Worth spending a week and a half in Belize?

Hi all,

I am doing a 14 week trip in Central America, and given the time constraints (I want to get to Panama within that time) wondered whether it was worth going to Belize (and how long to allocate). I would like to see Actun Tunichil Muknal, but am unsure if i should detour from Mexico to see the country. Assuming that i continue down the coast through Guatemala- i would lose a week and a half getting to and around Belize. Given the time constraint. is it worth it? Are there specific sites in Belize that i will not find in other Central American countries?

I am aware that this is an open ended subjective question, but opinion and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank guys :)

Yes, What kind of a question is that? geez

Only you can decide if it is worth it.......depends on your interests.

I suppose what i am asking is a more in depth understanding of the country from people who have been there before. Hence the posting on the message boards. I have read a lot about diving opportunities and wonderful beaches, but i am more interested in people and culture, and still don't know enough about the area.

Thank you :)

ATM is great...a highlight of CA travel for me.

Certainly there is lots of beach/jungle stuff in Belize,but the culture is quite interesting as well,and very different from the rest of the region.I found the people easy to talk to and get to know a little...

By 'sites' I guess you mean Mayan? There is Lamanai which is a really nice trip...ATM as you mentioned...some smaller sites around San Ignacio as well,and various others in different parts of the country.Plus there is easy access to Tikal from San Ignacio.

Not as rich in sites as southern Mexico or Guatemala,but not bad......

One of the interesting things about Belize is its cultural diversity -- the population is a mix of Mestizos, Creoles, Maya and Garifuna, plus sizable numbers of Mennonites, Chinese, Indians, expats from the U.S., Canada and Europe and others. Nothing else quite like it in Central America.

--Lan Sluder

I had a very interesting evening in a Chinese restaurant in Orange Walk where the only other people present were the Chinese owners and a gruop of 10 mennonites...men,women and children ;-)

#8....I have to disagree that that the only place worth visiting is Caye Caulker. We enjoyed the mainland especially the Placencia area and the nearby towns.

I did a 6 week trip from Costa Rica to Mexico last year and Belize was a highlight. Caye Caulker was my favourite place I visited and I ended up staying longer than originally planned. I'm going on an 8 week trip next year to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize and I'm hoping to explore further south in Belize, taking the Raggamuffin sailing trip from Caye Caulker to Placencia then heading by boat from Punta Gorda to Guatemala.

We spent three weeks there (including Tikal) and barely scratched the surface of the place. I'd go back.

#8 original comment has disappeared......

I understand your disclaimer at the end but the expression of worth just doesn't belong here. It also helps to give a few more details of your proposed itinerary and your likes and dislikes. Panama and Belize in 14 days? The sheer logistics kind of scare me. But anyway, Yes, it is worth it to me.

I fell off the wagon but on the grid.

I spent a summer there in college, one of my life's most wonderful periods. Belize has a very interesting culture and history, terrific people, lots of natural beauty, very good food...I can't wait to return there this spring.

Belize has many smaller Mayan sites which I find interesting. They have the cave systems which is unique and good snorkeling/diving from the cayes. Is it worth it? That's your call. There are much larger Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala. Better beaches too. There is diving on the Bay Islands of Honduras.

It just seems to me, the further down you go into Central America, the less tourist attractions you will find. Not that the countries aren't great to travel in, I have a house in Nicaragua, it's just that there are more activities like the caving, diving and ruins in the northern section. Nicaragua has great volcanoes which is a whole other thing. Your call, just my experience.

I've traveled a ton in other regions but in Central America I've only been to Belize--no other countries of yet (doing Costa Rica this summer) so I can't compare. That said, I thought Belize was fantastic. I love the beach and diving but my favorite part was Cayo district (in and around San Ignacio). I loved ATM. We didn't go to Tikal but rented a car and drove to Caracol. There was hardly anyone there which was amazing. Also there's some nice places to stop on the way (a beautiful river with pools and rocks). I'd love to go again.