So — let’s talk about the part everyone really wants to know:
How do you actually get here and live here?
Coming here does require a trek. I previously mentioned that volunteers come on their own accord and dime. I will speak from my experience moving from Houston.
Getting to Punta Gorda
Getting here is not a one-step process. It’s more of a… choose your own adventure.
Most people start the same way: fly into Belize City. From Houston, it’s easy — direct flights out of Hobby or Bush. You land late morning or early afternoon, just enough time to make a decision:
How much patience do you have today?
The first time I came down, I went with the bus.
Seven hours.
Seven.
It’s what they call the “chicken bus,” and while I can’t confirm the presence of actual chickens on my ride, I can confirm it’s an experience. There’s also an express version — still long (five hours) but with AC, which suddenly becomes a luxury you do not want to take for granted again.
You’ll need a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal. Walking is not recommended unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous. I have done part of this walk without luggage while visiting the city… 0/10 recommend.
After taking the bus down once… I discovered the paddle jumper.
Now this — this is a completely different experience. It’s a tiny plane. Like, small ass plane.
The first time I boarded, I had a moment of “is this how I will depart earth?” But once you’re up? Unreal views. Clear water, coastline, little pockets of towns and lush greenery you wouldn’t see otherwise.
Flights run a few times a day through Tropic Air. But here’s the part that will keep you on your toes: if everyone checks in early… the plane just leaves. No overhead PA system. No dramatic announcements (unless they are hollering for you to board). No slow boarding process. Just — “Everyone is here. Time to go”. So now I show up early and stay ready.
There’s also the option to rent a car.
I haven’t done this yet, mostly because I’ve heard just enough to proceed with caution. Deposits can be high, and maintenance is… variable, given that their cars are all imported. One volunteer told me their check engine light was on the entire time. They made it. So proceed with caution.
Finally there’s the overnight option — staying in Belize City or heading to Belmopan for a reset before finishing the trip. I haven’t personally done this, but it’s a route some people take. Check out which areas in Belize City are safest. Even some locals have warned against walking around at night. Belmopan is an 1.5 hours from Belize City and thus…one step closer to Punta Gorda.
Where to Stay in Punta Gorda
When I first came back to volunteer for a week March 2025, I stayed on-site in what we call the “treehouse.” Which sounds magical like a Disney movie…key words: “sounds magical”.
It’s simple. Shared bathroom (small and a bit cramped, just setting expectations). A couple of rooms, a few beds. It is around $125/week. And the biggest perk? You’re already at the clinic.
No commute. No thinking. You just walk down stairs and show up.
Now I live in town, about 6 miles away. It’s a trade-off.
I bike (primary mode) or catch the bus to work, which adds a layer of effort — especially in the heat. But living in town means access to more of daily life here. Food, people, a bit of separation from the clinic. And that separation? I’ve found I need it from time to time.
There are also other options — Blue Belize, Beya Suites, Coral House, Airbnbs if you’re willing to pay a bit more. There’s a lodge called Grace’s with a restaurant underneath. I can’t speak for breakfast, but dinner? Fish filet did not disappoint.
Hillside tends to help with all of this, especially for longer stays. But ultimately, where you stay shapes your experience more than you think.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably guessed it — this isn’t the easiest path.
Being away from family isn’t easy.
Not having a car isn’t easy.
Going from a comfortable, cush routine to something that feels a bit more… labor-intensive? Also not a cake-walk.
But service has a way of giving back in ways that are harder to measure.
For me, it’s been:
- Growth I can feel in real time.
- Clarity I didn’t have before I got here.
- And a kind of spiritual grounding that only came once things slowed down.
The hard days don’t go away. They do not get easier to carry.
They just start to feel… worth it.
I hope these posts have sparked inspiration to volunteer. Whether it is local, international or within a circle of friends and family, find time to step out of your world and into another.
Part 3 (not post 3) of the series will cover lessons learned so far. I am approaching the halfway mark of my time here and each week I am taught something – either by another human or a divine slap in the face. Keep eye out for it after Easter!
With Love From Belize,
Allora Mariesa