Does anybody have any personal experience with travel in Belize with a toddler(18 months)? I am wondering about using a car seat in taxis and small planes, taking the babe into the jungle(Cockscomb basin) and places to stay in Placencia and Hopkins and any other advice or warnings. Thank you.
1
katievalk
We love our babies, plenty of healthy babies all over, including the Cockscomb. Maybe too many babies. Find a good infant bug spray. Food and water are safe and clean. Many good docs should you need one.
2
jackyl01
I would reccomend renting a car...that way there is a 'homebase' and a situation where you are in absolute control. The roads in Belize are great and the driving is a breeze! Placencia, while beautiful is a bit of a tourist trap, kind of a rip off. You can have a much more authentic (and affordable) experience on an island for a fraction the cost (Caye Caulker comes to mind and is close to BZ City with all of the amenities) I would also check out the Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge in San Ignacio for a real jungle lodge experience, the guys work REALLY hard to make sure it is authentic http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g291971-d1152143-Reviews-Macaw_Bank_Jungle_Lodge-San_Ignacio_Cayo.html Have fun!
3
ponypony
Thank you for your responses. I am wondering if it is worth taking a car seat or if I will find that I can't install the car seat in the taxis or planes due to lack of seat belts in the taxis and lack of space in the small planes. I am also interested in budget to moderate accommodations in Hopkins and Placencia and snorkeling trips(for me, not the babe) from either place and doing a day trip into Cockscomb. It seams like everything is closer to Hopkins. Are there good tour guides for snorkeling in Hopkins and is a guide necessary for Cockscomb or can we take a taxi in and do some hiking on our own?
4
deanthecat
My son visited earlier this year with my 2 year old grand son and they brought their car seat. I got the impression they needed it for the flight down. Because they flew into Cancun, they were able to afford a rental car for the whole trip and it really helps with a guy that age. If you opt for bus and plane travel, you will find the bus full of babies and toddlers. My grandson did fly to/from Caye Caulker and still talks about the flight. For budget accommodations check out http://www.toucantrail.com/Places-to-Stay/Accommodations.html. There are excellent tour guides in Hopkins for snorkeling and you can pick and choose. Some will even pick you up by boat right at your beach. You can take a taxi to Cockscomb from Hopkins and when there hike the well-marked trails on your own.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner