Don't fully count on the bus, the largest bus company called Novelo had suddenly gone, exactly on the date I arrived to Belize in January 2006. They still have some small companies providing the service, not sue if it's reliable. On the other hand, domestic flights are highly recommended. Those small engine airplanes are cool, 4-6 seat only, prices are cheap, always on time and most importantly they are very safe. Say your flight is 2:30pm, you'd need to arrive 20 mins earlier. No custom, no baggage check in, no hassles at all. You'll get on the plane at 2:25 then take off at 2:30 exactly. What is more, your bonus to have that panoramic view from the sky, it's stunning and a real treat. While a 3-hour road trip by taxi, likely you'll be charged US $200-300 (am not kidding), take a plane for US $50-80 then you'll be landed in anywhere less than 30 minutes, do the math. Two major domestic airlines are Maya Island Airways and Tropic Air, both are good.
www.mayaairways.com / www.tropicair.com
*********************************************************************************
10 Days Highlight Tour
Day 1~ Fly into the international airport near "Belize City", spend 1 night and no more than that. Check out the "Swing Bridge" and the "Fort George Lighthouse", stick in that area and go no further. For budget hotels:
*********************************************************************************
10 Days Highlight Tour
Day 1~ Fly into the international airport near "Belize City", spend 1 night and no more than that. Check out the "Swing Bridge" and the "Fort George Lighthouse", stick in that area and go no further. For budget hotels:
www.greathousebelize.com / www.belizebiltmore.com
Day 2-5 ~ Take a ferry (the Marine Terminal is right next to the Swing Bridge) to the colorful town "San Pedro" (1.5 - 2 hr). Go further north there is "Ambergris Caye" or go down to south that's the less touristy "Caye Caulker". Simply paradise, the water is clear as crystal. If you're seasoned divers, you must visit the Blue Hole, a 12 foot deep cave which the entrance often attracts the fairy basslet, you'll see all the colorful fishes there, amazingly beautiful. It's a 20-minute boat ride from San Pedro. Too many choices of hotel, the one I stayed was called "Salamander Hideaway" at far north of the Ambergris Caye. Owner is a German who can cook and sing, 6-course home made dinner served every night.
Day 2-5 ~ Take a ferry (the Marine Terminal is right next to the Swing Bridge) to the colorful town "San Pedro" (1.5 - 2 hr). Go further north there is "Ambergris Caye" or go down to south that's the less touristy "Caye Caulker". Simply paradise, the water is clear as crystal. If you're seasoned divers, you must visit the Blue Hole, a 12 foot deep cave which the entrance often attracts the fairy basslet, you'll see all the colorful fishes there, amazingly beautiful. It's a 20-minute boat ride from San Pedro. Too many choices of hotel, the one I stayed was called "Salamander Hideaway" at far north of the Ambergris Caye. Owner is a German who can cook and sing, 6-course home made dinner served every night.
www.salamanderbelize.com
Day 6-7 ~ From San Pedro Airstrip, take the airplane back to Belize City to the Municipal Airport instead (cos fares are much cheaper than international). From Municipal you should fly down to "Dangriga", the jungle area. Take a bus or taxi to the "Cayo district", check out the largest Mayan Ruins (in Belize) called "Caracol". Forget about the rest as they're much smaller. Recommend "Jaguar Paw" the jungle lodge located on 215 acres of the rain forest, there you can enjoy the tube caves and zip line, fun fun fun, must try. All 16 rooms are decorated in different themes, very interesting.
Day 6-7 ~ From San Pedro Airstrip, take the airplane back to Belize City to the Municipal Airport instead (cos fares are much cheaper than international). From Municipal you should fly down to "Dangriga", the jungle area. Take a bus or taxi to the "Cayo district", check out the largest Mayan Ruins (in Belize) called "Caracol". Forget about the rest as they're much smaller. Recommend "Jaguar Paw" the jungle lodge located on 215 acres of the rain forest, there you can enjoy the tube caves and zip line, fun fun fun, must try. All 16 rooms are decorated in different themes, very interesting.
www.jaguarpaw.com
Day 8-9 ~ Heading to "San Ignacio" by bus or taxi, approximately 2-hour from the Cayo district. Stay in the "Lodge at Chaa Creek", a magnificent setting on 330 acres of rolling hills above the "Macal River ". A bit pricey from US $120-180/room. For budget traveler, there's the "Macal River Safari Camp" on the same site, offering small rooms on individual wooden platforms at US $55 only. Local meals are included.
Day 8-9 ~ Heading to "San Ignacio" by bus or taxi, approximately 2-hour from the Cayo district. Stay in the "Lodge at Chaa Creek", a magnificent setting on 330 acres of rolling hills above the "Macal River ". A bit pricey from US $120-180/room. For budget traveler, there's the "Macal River Safari Camp" on the same site, offering small rooms on individual wooden platforms at US $55 only. Local meals are included.
www.chaacreek.com
Day 10 ~ Take a 2-hour bus back to Belize City then fly back to your home sweet home. By pass the capital "Belmopan", trust me, you have absolutely nothing to lose.
Day 10 ~ Take a 2-hour bus back to Belize City then fly back to your home sweet home. By pass the capital "Belmopan", trust me, you have absolutely nothing to lose.
