Traveling to see some mayan temples for 2012,,,for the first time?

That is a very nice blog, BTW, and helps get the important difference of "safe Mexico" and "sketchy Mexico" clear (pretty hard to do these days).

If you feel more comfortable heading to Belize... spend some time in Petén

Meh, Peten is definitely not in Belize (obv)... what's the point of "feeling more comfortable" going somewhere by denying that there were recent attacks against tourists there, and going to another country where they're supposedly "not"?

Not saying not to go to Belize, just that there's no point in basing a trip on misinformation, and that it's worth realizing which country is which (and that if the whole point of a trip is to see Mayan temples, Belize is a few rungs down on the ladder).

I think you have made a good choice. I would make sure you do at least a day trip to Tikal as that is the most spectacular site you will see. I would try to find a group going and take the tour since you have some safety issues. You will be fine then. There are also several other sites around San Ignacio. Cahal Pech, Xunantinich, the Vaca Caves along with other cave trips, and caracol. There is enough to keep you busy. Other sites include Altun Ha outside of Belize City, Laminai in the north, and Nim li punit and labutim in the south. I'm sure the spelling is incorrect but you get the point. I don't think your fear of Mexico is unrealistic. As far as safety. Don't carry a lot of money or flashy cameras, etc. In plain view when you are just walking around. I just put what I will need in a pocket and go. That way they can see what you have. Stay close to your hotel at nite. Use the same precautions you would use in any big city in the world. Try to get a room with a safe if at all possible. Use ATM's to get your money and don't get too much at once as you never know who is watching. I have never felt safety was an issue. heck, I'm living alone in Nicaragua and I feel fine. You'll be fine once you get there.

I don't think your fear of Mexico is unrealistic

That's just the problem... what does that mean? Are you talking from a drugs standpoint? Because fear of being attacked as a tourist is not realistic (though, for fear of sounding like a broken record, there have been a few recent flat out attacks on tourists lately in Belize).

Not saying that there's anything at all wrong with going there, but there IS something wrong with going there out of the certainty that it's much safer for a visitor than Mexico. Of course, if we're talking about getting involved with the drug trade, I'd probably suggest to do it in Belize...

For the record, my chinese wife is 48 kilos and only 5ft 4inches and was not fearful of being attacked at Tikal, Flores/Peten or anywhere else in Guatemala. Oh wait, take that back, she was attacked, at sunset, its was terrible, they came from all directions, it was hopeless, the mozzies were everywhere, and she got 6 bites, 2 on the foot, 2 on the leg, 1 on each arm, we reported it to the authorities and they went to investigate, we never hear anything back...police are worthless in these parts...

Why is it safer to stay in Belize and then drive over the border to see sights in Guatemala or Yucatan than it is to stay in those places?

And the sites in Belize really don't compare to those in the other 2 countries..........

If you want to stay in Guatemala, go ahead. My comment to this individual was to get with a group going to Tikal as he obviously has safety issues and would not do well walking across the boarder himself and getting a cab. I'm not sure I would do that alone. I didn't intend tomsay he shoukdn't stay there overnite. I was just saying don't miss it, do at least a day trip. There are some issues in Guatemala after all, just like everywhere else in the world. As for Mexico. A friend of mine was in Puerto Vierta and left a jewelry store. She got about 1/2 block and someone went in and killed the owner and robbed the place. This was in the middle of the day on a busy street. You'll have a hard time convincing her or me that there isn't a problem.

You'll have a hard time convincing her or me that there isn't a problem.

In the US, you mean, where this is a daily occurrence? At least you're equitable about it...

#17

This happened two or three times already in Italy this week (once in a jeweller's in Rome,two dead in a supermarket in Reggio Calabria....those are the ones I can remember)

Should i be thinking about moving to another country?

Would you suggest no tourists come to Italy?

I'm an American woman living in Belize and my husband is a tour guide, and I've been around nearly the whole country of Belize. I feel safe walking around so you should too. Just don't stay in Belize City. There are alot of skinny, white males traveling around Belize, especially in Placencia. You won't stand out. LOL! You don't have to declare any amount of $ under $10,000. I suggest going to the Mayan Ruin of Caracol. It's one of the largest in the Mayan nation and the biggest in Belize. I went there in January. It was worth the crazy 2 1/2 hours ride back and forth. After Caracol, no other ruins in Belize compare. I have connections to get some of the best prices of hotels and tours throughout Belize. Need help? Don't be afraid to ask.