With Love from belize
LETTERS FROM ALLORA
Happy New Year Roadie-readers! I spent the last few days organizing and prepping myself for 2026. I have set professional, personal, spiritual and financial goals. Like most, I set the goals then forget about them. At the end of the year I wonder – what happened? I do not want to repeat that this year so I am being way more intentional. In comments below I want to know: How do you set up your goals and keep track of your progress? Do you have a system in place? For me – Google docs and sheets are becoming my best friend.
Prior to the new year, I spent Christmas in Bacalar, Mexico. Let me tell you…It was much needed R&R and the town was eclectic and muy hermosa! There was much to enjoy but the process of getting there was longer than expected. Read my recount below!
Last week I spent six days in Mexico for the holiday. It ended up being better than expected. I met fellow travelers from the US and Quebec, practiced Spanish with locals, sailed the lagoon on a pontoon and a sailboat, and checked out nearby ruins.
If I haven’t said it yet, slowing down is something I’m intentionally practicing. I’m ambitious, yes, but also a recovering perfectionist. I can stay busy all day, but rest? Slowing down? That part is harder. Mexico reminded me how important play, hobbies, and passions are—alongside everyday hard work. Who knows what I’ll pick up next year…
Enough reflection—let me tell you about the actual trip from Punta Gorda, Belize to Bacalar, Mexico.
4:30 AM — Belize time strikes early (but not really on time)
Time in Belize passes differently. There’s no strict “on-time” unless you’re on a flight, and even then… it’s a toss-up. Since I left on a Sunday, there was no express bus. So, I caught the first bus out at 4:00 AM (aka 4:30 AM because the driver woke up late—naturally).
The bus started fairly empty. It cost $21 BZD to get to my first transfer in Belmopan. I dozed off and woke up to a full aisle of people standing. Unexpected? Sure. A surprise? No. I had read about the packed “chicken buses” in Belize and Mexico. Now I really understand the name.
5 hours later — Belmopan
It took about five hours to reach Belmopan. Here I waited two more hours for the next transfer. From Belmopan to Belize City, it was another 1.5 to 2 hours by van. I thought this would be the final leg into Mexico. Nope—plot twist. We switched from the van to another bus. Joke was fully on me.
5:00–5:30 PM — Immigration x2, exit fees, and mystery detours
From Belize City to the border took a few more hours. Once we reached the border, we went through immigration twice.
First: Belize immigration. Turns out, there’s a fee for leaving Belize by land: $40 BZD / $20 USD. I filled out a quick unofficial form, paid the fee, and got my passport checked. With a less than full bus, the process took about one hour to clear. One family was unable to cross for reasons unbeknownst to me. A fellow traveler mentioned that depending on your passport type, you may need a visa to travel between certain countries. Duly noted, universe.
Second: We re-boarded, rode a short stretch, and got off at the Mexico border—this time with luggage and all. The immigration form was official, asking how you entered the country, your nationality, and where you were staying. Since my stay was six days, I did not pay the $35–56 USD tourist fee (required only for stays longer than seven days). After passport control came one more bonus step: security scanning all bags before entering Mexico.
7:30 PM — Bacalar, I could cry (but I ate instead)
After yet another transfer in Chetumal (40 minutes from Bacalar), we hopped into fancy vans—finally a win for comfort. I limited my water all day because I didn’t know what kind of bathroom adventure awaited me. I also hadn’t had a real meal since 4:30 AM. I was ready to be done.
We pulled into Bacalar around 7:30 PM, and the town was popping—people walking, outdoor restaurants buzzing, small tiendas glowing. I just wanted to eat at this point. Luckily, I found a wood-fire Oaxaca-style food shop and proceeded to confidently order three full meals because hunger + bad math = me. Zero regrets.
By the time I got to my hotel after dinner and a shower, it was almost 9:00 PM. Bienvenidos a Mexico, I guess!
What I’d do differently next time:
1. Spend the extra money on a flight
From Punta Gorda to Belize City, flights run around $200 USD. If you have the cash, splurge on that first leg. Alternatively, if traveling from the US, fly into Cancun, then take a bus or a colectivo (think shared Uber) down to Bacalar—about a 3-hour ride.
2. Split the travel across two days
The tour company I took, Marlin Espadas, offered pick-ups in Belmopan or Belize City. I recommend grabbing an Airbnb in one of these spots to break up the journey. Catch the early shuttle the next day (like ADO bus, which leaves early early). More people = longer immigration waits, so plan accordingly.
3. Invest in a real backpacking backpack
I used a carry-on suitcase. It was fine. But up and down, bus after bus? A backpack is easier. Period.
The ride back to Punta Gorda was just as long but smoother. But the bus was near full and yet we made it through both immigrations in 1-1.5hours. Here is to a new year! Set high goals and push your limits!
With Love From Belize,
Allora Mariesa
