I'm just back from a quick trip to Belize and it was one of the most interesting trips I've been on yet. Since our time was limited we could not do both the ocean and mountain areas, so we decided to head for the mountains - more specifally San Ignacio, where we stayed for cheap for three nights.

On our first day we took a guided trip that took us hiking through the jungle, then swimming, wading and climbing through a cave that had a river flowing through it. (All using only headlights for a light source.) The goal was to see ancient ritual sacrifice areas left by the Mayans, including a few skeletons. An incredible day.

On our second day we took a minivan across the border to the centuries-old pyramids and temples at Tikal, and spent part of the morning and almost all of the afternoon there. While I would rate Machu Picchu a more interesting experience, these were in the same class.

Our last morning was spent canoeing up a river (with a guide) about a mile into a cave. More Mayan remains, although nothing like the first day. Yet a far more beautiful cave.

All in all a quite interesting trip. I'm not in the habit of writing trip reports, but this was a special (albeit short) trip. We want to return to some diving along the coast. In any case if you're looking for a neat destination next year in Central America, Belize sure fits the bill!