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Our first trip to Belize was in 2019 when Mark and I officially fell in love with everything about it. We had wanted to return sooner, but when the world shut down in 2020, we just continued isolating and dreaming and hoped to return quickly.
I tried to plan an extraordinary 40th Birthday celebration for my husband Mark, and we had been brainstorming ideas with friends for local and far away destinations. Belize checked all the boxes for an entertaining adventure that isn’t expensive or far away. None of us had traveled internationally since before the Pandemic, so we thought this would be a good jumping-off point!
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We booked flights for November 10 – 15, 2021, with some friends to celebrate Mark for Veteran’s Day and his 40th Birthday in beautiful Belize! We flew from Tampa International Airport to Miami International Airport and arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport just a few short hours later in Belize City, Belize!
Our itinerary was low-key and straightforward this time, with way less jumping around the country than last time. The thing that gave me the most anxiety about traveling again was COVID-era documentation and test results, but it ended up being a breeze.
Traveling to Belize after the pandemic
As of Nov 2021, Belize and American Airlines required masks at all indoor spaces to see proof of your COVID vaccination card, be a single dose or dual vaccination at least two weeks prior, and arrive with a negative test result less than three days old. You also had to prove that you were staying in a Gold Certified Hotel or Lodge with Gold Certified ground transportation. If you cannot get tested before arriving, you can split off before customs and get a test at the Belize City airport for $50. It may sound like a lot, but it was no big deal. We were fully vaccinated, went to CVS less than three days before leaving, and had our PCR test results within 36 hours. We printed all of our documents and had the digital versions ready for anything – the airlines preferred having the documents printed rather than on your phone.
The biggest thing we learned was that COVID test results were factored by the hour, not the days. They say within three days, but you have to watch the exact time of your flights, and your original test time had to be within 72 hours, not the time you get your results- Thankfully, we made it by a couple of hours!
When we arrived in Tampa the morning we left, we could not use the kiosks to check in and did have to wait in line at the counter to check in in person. Again, it was no big deal because we arrived early, and all had everything we needed to go. It was smooth sailing from Tampa to Miami to Belize after that!
Arriving in Belize City
We arrived in Belize City shortly after Noon, and believe it or not, it was way easier getting through customs this time than our first trip. Once again, they checked all documentation – passports, COVID-19 vaccine cards, and negative test results. We got our stamps and headed to baggage claim.
The difference here was that now they use some disinfectant spray on all of the luggage as it leaves the plane and enters the airport – it made the process longer, and many of the bags appeared soaked. Luckily, it dried quickly, and our bags or belongings were not damaged.
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Our entire trip centered around our stay at Table Rock Jungle Lodge, and they arranged everything for us. As we walked outside the airport, we were greeted by our driver, Ustese, who held my name on a sign. He used a touchless thermometer to check out temperatures, and then we set off to find a local grocery store where we stocked up on water, alcohol, snacks, and other supplies before we headed into the Jungle!
Since Mark and I had previously stayed at Table Rock Jungle Lodge, we were excited to see what our friends thought – I’d say they had the same reaction we did – JUNGLE PARADISE and such relief to be in such a calm, beautiful, and quiet space for some time to reset. We took a property tour, settled into our Riverview Cabanas, and then had welcome cocktails by the pool. We had the entire property entirely to ourselves for the first 48 hours, which was magic!
About the property
Table Rock Jungle Lodge is on a 105-acre jungle reserve along the Macal River, with ten intimate, eco-friendly cabanas, farm-to-table cuisine, an infinity pool, and a full-on working, organic farm!
They have a stunning dining room and bar, many walking and hiking paths, tons of different animals to see, pet, and feed, plus acres and acres of citrus trees, palms, and bamboo, and growing on the farm are several varieties of mangoes, coconuts, avocados, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, breadfruit, sapodilla (chico sapote), starfruit (carambola), crab, soursop (guanábana), bananas, plantains, guava, and chaya (a local green favored by the Maya). During different times of the year, they also grow a small selection of fresh herbs, and you can visit the flower and plant nursery where they grow the tropicals used to decorate and landscape the lodge.
The farm is home to a Kekchi Maya family, Carlos and Margarita Ba, and their children, as well as a small herd of donkeys and rabbits that they raise as pets and a large flock of laying hens that supply the eggs used in the restaurant. They encourage you to walk around the farm, pet and feed the animals, and help yourself to any of our tropical fruits—the only rule is that you eat what you pick. It’s so amazing.
Around the Resort
The first time Mark and I stayed here in 2019, we were upgraded to The Little Blue Heron Cabana, and it was gorgeous, so we requested it again. Not a single detail is missed in these amazing Riverview Cabanas with private decks overlooking the jungle and Macal River. Four poster bamboo king-size beds, river stone showers, giant hammocks, and our adorable fruit bats were still there; this time, they had a third friend with them.
Table Rock Jungle Lodge Food
Can we talk about the food for a second or an hour…. Because WOW! The culinary talents at Table Rock go above and beyond to present you with unique and unforgettable dining experiences.
Dining for all or most of your meals here will enhance your Belizean jungle experience. With farm-to-table cooking, they use the freshest local products with their immense cooking skills to dazzle you with peaceful hummingbird-watching breakfasts, poolside lunches, and small plates. Of course, the elegant candlelit dinners are served outdoors in the stunning open-air dining room.
Every day, they feature a Chef Special for breakfast and dinner, and we highly recommend you go for it! We always ordered the special when available and are still dreaming about those meals. Also, not to be left out – the drinks! They have a full bar and a specialty cocktail list that begs you to try every single one. Someday, we will return for a whole week of food and drink, I swear!
Animals at Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Hanging around the lodge – there is so much to do just around the property of Table Rock. You really could spend all your time exploring there. While we planned a few excursions that I would get to, we also laid low and tried to recharge after an insane and stressful couple of years.
We hiked, picked fruit, bird watched (yay, Toucans and Mott Motts!), canoed, searched for treasures in the river, lounged in hammocks, and swam every day in the icy pool, which was terrific for all of our combined aches, and pains, and of course, fed all the animals! It was such a needed time out from life – ah, take me back.
Cahal Pech Archeological Site
On Mark’s 40th Birthday, we made him choose whatever he wanted to do. So naturally, we booked an excursion to Cahal Pech, a Maya site near San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize, which was perfect for a man who went to college for anthropology and archaeology.
The site was a palatial, hilltop home for an elite Maya family. Though the most prominent construction dates to the Classic period, evidence of continuous habitation has been dated to as far back as 1200 BCE during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic), making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize.
Here, we saw our first Agouti, Belizean squirrel, bats, and substantial termite nests, and we did much climbing for some epic views! We stood in places of kings and queens and places of human sacrifice. Learning the history of the Mayan people was mind-blowing.
We were so surprised that our tour guide was Alan, the same unique and informative guide we had for our previous trip to Xunantunich. We were so lucky – he is such a knowledgeable and friendly guide!
Exploring San Ignacio
After several hours of filling our minds and hearts with history, Alan dropped us off to explore the local town of San Ignacio. Because of COVID restrictions, the Rum Tour and Maya Chocolate-making attractions were still closed, and whether you were outside or not, it was a government requirement to wear a mask in Nov of 2021.
We walked around the San Ignacio Market, located on the banks of the Macal River, which features farmers, traders, and vendors from all walks of Belizean life. We did some shopping for truly unique gifts and bought the most beautiful hammock for a fraction of the price you can order online.
Next, we had lunch at El Fogon Del Cayo, where we enjoyed the most incredible tacos, quesadillas, and watermelon drinks! The town of San Ignacio is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, groceries, and cultural centers. We did some more shopping and found incredible souvenirs from local artisans who loved to talk to you about their craft.
When we were ready to head back to Table Rock, we called them with the cell phones they provided for each room, and within 15 minutes, we had a driver arrive to take us back for Mark’s celebratory birthday dinner. It was such an epic way to spend a milestone birthday – and holy moly – the chocolate cake that Jamie and Victor ordered as a surprise was UNBELIZABLE!
Canoeing on the Macal River
We spent the next day using Table Rock Jungle Lodge’s complimentary canoes to adventure along the Macal River to get drinks at another nearby resort that we had visited during our last time in hopes of Howler Monkey sightings.
We tied the canoes up and headed up the bank to The Lodge at Cha Creek to check out the resort’s unique amenities like nature preserve trails, infinity pools, natural history center, and the butterfly exhibit. But honestly, the number one reason I wanted to return was because I had THE BEST MARGARITA OF MY LIFE at their restaurant Mariposa.
We ordered apps and drinks and hung out overlooking the beautiful acreage. We also had multiple toucans and iguanas hanging out in the trees above us – Magic!
Sadly, we didn’t see any of the Howler Monkeys on this trip, but we heard them very close and loudly during our first few mornings. Mark wanted to enjoy a cigar while canoeing down the Macal River for his birthday, so of course, with a bit of help from our driver the previous day – we made that reality, too!
Our last couple of days were stormy off and on; if anything, the rain continued to help us slow down and reset, and it was magical to sleep to the sound of the jungle rain hitting the roof each night.
Cave Tubing in Belize
Our last big adventure was Cave Tubing at Nochoch Che’en, so it didn’t matter – we would get wet either way! Alan was our guide again and drove us about an hour from the lodge to the Nohoch Che’en Cave Park entrance, where we grabbed inner tubes, headlamps, and life jackets and hiked about 45 minutes into the jungle in the pouring rain – what an experience!
We went through a series of comprehensive and spacious caverns, which periodically opened up to the sunshine trying to break through and jungle views. It was awesome floating past side windows that filter the jungle light through the mist as you swirl around stalagmites jutting from the river and stalactites looming from above. We even jumped off an underground waterfall and entered the Crystal Cathedral, a spiritual center of the ancient Maya.
Once we returned to the beginning, we changed into dry clothing and bought “make it yourself” rum drinks in pineapples to finish the adventure! While enjoying our strong drinks from the friendly rasta locals, we spotted another first for the trip and a first for me – a Kinkajou.
Facing the reality of heading home and back to real life is always the most challenging part of traveling. We spent the last night enjoying the rain, feeding the animals, listening to all the sounds of the jungle, and trying to preserve every memory.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu
I have left even more of my heart and soul in Belize after returning for a second time, but we are looking forward to bigger adventures to new destinations. On our flight home, Mark and I completed our latest Travel Goal List and are so excited to be planning a trip that was canceled in 2020 for later this year.
My first international trip to India opened a door I couldn’t close, and even though we were knocked off course in 2020, we look forward to flinging that door open again.
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looks like a lovely experience… the twin towns area is my hometown so loved seeing all the pics.