lyntay

I have two weeks in Belize and am not sure about my itinerary, particularly how much time to spend in certain areas. Here's what I would like to do: I would like to go to Monkey River, Tikal (overnight), Placencia (snorkeling, sailing, lounging) and then I would definitely like to head up to either Ambergris or Caye Caulkner where we want more 'down' time but with options to be active (snorkeling, etc). I would like to see the manatees and if I'm lucky whale sharks . . . I will see other ruins in Belize, so if someone can recommend which ones to definitely see that would be great. If there are certain hikes/treks to go on, I would love that info too. Can someone give me a rough itinerary with options as to what to do/see at each place. I would really appreciate your help : )

pigflo

Spent two weeks in Belize and it was the greatest trip we ever had!! Did not make it to Tikal so cant comment but we spent 5 days in land in san ignacio and did ruins Caracol to be exact. It was incredible....We were in AWE of the majestic place and really enjoyed every moment in getting to the top of these unbelievable sights!!! We also did a canoe trip through a cave system which we also really liked alot. We did 5 nights on Caye caulker too which we highly recommend. Love the laid back feeling of the island. We had heard that Ambergris caye is too populated and busy for our tastes!!! The last part of our trip was the BEST part of our trip and one we will never forget. We stayed at the howler monkey lodge!!!! OMG I really cant convey my delight of this place. Little rustic cabins set on this jungle like property....with howler monkeys all around!!!! I was in my absolute GLORY!!! Every day I would watch these guys for HOURS and I do mean HOURS( just ask my husband) We also did the BEST canoe trip on the Belize river. just my husband and myself we spent about three hours just paddling along the river at our pace listening to all the sounds of the jungle around us.....very prehistoric but AMAZING!!!!!!! nature and beauty all around us!!!! Wish I were there right now!!! Anyway just a recap of our lovely trip!!

JeanH

When are you traveling? From reading here, it sounds as though prevailing wisdom is now that the whale sharks congregate up to 10 days after a full moon. I think mostly in May and June, I could certainly be wrong about that.

So, if those months are when you're traveling, I'd plan your trip around that.

I'd split your beach time, perhaps head straight to Placencia upon arrival.

Then to the Cayo area for more ruins, and your overnight to Tikal.

Back to Belize City to catch either the water taxi or plane to either Caulker or Ambergris.

lyntay

Thanks for your replies - JeanH - would you recommend certain activities in each area? What is best to take in in Placencia, etc.

JeanH

I'm certainly not the best person to offer advice outside of Ambergris, I spend 95% of my Belize time there.

That said, if I was heading to the Cayo, I'd do ATM cave, Tikal, probably a day trip to Caracol with stops along the way.

The only tour I've done from Placencia is Monkey River. It was a good tour, although it poured while we were hiking. Still enjoyed it.

hopefulist

You can check out our choices here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

There are blog and/or detailed travelogue links on the main page of each collection.

stotz

I highly recommend spending time inland. We stayed at Hidden Valley Inn for four nights and it was wonderful. 7000+ acres and only a dozen or so casitas. GREAT food and GREAT service. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. We did the ATM cave tour and it was the highlight of our whole trip and one of my favorites among all my travels. We also drove ourselves to Caracol and Tikal. Caracol is an easy drive or tour from Hidden Valley. Even though we had a driver take us to Tikal, it was kind of spooky so I'd recommend taking a tour bus. There are still road bandits in that part of the world. Also, the hotels at the park there are pretty dreary. Tikal itself is incredible. We also stayed on Ambergris and the snorkling was wonderful but I think I would have enjoyed a less touristy location.

Ruth_Alice

Depends on your budget and likes/dislikes, but Ambergris Caye is VERY expensive, and overcrowded with tourists, and just generally not very Belizean in feel. Caye Caulker is closer to the local dive and snorkel sites, but much more laid back and Belizean in feel - there are still upmarket options, but also cheaper but good options for food and accommodation there.

If nature is your thing though, then Toledo district is the most pristine district - it has more birds and wildlife than anywhere else in Belize and is very much untouched compared to the rest of the country. The highway to Toledo was recently completed and is now the best highway in the country, so it takes 4-5 hours to drive from the international airport. The reef off Toledo district is also untouched compared to around Ambergris and Caye Caulker, and a local non-profit dive and snorkel company called Reef CI (www.reefci.com) operate off the Sapodilla Cayes down there. There are a couple of fantastic all-inclusives in Toledo - Cotton Tree Lodge and Machaca Hill Canopy Lodge - just check out their Trip Advisor ratings. In my opinion just as good in terms of food and accommodation quality though is Hickatee Cottages - all 111 reviews on Trip Advisor give them 5 stars and it's only 90USD per night per cabana - surely the best value in Belize for beautiful jungle cabanas surrounded by howler monkeys!

OC75

We will be heading to belize in late june, where is best to try and see whale sharks??

hopefulist

They congregate around Gladdin Split near Placencia around the full moons; there are some island bases that offer trips, too.

You can also snorkel with whalesharks off Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox (near Cancún) that time of year. We did that off Mujeres last June and it was awesome.

lyntay

Hi everyone - thank you for your replies. They have been helpful. I am pretty sure we are going to do what JeanH suggested: Placencia, San Ignacia and then to either Ambergris or Caye Caulkner. We will fly immediately from Belize City to Placencia, but I am wondering what would be the best way to travel inland to San Ignacia from Placencia. We will be stationed there for about 4/5 days. Should we fly? Rent a car? Take the bus? Taxi? When we are finished inland, we will head to Belize City. I know I can take a bus or fly? What do you think the best options are considering my two week time table?

hopefulist

I prefer public transportation - cheap and a great cultural experience. You can hire private shuttles but they're spendy. We haven't rented in Belize because a combination of the above has been perfect for us.

JeanH

I like taking the bus as well. If time is short, you might want to fly from Placencia back to Belize City. That leg is a pretty long one, maybe four-five hours, depending on stops.

You can't really fly to San Igancio, only as far as Belmopan. So, it would make sense to take a bus, or a transfer, between San Ignacio and Belize City.

I've never taken a bus between Belize City and San Ignacio, but the drive is only a couple of hours.

JeanH

Forgot to say, that I just read in the paper today that Tropic Air is going to start flying direct between Belmopan and Placencia. That would put you close to San Ignacio.

lyntay

How long is the bus ride to San Ignacio from Placencia

BrianDunn

You can check out the Belize Tourism Board web site and learn a ton about everything in Belize, www.travelbelize.org.

Also, the Belize Tourism Industry Association site is great too, www.btia.org.

lyntay

Thanks BrianDunn !