Hello all,
I am in the very first steps of exploring a trip to either Belize or Costa Rica. Will be traveling with a friend, not fussy but thought it might be easier to try a lower budget inclusive lodge type setting.
interests are birding, jungle exploration nature hikes etc
Duration probably 8-10 days
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We haven't been to Costa Rica, but we can share that there aren't many all-inclusive resorts in Belize, and the ones that are here, are not budget.

We would recommend looking at Facebook for birding groups, who could then recommend more budget-focused accommodations & the best birding opportunities. For example Belize Birding Network

There are some pretty amazing places to stay here that are more on the budget side with tons of access to birds.

We've been to both and love both, but for us Costa Rica has the better birding. Monteverde is really popular with birders; we saw the gorgeous resplendent quetzals there. We went down to the Osa Peninsula and saw toucans and scarlet macaws. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice birding. We also stayed at the Peace Lodge, and they had a hummingbird garden where you could hand feed hummingbirds with little handheld nectar feeders. It's a pricey spot where people usually only stay a couple of nights. Also like the Selva Verde Lodge - lots of nice birds there, including toucans.

Thanks VG!
We are interested in exploring jungle, seeing the animals etc. Not strictly birding. I will check out your suggestions.
So far, most suggestions are for CR vs Belize. Not sure why. The search continues!

Sure happy to help. The Arenal Observatory Lodge has a free guided hike every morning, at least they have when we stayed there. You an also see coatis and monkeys on the property. It's located away from town out by the lake. If you stay, try to get a room near the bird feeding station. They put out fresh fruit, and we got to see beautiful birds every morning. There are also hanging bridges in the area, natural hot springs like Tabacon, and lots of adventure activities.

For us, Costa Rica is better for wildlife, jungle, adventure activities, etc., and Belize is better for things like ruins and snorkeling or diving.

Well it looks like CR is a better bet for what we are looking for.
Thanks again!

You're welcome - hope you have a great time!

Janelle, we experienced a whole lotta birds at Las Cruces (Wilson Botanical garden) in Costa Rica near the Panamanian border. We weren't birders but still appreciated the wonderful array.
Likewise, Iguana Lodge (in Corcovado park in the south near Pto Jiminez) offered a very wide variety of activities: world-class beach, outstanding food, plus daytrips including birding.
*You may wanna post your same question here over on DCD and Percy's ongoing Bird thread. They'd have meaningful answers for you.

So just another reminder, that your plan to ride Marty all the way south including jumping over the barriers at Customs is maybe not such a good idea.
I am done. the featherz

Z
You rock! Thanks for the tips.
Marty will be sitting this trip out he is supervising the bobcats at the barn