• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Dana Vento

Adventure. Eat. DIY. Repeat.

  • Home
  • Contact Dana
    • ABOUT ME
      • Travel, Dining, Events ~ Contact Me
      • Review, Event & Giveaway Policy
      • Spokesperson Needed ?
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • MEDIA COVERAGE
    • Press
  • Food
    • Alcohol
    • Allergies
    • Food Prep Tip
    • Gluten Free
    • Kitchen Appliance
    • Kitchen Cookware
    • Kitchen Gadget
    • Recipe
    • Restaurant
  • Travel
    • Adventures
      • Activities
      • Allergies
      • Bella My Cat
      • Cars
      • Shopping
    • Beaches
    • Cruising
      • Carnival
    • Food
    • Lodging
    • Packing
    • Transportation
    • ADVENTURES OF Dana
  • DIY
    • Home Decor
    • Home Projects
    • Cooking
    • Crafts
    • Gardening
    • Renovation
  • Fun
    • Fashion
      • Accessories
      • Clothing
      • Home Decor Fashion
      • Jewelry
      • Purses
      • Shoes
      • Shopping TIps
    • Vlog (Videos)
    • Lifestyle
      • Beauty
      • Fitness
        • Exercise
      • Technology
        • Car Tech
        • House Tech
        • Smart Phone Tech
      • Reviews
        • Allergies
        • Appliance Review
        • Beauty Reviews
        • BOOK REVIEW
        • Cars
        • Fashion
        • food review
        • Movie
        • Organization Items
        • Outdoor Products
        • Kids
        • Technology
        • Travel
        • Travel
        • Weight Loss

Belize

August 10, 2019 By Dana Vento 22 Comments

I may receive a commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here.
Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, ALTUN HA
How many times might I be fortunate enough to say that I traveled for a day to the country of Belize?  We were on a recent cruise and this was one of our stops in the Western Caribbean. Our trip today was going to be visiting the ruins in Belize. 

 
My group is very versed in traveling, however, we span many different generations so we needed to kind of be loose with what we were going to do while visiting Belize. 
 
I wanted to learn the most we could about the country and how it all evolved so our trip choice was appropriate to the culture and how the Mayans used to live.  Our choice was hanging out with Phil’s Tours and discovering Belize and Altun Ha. This is my story of lavishly living travel out loud in the country of Belize and visiting the Mayan Ruins.

 Belize

The trek from the ship to shore was a bit time-consuming as we had to get to the Gangway and board little boats that took us from where we were anchored into the port.  Once that mission was completed you were set on your way to adventure.
 
You can learn all about Phil’s Tour on TripAdvisor, where I am also a TripAdvisor Ambassador because I am infatuated not only with travel but all the hidden gems you learn about on TripAdvisor!
 

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, ALTUN HA

You Could Shop Or You Could Really  TOUR Belize 

 I want to mention that the little port of call itself had a lot of nice shopping and some of the absolute best prices around on really nice long-sleeve tees.  Oh, did I say long-sleeve?
 
You bet because if you are off-shoring it here and traveling to the ruins, I advise wearing long-sleeved garments when touring the Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha as you are in the jungle baby!

What is there to do in Belize?  

There are cave-tubing and zip-lining as well as snorkeling and shopping and of course there are the Mayan Ruins that everyone yaps about and I now know why!  

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical,. Altun Ha, Cruise, Cruise Ship, Transportation, ports of call, destinations, traveling, couples, solo, cabin, lido deck, food, dining, dining options, traveling on a ship, cruise ship travel, ocean, high seas, services, relaxation, Travel, Traveler, Traveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing, travel packing, travel tips, travel advice, travel essentials, toss these in, luggage, packing, more travel fun, travel and adventures, family adventure time, couple adventure time, brighten up, clean up, pack up, food, food in car, food for travel

 
You choose the adventure that fits you best! The Belize Zoo, The Caracol Mayan Ruins, and so much more. My crew could not all do the cave-tubing. We had to do what everyone could agree upon. After all, we are traveling together to visit Belize. 

Belize- With Phil’s Tours and The Ruins 

Our choice was a personal tour with a private tour company, one that was not backed by the ship: Phil’s Tours. I know that the cruise ships frown upon booking your own private travel and excursions when you get off the ship.
 
My choice as we had learned long ago was to go ahead and do just that. I really wanted to be in my own group with my own family and take in the sights in the culture of Belize.
 Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, mayan ruins, Altun Ha, Cruise, Cruise Ship, Transportation, ports of call, destinations, traveling, couples, solo, cabin, lido deck, food, dining, dining options, traveling on a ship, cruise ship travel, ocean, high seas, services, relaxation, Travel, Traveler, Traveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing, travel packing, travel tips, travel advice, travel essentials, toss these in, luggage, packing, more travel fun, travel and adventures, family adventure time, couple adventure time, brighten up, clean up, pack up, food, food in car, food for travel
 
When you travel in those large touristy groups you don’t get the real feel for the culture and the feel of the country that you’re in. Phil offered us so much background knowledge, and a great tour of the city as well that we really felt like we had learned more than most while visiting this day.
 

Don’t Just Take Any Tour Guide – Do Your Homework 

Again I do advise you go at your own risk whenever it comes to private tours but I will tell you firsthand that Phil’s Tours our first-rate.
 
Cruise ships all steer clear of the locals unless they have contracted them and then it is fine to go. As I’ve mentioned countless times, my dad taught me how to find the best private drivers! Phil is one of them! 
 
I realize there are reasons that the ships pick their particular tours. However, I also know that you can find the best of the best of guides on TripAdvisor. Look there before EVER booking with the ship (Like Carnival or Holland America specifically) – Some cruises have excursions built-in, these cruise lines do not, it’s all a la carte. 
 
If I am spending money on a tour, I want to choose the tour, not someone giving me a few of ‘their personal favorites’ .
 
When Phil leaves with you in the van, they check you all out.  Then, when you return, you get checked back in. This lets their country know how many people are on the ship and touring and makes him accountable.

PHIL’S TOURS 

Phil’s Tours offer air-conditioned vans.  Additionally, he has a headset he speaks through so EVERYONE in the van can hear what is going on.  Unlike so many tours we have been on this is quite the organized tour. 
 
We learned a lot because we could ALL hear what he said, not just those upfront. Phil also accompanied us as we went through the Mayan Ruins known as Altun Ha. The most discussed road on any tour is Altun Ha.

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, ALTUN HA

Many say the road is just unbearably bumpy and true that it is bumpy it is not like you are being bounced up and out of your seat. Rather it is just like that annoying nonstop grumbling below the vehicle and once you are in the bump zone you just ride all through it.
 
Honestly, we all survived and ranged in age from 11-75, if that puts it in perspective for you.   If it rains I would NEVER go to the ruins, I will tell you that, as you would be a muddy mess and it would be we and treacherous for footing.

THE ROAD TO ALTUN HA! 

Here is what the road looks like on the upper left-hand side of this photo. I took it while we were riding in the van.  Basically, the highway you are riding on from the port at some point turns into this bumpy ride. It is no longer paved, hence the bumps. Hope you don’t have to use the facilities or you will be watering the weeds along the road lol! 
 
About 30 minutes into the one hour ride, it hit. Bumps and more bumps. Would I have taken this if I were just a few months pregnant? Nope, not need to risk issues. Would I do this if I can’t walk well? That would depend. You do not have to climb the ruins, but, you will still have to walk. 
 

The Famed Road To Altun Ha 

 You can see why and Phil also told us that if it is raining it becomes a problem to travel(gee I wonder why, lol)!  If it rains, don’t go on this tour. Do not go with anyone that tells you it will be fine. Phil advised us that the road can be a total washout and you will get stuck in the mud. 
 
We were having issues even without the mud. Funny story too, as we left the ruins, it began to rain! 
 
Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, Cruise, Cruise Ship, Transportation, ports of call, destinations, traveling, couples, solo, cabin, lido deck, food, dining, dining options, traveling on a ship, cruise ship travel, ocean, high seas, services, relaxation, Travel, Traveler, Traveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing, travel packing, travel tips, travel advice, travel essentials, toss these in, luggage, packing, more travel fun, travel and adventures, family adventure time, couple adventure time, brighten up, clean up, pack up, food, food in car, food for travel
 
What are you looking at in this photo? The guy in the blue is sitting on the altar of the tallest ruin there.  Guess what they did there? They used to sacrifice other people to the Mayan Gods!
 
My 2 photos show the split railing going up as well as down.  In other words, think about your fear of heights before you go to the top.  There is NO ELEVATOR down and you have to walk.  
 

Going Green at The Jungle 

 
You can see that the Altun Ha is all stone.  Imagine if it is raining and you are RIGHT in the JUNGLE, read on! This path, however, was definitely not our friend. We totally got eaten alive with mosquito bites even though we had our ‘Deet’ on. 
 
Then again, we were also in shorts, it was just about to rain and the humidity was just over-the-top ridiculous. All the perfect storm for mosquitoes to go feasting. Consider yourselves forewarned. 
 Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins
 
The larger tours do not offer this personalized service/  Having Phil as our guide made the difference. Phil was able to share his knowledge of each piece of the ruin.  
 
As I had my children with me this became a very educational opportunity and the history that we learned was profoundly striking.

ALTUN HA

Altun Ha is definitely breathtaking. Now here’s a funny story.  The photo you see share that we are not even close to the elevation we need to ascend to. 

I’m not about Heights and if you look across the way you can see we are going higher and you might note there are no guard rails.

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins

Across the way is the sacrificial Mayan Altar, and we were going there.  My father-in-law 70+ went right up the side of the mountain holding onto the handle and walking.  So did I. In fact, I never thought about it twice and I should have. 
 

Uh-Oh – Belize – What Goes Up …..

What I forgot is whatever goes up must come down and the same type of split rail was there to hold onto going down but when you look down oh lookout. 
 
Like a baby, I scooted on my butt to get across to the steps and my husband came back up to the top to take me down because I was terrified.
 

See Ya Later Pee-Gator 

Once at the bottom there alligators that you could hold my husband did this the cost was a dollar.  You can see the Mayan Altar in a previous photo on this page.
Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins

The one my husband is holding had a little ‘pee’ incident

As my son and husband were holding these little creatures of the Jungle, the one in my husband’s hand peed on him.  We are in the jungle and the animals are all over. 

However, these alligators were brought here by some guys that stand at the base. If you are willing to toss a buck at them, you can hold them for about 30 seconds.  Take a photo and be on your way. LOL, right?

Why Is There Grass On The Ruin? 

So this particular ruin has a lot of grass left on it, and in fact many of the ruins there are not yet uncovered.  The government does this little by little as they have funding, so imagine what they are going to have in the future.  

The face you see was just awesome and some don’t see it, but we stopped and I photo’d it, because how cool, right?  Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins

YOU NEED TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE TO CLIMB

I guess I will talk a little more about the walking, and stepping up the stairs.  You can see in my photo that the Altun Ha steps are about 1 foot high.  Further, each is spread fairly well on this particular ruin.  Coming down the ruin offers the same pitch as going up.

Consider this: in order to travel up and down the ruins, you really need to be stable on your feet and free of any vertigo.  There are NO GUIDE Rails down all of these but that one large one I shared in a previous photo. 

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, ALTUN HA

If you have kids, you want to watch them on the steps.  There is no one supervising the ruins, it is just open for the public. It’s just a small charge to get in and you need transportation to get there from the ship.  

That said, even if you can’t climb steps as long as you can walk.  Photo from the ground and enjoy them at ground level. No matter what you can’t miss them, the ruins are huge! Also, I spent a lot of my time on the ground because #IHateHeights!

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins

Travel. Adventure. Repeat? 

I just want you to see from my EYES what Altun Ha looks like. Would I go here again? No, this is a Once and Done, but I would to the other Mayan Ruins, Xunantunich,  that are in Belize. 

The issue with getting to these ruins is that they are further out and our time in port is not enough for that travel.  We will return to venture to the other ruins and stay in Belize, and that was a unanimous decision. 

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins

Our ride back was a nice adventure. Phil shared a bit more of the area with us. There are some big, beautiful resort homes here. Conversely, there are a lot of impoverished homes. 

I am craving more adventure in Belize, a family vacation where we fly to the Belize Airport and stay for a week, as the beaches are calling our names.

Tourism, Country of Belize, Belize, beaches, Mayan Ruins, travel, vacation, destination, dana vento, traveler, travel bug, travel blogger, family, western Caribbean, tropical, alta hun, mayan ruins, ALTUN HA

 Once we got back into the port area, we stopped and had a beer crafted in Belize and then we went back to the ship.  This is my tale of Belize as we lavishly live travel out loud and visited Belize and the Altun Ha Ruins. ~Dana XO 

Dana Vento is a travel writer, borrowing sunshine from each and every stop and sharing it with you. Our arrival at this country was by ship and was hosted by Carnival PR. However, the tour we took was not hosted by Carnival. I found a reliable vendor and took a chance and it all turned out well as you can see! 

Filed Under: Activity, ADVENTURES OF Dana, Beaches, Carnival, Cruising, Family, Family Vacations, Fun, Globetrotting/Travel, History, Holidays, Lifestyle, Outdoor Activity, Posts, Transportation, Transportation, Travel Tagged With: ACTIVITIES, Altun Ha, auto travel, beaches, beautiful destination, belize, brighten up, bucket list avenger, cabin, car travel, clean up, conquer the world, Country of Belize, couple adventure time, couples, cruise, cruise ship, cruise ship travel, dana vento, daring activities, destination, destination vacation, destinations, DINING, dining options, diy, explore more, families, families and travel, FAMILY, family adventure time, food, food for travel, food in car, fun activities, GLOBE TROTTING, high seas, lido deck, luggage, Mayan Ruins, more travel fun, ocean, pack up, packing, passion passport, ports of call, relaxation, See the world, services, single, solo, toss these in, tourism, transportation, travel, travel advice, travel and adventure, travel and adventures, TRAVEL ARTICLE, travel blog, travel blogger, Travel Blogging, travel bug, travel by car, travel by vehicle, travel deeper, travel destination, travel envy, travel essentials, travel knowledge, travel large, travel packing, travel the world, travel timef, travel tips, traveler, traveling, traveling on a ship, traveling together, tropical, vacation, western Caribbean, where to, where to travel

Previous Post: « Delicious and Easy Peach Mascarpone Ladyfingers
Next Post: Accessories For Pets Who Ride In Cars »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tyra says

    March 7, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    Belize is one of my favorite countries in the world. I visited Xunantunich ruins, not Altun Ha when I was there.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Rios says

    March 7, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    Belize looks like a wonderful place to visit, though I have not heard much about it. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip with your family & thanks for sharing those pictures are so beautiful as well.

    Reply
  3. dawn says

    March 7, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    wow. i love your photos. i have always dreamed of visiting Belize. while growing up my friends boyfried was from there and they used to visit all the time. the pics she shared was amazing

    Reply
  4. Kiwi says

    March 7, 2016 at 1:40 am

    What a beautiful post on the country of Belize. I would love to visit there one day and now you got me even more hyped about a future experience.

    Reply
  5. Beth says

    March 6, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    I would love to travel. Maybe in the next year I can travel.

    Reply
  6. ricci says

    March 6, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Belize looks like a gorgeous place to visit!! My cousin went to Belize on her honeymoon and I have wanted to go since then!!

    Reply
  7. Anosa says

    March 6, 2016 at 3:37 am

    I would love to go to Belize and see he Mayan ruins, sounds like you had a wonderful trip and thanks for the tips and sharing your adventure.

    Reply
  8. Anosa says

    March 6, 2016 at 3:37 am

    I would love to go to Belize and see he Mayan ruins, sounds like you had a wonderful trip and thanks for the tips and sharing your adventure

    Reply
  9. Jeanine says

    March 5, 2016 at 11:13 am

    Belize is definitely on my list of places to go before I die. I hope I get there. These photos look great. What a place to explore.

    Reply
  10. Mimi Green says

    March 5, 2016 at 11:11 am

    What a great trip, I would love to go to Belize. I’m all about getting out and exploring. Zip lining in such a beautiful place has to be amazing.

    Reply
  11. Miles L. says

    March 5, 2016 at 10:39 am

    Actually, it’s my first time to hear of Belize. Based on your blog, I’d say it is a great country.

    Reply
  12. Rebecca B. says

    March 5, 2016 at 9:33 am

    I would love to visit Belize someday!! What a gorgeous place with so much to explore!!

    Reply
  13. Nancy says

    March 4, 2016 at 11:34 pm

    Belize is definitely on my bucket list! Looks like you had an amazing time! Can’t wait to go with my family!

    Reply
  14. Jessica Harlow says

    March 4, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Belize has such a beautiful landscape! Some day I would really love to visit!

    Reply
  15. Heather S-G says

    March 4, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    How fun, and beautiful, too. The history! I’d love to take visit Belize with the family one day.

    Reply
  16. Megan Elford says

    March 4, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    Wow, I just love your description of the ruins! I’m a bit of a sucker for ruins, I just love the history and culture that they were built on (although I could do without the human sacrifices, lol!). I would love to visit Belize!

    Reply
    • Dana Vento says

      March 7, 2016 at 10:47 am

      Thank you for your compliment. Belize is just Awesome, breathe-taking, spectacular and I feel so blessed to have seen the ruins. :)(

      Reply
  17. William Sweeney says

    March 4, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    I would love to visit Belize!! Everything looks so green and beautiful, plus what a great place to take kids to learn as well.

    Reply
  18. Jenn says

    March 4, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Belize definitely sounds like a fabulous place to visit. I’d love to travel there with the whole family.

    Reply
  19. travel blogger says

    March 4, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Belize is at the top of my must travel list. I have always been so intrigued by the Mayan ruins, and I would love to see the ones in Belize. It looks incredible there.

    Reply
  20. Esther says

    March 4, 2016 at 9:58 am

    I have always wanted to go to Belize! It looks and sounds incredible. Belize and Costa Rica are high on my travel list!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Travel to Roatan - Are you ready for a tropical paradise ? says:
    April 15, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    […] foreign countries is never without worry, but we were on a cruise and we had made plans to take a private tour with a private tour company.  Our one stop in Roatan came with warnings from others to make certain […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

Let’s Get Social!

Dana Vento on Twitter Dana Vento on Facebook Dana Vento on LinkedIn Dana Vento on Pinterest Dana Vento on Youtube

Lose Weight For GOOD

HOME | CONTACT US | ABOUT ME | ADVERTISING & PR | DISCLOSURE

Copyright © 2021 Dana Vento - Site Design by: NKY Moms

[footer_backtotop]