More bumps.
The room I want at VH isn't available on the dates I want, but this can probably be fixed.
Also, on the reservation page, I found this:
"To Travel to Belize you are required to have a passport valid for 6 months from arrival date, including children."
I just got my passport. Is there any way around this?
Edited by: The_Aristocrats
I don't know about the passport issue, but I would absolutely second the idea of two nighter trip to Tikal. Also, just so you know--you can stay in El Remate or Flores... you don't have to stay IN the park. If you do that, I'd suggest that you also go see Yaxha, (another nearby Mayan ruin) in the late afternoon ( for maximum wildlife effect) and Tikal the next morning. Hardly anyone visits Yaxha, so that's kind of cool... when we went to Cahal Peche ( the ruins in San Ignacio), we came just before it closed... and even though it's so much smaller than Tikal, my daughter said it was her favorite Mayan site because having the whole place to herself was sort of mystical.
Good luck with your bumps. I hope you get them worked out. And Congrats on your wedding.
I don't understand your question about the passport. If you just got yours, it's certainly valid for more than six months beyond your arrival. This rule, by the way, isn't usually enforced by Belize immigration; however, some airlines are sticklers for rules.
On the advance payment thing, many hotels in Belize have that. You have to pay, say, no later than 45 days in advance, but if you're booking for a date closer than 45 days, that's no problem -- it's just that you'll have to pay at time of booking or soon thereafter.
--Lan Sluder
Yes, as Lan says, it's 6 months PAST your travel dates. If you make time for 2 nights near Tikal, do stay at least 1 night in the park but you might enjoy a night in Flores as well - it would seem very different from Belize to you, I think. Check out my itineraries for lodging recommendations if you want. Thanks for keeping us posted!
Yes, the passport id 6 months PAST your entry date.
I would go to someplace outside of San Ignacio for a few nites, there are MANY. Then, if you want to do the caving thing and caves branch is closed, try Jaguar Paw for two nights. they do a really nice tubing trip through the caves and they have nice AC rooms, good restaurant and bar, and hiking trails to the caves. I ALWAYS rent a 4x4 vehicle so i'm at no ones mercy while on the mainland. I gives you the freedom to do what you want when you want. It saves a lot on side trips and makes it more adventurous. It's good for everything but the day trip to Tikal, which I highly recommend. Don't get a package, get a car!! Defineatly don't get a package on Ambergris. It just locks you in.