hi you'all, love your forum and would appreciate your opinions. we are traveling to ACaye in july for the first time (very excited about it) for about 10 days. we thought we would spend the last few days of our trip in belize city so that we could do some of the inland tours and also be conveniently located to catch our flight out.

would you suggest 2 days, 3 days? or should we just stay on the island? we were *thinking* of checking out of our place on friday, water taxi to the city, tours saturday and sunday, and fly out monday morning. your input is greatly appreciated.

Most travellers choose to spend a few nights in the Cayo district of the mainland rather than Bz City. Lots of great sites are very close by San Ignacio town, many of which you can do on your own. If you stay in the city, you will still need to travel quite a ways to see the ruins, caves, waterfalls, rainforest, etc. Unless you have a particular reason to be in Bz City, or a very early departure flight, there is not really a reason to stay in the city. Most people do not like it much and it is not really geared for tourism. That said, there is a nice cathedral and good museum there, as well as a nice music/art/drama venue, and the zoo about 30 miles from the city proper. But the sights most tourists come to Belize to see are all at least 1 - 2 hrs drive from the city. I would suggest splitting the trip up with time on AC and time in Cayo (at least 2 or 3 nights), in or around the San Ignacio area. LOTS to do and see, great jungle lodges, and a much different experience than the islands. Most of the time, you will be able to get back to Bz City for your flight out. It's about a 2 hr drive to San Ignacio, and the closest of the nice jungle lodges are about 1 1/2 hr drive from Bz City.

thanks barbara, i had a feeling ... time to revamp and look at san ignacio.

Avecito;

Just a thought. You might consder going to the mainland first. You will have a busy time and then you can come to AC and chill. The flights the day of departure from San Pedro are set so you can go right back to the airport and fly home.

Hammer

IMO I agree with Hammer - see the mainland first then get to the beach. Short flight to Belize City before your flight out & it is a beautful ride on a nice day. San Pedro is set up to get you to your flight on time - just make your round trip ticket so they know when you are leaving. Less to carry & transfer luggage wise also!
Belize it!

Logistically either way works. Some people like to get right to the beach, others prefer to get all the adventure stuff done first then relax on the beach. Works whichever way you prefer.