Akumal area or Belize?
 

Hi, I am planning early for a 3 family (6 adults, 6 boys - 12-16) trip in April 2014. I have been to Akumal before on a trip through the Yucatan. I know we could get a big house for a week, enjoy the beach, but also easily do day trips to ruins and cenotes.

But, it would nice to go somewhere new. I have never been to Belize. I am unclear if we can easily do beach and jungle/ruins from one location.

The other two families have not been to either place. These are friends that we camp, hike and ski with. We are not looking for anything fancy. Would like lodging around $1000 per family for the week.

If anyone has suggestions and/or recommendations I would appreciate it!

Belize isn't fantastic for beach+ruins from one location. I can be done, but the beaches are better near Akumal and the ruins more accessible from the beaches.

The best ruins in Belize-Caracol--aren't really acesssible from the beach, and the second best ruins--Lamanai--are a LONG day trip from the nearest beach.

Belize is really a two-destination place if you want the best of both worlds.

Belize has much more diversity and options a short distance away than many other destinations. Yes, its best to split your trip between beach and mainland, but you could stay in Hopkins or Placencia peninsula on the beach and be close to the mainland with jungle, caves, zip lines, Mayan villages, waterfalls and more

Have not been to Belize, heard good things, but I would go back to Akumal this trip before they ruin it with the new Secrets resort that is supposed to start building soon.

Check out lodging on Half Moon Bay for nice condos or a villa, Locogringo has some good lodging choices and they are located in Akumal if any problems arise. I have used them many times.

We loved Belize, but we did a split between jungle and ocean to cut down on travel time back and forth.