General Belize Itinerary - March 7-14
 

Hi, everyone. Just want to run down the broad outline for my Belize vacation in March. Any suggestions for "must see" places or "must do" activities to fill in the gaps would be greatly appreciated.

Arrive March 7
March 7-9: The Cayo (reservations at Lodge at Chaa Creek)

March 9-11: Northern Belize (reservations at Chan Chich lodge)

March 11-14: The Cayes (reservations at Victoria House)

Also, any tips for the best way to get around from each area of the country to another would be awesome. Thanks again.

Fabulous choices. Drive from Intl to Chaa Creek. Charter a flight from Chaa Creek to Chan Chich. Charter a flight from Chan Chich to Municipal in Belize City or all the way to San Pedro. Book a regularly scheduled flight from San Pedro to Intl. See Caracol with the Mtn Pine Ridge and/or or Tikal, ATM cave or Barton Creek Cave, canoe down river and spa treatments while at Chaa Creek. Guided hiking, horses and lagoon canoeing at Chan Chich. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, kayaking from VH. And rest on the flight back home.

Thanks for the helpful insight. Is my trip overly ambitious? In other words, am I planning to do so much that the trip won't be relaxing?

I would have split it into Cayo and Caye; lots of traveling!

If the travel is overly ambitious, I can still cancel any of my reservations. I want to see a lot, but I also want my trip to be relaxing.

It looks like you just have 7 or 8 nights. In my opinion picking 2 places instead of 3 would make for a more enjoyable, restful vacation. Remember that it takes 2 nights to = just 1 day to explore. With 3 stops you'd be flying or transitioning on the 7th, 9th, 11th, and 14th which means about half your days. Have a wonderful time, whatever you decide. Happy trails!

Guess now I need to figure out what I want to see more: the Cayo or Chan Chich. Any advice? Pros & cons for each?

jph,

We had an incredible time at Chan Chich last February. If you are into nature and wildlife, you can't go wrong with Chan Chich.

Here are some pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atdahl/...7603957554202/

We stayed for a whole week and didn't want to leave.

I've stayed in Cayo before and will be staying at Chan Chich for the first time in March. From what I understand, Chan Chich is better for wildlife and birding but there are more varied activities in Cayo.

We really enjoyed Chaa Creek, lots of activities, but hear wonderful things about Chan Chich

O.K, here's my revised itinerary:

March 7: arrive in Belize City & travel to Chaa Creek Lodge

March 7-8: reservations in treetop suites

March 9-11: reservations in orchard villa (I may stay overnight at one of the lodges in Tikal)

March 11-14: reservations at Victoria House (plantation rooms from March 11-13 and a casita on my last night)

Does this seem like a more relaxed itinerary? Also, does anyone have any info on 1.) the orchard villa at Chaa Creek; 2.) lodging preferences at Tikal; 3.) other recommended activities around Chaa Creek; 4.) the plantation rooms vs. the casitas at Victoria House; and 5.) recommended snorkeling & other activities around Victoria House/the Cayes?

We enjoyed the Jaguar Inn at Tikal in 2003 (typically the cheapest option). In 2007 I stayed at the Tikal Inn which was a bit nicer and has a pool. I haven't stayed at the 3rd and most expensive option, the Jungle Lodge.

Your itinerary does seem more relaxed, though moving rooms/casitas is a bit of a hassle. All the more reason to pack light! www.onebag.com

Looking forward to your travelogue!