jstewart1

My fiance and I are planning on travelling to Belize or Costa Rica some time next year for our wedding/honeymoon. We plan on staying for approximately 2 weeks and can't decide between Belize and Costa Rica. We would like a wide range of activities for our 15 guests ranging from scuba diving to hiking through the rainforest. Any input would be appreciated.

KatieValk

You can do amny of the same activities in both countries, including scuba and snorkeling, which will be better in Belize than in CR (unles oyu plan on diving Coco Island on the Pacific). Belize also has fishing (better billfish fishing on the Pacific in CR), maya ruins, caving with artifacts and for recreation, horses, hiking in the rainforest, canoeing and kayaking (nut not white water rafting like in CR). English is our official language and we're less than two hrs from Miami. Most visitors book both jungle and beach. Wedding-at a waterfall? On the beach? At a ruin, butterfly farm or orchid house at a botanic garden? What's your dream?

ltt

costa rica beaches will be nicer then belize.
but the fact that belize is english speaking is a benefit for most. it also seems that that dengue (spelling ??) fever is getting to be a concern in costa rica. i also heard that they are recommending malaria pills for visitors to the entire country now not just the jungle portions (but they always side on the cautious).
never been to costa rica...love belize. i'm sure either place will be wonderful. happy nuptuals.

JeanH

I've only been to the beach in Belize, and we had a great time. Wonderful snorkeling and fishing (we don't dive).

I've been to Costa Rica twice, hard to beat those volcano views. Some truly heart stopping scenery. Very beautiful country. The hiking is incredible.

It's a tough decision. You'll have a wonderful time in either place.

sparklegem

Where can I get more information about dengue fever and malaria in Costa Rica?

Thank You,
Gem

jstewart1

Thanks for all of the responses. I believe we have decided on Belize.

peg

sparklegem

try this web site www.cdc.gov

Suzie2

This time of year is bad for Dengue in CR. We had a friend who came back from CR a month ago and has been quite sick with it. Malaria is much less of a problem. In the 11 years that I have been traveling down there I have only heard of 3 cases so it is not a big problem. I have never taken a preventative for it.
When visiting Belize we spent a week up in the mountains and a week down in Placencia (beach). We found the beaches to be pretty dirty. Belize (4yrs ago) seemed much poorer than Costa Rica. The roads at that time were certainly worse than CR. The snorkeling/diving off of Belize is unbelievable but we find the wildlife much better in CR. The ruins are fascinating in Belize but the volcanoes and rainforest are awesome in CR.
It is all a matter of personal preference as to what you are looking for.