shoreen

Hi all: I am trying to plan a trip to Central America for about a week in late August/early September. I will likely be traveling alone with my two boys (ages 7 and 11). I was trying to decide between Belize or Costa Rica. Any suggestions on which is better? If so, suggestions on itinerary and hotel would be very much appreciated. I'd like to stay somewhere on the nicer side.

Thank you so much!

volcanogirl

Belize is better for snorkeling and ruins. Costa Rica is better for wildlife on land like monkeys and sloths. Both have friendly people and are tourist friendly. Our personal preference is a slight edge to Costa Rica, but it depends on what you're looking for. That's rainy season for a lot of the area. In CR, check out the Springs Resort and Spa and Tulemar Bungalows; in Belize, check out Victoria House - all pretty upscale places.

RAC

Either one could work, depending on what you want to get out of the vacation.

volcanogirl

The Peace Lodge is also nice for about two nights, and the boys would love it.

George00S

I think similar than volcanogirl, but I would recommend Costa Rica. She probably has forgotten the best option at the Caribbean Coast: Le Cameleon Hotel. I say this because you are asking for Belize, so at the Caribbean Coast in Costa Rica you can also do snorkeling.

hopefulist

Belize totally gets the nod for great access to snorkeling (and diving), Maya sites, and variety of cultures - we really love that you can meet and interact with Mennonite, Creole, Garifuna, Maya folks, and more in 1 trip. The caving is amazing, too - I think your boys might love Actun Chapat or Chechem Ha (I think 7 is too young for the ATM cave). Visiting Maya sites has been a highlight of every trip we've made to Belize.

It's not really about which is better but about which suits you better. I'm sure Costa Rica is wonderful in its own ways but I have no real interest in visiting there because it doesn't tick my travel interest boxes like Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras do.

How many nights and what is your budget per night? With more info we can help you better.

Austin_Molly

Overall, Costa Rica has a wider variety of activities for your kids, like zip-lining, surfing and boogie boarding - as well as snorkeling and diving opportunities. It's true that Belize has amazing Maya ruins, so consider it if your kids are budding archeology buffs.

If you do go to Belize, visit the rainforest around San Ignacio, and the Belize Zoo in Belize City.

This is a good resource for comparing and contrasting destinations:

Belize - http://www.anywherebelize.com/travel-guide

Costa Rica - http://www.anywherecostarica.com/travel-guide

Let us know your top choices for destinations, and we can help you put together your itinerary.

hopefulist

Just a note: the zoo is about 45 minutes west of Belize City.
www.belizezoo.org

Patty

We've been to and enjoyed both. We slightly prefer Belize due to the easier access to good snorkeling. If you decide on Belize, most visitors choose to split a week between an inland jungle location and a coastal/caye destination. With boys that age, I'd choose a jungle lodge around the San Ignacio/Cayo area. Look at Chaa Creek if you want something on the nicer side. We've stayed at duPlooys which is still very nice but not quite as high end as Chaa Creek. For the second half of your week, look at Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, both a quick 10 minute flight from Belize City. Caulker is a smaller, more laid back version of Ambergris which we prefer but Ambergris will have more accommodation, dining, activity options.

volcanogirl

We did a combo of Chaa Creek and Victoria House, and it was nice. Keep in mind that a lot of beaches in Belize have sea grass along the shore.