jseneca

5 days Belize

I have 5 days in Belize. Where should I go first and how many days for each place? I don't like ruins or tubing or zipline, but into birding, hiking, snorkeling. Definitely want to see ATM and the snorkel spots.

hopefulist

A great 1st visit is split between a jungly place near San Ignacio and one of the northern cayes, either Ambergris Caye or (our favorite) Caye Caulker.

How many nights do you have? '5 days' can mean 4, 5, or 6 nights to different people. Also, what's your budget per night and what time of the day are your arrival and departure flights? With more information we can help you better.

volcanogirl

We really liked Ambergris a lot. The snorkeling at Hol Chan was excellent; we saw huge rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and lots of colorful tropical fish. Most tours pair it with a trip to shark ray alley. Lots of good restaurant choices on Ambergris as well. If you want something quieter, go for Caye Caulker.

jseneca

I will be arriving 4pm thursday, belize city. Leaving Belize on Tuesday,4pm. So 5 nights.
My budget: 200 bucks or under for a hotel

jseneca

Hi
Other than the caving at ATM, any other 'wow' activities in the san ignacio area?

volcanogirl

We want canoeing at Barton Creek cave which was really neat. Also did a day trip over to Tikal to see the ruins with PACZ tours. May not be your thing since you're not all that interested in ruins, but it was pretty impressive. Saw some nice aracaris, oscillated turkeys, and monkeys there.

hopefulist

I'd suggest 2 nights in the San Ignacio area - either in the jungle or in town - with the ATM trip the full day and a stop at the Belize Zoo coming or going (if Maya sites don't interest you). Then 3 nights on either Ambergris or Caye Caulker.

jseneca

Appreciate the comments.
Is san ignacio, the town, worth visiting? I'm considering:
1 night at pooks hill lodge(near atm cave) and 1 night in san ignacio or should i do 2 nights at pooks hill lodge and then off to the cayes.
And if i stay in san ignacio should I fly to caye caulker or bus/boat to the island is a better mode of transport?

hopefulist

I would pick between SI and Pook's Hill and not do 1 night each - too much moving around for a quick trip. If you stay at Pook's then arrange transport to Belize City (or to the main road and flag a bus, then taxi to the water taxi dock or the municipal airport. If you stay in San Ignacio, your call depending on hohw the schedules meet your needs since there aren't a lot of flights from the airport west of SI. Happy trails!

eliztravels2

Island Expeditions has a variety of itineraries of various lengths. I did one that included a mainland portion with birding and ruins and a stay on a small caye for reef snorkelling and kayaking. Loved it!

There was supposed to be rafting in a cave but it was unsafe due to water levels. Everyone in our small group was happy with the alternatives provided.