Planning a trip for the summer and looking for suggestions about where to go.
Expecting to travel in July for 7-10 days in Belize and trying to construct a rough itinerary. I have utilized a lot of blog entries and cross referenced with the lonely planet book that I bought, but looking for other advice from travelers in the forum. What would you suggest if you had 7-10 days and needed to pick 2-4 places to visit in Belize?
Also, planning on backpacking for 3-4 weeks total and hitting Belize, Guatemala and parts of Honduras. I welcome recommendations for G and H as well! Thanks!!!
Reply to this caye caulker for sure, to relax. check out chocolates diving, a wonderful man
Reply to this also, it is a fairly painless option to get to Tikal, also phenomenal. and there are other sites in belize. just check them out a couple are said to be dangerous. the bus to tikal drops you off at the boat taxi to islands.
also if your plane is in afternoon, no reason why you cant spend night in caye caulker, breakfast and the head out
rooms can be had or under $15 dollars,, tropics is one name
Reply to this Yes ...caye caulker for sure...i love it there...very chill laid back place.
Reply to this I deleted one post. Please keep posts on topic.
Mel
Reply to this caye caulker, spent a month, absolutely great, with more time we got to know the inner workings of the island more. the library is a great time to meet some kids and they can always use help, reading doing art with kids....then there is the constant sun and sea. easy living. if you go ask any kid about the stilts or just say tikki tikki tembo to one of them and see what happens. we had great fun on stilts doing book theater,,,,,fun
Reply to this In Belize:
Of course the Cayes are fabulous but to get the real flavor of Belize and not the tourist driven version, spend some time on the mainland. Don't miss Lamanai in Orange Walk and if you can take the time before crossing into Guatemala, be sure to visit the ruins at Zunantunich. They are high on our list of best sites. Spend a night or two in Hopkins and meet the local Garifuna drummers. Ask Mark at King Casava for advise on where to stay and what to see. Definitely make a visit to Larubeya the drumming cultural center. It can get really hopping there at night! The Belize Zoo is a nice was to spend the afternoon. We also loved the Wildlife Sanctuary in Crooked Tree. Hire a lancha and a guide to take you around and point out all the amazing birds. Pick up a bottle of homemade Cashew Wine while you are there. Your guide will know who has it. Like monkeys? Visit the Baboon Sancutuary at Burrell Boom. For about $7 a local lady will essentially lead you to and let you feed a group of nearly tame Howler Monkeys. You have to sneak in your own banana. If you are spending time in San Ignacio, be sure to take in a meal at Hannah's. Great food! So many things to do and see in Belize!!
In Guatemala:
See the ruins at Tikal. Spend a night onsite if you can. Flores is charming and relaxing but there is little to keep your interest. Good food with a view at Villa de Chef. A trip down Rio Dulce to the Gariguna village, Livingston, is a great way to spend a day. Check out the hot water springs and the old fort. Antigua is a must see and you can spend several days doing day trips from there. Climb the volcano at Pacaya. Do NOT miss the market in Chichicastenango. Thursdays and Sundays are the big market days. Definitely take a tour up to the Fuentes Georginas, the volcanic hot springs above Zunil, near Xela. Spend some time in one of the towns on Lake Atitlan. Be sure to spend an afternoon in Santiago Atitlan to see the beautiful traditional trajes worn by the men and women. While there, ask someone to take you to the"casa of Maximon". Trust me, it's worth the effort.
I'm just finishing up my trip report from our three week road trip in Guatemala. So, I'm sure I will come up with more must sees!!
Reply to this Yes off the beaten path is nice but sorry it might be a little late for that. You are getting ready to embark the Gringo trail that has been being blazed by many of us for years! I like MIchelles idea and if your working your way from Tikal to Antigua stop by the Finca Ixobel a great place to ride horses eat great food and meet other travelers. Carol runs a great place and your sure to love it. Been going back for over 20 years now and it just is a great place to stop for a few days. Do not mss the lake very beautiful and worth seeing as it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Also watch your stuff on Caye Caulker! I love it there but it has turned a little ugly with the theives and crack heads. Just be careful with your passport most of all it can be quite a bad time to replace it there. Also make sure you leave a copy with someone or email it to yourself so always available. Also make copies after you enter each country with your current stamp so they can see it at embassy if God forbid should you have to replace it.
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