ladybegood

Senior couple leaving for Belize next week. Normally we travel independently and I plan our trips in advance, finding discounts for hotels, tours and transport --or in some countries the cost is already so low and the values so good that that is unnecessary. Not backpacker types but (particularly now) cannot afford expensive accommodations etc.--although can sometimes splurge.

Trying and trying but find high costs and no discounts for Belize. Appreciate recommodations--or should we wait and make arrangements when we are in Belize?

Also should we rent a car? We will be going to Placencia for a few days (only hotel I booked) and know I want to and snorkel and spend some time on one of Cayes, where car is unnecessary or impossible. otherwise unbooked and unplanned. How bad are the roads in late February and early March?

Went to Guatemala last year and saw Tikal and a few other Mayan sites so while I would like to see more, he is not as enthusiatic so has to be very special space.

Any help and advise is appreciated.

JeanH

Where are you staying in Placencia, and what do you plan on doing while there? If you're staying in the village, and are content with just wandering around, or taking tours, you won't need a car. If you're staying further up the peninsula, and want to be able to go back and forth to town easily, rent a car.

Although, car rental is expensive. Do you plan on heading inland to do some more 'jungly' things? Interested in cave tubing, hiking? If so, having a car would make it a lot easier to get there from Placencia.

Then, drop the car off in Belize City, and head to either Caye Caulker or Ambergris, by either water taxi or plane.

I prefer Ambergris, the beaches are better, and there are more choices for food and lodging. But, it's generally more expensive, although there are some decent cheap places to eat and sleep.

I leave for Ambergris on Friday, will be there for a month. E-mail me if you'd like more info on Ambergris, [email protected]

ladybegood

staying at Maya Beach. Bought 4 night package at charity auction that included meals, accommodations and a few more throw ins.Supposedly the food at the restaurant is quite good.

Realize that it is not in the town but thought we would either do car or take buses or something.

Leaving next Monday for Belize--please HELP!

hopefulist

How much time do you have in all? I read the "strenuous" thread 1st so responded with other Cayo-based activities.

ladybegood

not sure what are "jungly" things--willing to try almost anything.

Probably easier to describe my ideal. In Vietnam, I stayed a nice, not fancy but clean not primitive hotel in the hills in the north. Every day I set out on fairly flat trekking or day tours and every night returned for a good bed, warm shower (not hot--but in hot countries, warm is enough), and good dinner.

JeanH

I've never been to Maya Beach, I know there is one restaurant there that is incredible.

You could look into just renting a car for the day to explore the peninsula.

Are you planning on taking some tours? The ones on the mainland will be easier to access from Maya Beach than the village itself.

Katie_Valk

Maya Beach Hotel Bistro-excellant

chris45ny

Few years ago stayed in the Cayo district for "jungle" experience-went to Tikal, horseback riding through the jungle but you will be further south I believe. I would do a search on the internet-type in Belieze and then go from there. After Cayo, we flew from Belieze City to Ambergis Caye. Very nice. Rented golf cart to get around-neat. The guys did scuba-Blue Hole, night dive, etc. while we ladies went shopping, time at the pool, and did day trip to believe it was called Lamamai?? Very nice ruins via boat. Got to see beautiful sunset from the boat on the way back. There are inexpensive places in Ambergis to eat. Also did snorkel trip to Shark/ray alley-that was fantastic. Tons of rays and nurse sharks. Have a great time!!