MiamiBeachMomma

Looking for help to get me started on planning a week trip to Belize with our kids 16 and 13. I'm thinking 7-9 days total.

We would be flying from Miami in March. Which airport is best to Fly into?

Which areas should we consider for our base?

Interested in all types of adventure and nature activities. We do like full service resort accommodations.

Thanks!!

volcanogirl

We've stayed at Victoria House a few times and really like it. Also like Chaa Creek and the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. LOL is more rustic, not sure if it would be your style since you mention resort accommodations. VH is on the beach and CC is jungly. A lot of people like to do a split between the beach and the jungle.

hopefulist

I'm not a resort-type gal, preferring smaller boutique places and cabañas with kitchens so can't help with lodging recommendations, but I can make a few general suggestions.

Go for as much time as you can - we've spent months total in Belize and have barely scratched the surface. I'd split your time between an inland location and a beachy place; if you won't be back to the region any time soon, consider an overnight trip to Tikal in Guatemala.

Here are some of my favorite links for Belize - I left in a few of my favorite lodging options. Happy trails!

My photo collections with blog, travelogue, and review links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

My travel blog starting in 2012 (earlier ones linked with the photo collections):
http://hopefulistinlatinamerica.blogspot.com/

My descriptions and reviews on Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/hopefulist

Guidebooks I like: Moon Handbook, Fodor’s Guide, and Explorer’s Guide.

Laminated wildlife identification cards: http://rainforestpublications.com/be...des/index.html

A very cool checklist book for Belize for the young or young-at-heart (currently out of print, unfortunately, but maybe you can find a copy): http://www.amazon.com/Play-Belize-Me.../dp/0615198546
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Great island and lodging downloads: http://www.belizefirst.com
Informative transportation site: http://www.belizebus.wordpress.com
2 private drivers we’ve been pleased with: William Hofman: [email protected] & Raul Marchand: [email protected]
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Old thread that describes beachy options: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1737076
Cruise schedule for N. Belize (to avoid cruise days for some activities): http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/B...December_2015/
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Belize Zoo (really unique!): http://www.belizezoo.org
Great jungle camp in Cayo: http://www.belizecamp.com
Most popular cave trip, really awesome: http://pacztours.net/actun-tunichil-muknal/
Another, less-visited amazing cave option in Cayo: http://www.actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/
Lodge with lots of adventures: http://www.cavesbranch.com
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Roxy Ortiz - fabulous, fun tour guide for Tikal and other Maya sites:
http://www.tikalroxy.blogspot.com
My favorite hotel at Tikal: http://www.tikalinnsunrise.com
Favorite midrange places in Flores: http://www.corpetur.com
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Great inn in coastal Garifuna town: http://www.hopkinsinn.com
Garifuna drumming center: http://www.lebeha.com
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Awesome cabins on s. edge of town, Caye Caulker, with a great dock, kitchens, bikes: http://colindacabanas.com/
Great day snorkeling/sailing trip: http://raggamuffintours.com/hol-chan-snorkel/
Another great snorkeling outfit: http://www.cavemansnorkelingtours.com/
Recommended dive shop: http://www.belizedivingservices.com/
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Secluded resort on N. Ambergris Caye with snorkeling and flyfishing from shore: http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com
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Great jungly place near Punta Gorda: http://www.hickatee.com
Rental apartments in the heart of Placencia: http://www.oneworldplacencia.com
Good Monkey River Trip guide: Jason Williams <[email protected]>
Good Placencia area fishing guide: Wayne Castellanos (dial 011 501 1st from US): 661.1151 or 634.2852

MiamiBeachMomma

Airfare is so expensive!! Any tips??? Any airline fly there that's not on kayak?

Zambezi

I suggest that you take a look at Trip Reports for Belize, including my own, for answers to some of your questions and useful information. ZZ

janenicole

I don't think Southwest flights are included on Kayak, but I might be wrong. Airfare to Belize City has been lower than I've seen it in years, but only if you aren't going at peak times, so it might be tough to find those lower fares in March.

We split our time between San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. Loved both locations.

hopefulist

Easter is March 27th this year - I'm guessing flights the last 2 weeks of March will be spendier than any other time aside from Christmas/New Years. You could try www.momondo.com

Good luck!

Lois2

considering the situation with crime involving tourist in Belize I would think the airfares would be pretty low. Consider this destination seriously before you book.

Austin_Molly

If you want a nature-centric vacation, I would recommend booking a stay on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker and doing a lot of scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions. These are some of the safest places to stay in Belize, and Ambergris has lots of resorts.

You can easily take a boat ride to the mainland for visits to the rainforest, Maya ruins, and the Belize City Zoo (definitely a must-see).

But if you'd prefer to stay on the mainland, some of the best rainforest scenery and Maya ruins are accessible from Maya Ruins. For my money the best beaches are on the Placencia Peninsula.

Read more to compare and contrast the nature/adventure activities available on the mainlands and the islands:

http://www.anywherebelize.com/travel-guide

volcanogirl

Lois, are you basing that statement on personal experience? What incidents are you referring to? Our experiences have been positive.

Lois2

i personally felt reasonably safe but had a local driver in San Ignacio/Placencia and then Ambergris where we did a golf cart during day hours and taxi for dinner. Excusions were with guides...this week a Chicago woman was murdered in the cayo ...she was traveling alone...sounded very savvy...story is on line. Clearly crime is an issue in Belize more so that many countries and caution needs to be used...especially for people wanting to do independent traveling.

Katie_Valk

No such animal as a Belize City Zoo. Its the Belize Zoo and 30 miles from Belize City. I would not consider Caye Caulker nature-centric. Its too small with too many people. Same for Ambergris, unless you are referring to the northern less developed portions of each caye. Belize does have beaches I would consider more geared towards the eco traveler.