2023 Vegan Tours
Discover these vegan tours and explore the world while sampling its tastes. From safaris to cultural excursions, there's a tour for every type of traveler.
As the interest in plant-based diets continues to rise, so does the demand for vegan-friendly travel options. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to try something new, there are now more options than ever for vegans who want to explore the world. From vegan food and safari tours in South Africa to adventure tours in Costa Rica, there is something for everyone.
These tours not only offer delicious plant-based meals, but also provide opportunities to learn about sustainable and ethical practices, and immerse in local cultures. This article highlights the top 10 vegan tours of 2023 that offer a unique and unforgettable vacation experience.
Vegan Food Europe Explorer (13 days)
An exciting and unique tour that takes you on a culinary journey through some of Europe's most delicious vegan food destinations. This tour is perfect for vegan foodies who want to experience the best plant-based dishes that Europe has to offer.
The tour starts in Berlin, where you will get to explore the city's vibrant vegan food scene, and then heads to Prague, where you will enjoy dinner in one of Prague's first vegan restaurants. From there, you will travel to Vienna, where you will indulge in yummy plant-based food that packs a serious sustainability punch. The tour also takes you to Budapest, where you’ll get to down goulash and cabbage rolls on an evening Danube cruise, and finally to Krakow and Warsaw, where you will get to taste some of the best vegan food in the world.
This 2023 vegan tour is planned for August 27 2023, and it's a great opportunity to experience the best of European summer, beautiful cities, culture and food. It includes accommodation, transportation, and some meals, as well as activities and experiences, but also gives you free time to explore on your own.
Why choose this tour: It doesn’t get more vegan than a tour filled with other vegans looking to experience all the culinary delights Europe has to offer. On top of this, Contiki achieved carbon neutrality in 2022 and aim to create conscious travel experiences that have positive social and environmental impacts on local communities.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days)
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a classic and popular trek in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail is approximately 26 miles (43 km) long and takes 4 days to complete. It passes through a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forest and high Andean mountain terrain, and offers stunning views of the Andes mountains.
Along the way, hikers will pass by Incan ruins, including the Sun Gate, from where hikers have their first views of Machu Picchu. The trail culminates at the Machu Picchu citadel, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
The tour includes a guided tour of the citadel and the opportunity to explore the site on your own. It's important to note that permits are required for the Inca Trail and are often sold out months in advance, so plan accordingly.
Why choose this tour: While not a fully vegan tour, the tour operators are knowlegable in vegan diets and are happy to cater vegan versions of the Peruvian foods on offer. TreXperience is committed to sustainable tourism and seeks to minimize the environmental impact of their tours while also supporting local communities. Most importantly, you’ll find that its porters have the proper equipment and are paid fairly.
Deluxe Safari In Botswana (7 days)
A 7-day vegan safari in Botswana offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. You will get to explore the stunning wilderness of one of Africa's most breathtaking countries, while also having the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
After landing in nearby Cape Town, you'll start your journey at Savute Safari camp, a beautiful wilderness area located in the Savute marsh region. This reserve is known for its exceptional animal viewing and intense predator encounters.
After that, you'll head to Camp Okavango, where you'll have the chance to take part in water-based safaris and get close to hippos and crocs. The tour features 100% plant-based meals and snacks and includes local specialties.
Why choose this tour: You’ll get your own professional award-winning wildlife photographer on the tour to take photos of everything. You won’t need to spend precious viewing time fiddling with camera settings and changing lenses and can simply enjoy all the sights Southern Africa has to offer.
Walking in the Canadian Rockies (13 days)
This 13-day tour is a thrilling and unique way to experience the natural beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains. The tour will take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the country, with a focus on hiking and exploring on foot. If you need a break from the standard vegan hotels and resorts, this should be exactly what you’re looking for.
You'll start your journey in the town of Banff (by way of Calgary), where you'll have the opportunity to explore Alberta's breathtaking mountain playground. From there, you'll head to the stunning Jasper National Park, where you'll hike through alpine meadows, forests, and along glistening glaciers. You'll also have the opportunity to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats.
The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Kootenay National Park, where you'll have the chance to hike to the Kindersley-Sinclair summit and trek the scenic Stanley Glacier Trail. Along the way, you'll discover unspoilt wilderness and views of glaciers, waterfalls and jagged mountain peaks.
This tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to experience Canada's Rocky Mountains in a unique and intimate way. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while also learning about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.
Why choose this tour: Throughout your walking adventure you’ll be in the great outdoors, enjoying hearty meals cooked and shared over a campfire. This tour is not fully vegan but most meals are prepared by your tour leader who will be able to cater for vegans using fresh local ingredients.
This year’s best vegan tours offer a wide range of experiences and destinations for those who want to explore the world while following a plant-based diet. These tours not only provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the world but also offer a chance to learn about different cultures, history and local customs.
Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, there's a vegan tour out there for you. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll be able to fully enjoy your trip and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the world in a sustainable and ethical way!
Looking for more? Check out these Luxury Trips to Costa Rica.
Vegan tours - Frequently asked questions
What activities are included in a vegan tour?
A vegan tour may include activities like visiting vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, cooking classes and demonstrations on how to prepare vegan meals, visiting farmers markets and organic food stores, learning about vegan nutrition and health and visiting animal sanctuaries and learning about animal rights in the region. Some vegan tours may also include activities such as yoga and meditation, hiking and nature walks, and cultural or historical tours that highlight the local area and its vegan-friendly options.
What vegan-friendly attractions are included in a vegan tour?
A vegan tour may include a variety of vegan-friendly attractions, depending on the tour's location and focus. Some examples of vegan-friendly attractions that may be included in a vegan tour include:
- Vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. These may include establishments that exclusively serve vegan food, or those that offer a wide variety of vegan options alongside non-vegan options.
- Vegan grocery stores, health food stores, and farmers markets. These may include places where participants can learn about and purchase vegan-friendly products and ingredients.
- Animal sanctuaries and wildlife refuges. These may include places where participants can learn about and interact with animals in a more ethical and sustainable way, without supporting the animal agriculture industry.
- Vegan festivals, events and fairs. These may include events that celebrate the vegan lifestyle and offer various activities, such as cooking demonstrations, lectures, and product samples.
- Vegan and plant-based cooking classes and workshops. These may include classes and workshops that teach participants how to prepare vegan meals and ingredients.
- Natural and outdoor sites, such as national parks and gardens, that align with the vegan lifestyle and environmental sustainability.
- Museums and cultural sites that showcase the history and culture of the vegan and plant-based movement.
What vegan restaurants are included in a vegan tour?
Some tours will include all of your meals in the tour price while others may offer just breakfast with the opportunity to sample restaurants of your choosing.
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Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide
Find out the best vegan resources from a Playa local including where to shop, where to eat, and how to find other vegans to hang out with in this Playa del Carmen vegan guide.
Whether you’re a brand new vegan in Playa del Carmen or you’ve lived here a while, there’s always something new to discover. In my four years living in Playa, I still haven’t managed to try every vegan option there is but this guide should hopefully get you started on the best of the best the Playa del Carmen vegan scene has to offer.
Read on to find out which restaurants are vegan-only, where to go to find other vegans and support the community, and where to shop to get the best produce for your own creations.
Plantivoros tacos
Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
These are the top vegan restaurants in Playa that only cater to vegans so you don’t need to worry about getting any surprises on your plate. Many of these restaurants are owned or run by a vegan chef, as well so when you eat here, you know you’re supporting a vegan business.
1) Plantivoros
This is currently my favorite vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Plantivoros’ relaxing open-air palapa setting alone should make it to the top of any list but you’ll be happy to know that it’s run by a vegan chef who has a long history here in Playa.
On the menu, you’ll find some classic Mexican dishes that you may not otherwise be able to try including enchiladas, chile relleno, and (my personal favorite) albondigas. There’s a long menu, however, with something for everyone so it’s a great place to head back to again and again, and again so you can try it all.
If you’re feeling like a night in, Plantivoros also delivers. They use bicycle delivery as well so you don’t need to feel guilty when you’re being a little lazy.
2) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant
The Pitted Date is a bit of an institution here in Playa. Known for its protein bombs and vegan egg, you’ll find a wide variety of vegan eats here, whether you’re after some classic Mexican dishes or something that reminds you of home.
The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant has been around Playa for a while but moved to its current location just a few years ago. While it’s a little bit outside of the center, it’s actually a great location for coupling with an afternoon at the beach because it’s near one of the best spots in Playa. If you’re looking for what to do in Playa del Carmen for the day, head to Coco Beach where you’ll find lots of sand to spread out on, crystal-clear water, and a more local vibe.
3) Comet 984
An oldie but a goodie, Comet 984 is one of those off-the-beaten-track treats that should be more popular. I really don’t want to ruin the surprise but this 50’s-stlye diner is all-vegan junk food goodness.
Think, thick, creamy milkshakes, hot dogs, chilly cheese fries, and a huge variety of burgers. Comet 984 has some locally-made patties but also carries some imported favorites like Gardein and Beyond. Give them a go when you’re feeling like some comfort food and keen to indulge. My top pick is the Snickers milkshake.
Smoothie bowl at Corazon Contento
4) Peace & Bowl
Tucked away inside Mercardo 30, Playa’s favorite shared eating space, Peace & Bowl is the place you go when you just want a solid vegan meal that you know won’t disappoint. They started off selling their star acai bowls at markets around the city but now the offering includes hummus bowls, salad bowls, and pizzas topped with all the good stuff.
This is a very busy location, however, so you either need to trust the gods you’ll find somewhere to sit and enjoy, grab something to go, or get it delivered. Although you will miss out on their very pretty presentation if you do.
5) Hummus - Comida Vegana
This is a relatively new entry here in Playa but Hummus has been making waves among the vegan community here. And, don’t worry. It’s not just all hummus. Although, the hummus is very good here.
You’ll find a selection of salads including a classic Israeli salad and a yummy chickpea one filled with veggies. Falafel dishes include a pita, giant hamburger, and the Imperial Plate which is stocked full of everything you could ever want in one meal. Finish your meal off with some sweet treats like a very moist tres leches cake or a selection of vegan cookies.
6) Fresco Habito
Found tucked into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it corner of Playa, Fresco Habito has actually been around for a while. You just need to know how to find it first.
At Fresco Habito, you’ll find lots of good-for-you but great tasting choices like buddha bowls and giant smoothies packed with fresh ingredients. My obsession is their toasts topped with their house-made almond cheese. I swear, I could eat that stuff by the bucket full. There’s an extensive menu here and everything is good so I definitely recommend you stop by.
7) ARCANA restaurante
This is the newest entry to the small but mighty Playa del Carmen vegan restaurant crew. Arcana is located on the prettiest street in Playa and is a good option for breakfast or lunch.
On the menu, you’ll find a selection of wholesome milks infused with spices, fresh juices, smoothies, and even special rainwater collected from the Mayan jungle. Food-wise, there are some delicately-made dishes here that are just begging for a photo to share. Overnight oats, smoothie bowls, and the oyster mushroom spiced shawarma are all enticing.
8) Corazon Contento
This one might be a bit confusing for Playa's old-timers. Corazon Contento used to be a delivery-only service but now has a residence in Ressio Cafe. Now, with a landscaped courtyard to sit in and enjoy some of Corazon Contento’s hearty treats, there’s no excuse not to give them a shot.
Corazon Contento’s menu tends towards the street food with lots of tacos, tortas, and other Mexican specialties but if you’re looking for something a bit more healthy, they also have a variety of smoothie bowls that should hit the spot.
Need more Playa del Carmen vegan restaurants?
If eight’s not enough, check out my full list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen for more options that might not be all vegan but do have a full vegan menu or have something special to offer a Playa del Carmen vegan.
Playa del Carmen vegan stores
For when you want to cook for yourself and source the best vegan products in Playa, I’ve made a rundown of the best stores to check out. Being a vegan in Playa del Carmen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of your favorites back home
Mr Tofu is a staple here in Playa and any vegan will be excited with what you can find in store. From vegan meats and cheeses to ready-made foods, you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for here. Bear in mind that they carry both local and imported goods and the imported products will fetch a similar price to what you’d find back home.
Olio Mercardo is a gem for vegans in Playa del Carmen. Besides some organic and dispensary items, you’ll find a kitchen stocked with homemade ready-made vegan meals, desserts, and even vegan pizza. The owner has a great system where if you bring the tubs back from the meals, you get a small amount off your next purchase.
Diosa Vegana is another all vegan store that stocks mostly local items. You can find ready-made snacks, protein powder, non-dairy milk, and plant-based meat replacements.
Farmer’s Market (replaced the old Clorofila) is all about vegan cheeses and dairy. They make high-quality products that are delicious and always happy to have a chat about what’s in store. You can also find a fridge stocked with other vegan goodies along with some organic produce.
Both Bio Natural and Bio Organico also have stores with predominantly vegan items. Just be mindful that some things are not vegan so you’ll need to check labels to be sure.
DAC is a fruit and vegetable store that also carries a decent amount of vegan items. Head to the back counter where half is dedicated to vegan meats and cheeses.
Panneria is a bakery that stocks vegan bread, pastries, and desserts. Similar to Olio, they have a reward system for those who bring their own containers.
The larger supermarkets also stock some vegan items and it’s worth asking what’s in store when you visit. In Mega, Wallmart, and Chedraui specifically, you can find vegan yogurt and soy chorizo as a minimum.
Playa del Carmen vegan food delivery
For those times you don’t feel like leaving the house and you want some vegan goodness delivered right to your door, Playa has actually got a lot of vegan delivery options.
Chillin Chilakil
Just chilaquiles done very well, Chillin Chilakil offers two vegan toppings, a crispy oyster mushroom, and an al pastor. Top it all off with vegan cream and cheese and you’re in for a treat. Service is impeccable and delivery is usually super fast.
Veganons
Veganons does lunch deliveries for those after a regular healthy vegan lunch option. Menus are published the weekend before and you can pick and choose which days you’d like to order or go for the convenience of having the whole week ordered for you. I also love that they use reusable containers that you exchange at each delivery.
ALV Tacos
Solid tacos, tortas, and burritos for when you just want some comfort food delivered to your door. These guys can be a little slow but I think it’s worth the wait. Just don’t order when you’re starving!
Sushi Playa
These guys have a ton of vegan sushi offers and are willing to make any amendments that you want. Along with sushi, you’ll find a selection of noodle and rice dishes. Sushi Playa is available on the ordering apps but it’s a lot cheaper (and faster) to order direct.
Many of the restaurants mentioned above either do their own delivery or use one of Playa’s popular delivery services. Some services are app-based while a couple use Whatsapp for ordering. Here are some to try if you can’t find anything that you’re craving:
Rappi
Uber EatsRappi
Pizza at Peace & Bowl
What is hard to find as a vegan in Playa del Carmen?
While you can get most things you might need locally in town, there are some items that Playa just doesn’t have. Specialty teas, herbs, and spices can be somewhat of a bother to find.
If you’re live here or are going to be hanging out for a while, you can order from:
Amazon.mx
Mercardolibre (like Latin America’s Amazon)
I’ve ordered from all three with no issues but you should make sure you’re comfortable with how the address system works here. It can be tricky to figure out for newcomers to Playa but if you’re staying in a condo with security or reception, you should be fine.
Vegan in Playa del Carmen wishlist
If you’re still on your way to Playa, here are some suggestions of things you might want to bring with you as they are either hard to find or lots more expensive:
Gluten-free items
Mineral makeup
Vegan Playa del Carmen resources
Playa has a very active vegan community that is very passionate about fostering one of the best places to live as a vegan. To help get you started, here are some key resources where you can meet other vegans and find out about what’s happening in the community.
Playa del Carmen vegan communities
If you’ve got some free time on vacation or are keen to strengthen your ties to the community of vegans in Playa, you can’t look past Casa Animal. It’s Playa’s first community center for animal lovers that often hosts workshops, information nights, and fun events to promote animal welfare. Check out its Facebook page for the latest on cooking classes, movie nights, and other fun activities that happen regularly here.
For those who will be in town for a while and would like to get more involved with the community, you can join the Playa del Carmen vegan Telegram group. A great place to organise meet-ups with other vegans, ask any burning questions, and find out the latest events.
Vegan Playa del Carmen Facebook groups
It’s usually quicker to ask any questions in the Telegraph group but, for more of a wider reach, these Facebook groups have hundreds of members who can help:
Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)
Playa del Carmen vegan accommodation guide
Maybe when you think of all inclusives, you think of sun-burnt tourists overindulging in both food and drinks. Luckily, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a bit of an oasis in the resort world here and it’s one of my favorite places to stay. Sandos’ emphasis on “eco” can be seen in the restaurants, bars, and entertainment. From the natural cenotes you can swim in to the jungle walks lining the property, Sandos Caracol is a treat.
It used to have a vegan restaurant on site but now it’s gone one step further and has a separate vegan menu for each one of its seven restaurants. The best part about the change is that you can join your friends or family at any of the restaurants (even the steakhouse) and still get to have a great dinner.
Read reviews of Sandos at TripAdvisor or get booking details here.
What else would you like to see?
I’ll keep adding to this Playa del Carmen vegan guide as I discover new options but if you have any questions or notice any changes, please let me know in the comments below.
Belize travel - First impressions of my time in Belize
After 10 years of travel in Central America, I finally made it to Belize, my elusive last country. Here are my very first impressions after spending a few weeks there.
Belize was the last country on my list in Central America and after 10 years of travelling through the region, I finally made it there.
Known as British Honduras as recently as 1973, Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America and is often a quick stop for people travelling from Mexico to Guatemala.
All I had heard about the place was that it was the most expensive in Central America and that I should visit San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. I knew that it was supposed to be a good spot for snorkelling and diving and full of adventure activities.
So here are my very first impressions after spending a few weeks in the country. I’ll work on some individual posts about each of my favourite things over the next few weeks but this should be a good first taste for now.
My first impressions of Belize
1) Belize Zoo is a must see
This place almost made me cancel the rest of my plans and move in permanently. The Belize Zoo is not really a zoo and the name doesn’t really reflect all the amazing work that they do for native wildlife.
It was started in 1983 to provide a home for a bunch of wild animals that were used to make a documentary about tropical forests. The founder of the zoo quickly realised that its local visitors were unfamiliar with many species of local wildlife and committed to creating a space for wildlife education.
The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued and born at the zoo, though breeding is not a focus and today the zoo exhibits over 175 animals, representing over 45 native species.
I stayed almost two weeks at the adjoining Tropical Education Centre (or The Belize Zoo Lodge). They offer basic cabañas, fancier houses facing their pond and even dorm style rooms. All meals are served at the lodge and they made me some of the best vegetarian food I had in Belize. You can even do some animal spotting at the lodge where agouti, pacas and even the resident croc are easy to spot and if you’re a birder then they have lots of dedicated walks and an elevated platform for easy spotting.
I’ll write a dedicated post about the zoo and the lodge soon but for now, just know that this is a must visit when you’re in Belize.
2) I’m in two minds about Caye Caulker
I spent just three nights in Caye Caulker and really wanted to stay longer but it wasn’t really for me. For anyone who’s been to the Bay Islands in Honduras or the Corn Islands in Nicaragua then you’ll see that it has a very similar feel.
I arrived on the night of Super Bowl Sunday so my first impression of the island was that it was loud and full of drunk Americans. I could have turned around straight away but decided to give it an extra night.
I grew to like it more in the light of a new day but it still feels very much like less of a real place where people live and more like a dedicated tourist destination where you might go to unwind for a week or two. It has the feel of tiny Playa Del Carmen when I really wanted it to be more like Mazunte, my favourite beach spot in Mexico.
The island is tiny and you can easily walk around it in a couple of hours. Some people rent golf carts and there are also bikes for hire to get around but it’s completely unnecessary. On the main side of the island there aren’t any traditional beaches but if you’re happy to swim off a dock or jump into “the split” that separates the island then you’ll be fine.
I booked in for the famous snorkelling tour around the islands and the reef that includes a visit to Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a small shipwreck. If you’re lucky and there in the right season you could see manatees along the way, I was not but I did get to hang out with some friendly nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays and loads of tropical fish. This trip was a whole lot of fun but you are often surrounded by boatloads of other tourists at the same time all staring at the one sea turtle.
Caye Caulker is slightly more expensive than the mainland which makes sense given they have to get all their supplies shipped over but it’s possible to eat on the cheap, especially if you like the ubiquitous fry jack.
I probably could have given Caye Caulker more of a chance but it lacks the more flashpacker style accommodation I’m used to and the pricier hotels were out of my budget. Airbnb’s are spread out around the island but a lot of the best ones were booked out well in advance.
Sunsets at Caye Caulker are pretty special
3) San Ignacio has so much to do!
My legs and shoes after Crystal Cave
You could spend a whole week here and not run out of things to do in San Ignacio. It is very well geared towards tourism but still retains a lot of its authentic small-town feel. I started my trip here and it was a good decision. It gave me a deeper insight into the mixed cultures of Belize and I got to do some cool activities.
One of my favourites was the Crystal Cave day trip which involved a 50-minute hike through tropical forest to the cave entrance, where you scramble down 15 feet into the cavernous entrance. Caves played a very important role in the Maya culture, considered to be a supernatural realm where their ancestors' deities resided.
I got to see the shimmering formations in the cave that give it its name, slide and wriggle my way through tight openings and sometimes just grip onto ledges for my dear life. I’m not going to lie, this way one of the toughest things I’ve done in my life and part way through, I really just wanted to throw my things down, have a tantrum and demand to be airlifted out of there. Or however else an ill-equipped over consumer of brownies and pasta gets out of an underground cavern.
I’m glad I did it though and while I was sore for days afterwards, still kind of am, I think, I highly recommend that you try this or any of the other cave experiences while you’re in Belize.
My next favourite thing was the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Created in 1996 because of the decreasing survival rate of Green Iguanas in Belize caused by overhunting, the owners decided to start a program that would both protect the species and also educate locals and visitors about these very cool reptiles.
The project follows a continuous course of rearing the Iguanas from the egg to juvenile stage and then later sets them free by releasing them into their natural habitat. There are some special long-term guests who can’t be released because of permanent injuries or because they were raised as pets and are now too comfortable with humans.
I got to learn a bunch about them and also had the opportunity to pet and hold some of the more chilled out ones. At first, I was terrified to even reach out and touch them but by the end, I was holding my little friend for over 20 minutes and didn’t want to put him back.
4) Accommodation is geared to the super budget traveller or more high-end visitors
Belize is filled with eco-resorts and jungle lodges and these are supposed to be great, if you can afford it. There aren’t many hostels in the country and if you’re outside of the tourist hotspots you’ll be lucky to find one.
Most towns will always have some basic budget lodging so if your standards are low and you’re happy with a place to rest your head at night then you’ll be fine. I skipped some places, though, because of their lack of quality mid-range or even high-end budget options.
I’m sure as tourism picks up, this will improve but just be warned that if you’re looking for quality budget or mid-range places to stay then you might be disappointed.
5) Eating vegetarian in Belize is relatively easy
I definitely was spoiled by my time at the Tropical Education Centre where they made me all sorts of local-style food with fresh veggies and locally made meat alternatives. When I was travelling around though, I could always find the staple rice and beans, potato salad and plantains and stuffed fry jacks were also a favourite quick snack.
Many tourist towns will have good spots with separate vegetarian sections on a menu or will be happy to make something special for you. Don't forget my #1 tip for eating vegetarian while traveling - when in doubt, try breakfast for lunch.
6) Buses are basic but get you can get where you need to go
If you’re happy taking basic chicken buses around the country then you’ll be fine. Shuttle transfers are pricey so I tried my best to avoid theme especially when it costs no more than $10 to get from one side of the country to the other.
The one issue I did have was there’s no clear timetable or schedule and there are loads of different bus companies servicing each region so you have to rely on often outdated advice online. You could end up waiting up to an hour or more for a bus if you haven’t timed it well and some routes (like the Dangriga to Placencia route) only have one or two buses a day.
If you’re hitting the two main tourists spots of San Ignacio and Caye Caulker then you’re not going to have an issue taking local transport. Buses are as frequent as every half an hour and ferries are hourly during the busiest times.
Once you want to get a little off the beaten track though, you’re at the mercy of the transport Gods. All I’ll say for now is try not to travel on a Sunday when everything slows down even more and don’t just turn up expecting that you will get where you’re going. I relied heavily on the often updated Belize Bus website which is run independently and relies on user submissions for timetable changes.
7) You’ll still get to practice your Spanish
One reason I wasn’t super keen one Belize is that I thought it would interrupt the Spanish immersion that I was getting in the rest of Central America but that was so wrong.
Even though the main language is English, you’ll mostly here a mix of Creole and Spanish as you travel around. The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Kriol, Mestizo, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Chinese. There are also a large number of expats in areas like the Cayes and San Ignacio.
Sometimes I wasn’t sure which language to start off with but you’re usually fine with English and most people were happy and able to chat in whichever language I chose. The Belizean Creole is very different to what I learnt in Trinidad but if you know you’re creole then you should be able to understand what’s going on.
Overall I will say that I kept trying to compare Belize to its neighbouring countries but you can't really do that here. Belize is really in a class of its own. While it's easy to say I recommend Nicaragua over Guatemala and mainland Honduras is best left to more seasoned travellers (or anyone who's keen!), Belize for me is difficult to rate or describe.
If you love wildlife, nature or adventure activities then Belize would be a great place to visit. It's friendly English speaking residents make it an easy place to navigate and it's definitely worth at least a week of your time.
That’s all for now and I hope you enjoyed a quick taste of what I experienced while I was in Belize. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the country whether you’ve visited or you’d like to go. Let me know in the comments!
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Festival Life In Oaxaca, Mexico
There is a lot to see and do in Oaxaca and my favourite part of the city is its lively cultural calendar. There was always something on and Oaxaceños love any excuse to party.
I recently spent two months living in the colonial city of Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hah-kah), volunteering with a small volunteer group that helped tutor disadvantaged kids who had been given scholarships. I usually worked in the middle of the day for about four hours and then had the rest of the time to explore.
There’s a lot to see and do in Oaxaca but my favourite part of the city was its lively cultural calendar. There was always something on and Oaxaceños loved any excuse to party. During my time there I was lucky enough to be invited to the party of a Quinceañera in the smallest village I have ever visited. There were literally chickens and cows roaming the streets! I went to many a food festival where I got to try so many delicacies from the well-known “culinary capital” of Mexico. I also got to experience a Semana Santa parade which was literally sobering (more on that another time).
One Saturday I got a message from a friend letting me know that there was a water festival on. "World’s Dullest Festival,” I replied. She convinced me to meet her there and it turned out to be a huge festival with local dances, parades and stalls all to honour “agua”. Agua means water in Spanish but in Mexico it often refers to a flavoured water refreshment, full name Agua Fresca or Fresh Water, that mixes fruits, grains and other flavours with water. It’s a drink you are often served in local eateries and also sold on the streets.
The festival encouraged local business owners all around the city to give away free “agua” to passersby and there were also a variety of the more popular flavours available to try at the festival. It was a great opportunity for me to try some of the more “interesting” flavours that I wouldn’t usually want to buy due to their strange consistency and colours!
Some of the flavours of aqua that you might find in Oaxaca include tamarind, hibiscus and agua de horchata, my personal favourite which is made with rice, vanilla and cinnamon.
Moral of the story is - if you see a festival happening while you are in Oaxaca, you should definitely take some time to check it out. You never know what you will learn and what you will get to try.
The Quinceañera is the celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday in many parts of Latin America and it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood. The party I was invited to was for the daughter of my good friend’s Spanish teacher. As there was not going to be anyone who was likely to speak English there she was allowed to bring a plus one.
We were super excited to attend the party as neither of us had been to a Quinceañera before and the opportunity to visit a new village was a big positive as well. The morning of the party we were stressing about what to buy as a present and kept being advised that a bottle of mezcal was definitely the right choice. So with a present appropriate for a fifteen-year old (apparently) we hopped into collectivo and off we went.
Party Time!
Side note about public transport in Oaxaca: The most common way to get around is by collectivo which is essentially a maroon and white coloured taxi which will have a placard on the dash stating location. The collectivo has a regular route and you just need to know where you’re headed too and let the driver know where you want to get off along the way. It’s called a collectivo because you’re essentially sharing the ride with anyone else who flags the driver along the route.
The most interesting part is that the driver will try to squeeze in as many people as possible and this means that you could get as many as two people in the front seat with the driver and four in the back seat. My top tip is to always choose the back seat when you jump in. You definitely don’t want to be in that awkward spot with the gear stick being jammed into your calf over and over again!
Once we were well on our way and everyone else had gotten on and gotten off, we started to have a chat with the driver and learnt that he lived in this small village and knew the party girl! We probably should not have been as shocked once we saw the size of the town. He drove us right to her door and told us how regularly the collectivos left for when we were ready to leave.
The party was well under way by the time we got there as I had mastered the art of “Latin American time” and we were introduced to the birthday girl. She was dressed in the most beautiful and elaborate dress and, compared to the rest of us, looked like a princess. I felt seriously underdressed but apparently it’s tradition for the Quinceañera to wear the big faux-wedding dress so no one really felt out of place.
So many cakes for one girl!
After a touching speech from her obviously proud parents, there was cake cutting and then we feasted! There was so much to eat and everything looked amazing. There was lots of grilling going on and also I got to try lots of things I would not usually.
The afternoon was pretty spectacular, spending time getting to know her friends, family and neighbours as we all ate and listened to music but the best part was towards the end when she gathered al her friends together to open presents. This day has turned into one of my most memorable times in Mexico because of this beautiful girl and her little sister. Sometimes watching a child open presents can be a depressing thing for me. Seeing their bored reaction after opening pricey toy and after pricey toy which are then all shoved in a corner to be forgotten about.
The birthday girl spent so much time savouring every moment opening every present and even turned it into a little game by having the guests try to guess what the present could be. She even let her little sister open some as she was desperate to join in on the fun. She also loved book presents the most and her eyes would glisten over in excitement every time she thought she was about unwrap a book.
After opening the presents we started to play some party games and all the kids begged us to join in. They were super sweet and even got into charades with my friend who’s Spanish was non-existent. It was truly special to spend time hanging out with fifteen year olds who actually acted like fifteen year olds.
When we left they treated us like family and all saw us out and made sure we got into the collectivo. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to peer into the life of a fifteen-year old in one of the smallest towns in Oaxaca. I love travel because I am gifted with these experiences! Have you ever been to a Quinceañera and was it a smaller event like mine or one of the large elaborate types?
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