Hidden Gems of Central America: Belize & Honduras Edition

After arriving in Roatán, head straight to West Bay Lodge, a charming and affordable stay just a short walk from the beach. This cozy hotel doubles as an animal sanctuary and offers convenient airport pickup for a small fee. Once settled in, make your way to the beach and grab lunch at Ahari Bar—their piña coladas are a must-try. Spend the afternoon swimming in the clear, calm waters of West Bay, then head to Cayuco Restaurant at Paradise Beach Hotel for dinner, where you’ll enjoy delicious fajitas and live bongo music in a lively beachfront setting.

Start your morning with the complimentary breakfast at West Bay Lodge, which includes a traditional típico and freshly baked banana bread muffins—both local favorites. Take advantage of the free snorkel gear provided by the hotel and swim out to explore the vibrant reef just offshore, or rent additional floaties and gear from the beach vendors if needed. For lunch, head to Bananarama Beach Bar for refreshing smoothies and enjoy their beachfront lounge chairs (free with any food or drink purchase). In the afternoon, hop on a $5 water taxi to West End, where you can browse local shops and pay a visit to the Roatán Chocolate Factory for handmade treats. Stick around for dinner at Argentinian Grill, then catch sunset cocktails at Sundowners, a beloved beach bar with an unbeatable view. Afterward, take the water taxi back to West Bay and end the evening with drinks or dessert at Infinity Bay for a relaxing close to the day.

Begin your day with a hotel-arranged transfer from West Bay Lodge to the Roatán airport for your flight to Belize City. Upon arrival, take a 20–30 minute taxi ride to the water taxi terminal. Ferries to San Pedro run roughly every 90 minutes during the day, and the scenic ride takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal upon arrival. After arriving in San Pedro, check into Sandbar Beachfront Hostel, a laid-back, budget-friendly spot right on the water. For lunch, walk across the street to Palapa Bar & Grill, a convenient first stop with floating lounge chairs and dockside views—great for a drink, though the food itself was nothing special. Later, grab a casual cocktail at Hurricane’s Ceviche Bar, another relaxed over-the-water hangout. End the day with dinner back at Sandbar, enjoying beachfront vibes just steps from your room.

Start your morning with breakfast at Lily’s Treasure Chest, just a short stroll down the beach from Sandbar Hostel, where you can enjoy oceanfront views and a fresh, flavorful start to the day. After breakfast, rent a golf cart—the main mode of transport on the island—and take the scenic 40-minute drive to the famous Secret Beach. Spend the afternoon at Happy Island, a fun and relaxing beachfront spot offering complimentary lounge chairs and tables set right in the shallow water. Be sure to try their flavorful jerk chicken and refreshing piña coladas. On the way back to town, make a stop at The Truck Stop, a lively food truck park that hosts nightly live music and is perfect for grabbing a bite or drink to close out your day.

Start your day with breakfast at The Fry Jack House, where you can sample a variety of traditional Belizean favorites—like warm, fluffy fry jacks filled with eggs, beans, cheese, or jam. For an unforgettable adventure, book a catamaran tour with Searious Adventures (recommended to reserve the day before). The full-day sailing trip includes guided snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where vibrant coral formations host sea turtles, sting rays, barracuda, and more. At Shark Ray Alley, snorkelers have the chance to safely swim alongside nurse sharks and southern stingrays in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

After the morning’s underwater exploration, the boat stops at Caye Caulker for lunch. Chef Kareem’s Unbelizeable Lunch serves standout island fare—don’t miss the rich coconut curry, and the jerk chicken comes highly recommended as well. Back in San Pedro, enjoy a flavorful dinner at Elvi’s Kitchen, a beloved institution blending tradition and creativity with standout Belizean-Creole dishes. The Creole chicken, simmered in local spices, is a guest favorite, and the vibrant tropical décor under a sandy floor adds to the relaxed, authentic island atmosphere.

Start the morning with breakfast at Estel’s Dine by the Sea, a local favorite in San Pedro known for its beachfront views and hearty breakfasts. After eating, catch the ferry back to Belize City. For the journey inland to San Ignacio, you can arrange a private transfer with William’s Shuttle for a comfortable ride directly from the terminal, or opt for the budget-friendly local bus (about $5 per person, but note there's no air conditioning).

In San Ignacio, check in at the cozy and welcoming Old House Hostel, a charming stay with a relaxed atmosphere. For lunch, walk over to Ko-Ox Han-Nah, a popular spot serving generous portions of Belizean and international comfort food. In the evening, grab some tacos from the casual street stand right outside the hostel—a hidden gem. Cap off the night with drinks at the bar below the hostel, where the owners often treat guests to live music performances, creating a warm and communal vibe.

Kick off the day with breakfast at Mike’s Kitchen, a local gem offering incredibly affordable and savory fry jacks—perfect fuel for an adventurous day ahead. Book a full-day excursion with St. Leonard’s Tours to experience two of Belize’s most iconic activities: Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and cave tubing. With no other guests on the tour, it turned into a private experience, offering a more personal and relaxed pace. At the cave tubing park, enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch provided by the tour before floating through ancient limestone caverns and learning about their cultural significance. Earlier in the day, climb to the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich for sweeping views over the jungle and across the Guatemalan border.

In the evening, grab dinner at Trine's Restaurant, one of the few places open during the national holiday—a lucky find offering comforting local dishes to end a full day of exploration.

Start the day with breakfast at Pop’s Restaurant, a laid-back local favorite known for its friendly service and satisfying morning plates. Then set out on the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave tour, booked through Mayawalk Tours—one of the most memorable and sacred experiences in Belize. The guided trek takes you through rivers, narrow rock passages, and cathedral-like caverns filled with ancient Mayan artifacts, pottery, and skeletal remains. It’s a physically active and spiritually rich journey deep into the heart of Maya history. To preserve the site and out of respect for its cultural significance, phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the cave.

After the adventure, enjoy a traditional Belizean picnic lunch provided by the tour, typically served near the cave site to refuel and relax. For dinner, return to Ko-Ox Han-Nah, a reliable go-to in San Ignacio with hearty portions and a welcoming atmosphere—perfect for reflecting on a day unlike any other.

On your final morning, head to the San Ignacio Market (open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings) for a casual and authentic breakfast. Grab fresh pupusas from a local vendor, along with homemade banana bread muffins and juicy mango slices—a perfect way to soak up the last flavors of Belize. After breakfast, take a William’s Shuttle back to Belize City for your flight home—the drive takes approximately two hours, winding through scenic hills and countryside.

It’s a peaceful end to a vibrant, adventure-filled journey through reef-lined coasts, jungle ruins, and unforgettable local culture.