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    Belize

    OUR COUNTRY, OUR TOWN, OUR VILLAGE

    Belize, a country slightly smaller than the state of Massachusetts, was once home to a number of Mayan city-states. Formerly the colony of British Honduras, Belize became an independent nation in 1981.

    Located on the Caribbean Sea, Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and Honduras to the south. Its small size hides a surprising variation of geographical features, ranging from reefs, saltwater cayes and mangrove swamps in the coastal areas on the east, to lush hills, mountains and rainforests only a two-hour drive to the west.

    Belize boasts the world’s largest population of wild jaguars and is home to the world’s second-largest reef system (after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef). Indeed, Belize has become one of the most biologically diverse nations on earth. As a member of PACT (Protected Areas Conservation Trust — “an environmental trust fund serving an enabling and empowering role in the conservation, preservation, enhancement, and management of Belize’s natural resources and protected areas”), 28% of Belize’s land is under some form of legal environmental protected status. With over 61% of its lands under forest cover, Belize is able to take pride in the fact that it is home to over 500 species of birds, as well as a healthy population of tapirs, kinkajous, howler and spider monkeys, peccary, puma, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi, margay, iguanas, and anteaters — most of which have either been seen or heard on the grounds at Table Rock.

    With a population of just over 400,000, Belize has one of the lowest population densities in the world, and is home to a unique variety of cultures unlike any other. Mestizo (Spanish/Maya descent), Kriol (descendants of Black Africans mixed with other ethnicities), Maya, Garifuna (descendants of Carib and African peoples), and Mennonite ethnic groups comprise the majority of Belize’s population. But you will also find Chinese, European, American, East Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures represented, as well as everything in between. Belize is one of the rare nations where such an intermingling of groups seems to be natural and expected, and experiencing it yourself is one of the added treats of your time spent here.

    GET THE FACTS

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    • ENGLISH

      Although in different parts of the country you’ll also hear Belizean Kriol, English, Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Mennonite German, and Mandarin spoken.

    • Belize Dollar (BZD)

      The BZD has a current and set exchange rate tied to the US Dollar of 2:1 ($1 USD = $2 BZD). Additionally, nearly all service providers, stores, and shops accept US Dollars directly. Many vendors also accept credit cards, and ATMs are available in all of the larger towns.

    • Although a former British colony, all driving is done on the right hand side of the road. All major highways are paved, although some areas experience states of disrepair. To drive in Belize it is only required that you have a valid Driver License from your home country. The only traffic signals in the country are found in Belize City, Belmopan, and one in San Ignacio, although around most population centers there are speed bumps to slow traffic.

      Driving Directions

    • 110V. USB and 110V outlets are provided in all guest rooms, and there are charging stations in the lodge’s common areas.

    • Phone communication systems are fairly reliable, with most of the population utilizing cellular phones. Most foreign cell phones will work in Belize. Cellular phones are also available to rent at the local phone company. Table Rock offers free local calls from the lodge, and international calls at a small fee. WiFi is available in all guest rooms and common areas of the lodge for your convenience.

    • Parliamentary Democracy with an English legal system. There has never been a war, uprising, or revolution in Belize and you get the impression from the people that they would like to keep it that way. Crime, compared to most large cities in the U.S., is minimal and infrequent.

    Cristo Rey Village

    Located on a high bank above the Macal River and with a population of less than 1,000, Cristo Rey is the closest village to Table Rock and the home of most of our staff and their families.  The Belizeans living in Cristo Rey are almost exclusively Mestizo (Spanish-Mayan heritage) and grow up speaking Spanish in the home.  English is learned a little while later when mandatory attendance at the village’s only school begins at age three or four.  Most villagers also speak Belizean Creole, a Caribbean mix of English, Spanish, Mayan, and Garifuna languages.

    The majority of villagers from Cristo Rey are employed in one way or another by the tourism industry, with the remaining population working for the government, for private individuals, or in agriculture. Most villagers own their own homes and land in the village, and frequently own additional large plots outside of the village which are used for farming and livestock.

    The people of Cristo Rey are warm and genuine, and respect hard work and family loyalty highly. Laughter and camaraderie are commonplace throughout the village, and a general air of happiness and contentment cannot be missed as you pass through. We welcome all our guests to interact and get to know the members of our staff and to visit their charming village.

    A group of children in school uniforms stands behind a table filled with books and school supplies outside a building.
    A small blue house with white windows, a red roof, greenery, a fenced yard, and trees in the background, in a rural setting.
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    A group of people, including children, are marching down a rural road holding flags and banners, followed by cars and more participants.

      San Ignacio Town

      San Ignacio, originally dubbed El Cayo (“The Caye”) by the Spanish for its island-like position between the Macal and Mopan Rivers, has been the cultural and economic center of the Cayo District in Western Belize since 1904. Only 5 miles from Table Rock, San Ignacio is home to Belize’s only drivable suspension bridge, The Hawksworh, which connects San Ignacio with Santa Elena. Collectively referred to as the Twin Towns. 

      SECOND LARGEST MUNICIPALITY IN BELIZE

      San Ignacio-Santa Elena is the second largest municipality in Belize. With around 34,000 inhabitants, San Ignacio-Santa Elena is home to a largely Mestizo and Kriol population sprinkled in with Lebanese, Mayan, and Chinese cultures. The large Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout is located just a few miles outside of the Twin Towns, so it’s fairly commonplace to see a colorful interaction of all of these ethnic groups mingling and doing business together.

      Every Saturday, the San Ignacio Market comes alive with farmers selling local fruits and vegetables. Vendors also hawk crafts, clothing, and household goods. Some vendors show up on other days as well, but Saturday has by far the largest market. Town is also home to other fun cultural activities such as the Green Iguana Conservation Project, Ajaw Mayan Chocolate Demonstration Center, and the Marie Sharp’s Tourist Center & Culinary Class.

      A lively street scene with colorful buildings, street vendors under umbrellas, and people walking and shopping, in a tropical setting.
      The image shows colorful houses lining a street, enclosed by white picket fences, with lush greenery and banana trees in the foreground.
      People shopping at an outdoor market with various stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and other produce.
      The image shows a colorful street mural featuring a woman's face with flowers in her hair, a circular target, and numerous blue butterflies in flight.
      A small church with a cross on its peak, a wooden entrance, and a ramp leading to the door, surrounded by greenery and a white fence.

        Getting Here

        Table Rock is located 70 miles west (approximately 2 hours) of the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City and 5 miles south of San Ignacio Town on the Cristo Rey Road in the Cayo District. There are several ways to reach us:

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        • Sit back and relax while we do the driving for you. Our driver will personally meet you and drive you directly to or from Table Rock to most locations in Belize — US$140 (+tax) from the International Airport, water taxi terminal, or anywhere in Belize City to Table Rock for 1-4 people, one way. We can also transport you to other locations around the country with advanced arrangements and/or make a stop at the Belize Zoo, Cave Tubing, or the Baboon Sanctuary.

          Click here for more details and pricing.

        • The countrywide public transportation system runs a route to and from all major towns, and there are buses traveling from Belize City to San Ignacio every hour (every two hours on Sundays and holidays). This is a very safe and economical way to reach us, and is a lovely way to get to know the locals. These are converted U.S. school buses, so be aware that there won’t be air conditioning, toilets, or much room to stow your luggage. From the airport, take a taxi to the Belize City Bus Terminal (US$25), and then ask which bus is going to San Ignacio (this is the one marked “Benque”, the last town on the route). The Regular Bus, which stops at every village along the way, runs from early morning until about 6:00 PM, US$7 per person (3 hours). There is also an Express bus running twice a day in the mornings which is direct to San Ignacio, US$10 per person. Once in San Ignacio, you can take a taxi from the bus station to Table Rock (US$25). Click here for more information on Bus Service.

        • US$130-US$160 is standard fare for a taxi ride in a privately owned older model vehicle from the International Airport to San Ignacio (it may be a bit extra for the last 5 miles to Table Rock). Taxis are specially licensed, fare controlled, and a safe way to travel.

        • US$60-US$120 per day plus fuel is the typical rate for renting an SUV in Belize. There are several car rental companies conveniently located at the international airport in Belize City (we recommend Crystal Auto Rental). Be sure to reserve your vehicle online well ahead of time, as they can be hard to come by at the last minute. We definitely recommend getting a four-wheel drive for easiest travel. We do drive on the right hand side of the road and there is not much traffic. But be sure that you’re comfortable dodging pedestrians, animals, and speed bumps, and that you have experience navigating unpaved roads—3 of the last 5 miles to Table Rock are unpaved and so are many of the roads to the sites. A valid driver’s license from your home country is required. And be sure you download our Detailed Driving Directions—they’re better than GPS!

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        A thatched-roof hut with bamboo walls and a banana tree in front, surrounded by greenery, possibly in a rural setting.
        A boy in a red shirt and a woman in traditional attire are standing on stone steps, engaged in conversation.
        Four young children are sitting close together on a hammock, smiling at the camera, with a colorful background behind them.
        A woman wearing traditional clothing performs a ritual with a smoking pot, in an outdoor setting surrounded by greenery.
        A person is riding a horse-drawn carriage on a paved road, with buildings and palm trees visible in the background on a sunny day.
        A small boat with three people is on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees, reflecting in the water, while they paddle.
        A person is grilling food outdoors using three barbecues, with smoke rising from the grills. A pot and pile of firewood are nearby.
        This image shows a series of small, elongated islands and clear blue waters under a vibrant blue sky. The islands are surrounded by shallow, turquoise water.