I have the option of basically spending 6 nights anywhere in Central america courtesy of a friend that works with TACA.

Anyway i have my eye on Belize (is this a good choice vs. Costa Rica or Honduras), basically would like to get in some beach/snorkelling time and some time near some mayan sites.

I can fly into Tikal and out of Belize city or vice versa... so i'm thinking of flying into Tikal, spending 2 nights there, and then getting to one of the Cayes and spending 4 nights there.

Does this sound like a good itinerary?
What are my options for getting from Tikal to the cayes?

thanks,

clayton

We returned last month and flew from Tikal (Flores) to Belize City on Maya Air. From there you can connect by land or water to the cayes. We didn't go to the cayes but went to Placencia instead.We loved the area- I have the impression it is less developed than some of the cayes but to snorkel you do need to go on longer boat rides- the reef is farther out down there. Tikal is awesome.

Can you stay longer?

3 nights in the Cayo distrcit of Western Belize, close to the guatemala border. The lodges there offer guided day trips to Tikal and tomany mayua sites in the same area, caving, river trips, waterfalls, jungle, horses and more. Then move to the cayes for 3 nights.

Clayton, you came up with a great plan. Few years ago we did just that. Stayed in Tikal for three nights, then in San Pedro for four nights. It was our third trip to Belize. I wouldn't improve anything, your itinerary is wonderful for 6 nights. In Tikal we stayed at the Jungle Lodge. Try to get up very early in the morning to watch the sunrise from the top of one temple (bring a flashlight for early morning walk from the lodge) and listen to a real jungle sound before other tourists start arriving around 9 am. We had our late breakfast around 10 am, then we return to investigate temples more closely. Nothing like staying in Tikal overnight. Belize is a much better choice comparing to Costa Rica if one of your objectives is to see Mayan sites. Costa Rica is fantstic place for wildlife so plan your next trip there. We are going to Honduras for our first visit in december so I cannot compare Belize to Honduras. We had a private transfer from Tikal to Belize city, then took a short flight to San Pedro. I recommend flying from Flores to San Pedro with transfer at the international airport in Belize. I hope you are going to enjoy your short visit to Tikal and Belize as much as we did.

Given your short time frame, I think you've picked a good itinerary.