We are a group of 8 adults who will be going to Belize next January. We are thinking about flying into Belize and staying a few days in the city, then travelling to Caye Caulker for 4 nights then to Ambergris Caye for 7 nights. Does this sound reasonable?????? Where would people recommend to stay in all those places???? Is it easy to get from one place to the next???? We assume that there are buses that run on the mainland and that we would need to go to the cayes by boat???? What things should we see in each place???? We would like to see the ruins, the waterfall, the cave tubing, good snorkelling and whatever else is recommended. We like to see the beauty of the country by touring around. I know this is a very loaded batch of questions, but, would really like some info from those in the know. Thanks so much for any help you could give. Looking forward to being there in 2008!!!!!!

Do not stay in Belize city, very little to see or do, and lots of crime at night. Spend all your time on the Cayes. Belize City is not a place you want to spend more than a day in. Just my opinion.

For the mainland portion (caves, waterfalls, Maya ruins,etc) you could easily rent a vehicle, take a bus or have a hotel in the Cayo district/San Ignacio area pick you up. You could do day trips to this area from Bz City but better to go right there and have everything easily accessible to you. You can get a lot of info about the area at www.belizenet.com. Lots of hotels and jungle lodges to choose from depending on what type experience you are looking for, price range, etc. Spend a few days there, then come back to Bz City and hop a boat or flight to one of the cayes. Not sure I would stay on both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye - usually people like one or the other. They are very close to each other in proximity so basically the same experience as far as things to do. Where they differ is in amount & style of hotels, restaurants, nightlife. Both have the same access to snorkeling, diving, etc. AC is more built up and also has jet skis, parasailing, etc. AC also has many more restaurants, nightlife, shops, etc. CC is smaller, more laid back and overall less expensive. If you want 2 beach areas, I would suggest spending some time on either caye, and then some time on one of the mainland beach areas like Hopkins or Placencia. Different experience culturally as well as physically.
You can email me (or one of the other agents listed on this site) if you want help setting it up or just keep asking ?'s and you will get lots of suggestions.

I agree completely with Barbara. Within the last year, we have been to Belize 3 times. The first time spent 3 days in San Ignacio and then on to Ambergris for 4 days. The second time, 3 Days in Placencia and then 3 days on Ambergris. The last trip,6 days in Ambergris with a day trip by water taxi to Caye Caulker.

While inland went to the 1000 foot falls, Xunantunich and the Belize Zoo. LOVED everything!

Cayo baby! (San Ignacio) Belize City can be fun, but so much more worth it to stay in the San Ignacio area! I'll heading up for the weekend. I would suggest Cahal Pech Village on top of the highest hill in Cayo, great vistas and a nice pool.

Have a great trip, rent a van and make it a serious blast.

SIN

IMNSHO, one cannot properly say they have been to Belize, without spending time inland.

Bummer, I've never been to Belize!

well, FIX IT, girlie!

TQ, if you don't get your butt to Actun Tunichal Muknal, I'm gonna whoop it!!

We traveled around mainland Belize quite a bit before exploring the Cayes. Found Placencia very beautiful, Corozal a bit dull, (But you can go to Chatamal (sp) Mexico right next to Corozal for shopping etc.) Been out to San Ignacio area (Xunantavich) was Interesting. Cave tubing was also cool, If you have business in Belize City I would recomend doing it during the day. We stayed at the Raddison hotel and the Princess hotel while in Belize city, Both are nice hotels. Caye Calker is a cool place to stay a little while, But (IMHO) Ambergris Caye has much more to offer. Many diving / snorkeling /watercraft rental businesses, reaturants galore, great places to party or just hang out and relax. Long Caye, St. Georges Caye, Caye Chapel are much smaller than Calker and Ambergris, As Barbra stated above Caye Calker has simular things as Ambergris, but just not as many.