Under a Shooting Star
Welcome to my final chapter in Belize.
In my final weeks in Placencia, I focused on soaking up every last drop of sun and roasted cinnamon pineapple colada.
This drink quickly became the official favorite cocktail of our Noma group. I ended my day with more than a couple at the bar, and our group met up frequently for Happy Hour “RPCs” before our excursions.
There’s a lot to love here, cocktails aside. My days feel easy and people are friendly. One of the unexpected parts of travel that I’m discovering is how to be present. In Boston, I often felt myself planning and anticipating the next moment rather than living in the now. Since I’ve been traveling to new environments, everything around me is new. Time feels slower and it’s easier to savor the moment as it happens. That’s the attitude I tried to bring to my last few weeks in Belize.
In that spirit, I signed up for a jungle hike excursion. Our tour guide, Peter took us to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a “moderate” hike on the Tiger Fern Trail to a double waterfall. Half our group was confidently striding up the mountain while I did my part by bringing up the rear. (It’s a hard job but someone has to do it!) Thankfully, every 10 minutes or so we stopped at a bench to rest. Despite my huffing and puffing, the climb itself was peaceful. The silence beneath the jungle canopy was so serene, you might never expect that it’s home to so many animals.
Peter was an excellent guide who explained the different terrain and medical uses of plants. This trail is known for the big cats that inhabit the area but none of them made an appearance. At the end of the trail, we reached a waterfall and a natural swimming pool. There was a second waterfall above this area, (not pictured because I was tired). We had lunch in front of the falls and stopped for some Belizean chocolate on our way back to the hotel.
My favorite beach day was an island hopping excursion to Moho Caye and Ray Caye. This was a low-key relaxing day. I found myself dozing off on the boat ride while we played Afrobeats. Moho Caye is a private island off the coast of Placencia with powdery white sand and cerulean water perfect for snorkeling Ray Caye is its sister island with a resort, huge water slide, and panoramic views of the water. We enjoyed rum punches and swam while our tour guides prepared lunch on the beach. It was the perfect beach bum day.
On one of the excursion-less nights, our group hosted a Progressive Party, a traveling party that moves place to place. We each took turns hosting a “themed” stop at our apartments. My co-host and I threw an all white party and served all white rum cocos (coconut water, coconut rum, and coconut milk ) with popcorn and fried plantain appetizers. Our next stop was a full dinner spread and cranberry spritzers, while our final stop served dessert and rum and gingers. This night was a highlight of my trip. We stayed up late playing games and learning about each other’s lives. Moments like this are exactly why I opted for a group travel experience. I’m really thankful I met such cool people through Noma.
A few other notable standouts from my time: the Little Wine Bar, which served wine and charcuterie. We played Weh yuh di seh, a Belizean Cards Against Humanity style game created by Miss Earth 2021, Destiny Wagner.
The sweeping view from Muna Rooftop where I ordered an incredible passion fruit caipirinha. A sip of this is like drinking in an endless vacation. I don’t think you can go wrong here with drinks. Everyone in our group enjoyed their cocktail. Mark this spot in your bookmarks if you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset.
My side quest to the Mayan King Waterfalls. (Pictured above) This location is popular with tourists but it was completely empty when I went. You can climb up the face of the waterfall and jump into the pool below. I didn’t make it to the top but with a little encouragement, I managed to jump. This trip doesn’t require a long hike and I would definitely recommend a visit.
On my final night in Belize, the hotel hosted its annual Mistletoe Ball. At this point, I felt like I stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie. Everyone from the village turned out in their best dressed. The hotel staff transformed the dining room into a dance floor with a dj playing Pop, Latin, Reggaeton, and Afro Beats late into the night. They lit bonfires on the lawn where guests could gather away from the dancing.
The warm balmy air invited us out onto the patio where the party spilled over the boardwalk to the dock adorned with Christmas lights. I can’t think of a better way to end my time in Belize than dancing under those lights overlooking the lagoon. It was one of those wildly fun, magical nights.
I knew in a few hours, I’d be on a plane back to Boston but for a few moments I snuck away to the beach. When I looked above, a shooting star passed overhead. I thought of everything that had brought me to Belize and all the moments I’ve yet to experience on my nomad journey. And my wish…well I’ll save that for myself. ;)
If you’re ready to experience Belize, here are a few other popular activities you may want to explore:
Monkey River Tour
Mayan Chocolate Making
Garifuna Cooking Class
Mixology Classes
Diving at the Blue Hole
Mayan Caves and Ruins
A visit to San Ignacio
Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.
