I want to visit Belize in January. I would like to stay on Caye Caulker.. want laid back.. snorkeling and fishing.Would like to go to Placencia, and would like to visit Tikal... From Flores? San Ignacio? stay at the park? Any info greatly appreciated. DO you recommend flying between places.. How many days at Tikal? I will have about 16 days total for the trip. Any info appreciated...

We visited Tikal as a day trip from the San Ignacio area and used PACZ tours; they were great. If you have more time, you may want to stay overnight. Don't miss the snorkeling at Hol Chan; it's some of the best we've ever done. Chaa Creek is a nice place to stay in the SI area. I got a good deal on Luxury Link.

If it was my trip, I'd head straight to San Ignacio when I arrive in Belize. From there it's easy to arrange transportation to Tikal. I would stay overnight in the park.

I'd also visit ATM cave while I was in San Ignacio.

Then, I'd arrange a transfer (or rent a car) and head to Placencia.

From Placencia, I'd fly back to Belize City (unless I had a rental car). Then, either fly or water taxi to Caulker.

When I left Caulker, I'd fly directly back to BZE.

We used land transport (through our hotel) to get from the airport to San Iganacio and back, and Tropic Air to go from the airport to Ambergris and back. It was a quick flight, about 15 minutes or so. There are 2 airports, the big international one and a smaller municipal one.

Thanks so much JeanH and Volcanogirl..great help. Also, Volcanogirl I owe you a thank you for past Costa Rica trip planning too!

Sure thing, r; glad I could help!

I really like Jean's advice, above. My photos with blog and travelogue links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations for all the places on your list are embedded there. Happy trails! http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Dear hopefulist.. thank you. I was trying to decide between Caye Caulker and Tranquility Bay.. our prime interests are fishing for the husband and snorkeling for me. you make a good case for Tranquility Bay.

Tranquility Bay if you want seclusion and a focus on fishing and snorkeling from shore, Caulker if you want a variety of eating options and lodging options in different price ranges. Both great!