My husband and I have been to Belize twice and are looking forward to our next trip late May to early June. We will be in the country 12 days with a couple who hasn't been before. We stayed on AC both times in the past, then rented a car to travel elswhere. We have gone to Maya Beach two times and plan on returning there again. We have taken the hummingbird highway both times and it has been beautiful. My question is about the Coastal highway. Is it worth the time saved (about 30 min. from what I have read) to take the coastal highway instead of the Hummingbird?

If you like bumpity bump bump and nosebleeds, then take the coastal road. If you want your vehicle to make it in 1 peice take the Hummingbird Highway.

When you consider the average speed because of the rough terrain, you really save no time at all. I have tried it several times and it is either so muddy or so dusty and potholed, the whole length is dirt no pavement.It is a long desolate bumpy stretch with little or nothing to see.

You save 20 mins taking the coastal, but I use the Hummingbird in my vehicles. Some rental agencies won't allow their vehicles to take the Coastal Road. But very pretty and you can stop off in small villages like Gales Point, Mullins River.

For years I have always drove the Coastal to Placincia and returned on the Hummingbird or vice versa..... Ya gotta get the full experience right??The best I can tell you is an exchange with George Westby of Placincia a couple of years ago when I told him that it took me 5 hours travel time to Placincia on the Hummingbird.."5 hours eh? you can make it 2 no worries you know" said George "Yer kidding" I said "You can make Belize City in 2 with your car??' "GAWD NO not MY CAR you Idiot!!!! You are driving a rental you know!!"

They are both great drives, The Coastal can be Muddy, Potholed, Dusty,Washboard and a few more words I dont use...Its a GREAT drive. The Hummingbird is greatly upgraded over the past 10 years or so and is a pleasant drive across some of the best scenery Belize has to offer. Its a GREAT drive as well. No matter which you choose, take your time, look around, stop and say hello to some new friends you haven't met yet..drive the car as if it were your own, and you are on vacation.......