Mexico and Belize itinerary help
 

Hi All,

We're planning a trip to Mexico (Yucatan) and Belize from 3rd of August to 24th August flying in and out of Cancun. We're looking for some clarification on our itinerary that we've made so far and are open to any ideas or changes that we could make to it. Here's what we have so far:

Isla Mujeres - 3 nights
Playa del Carmen - 3 nights
Tulum - 2 nights
Ambergris Caye - 1 night
Caye Caulker - 3 nights
Ragamuffin tour - 2 nights
Hopkins - 2 nights
Dangrigia - 1 night
Belize night bus to Cancun
Cancun - 3 nights

We're not quite sure how we get from Dangrigia back to Cancun but we can see there may be a night bus option for us. Any suggestions on getting back to Cancun would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

ADO now run two buses per day from Belize City to Cancun.

ADO departs from BC bus terminal daily at 11:00 am and 7:30 pm with stops at Orange Walk, Corozal, Bacalar, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancún Airport.

Fare: BZ$19 is paid at BC, and the remainder of the fare is paid at Bacalar.

If you would prefer the 11:00 am departure, it might be a good idea to stay closer to Belize City.

To get from Dangriga to Belize City, go to the bus terminal and get a James Bus Line bus -- several buses per day, no change required anywhere. If you get another bus, you might have to change at Belmopan.

If you want a quick way to go, get the Tropic Air flight to Cancun airport.

More transportation info on the BelizeBus website...
https://belizebus.wordpress.com/

I usually wouldn't suggest staying at Dangriga (not a lot there). Staying your last night at San Ignacio or the Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge might be better suggestions.

Not sure why you would prioritize very touristy (and not very Mexican, IMO) Cancun and Playa del Carmen over seeing some of the Maya culture, ruins and towns (Valladolid, Merida, ruins at Coba, EkBalam, Uxmal for a few).

Are you going to the San Ignacio area at all? We really enjoyed staying at a jungle lodge in that area, and you can tour caves and take a day trip over to Tikal.

We really like Ambergris. Don't miss the snorkel trip to Hol Chan if you have time - we saw sea turtles, huge rays, nurse sharks, and colorful tropical fish there.

While you on Isla Mujeres, look into snorkeling with the whale sharks (seasonal), August is the height of the season. Book early in case they have to reschedule due to weather.
I wouldn't stay in Cancun, too many high rises for my personal taste, maybe look into staying in Puerto Morelos, small town only a 20 minute drive from the airport. Maybe check out the Jungle Spa with massages by local Mayan women. Good snorkeling also.

I'm counting 11 places to sleep in 20 nights which means you're averaging less than 2 nights per stop. I'd leave some things out in order to have a more comfortable pace and would probably also leave time for some caving in Belize.

I'd probably head to Belize earlier, leave out Ambergris Caye and Hopkins or Dangriga, spend 2-3 nights in/near San Ignacio, then split your beach time at the end between Playa del Carmen OR Tulum and Isla Mujeres (and leave off Cancún). I 2nd the whale sharks from Isla Mujeres - we had a blast doing that.

My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Going to Isle Mujeres first sounds like a good plan if you're up for seeing whale sharks as can start to thin out in med to late Aug.
You'll be able to catch a cab for around 75. to Puerto Juarez to catch the ferry to I Mujeres. Isle Mujeres seems like a good starting point if you want to hang out at North Beach to chill after your journey.
You can also think about taking a water taxi from Ambergis Caye to Chetemal, Mx. You could take a ADO bus up to Playa del Carmen and then bus up to Cancun Aeropuerto on the day of your departure if you decide to not stay in Cancun.

I'd consolidate Playa del Carmen with Tulum--maybe split the difference and stay near Tulum.

Similarly, consolidate Caye Caulker with Amergris.

And Hopkins+Dangringa.