My booking at Tessa's place turned out to be a wonderful experience. I first met her son Justin, who picked me up at Goldson airport, which is only about (15) minutes away from the Los Lagos community. Justin is also a registered tour guide and provided a tour of the now famed Altun Ha Mayan ruins, where the Kinich Ahau Jade head was found. Justin will tell you the cost of both if you choose him as a driver or guide, both were affordable in comparison to the marketplace. I was in contact with Justin and Tessa days before arriving since my goal was to make a tour in TIKAL the next day after my arrival to see the Mayan ruins in Guatemala. I had to arrange travel to get to TIKAL before hand since I learned that Los Lagos was 3.5 hours away. It was too expensive to drive or fly and there are no trains, so the only option left was the bus, which actually takes 5 hours by bus. There are only two departures a day for the bus service I had chose to ride with. My plane arrived at about 11am and the bus departures are 11am and 1pm, leaving me room only for the 1pm bus, which I'd paid for already online. The bus terminal is about 35-45mins away for Los Lagos. On the ride from the airport, I discussed getting to the bus terminal with Justin and he indicated that he would talk to his dad, Louis about getting me to the bus terminal. So, essentially 20mins after arriving at Los Lagos, I met Louis, who is a great guy and he advised that we needed to leave right away, so I wouldn't miss the bus. Louis' advice was spot on because we did run into traffic and although the bus departed 30mins late, it was good that we left when we did. Louis only asked for $10 for gas, which was beautiful, as I did not know what lay ahead, on my own from there on out. I wound up having to stay two nights in Guatemala and upon getting back to Belize, Justin picked me up and took me to a local Island style food spot. I only eat fish, which was unavailable at the time, so I had rice and peas and potato salad for $3. Days later, Justin took me to a local spot called the "Roadside Diner", where I had fried red snapper with rice/peas and cole slaw, cost was $7.50. Back at Los Lagos, I was able to fully take in my space, which was sizeable for me with a kitchen area, supplied with coffee and kitchen wares if you buy groceries to cook. The bathroom is nicely decorated and while the hot water pressure was a little weak, I really enjoyed the space. The space was also furnished with a tv for viewing Netflix if you like, great working AC w/remote and queen bed, dining table & chairs, towels, miniature soaps and a dresser. Windows on three sides of the space give you a view of the front, side and back of the property and community. The local community is quiet, has a nice pond and a local store for beverages, eggs, snacks or other quick grabs. In my time there, I got acquainted with Louis who is quite knowledgeable of the local trees, native to Belize which are good to eat (mango, plums) and have medicinal benefits. Moreover, I spent some time socializing with the family, as we took a bit of a road trip an hour or so from Los Lagos, which is in Ladyville, through the capital city of Belmopan towards San Ignacio to finally the Belize Free Zone. I spent my last night in another AirBnb space that Tessa has on property since my original space had been booked prior by someone else. The space was especially modern but you will
have to go without the kitchen space or views, since it's on the ground level. Overall, this Airbnb space is charming, convenient to the airport with a host that is as accommodating and hospitable as can be. Headed to Belize, give this place a look, if you want to slow it down and wake up soundly rested after your days on the road, touring and exploring. Happy trails.