Help with excursions from Black Rock Lodge

Old Jan 28th, 2016, 09:57 AM
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Help with excursions from Black Rock Lodge

Hello,
My family of 4 (myself, husband, 15 y.o. daughter, and 13 y.o son) are going to Belize in April.
We are spending 4 nights chartering a catamaran out of Placencia and then 5 nights at the Black Rock Lodge. (one of those days is spent returning the boat, traveling to BRL and then traveling to the airport at the end).

So, we have 4 full days to spend in the Cayo area. We'd like to explore doing all of these:
- ATM caves,
- Mountain Pine Ridge
- Tikal

And, we'd like to still have time to take advantage of relaxing by the lodge - canoeing, rafting, night hikes etc.

My question is this: are the 3 tours I listed above all do-able from Black Rock Lodge? I know they offer them on their website, but I am unable to really find out how long each voyage is. Is there anyone that has stayed at BRL (or nearby) and gone on all of these tours? Is there something you'd recommend instead - or in addition to - our itinerary?

Also - on our trip from Placencia to BRL, would you recommend stopping to see sights? I was thinking we'd stop along the way and visit the Belize Zoo & inland big blue hole. Would you recommend this? We'd be leaving Placencia at 1 pm.

Thank you!
JeanineMR is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2016, 04:45 PM
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I can help with a few of your questions.

The zoo is very unique and certainly worth a visit imo. It's not on the way between Placencia and Cayo, though - maybe hit it on your arrival or departure days?

Blue Hole is a good stop and probably all you have time for; leaving Placencia around 1 you won't have a lot of time if you want to get to BRL before dark (about 6pm).

Tikal is worth an overnight imo - so great to explore the jungle and ruins in the cooler early morning and evening hours when wildlife is active and you practically have the place to yourselves. It's doable as a day trip, though - you'd just have more time on the road than at the site during the heat of the day (and April is 1 of the hottest months).

We loved the ATM cave and here's another, less-visited amazing cave option in Cayo: http://www.actunchapatadventure.blogspot.com/

Cahal Pech and Xunantunich are easily accessed Maya sites in Cayo; if you visit those and Tikal, maybe do the smaller ones 1st. Have a great trip, whatever you decide!
hopefulist is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2016, 02:47 AM
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We used PACZ tours to go to Tikal and they were great. Also enjoyed canoeing at Barton Creek Cave.
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Old Jan 29th, 2016, 04:44 AM
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Thank you both for your suggestions! I will look into PACZ vs going with BRL for prices etc.
hopefulist - Where did you stay when you did an overnight near Tikal? We have 5 nights booked at BRL, but could change that possibly and maybe do our first night near Tikal. To do that midway may be difficult as we'll already be settled in. I am worried about the long trip (and heat). We'll be driving a lot as it is - from Placencia to BRL - and then from BRL to airport at end. I'd like to plan our trips carefully from the lodge so that we aren't in the car too much. I have read that the ride is quite beautiful and exciting. Was this your experience? Also - has anyone experienced the tubing through caves? Would you recommend doing this in addition to visiting the ATM cave?
I was told the Zoo is on the way to the lodge from Placencia. Is this not the case?

Thanks again!
JeanineMR is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2016, 12:46 PM
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BRL is grt as are their tours. Silly to call an operator in town when you can use them on site. Talk to them-they are experts. And remember, you get what you pay for.
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Old Jan 29th, 2016, 09:51 PM
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The zoo is between Belize City and Belmopan. Heading from Placencia to the San Ignacio area you'll pass through Belmopan and then go west toward SI; the zoo is not on that stretch. It might be worth the detour if that's your only opportunity to see it.

Cave tubing is popular but I haven't done it so can't recommend.

There are 3 hotels in the park at Tikal. I've visited there (and other area Maya sites) 5 times over the last 12 years; we nearly always stay in the Tikal Inn and book tours with archaeologist/naturalist Roxy Ortiz. She's wonderful!
www.tikalinnsunrise.com
www.tikalroxy.blogspot.com

We haven't been tempted to rent a car in Belize and I wouldn't consider driving 1 to Tikal. Not all agencies allow it and those that do will require extra time, I think, plus you would not have insurance in Guatemala.
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Old Feb 8th, 2016, 04:40 AM
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We were there last year with our 2 kids. I can assure you that the staff at Black Rock will be sure to keep you busy! Every morning when you come down for breakfast they are like camp counselors and will be sure that you have activities planned for the day. We did several excursions / activities both on and off the premises with their guides and enjoyed every one of them. They truly are a great group of people!
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Old Feb 8th, 2016, 05:48 AM
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Ditto above. I was there this weekend to visit an old friend who I booked there and always impressed how well they deal with guests guests and aim to please. Use their tour services
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