Wow……………I’ve been reading many of your posts and I am very impressed by the amount of information you have provided. So I thought, “What better place to get some help than here?” So…………..here goes.

My family and I (two daughters aged 19 and 16) have just booked a flight from Chicago to Belize City arriving on December 26, 2007. From what I’ve read, we don’t need to say in Belize City at all (correct?). Here is what we are thinking but we still need to figure out the route and logistics of it all:

1) We definitely want to get to Tikal. Since we can get there most easily from Belize City (rather than say Ambergris) doesn’t it make sense to make that our first stop? I’ve read that you can fly there, drive there, and take a tour bus from Belize City. What would you all recommend? It seems that the flying options would be the most costly so my husband asked me to investigate further. Any suggestions? We would probably stay in the Flores area 2 nights (or should we stay one night in San Ignacio?)

2) We definitely will be staying on Ambergris Caye for a few nights. From what I’ve read, it sounds more practical to stay in the southern section. Victoria House sounds lovely, but pricey. Any other suggestions? If coming right from Tikal, how would you suggest getting there?

3) What other areas would you suggest? It sounds like Placencia is nice, but wouldn’t that take a long time to get to? Caye Caulker sounds a little quiet??? Also, is it worth while to stay on Half Moon Caye in order to see Blue Hole?

4) What is the best way to get around these areas? Flying or water taxis?

5) Any suggestions for accommodations in all of these places are appreciated.

6) We are not certified divers so we would not be scuba diving (Darn). Only 3 of us would be snorkeling but probably only one day (19 year old is still scared of fish – HA!). Where is the very best snorkeling?

Ok, ok. I think I’ve asked you enough. Please, please, act like you are putting this trip together for yourself and guide me into forming the best itinerary ever! I’ll get lots of coodles from the family.

Thanks so very much,
Patti (Chicago)

This is the busiest week of the year so it's importna to make plans and book as soon as you are able to. I'd arrive and drive straight to San Ignacio. You can book a day trip to tikal from there or move from San ignacio to Tikal and then fly back to Belize and onto your beach destination. Would be less $ to fly or take a water taxi to Ambergris or Caye Caulker than to Placencia. No hotels on Half Moon Caye, but a few lodges dedicated to divers, snorkelers and anglers in the same atoll offering 3, 4 and 7 night packages. Or you can take a day trip to the atoll from either Ambergris or Caye Caulker. The non dovers can take a resort course and see if they enjoy diving enough to get certified another time. Lots of options for hotels, inns or condos in all these beach areas.

Wato,
You may want to repost this request using a more specific header. Such as Help with itinerary to Belize in December. You may get more help that way. Cheers, Sandy

Thank you Sandy - I will!

Patti -- How long are you going for? Tikal is at least a one day trip, better if you do it in two. I would suggest flying from Belize City to Flores when you want to do the Tikal trip. If you're only going to be in Belize for a week, you might want to pick one place to be your home base, and do day trips from there. It's easy to get from San Pedro back to the mainland for tours or trips to other parts of the country.

Patti, We took our two kids at the time 10 and 12 to Belize last year and had a blast. It was a hard decision to go to Costa Rica next vacation instead of going back to Belize. We rented a car and totally bypassed Belize City which was advisable at the time and I think still is. My husband drove the 4 of us to San Ignacio quite easily (watch out for those speed bumps). We stayed at Chaa Creek Lodge -- a great place for birdwatchers and kids alike. They have a butterfly garden on site, a beautiful stable for riding to the ancient Mayan Farm, great hiking trails and canoes at the ready to row into town or down the river. Also a nice spa. We didn't make it to Tikal but did Xunantunich and Cahal Pech which were a 5-minute drive from the Lodge and quite spectacular. We ate in town more than at the lodge and had great meals for less than $40 for all 4 of us. The envy of many guests who didn't have a car, for the meal flexibility and local fare we had. After 4 nights we headed to Hopkins. The beach is gorgeous and we heard less-than-rave reviews about Ambergris from families staying at the lodge--Weather was not great it's windy and busy. It was a beautiful drive to Hopkins through the mountains. Hopkins is about a half hour north of Placencia and a bit of a hidden, but gradually getting discovered, gem. We stayed at Jaguar Reef, but I've heard it's a timeshare now. The snorkeling was awesome. There's also a forest preserve with waterfalls nearby-- great hiking, swimming and birdwatching. We drove ourselves back to the airport after one of the best vacations ever. Ending at the beach was relaxing but still activity filled. We left the same time early in the morning and arrived the same time as other guests who took a local flight back to the Belize City Airport