Trina

I was able to book a very decent package for 4-days at the Radisson Ft. George hotel. Everything I've read so far from this board had suggestions for other popular tourist destinations in Belize. Does anyone have good recommendations on what to do with Belize City as the home base for 4 days? I'd like to try and fit in diving/snorkeling, a quick jungle romp, a visit to a mayan ruins, maybe a cave tubing... this is probably too much to hope for 4 days, but I'd like to maximize my time there as much as possible. I'm also on somewhat of a budget, so nothing overly-priced. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Susan

The Belize zoo is pretty cool. It's a bit of a trip from the city and we took a bus and spent a few hours there. It's very casual, and I enjoyed our trip.

Lan Sluder

Because of its reputation for crime, Belize City is not a common hub for sightseeing in Belize. The Radisson is nice, however, and the Fort George area where the hotel is located is generally safe. Just don't stray far alone at night. <BR> <BR>There is a good deal to see within a couple of hours of the city. You'll need a car to get the most out of your time on mainland trips, but you can do tours (though the costs will tend to add up.) <BR> <BR>Besides the already recommended zoo, which is excellent, I'd suggest you look at: <BR> <BR>* Crooked Tree, a nature reserve area north of the city -- tons of birds, hiking, canoeing on the lagoon. <BR> <BR>* Altun Ha on the Old Northern Highway -- the easiest Maya site to visit from Belize City <BR> <BR>* There are several dive/snorkel options from Belize City -- around Ambergris Caye, Turneffe atoll, and others. You might talk with Hugh Parkey's Dive Belize at the Radisson dock for options. <BR> <BR>* Possibly a cave tubing trip -- you can do it with Jaguar Paw -- turn at mile 37 of the Western Highway <BR> <BR>* Possibly a horseback riding trip -- go with Banana Bank Lodge, also near Belmopan <BR> <BR>* Bermudian Landing northwest of the city is home to the Baboon (Howler Monkey) Sanctuary. <BR> <BR>* If you have a car you can do longer trips such as down the Hummingbird, Belize's most scenic drive, to the Blue Hole, Five Blues, St. Herman's Cave and other sites along the northern part of this road. You can also go into San Ignacio, about 1 3/4 hours from Belize City. There's a ton to do there -- three butterfly farms, wonderful caves, hiking, canoeing, visiting the botanical gardens at duPlooy's, etc. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder <BR>Belize First Magazine <BR> <BR> <BR>* <BR> <BR>

traveller

If you are going to Jaguar Paw (which is wonderful BTW) allow some extra travel time. Although only about 9 kms.off the main highway, it could take as much as 1 hr. to get there. Despite the time, it is worth the effort. Absolutely WONDERFUL owners, great tubing through river caves, wonderful food and rooms. <BR> <BR>I agree with Len, Belize City is a miss for staying. But do visit the zoo and Jaquar Paw (be prepared at Jaguar Paw for very expensive but worth it). <BR> <BR>Have fun in Belize. A wonderful country.

Katie Valk

I live and work in BC and have a different opinion than many on the city. Great day trips would be: combo Zoo and cave tubing or full day cave tubing, full day Lamanai ruins trip where you'll see and hear howler and spider monkeys, crocs, manatees and waterbirds, can you snorkel right from Radisson dock with Hugh Parkey or can fly to one of the cayes for 46.50pp return and snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley for about 20.00pp. I also like the full day lagoon birding trip in Crooked Tree, where you can also see howler and spider monkeys on the back creeks. <BR> <BR>If your'e in BC on a Friday night, Happy Hour is alot of fun at both Radisson and Biltmore, which has a steel band on Fridays and a jazz band on Thursdays. Great opportunity to belly up to a bar and meet Belize people, who as a rule are bright, friendly and lots of fun. Might be an art exhibit at the Image Factory or Mexican Institute at night, ask the front desk when you get in what's going on around town. <BR> <BR>Katie Valk <BR>Belize City

Trina

My sister and I are traveling together. Would you recommend us getting a rental car to try and hit as many places as possible? Would it be more cost-saving and time-efficient? Also, is it safe for two females to drive around Belize City (and attractions outside of BC)? <BR> <BR>Thanks again for your suggestions & opinions.

traveller

We rented a car. The main highway is quite good and it is easy to navigate Belize. I would recommend it if you have the time. The car rental was quite expensive and we were fortunate that we had booked a good length of time before we arrived in Belize. Otherwise, we may have had difficulty getting a vehicle that was suitable. The zoo and Jaquar Paw, river tubing and many sights are within a reasonable driving distance from Belize City. <BR> <BR>It was recommended to us that we not stay in the city as many felt it was dangerous. However, Katie lives there and I would take her word. She has some great suggestions. Have fun.

Katie Valk

Let me clarify: I livde in BC and quite enjoy myself. If I was visiting, Id prefer to be booked into a jungle lodge on the mainland for caving, ruins, horses, birding, etc and a beach hotel for water sports. <BR> <BR>Main highways are good, well marked, safe and easy to navigate. I drive around all over alone and feel safe. Off roads are bumpy and dustry in dry season and bumpy and muddy in wet season. Take special caer driving on the Pine Ridge roads as they are small and logging trucks barrell down-I honk when I approach blind curves and drive slower than usual. <BR> <BR>But stayin in BC can be just fine, just depends on what you want, not what we want. <BR> <BR>Best, Katie Valk, Belize

traveller

Do you agree Katie, that the OP should book a car rental before coming to Belize? We thought we had it all in order but if we would not have booked before hand, we would not have had a suitable vehicle. However, this was to seat four people, not two. <BR> <BR>You have given good advice, the main highway is great but off road can get a bit "bumpy". We were there during rain and it was dicey, at best. But we have a good driver and so were fine. We found the off roads to be covered with "pit run" gravel (large rocks), slippery and dangerous. But, it was worth the experience. We saw sights that we could never see elsewhere. The rain forest is incredible. <BR> <BR>I was not impressed with Pine Ridge however. It would be the one area of Belize that I would not recommend.

Trina

Thanks again, all, for your suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes when I come back!