hopefulist

I think that's really doable. I liked Uaxactún but LOVED Yaxhá. You could also consider a visit to Ixpanpajul - skybridge hike, horses, ziplines; it's about 15 minutes from Flores.
www.ixpanpajul.com

Keep us posted!

hopefulist

There's also a way to go by boat from southern Belize to Caribbean Guatemala as I noted above - info and timing on the belizebus website. It's another option for getting to Guatemala if you're planning to visit Tikal after your son flies in.

gertie3751

Hopefulist, I'm looking again at Ixbalanque in Copan Ruinas. How did you get there from San Pedro Sula airport? I have heard scary things about SPdS.
And after all that learning Spanish I might like a week or so in Roatan. Did you go there and how easy is it from Copan Ruinas?
Thanks.

hopefulist

Hello! I'm pretty fond of Hedman Alas buses if they work with your flight schedule:
www.hedmanalas.com

They're those big, comfy 1st class buses with big reclining seats, snacks, a movie. They offer shuttles from the airport to the bus station a few times per day, roughly aligning with buses heading out; if one of those doesn't work for you, the taxis would be a similar price. Last time I flew into SAP (and all the times before that) HA had a little office on the left as you exited the airport, across the wide sidewalk from where the taxis line up.

I think the last 1 of the day is 3pm. If you're prone to motion sickness, take dramamine as the last 45 minutes or so are really curvy. The trip should take 3-3.5 hours from the bus station.

To get to Roatán, retrace your steps to the airport and hop a flight, or to the San Pedro Sula bus station and continue by bus to La Ceiba. From there you can taxi to the dock to head over by ferry or to the airport to fly from LCE to RTB (Roatán).

I don't think you can get from Copán Ruinas to Roatán using just HA buses and a ferry in 1 day - I'd fly from SAP if you can swing it; ferries head to Roatán at 9:30am and 4pm according to the website.
http://www.roatanferry.com/index.html

There are other buses but I haven't tried them - I think they'd all be slower due to stopping more. You could also consider a private driver, spendy but efficient since you can pick the schedule and stop as needed. I've had good success with Miguel Martel 504-962-00372 (dial 011 first if calling from the US). His email address is [email protected] and he responded promptly to a recent inquiry.

Say hi to the gals at Ixbalanque - I love that place! I'll be in Copán and on Roatán 2x each this summer and will stop in at the school to say hello.

Happy trails!
Stacey

gertie3751

Thank you so much Stacey. On to the planning!

gertie3751

Hopefulist, have you been to Utila? Any recommendations?

hopefulist

We love the Lighthouse.
http://www.aboututila.com/AccomInfo/...otel/Index.htm

It's really awesome; here's my Trip Advisor description and review:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ECK_RATES_CONT

It's on the water near the bridge leading to the old airport site. There's good walk in snorkeling and a nice little beach area out that way (costs a few bucks). My favorite dive shop, Alton's, is a few doors down and our favorite restaurant RJ's BBQ, is nearly across the street.
http://altonsdiveshop.com/

Happy trails!