Where to go in Belize?

February 23, 2008 3:54 PM

We're going to Belize! Help me plan our 10-day trip.

Just now booking a trip to Belize for the end of March. We've got our airline tickets to Belize City and that's it. While I am waiting for my travel books to get here, I am hoping the Belize-loving MeFites can help. We're looking for that ephemeral mixture of adventure and relaxation.

Overall idea:

1) Fly into Belize City. Rent an SUV at the airport and head to the Cayo District. Spend 5-6 days in that region (hiking, ruins, ziplining?, cave-tubing?)-- this will be the adventurous portion of the trip.

*Any accommodation suggestions welcome! A lot of things are booked and we like off the beaten track (and moderately priced) anyway, so if you're willing to share your favorites, we'd love to hear them.
*Can we stay in one spot and do day trips or are distances such that we need to move around? (For instance, should we make plans to go to the ruins and stay over in Guatemala?)
*What are do-not-miss experiences?

2) Drop the car back off in Belize City and boat to Caye Caulker for 4 days.
*Again, rooms are booking up-- any special suggestions?
*Is this enough time, too much time?
*Should we consider a less crowded Caye? Like Laughingbird Caye?

3) This plan doesn't get us to Placencia (or anywhere in Toledo, etc.) I am yearning for the beach here in bitter cold Montreal--will I regret not getting to this one?

posted by picklebird to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

The wife and I spent a week in Caye Caulker. We stayed here. Nice people and a reasonable rate. Plus the sunset looks like this every night.

Caye Caulker isn't really crowded at all, it's very local and laid back. Go Slow is the motto. There isn't really a swimming beach on the caye, but some swimming can be had on the north end by the split. Spend a day taking a day trip out snorkeling and visiting San Pedro, it's a pretty good time.
posted by sanka at 4:58 PM on February 23, 2008

To add to my quick post above, I'd suggest you do the cave tubing. We didn't do it, but everyone we talked to said it was their favorite part of the trip. Also you'll definitely want to see the Mayan ruins at Laminai. It's an hour long boat ride up a river ending in some spectacular temples, which if you climb to the top of, offer an amazing view.
posted by sanka at 5:51 PM on February 23, 2008

It's been a few years since my visit to Belize, so do more research and see if these places are still open.

I stayed at Chaa Creek (a little more upscale) but loved Ian Anderson's Caves Branch for the hiking and caving. I don't know if you still can do it, but they used to have showers out in the open that used bamboo screens for privacy, and the water spouted out from bucket. It was lovely showering outdoors! Loved the tubing into the caves, and a few hours swimming in a nearby cenote was just lovely.

If you decide to go to Placencia instead, I recommend either Luba Hati (romantic and excellent restaurant) or for something more lowkey, then the Green Parrot which is right on the beach with hammocks. I hope they still serve jacks for breakfast - a fluffy sugary fried dough that is divine.

Unless you speak Spanish, it may be a little more demanding to head over to Guatemala and see Tikal. Know your este from your oeste! I speak from experience. Tikal is a must and you're sooooooo close.

This time of the year, prepare for it to be HOT and HUMID.
posted by HeyAllie at 5:52 PM on February 23, 2008

My sister has a horseback riding/camping business in Belize. Of course, I recommend them. :D

upclosebelize.com

Funny, I'll be there again in late March too.
posted by cephalopodcast at 5:42 AM on February 24, 2008

I went to Placencia almost two years ago and stayed at the Inn at Robert's Grove. It was absolutely amazing and unlike any other trip I've ever taken. But I didn't get to see Caye Caulker, and I really want to. But it would have diminished both places to feel rushed.

If you like your trip (and you are indeed), make sure to hit Placencia on your next visit. A tropical vacation isn't like a trip to some huge cultural center like a major European city-- it's about feeling relaxed, not about seeing everything. You're planning this right and no need to second guess. Have fun!
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:51 AM on February 24, 2008

A friend of mine enjoyed Tobacco Caye so much that she goes back there every year. Oh, and if you're in to rum, try some One Barrel.
posted by brain at 8:27 PM on February 24, 2008