Autumn Fiske's Belize Adventure: Ruins, Reefs, and Real Connection
As a present to myself for my 30th birthday, I traveled across Central America exploring rainforests and ruins across six countries. One of them was Belize, or as I like to call it, "Unbelizable." I'd heard the stories about its ancient Mayan sites and Caribbean waters, but I needed to experience it firsthand. As a travel advisor, I confidently sell and recommend destinations I've actually walked through, tasted, and felt. Belize was calling, and I answered.
I stayed in Caye Caulker and signed up for a full day at Hol Chan Marine Reserve with my G Adventures "18 to 30 somethings" tour group. All 18 of us were that excited, every single person signed on for this optional activity. The oldest marine reserve in Belize did not disappoint. We spent hours snorkeling and sightseeing, and the biodiversity was stunning. Angelfish, conch shells, blue-striped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other species surrounded us in their natural habitat. Then came the reef sharks and turtles, gliding past us with complete calm. It was the kind of moment that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
What surprised me most was the Planeterra Foundation supported project we visited through G Adventures. I didn't know much about it until I experienced the San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch firsthand. In the village of San Antonio, education for women isn't prioritized, and girls don't typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women's cooperative was founded here as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. We visited the pottery workshop, and some of us even tried our hand at creating pieces. Afterward, we enjoyed a lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region. It was an immersive experience that reminded me to embrace the difference in cultures and remember that I was a visitor in their world.
There are many impressive Mayan ruin sites in Central America, but Xunantunich is a must see while in Belize. We hiked to the top of this iconic 9th-century Maya center, set high on a natural limestone ridge. From there, we admired the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District, and neighboring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated, and there's a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Fun fact: Xunantunich is Belize's most visited site with intricately carved stelae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces. Being there in person, feeling the ancient stone beneath my feet, I understood why it draws so many travelers year after year.
Who Should Go
This trip is perfect for young, budget-minded travelers who want to escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary. The "18 to 30 somethings" tour with G Adventures is fast, fresh, and fun. It's packed with all the things you need and nothing you don't. Small groups mean big connections, and with travelers from all over, every trip feels globally inspired. You get the safety of a group with freedom to explore on your own terms. This is way better than booking on your own and being on your own.
Here's my insider tip: hop on over to neighboring Guatemala to tack on another incredible Mayan ruins site, Tikal. You traveled that far and it's close by, so why not? It's an easy way to get your feet wet before diving into more Central American adventures. Now that I've experienced Belize firsthand, I know exactly who will thrive there and how to guide them through it. I'd love to go back and see Ambergris Caye next, but until then, I'm ready to help travelers create their own unforgettable memories in this remarkable corner of the world.