Would appreciate your comments on the following itinerary for a trip in early November:

Day 1- 5: Ambergris: snorkel, may be a manatee trip, relax, head to Cayo on Day 5
Day 5-9: Cayo district: ATM, Barton Creek, some hiking, possible day trip to Tikal, head to Placentia on Day 9
Day 9-12: Placentia: relax, may be some snorkeling, river trip, depart for a late pm flight home

Any improvements to the itinerary would be appreciated. I hear that an overnight trip to Tikal is worth the time and the effort. Does it mean that I should spend less time in Cayo or Placentia? What are the absolute “must do” activities in Belize (we are a couple in our early 50th and are somewhat active still). All and any comments are most welcome! The forum is very useful and I thank people who will respond in advance!

Your itinerary looks fine! Ambergris is definitely the more touristy of the two beach areas you'll visit, and Placencia will be a nice last stop before heading home. It's very laid back and slow.

You didn't mention if you'd be driving or flying your trip, but driving is very easy and comfortable in Belize, and I'd recommend it. If you do drive, you'll love the trip from Cayo to Placencia down the Hummingbird Highway - very scenic.

While you're in Cayo, I'd also recommend getting into the Mountain Pine Ridge for a day (VERY bumpy if you drive, but fun!) to visit the Rio Frio cave and Rio On Pools.

Enjoy your trip!

We're your age and took the day trip to Tikal, arranged by our hotel (Chaa Creek) and it made for rather a long day. I'd consider staying overnight as I understand that evening and early morning are very beautiful at the ruins.

Snorkeling at Hol Chan is a bit of a mob scene -- we enjoyed Mexico Rocks more. Do both.

Xunantunich ruins in the Cayo are worth a couple of hours. Didn't make it to Caracol, but plan to return for that purpose. Barton Creek cave was a great excursion, canoeing underground rivers! Regret missing ATM.

Also, a canoe trip on the Makal is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours.

We enjoyed the comforts and beauty of Chaa Creek, but looking back on it, using hotel services for all of our excursions did start to feel like we were on a guided tour. Next time I think we'll stay in San Ignacio and venture to Tikal on our own.

The forum never disappoints - Thanks for the replies!

It appears that arranging tours may not be such a big deal especially if we rent a car (about $500/week?). What is your opinion on "pay as you go" vs. packaged tour? I am not sure which way is more cost effective. Any opinion?

Not an expert on this issue, but one problem you might have is that some places -- ATM and Barton Creek, for example, require guides, which I do not believe can be hired on site.

You might want to repost your question under a more specific title, including "Belize" and "self-guided", which may help attract the attention of the real experts, Lans Sluder and Katie Valk.

dy123, YES! Do the overnight in Tikal. So worth is, the ride to there is about 1 1/2 hrs so it would make it such a long day and there is so much to see. Spending the night gives you the advantage of being in the park first thing in the morning and late in afternoon without daytrippers. A sunset and sunrise on the temples is breathtaking. I'd cut one day off from Ambergris to do this. You'll enjoy the laid back-ness of Placencia at the end of all the days of travel.

I agree with the others that an overnight trip to Tikal is a good idea. Booking a hotel within the park is best if you want to enjoy the park at sunrise/sunset. Although if you need a lot of creature comforts you may prefer to stay in the town of Flores.


You do not need a travel agent to book your day trips in advance. In both AC and SI you will see plenty of places looking for your business. Shop around a little and just book the night before for the following day. In SI, I reccommend Mayawalk tours.

It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trip. Please give us a report when you get back!

Thanks all! I will post a trip report upon the return. Any suggestions on what to do in Placentia (beside nothing

Sorry, another question - Tikal vs Caracol. Shall I do both? I hear the drive to Caracol is nice and it is less touristy (fewer people)...Just in case we decide to visit Tikal when we are in Guat' next year....