Hi everyone!
My family is planning a trip to Belize in the spring, and we need A LOT of advice. There are 8 of us: my parents (in their 60's, but young at heart and still quite active), my older sister & her family (a significant other and 2 sons - ages 3 & 5), me, and my brother (in his late 20's). All of us are quite adventurous, but having young kids in the mix makes planning well a MUST!
We knew that we wanted to go to Central America, and we had considered Costa Rica for a while, but it seems to be overrun with tourists, and we wanted to do something a little different, so we settled on Belize. We have done some research, but I find these forums to be really helpful in terms of finding out from real people who have experienced the places to be the best resource!
If anyone has any opinions or advice about things to do, kid-friendly accommodations, activities, where to actually stay (on the mainland, off the mainland, large resort, private villa, north, south) that would be really helpful. We have a week in the country and we want to do and see as much as possible, and still experience the native culture. We are fine with jungle-ish areas, as well as beachy areas. There really is no preference, so it's just about being able to get to see and do as much as possible.
I know this isn't really specific, so it's hard to go on, but we are doing our preliminary research and just trying to gather some ideas and opinions!
Thanks so much!
Family Vacation to Belize in March 2013
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I don't think CR is more touristy than Belize is, but we love both places. We stayed at Chaa Creek and Victoria House and really enjoyed both a lot. Loved Ambergris - really pretty, lots of hotel and restaurant choices, and great snorkeling at Hol Chan. I like to do jungle first and then relax at the beach. Caye Caulker is also popular, quieter than Ambergris.
I'd recommend splitting your trip. Head straight to the Cayo area, in/around San Igancio. Probably at one of the jungle lodges. See some ruins, see some waterfalls, I think there's some easy caves to tour.
Then, head to one of the beaches. The northern cayes, Ambergris and Caulker are a bit closer. 15 minute flight from Belize City, or take the water taxi 1-1 1/2 hours.
We have many great areas that'll offer what you are looking for and be comfortable for all. I am partial to the Cayo district for all it has to offer, but you should also consider the less traveled Toledo distrcit further south, closer to both the lesser developed Placencia and Hopkins beach areas. Like CR, was have many options, all are different and some more suitable for your group and the trips you'll want to do.
The Placencia has much to offer and is centrally located. Here are accommodations that are very suitable... The Maine Stay
http://www.vrbo.com/55689
https://sites.google.com/a/mainestaybelize.com/www/home
Thanks so much everyone! This is definitely helpful. I'm still not totally sure what the best thing is going to be for our entire group, but I think this is a good jumping off point. If you have any other ideas, they are always welcome! Thanks!
We too are going to Belize in March but I must say our trip to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica last March was phenomenol and not touristy. We rented a penthouse for a very fair price for a group of 7 at Los Altos Resort (you can find it online). Very friendly staff and they were willing to negotiate the rate. Enjoyed parasailing, zip lining, and rain forest tours. People are warm and lovely. Pura vida Costa Rica is what they say and it is genuine. And, the flights were much cheaper than to Belize which is high right now from the east coast. My daughter who is 12 has a lot invested in planning our trip to Belize (she used my account to post a query asking about guides, hence the slight punctuation blips) so we are game. But if this is a first Central America trip, CR is a pretty wonderful way to begin!
Personally, I think any place that has zip lines and parasailing, is touristy.....It doesn't make them bad places, just touristy places.