k2

hi,
i am going to be traveling to belize next month with a male friend (not-romantic)we will be spending a few days in western belize hopefully doing some eco-touring. my concern is accomodations. i'd like to stay somewhere reasonably priced, clean...since we are not a romantic couple what would you recommend. from what i've read the 'jungle resorts' are more remote and for newlyweds. any ideas? is it better to stay in /around san ignacio? is it a problem to get to tikal? any thoughts on an itinerary for 3-4 days in the jungle? 4 days in the cayes?
sorry this is such a loaded message.
if anyone can help, it's most appreciated.
thanks, k2

KatieValk

The jungle lodges are for anyone with a sense of adventure or interest in the natural history of the planet. Which would include lovers as well, but you'll mostly see individual travelers, families, et al. Plenty of lovely places to stay that offer ruins, caving, horses, jungle river kayaking and canoeing, guided hiking, birding and lots more. Tikal is possibly the most impressive ruin in the maya empire and well worth seeing. Trips run there daily from the lodges in the area and yes, it's safe, and very interesting. Not sure what reasonably priced means to you, but you'll find nice safe, clean, interesting and pretty lodges in just about any price range here. Many great ones to choose from.

k2

thank you katie for your info. i was wonderinf if it's better to stay in san ignacio or further in the jungle. i'm an adventure traveler. reasonable to me is under 65$... can you throw out a couple of names for accomodations in the cayo district?

Jackie

I'm leaving on Saturday for Belize and will be staying at EkTun. If your 65 is per person, you might want to look at Cha Creek jungle camp; it is $50 with meals. Bananna Bank was under $100 for a double. Other less costly options in town are Aguada Inn and Martha's Guesthouse. FYI, I haven't been to any of them, but while doing my research, I saw good reviews here and on other boards.

KatieValk

Outside of town. Crystal Paradise Resort, in Christo Rey village on the Macal River, 125.00 per night for two with bkft and dinner included. Or Clarissa Falls, near Xunantunich ruins on the Mopan River, for about 60.00 per night. Visit Tikal or Caracol, the Mtn Pine Ridge, take a river trip anjd definately visit one of the areas caves with artifacts.

LanSluder

If you are looking at jungle lodges under US$65 double, your options are pretty limited; if you mean US$65 each, then you'll have plenty of choices, especially now (off-season).

This time of year, Roaring River Lodge, between Belmopan and San Ignacio, is US$40 double for a pleasant but certainly not fancy cabana. (Bunkhouse rooms are considerably less.) Very nice setting with a lot of birds, a pool (if it's back in operation -- they were repairing it when I was there a few weeks ago) and you can swim in the river. It's been around for awhile but is not well known; it's one of the best deals in the area.

In San Ignacio town (actually it's in Santa Elena), I'd definitely recommend Aguada. US$30 double -- that's with a pool and newish room. And Martha's is a good choice, too.

--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com