planningtravel

I've never been to Belize. Debating if it's a worthwhile destination for four or five days (five or six nights). The beach is of no interest. I'm mainly interested in the cultural and historic sights (including some Mayan ruins). I've not committed to airline tickets/hotels as yet. Thinking of going in mid/late April.

Is five days enough to explore the main cultural and historic sights in Belize?

How strenuous is the hiking at ATM? How high is the water level in the streams? I've seen pictures of people wading in shoulder high water? Is the hiking trail very slippery? A little worried I may not be capable of doing the hike.

Which is the best area to stay for good public transport connections on the tourist trail?

I've been to Tikal, although it's not a must see on this trip I wouldn't mind returning to Tikal. What's the best way to do a day trip to Tikal? I understand that'll take a day away from sightseeing in Belize.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

hopefulist

The quick answer is that 5 days is not enough to explore the main cultural and historic sights in Belize - there is so much variety of cultural and so many interesting and important activities and sites that you'll have to pick just a handful and get a taste of what's on offer. We've visited Belize 6 times so far, generally 3-4 weeks/trip, and have barely scratched the surface.

With 6 nights you might consider splitting between the San Ignacio area and Hopkins Village. SI gives you access to a number of Maya sites and caving options; I wouldn't suggest losing 1 of only 4 or 5 precious days to visit Tikal since you've seen it already. Hopkins is a Garifuna village, really interesting to us culturally; if you go there don't miss an evening of Garifuna drumming at the Lebeha Center. It's a good base for a visit to Maya Centre and the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve and/or the Mayflower Bocawina site, too.

The hiking to the ATM cave isn't especially strenuous, not steep, maybe a mile with a few stream crossings. You have to swim to get into the cave and for much of the tour you're climbing and scrambling over boulders up a stream, generally not deep but at times a bit tricky. The dry part of the cave includes 1000 year old pots and skeletal remains - incredible! There are some photos starting with a river crossing in a set in the 2009 collection linked at the bottom that will give you an idea of what it's like.

Here's another, less-visited amazing cave option in Cayo: http://actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/

You should consider a visit to the Belize Zoo coming or going - really unique!
www.belizezoo.org

My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Katie_Valk

I disagree and think you will do just fine with 5 nights on the mainland only. Two areas to look at would be Toledo or Cayo and I would opt for Cayo, perhaps my own personal preference. But enough to do in these areas to be busy every day-Maya sites, caves with artifacts, jungle, hiking, birding, canoeing, horses, waterfalls, zip lines and more. So yes, you can come for 5 nights and see what the mainland has to offer. Many people are now coming for 4-5 nights and staying on the mainland. Enjoy!

planningtravel

Thanks for the replies.

I can add extra time in Belize but don't want to be away from work for too long. I'm at the point where I either commit to specific travel dates for a 6 night/5 day trip or scrap the idea of going to Belize for now.

I've referred to a guidebook and I'm interested in these sights:-

The Blue Hole (aware it's not on the mainland}
Half Moon Caye National Monument (know it's not on the mainland)
Belize Zoo
Community Baboon Sanctuary
Altun Ha or Caracol (Altun Ha will probably be easier to get to)
Garifuna Culture

I've decided not to visit ATM due to the hike involved in getting there. Marie Sharp Farm and Factory is also of interest, but I don't think it fits with the other sights.

Can most of these sights be seen in 5 days/6 days? Which order makes the most sense to view these sights?

Any advice will be appreciated.

suze

With the disclaimer I have never been to Belize, I would scrap it and wait until you have more time.

The main cost of any vacation is in the plane ticket. I'd want to have at least 10 days for a first trip - going that far and with so many places you want to see.

hopefulist

<Reposted from your thread on the Trip Advisor forum.>

Doable if your timing works out. You could start with a stay in Hopkins Village, 2 or 3 nights? Don't miss an evening of drumming at the Lebeha Center. www.lebeha.com

Then you could either spend a night on the mainland - maybe at the zoo or at the Community Baboon Sanctuary; hire a private driver to take you to Altun Ha and to whichever place you aren't sleeping OR arrange for a driver to start with you early in Hopkins, visit those 3 places, and drop you at the municipal airport or the dock for water taxis to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. Caracol is a long, full day and you wouldn't be able to fit other stops in that day, so maybe save it for another trip.

Most of the Blue Hole dive/snorkeling trips stop for lunch on Half Moon Caye. The trips take a full day (often 12+ hours), are spendy, aren't scheduled every day, and don't run if they don't have enough interest. That's a piece you'd definitely need to set up ahead. Note that to dive to depth in the Great Blue Hole you'd need Adv. OW Certification and at least 25 logged dives (at least in the case of the dive op I used). http://www.belizedivingservices.com/

Also, if you dive, keep in mind you need a day or so for offgassing before you fly. My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Happy trails!

flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

planningtravel

I'm sorry I hadn't replied earlier, been super busy at work.

I appreciate everybody's help and suggestions. I'll probably leave Belize for another time when I sufficient time to plan the trip properly and spend more time in the county.

Thanks again.