu.

Day 4: Take a "collectivo" (cheap taxi) to the Guatemalan border at 6 am when it opens. Take a taxi on the other side to the ruins at Tikal, and arrage for a pick-up time. Spend the day hiking through the rainforest and discovering the ancient Mayan metropolis. Leave by 4pm to make it to the border before sunset.

Day 5: Catch an early morning bus to Belize City, and then take a water taxi out to Caye Caulker. Drink coconut rum at "The Split" (the best swimming spot on the island)and watch the sunset.

Day 6: Go snorkling or diving - the full-day trips will take you to the best spots and provide lunch and rum punch. Come back before sunset and go for an evening swim.

Day 7: Take a water taxi back to Belize city and a cab to the airport. Have a goodbye drink at Jet's Bar in the departure terminal - and don't forget to take a picture with Jet (ladies, be careful, he will hug you close)!

And, of course, have an Un-belize-able time!