sturgeon0

My boyfriend and I are headed to Belize at the end of August for a quick five-day vacation in Placencia and would like to spend the first day visiting one of the ruins.

We had originally thought of an overnight tour to Tikal, however my understanding is that we would not be able to get to Placencia the next day (the flight from Flores to Belize City gets in too late to make the Placencia connection).

Can anyone offer opinions on Caracol Vs. Lamanai? I have read that a Caracol day trip is possible if we stay in Blancaneax (which is an option). And I believe that Blancaneaux can fly us to Placencia.

However, where should we stay if we were to go to Lamanai? Belize City? Elsewhere? How DOES one get to Lamanai. I know that you take boat, but where do you get these from? Can anyone recommend a tour operator?

The main criteria here is that we have to be able to fly into Belize City, see the ruins, and be in Placencia for the second night.


Thanks in advance!
Elizabeth

LanSluder

Coming from Flores, you can probably make the last flight from the Belize international airport to Placencia, but it will be close. You could also drive to Placencia, though you'd be traveling partly after dark. I've done the trip to Placencia after dark a few times, but it's a pain if it's raining. Wait -- you said overnight in Tikal. If you can get there and see some if on arrival day, you can then do a quick tour in the early a.m. and fly to Belize from Flores mid-morning.

You're going to have a similar time problem with Caracol, as it's way up away from anything. You could fly from San Ignacio to Placencia. I think the last flight is around 4 p.m.

Lamanai is in northern Belize, and again, you're going to have a problem seeing it and getting to Placencia. You can fly to Lamanai Outpost, stay overnight, and fly back, though it will not be cheap.

Frankly, I think I'd just go to Placencia immediately and do a day trip down to Toledo and see Lubaantun or Nim Li Punit ruins. Both are interesting.

I'd rent a car for the whole trip and drive, which would end up saving you money, and give you a lot more freedom to boot, but you could fly to Placencia and then do a day tour.

--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com

sturgeon0

Lan,

I was hoping you would respond to my plea for help. Our plans have changed drastically this afternoon. Our original plan, which consisted of staying at the Turtle Inn in Placencia fell through, so we have been scrambling to find something in Amebergris Caye. My understanding is that we can easily get on a tour to Lamanai from San Pedro.

I have read several of your posts and have narrowed down the hotels. We would like to stay at Victoria House, but they cannot accomodate us for the days we want to stay.

I am curious to know what you think of Captain Morgan's. I have read some very mixed reviews of this hotel, however they have the availability.

If we were to break up the stay between Victoria House and another hotel, which would you recommend?

We are trying to have a "relaxing and romantic" vacation. We want something quiet, pretty, and secluded, with a pool.

thanks!

LanSluder

Yes, you can easily do a day trip to Lamanai from San Pedro.

As to hotels on Ambergris, personally I would choose one of the small condotels such as Villas at Banyan Bay, Xanadu, Banana Beach or The Palms. They offer more space and equal amenities to regular resorts, often for a little less money.

But if you're looking for a regular hotel, Victoria House is excellent. I'm not much of a fan of Captain Morgan's, but some people do like it. I'd probably say try Portofino instead.

--Lan Sluder