Exploring Belize and Guatemala One Geocache at a Time
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Whenever you get the chance to travel somewhere new, do it. If you add geocaching to the mix, trips become even more adventurous and rewarding. I had the opportunity to travel to Central America and explore two fascinating and beautiful countries: Belize and Guatemala. Along the way, I geocached underwater, through a rainforest and next to a smoking active volcano. Here are six amazing geocaches that I found and believe all geocachers should add to their bucket list.
First stop was in Belize where the people are friendly, the way of life is chiller than an ice cube, and the geocaching is a blast. There are only 110 active geocaches in the entire country of Belize (yes that’s right, 110.)
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Kerstin and Melanie go deep (GC4V72V)- Caye Caulker, Belize
The small island of Caye Caulker is the perfect place to sit back, grab a beer, and truly relax. Home to only a few geocaches, you’ll be able to track down all of them in one day if you’re up for it. The only way to get around the small island is by bike or golf cart but bike is the preferred method.
GC4V72V requires swimming and complete discretion. This geocache is located at the famous “Split” where many locals and travelers alike swim and hang out. This can also be a challenging one (T2/D4 to be exact).
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The Best Guide Cache (GC324GD)- San Ignacio, Belize
San Ignacio is an amazing and unexpected treat tucked away in the rainforest. This little town in the Cayo district has some of the best day trips right outside the town. You can explore the nearby Mayan ruins, journey through ancient caves (ATM is a must-do!), and soak in the beautiful rainforest.
You may have to walk 1.5 miles to find GC324G in neighboring town Santa Elena, but the long walk is worth the find! Meet Feliz, the sweetest “geocache watcher” you will ever meet. She awaits geocachers in her little stone house and will shout clues as you search her front yard for the smiley.
Just across the border lies Guatemala, a country full of history, volcanoes, colorful textiles, and approximately 100 geocaches.
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Hot Jungle (GC2A86)- Tikal, Guatemala
Spend sunup to sundown in Tikal National Park where the ancient Mayan city will leave you in an enchanted daze. Travel back to 300 BC when Tikal was a thriving capital with pyramids, temples, and competitive sports events.
GC2A86 was the first physical geocache placed in the country of Guatemala. It was hidden in 2001 and has been found by only 155 lucky geocachers. On the way to the geocache, you’ll encounter howler monkeys, wild turkeys, and some of the most spectacular structures you will ever come across.
Additional find: Virtual geocache GCGCX7 takes you to Mundo Perdido or the “Lost World.”
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Bienvenidos a la Antigua (GC39G2Y)- Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a city of great historical importance in Guatemala (and it’s surrounded by three volcanoes.)You could spend days wandering the cobble-stoned streets, eating delicious food, and learning spanish at one of the local schools.
Pack your walking shoes because Multi-Cache GC39G2Y will take you all over the city. The final coordinates will lead you to a stellar view.
5. Volcan de Pacaya (GCGCXA)- Pacaya, Guatemala
The volcano Pacaya is an active and complex volcano just south of Guatemala City. It first erupted 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish invasion in Guatemala. The last eruption was in 2010 and the evidence is there.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, this will be your favorite of the six geocaches. You can choose to go at sunrise or sunset, and they both are breathtaking experiences. The molten rocks up at the top are very hot, so bring your leftovers to heat up or some marshmallows to roast.
6. Santiago Atitlan (GC10TNF)– Santiago, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan is a crystal blue lake located in the Guatemala highland. Atitlan is the deepest lake in Guatemala and also the most picturesque with its surrounding volcanoes. It is ringed by small lake towns, all great places to visit.
You can take a boat from Panajachel to Santiago to grab this geocache. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the unique village of Santiago. You won’t regret it!