Tours--How strenuous ATM and other caving tours

Old Feb 16th, 2009, 06:14 AM
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Tours--How strenuous ATM and other caving tours

Going to Belize next week for 2 weeks. Several tours--like the ATM and other caving and nature tours look wonderful. But concerned with how strenuous are they. we are 60 and 70 years old-in good health but ( while h would not like my saying so) not particularly fit. Last year we went on the up the volcano hike in Guatemala and we would not have made it but for others kindly helping us.
Need recommendations for fairly easy hikes and tours (we are not handicapped)as well as names of ones we should not go on.
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 07:01 AM
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I have read the ATM trip is very strenuous and involves swimming and climbing as well as the hike up through the jungle with several stream crossings. I haven't been on it, though, so can't give more specifics; we've arranged that tour for August but you - lucky ducks - will be there before we are. The volcano hike you did in Guatemala was probably Pacaya which I have done and agree that it's quite a hike. The weather tends to be temperate there in the highlands, though, while in Belize the heat and humidity really take a toll, making activity more grueling.

You might consider visiting the Chechem Ha cave instead. It does require a hike of about a mile or so up into the jungle but they give you walking sticks. The cave itself has a few steepish places with ropes but is otherwise fairly tame. There are a few ladders where you can climb to look at ledges with ancient pottery. No dead bodies, though, like ATM.

Chechem Ha is near the western border and combines well with a visit to Xunantunich (hire a tour clear to the ruins unless you want to cross the hand-crank ferry on foot and hike the mile or so uphill to the site). We are also very fond of the butterfly house at The Trek Stop which is also very near.

Although it's a little tough to arrange, we really enjoyed the earth sculpture park called Poustinia. We arranged a visit there and to Chechem Ha through the owners of The Trek Stop where we were staying but walked from there to Xunantunich ourselves.

If you're willing to share more about your itinerary we might be able to advise you better (where are you staying, how long?). Happy trails!
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 07:06 AM
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ATM requires average agility and fitness-45 mins walk thru well cut jungle trails, criss crossing a creek 3 times, swim 15 ft into the mouth of the cave, spend the next 3 hrs walking, wading and stepping up big rocks that a more like large steps. Barton Creek cave is the easiest-just step into the canoe at the edge of the river and your guide will paddle you a few miles into an underground river cave. Che Chem Ha is a 30 min min hike up a relatively steep jungle hill, 3 hrs in the cave, rope to descend about 15 ft into the last chamber. None as strenous as climbing the volano.
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 07:43 AM
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ATM was a brisk hike, but on a pretty flat path; more than 15 minutes each way, I would say, though.
Crossing the stream (not very deep, but you do get wet right up the legs, and more if you stumble, of course) could be tricky because the rocks are slippery. Not really much swimming in the cave; nothing too strenuous. There is some clambering within the cave, and walking over the (dry upper area) cave floor in socks. At the very end, there is an aluminum ladder to climb (also socks). I was worried because of my lack of conditioning, to put it nicely, but was glad I did it.
OUr group was mostly older folks, 50s and 60s (I think), and one person had asthma. Everyone made it through without incident.
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 07:45 AM
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Meant 45, not 15 minutes!
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 08:12 AM
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someone asked about our itinerary and I have to confess it is still almost wide open--my fault.

Arriving Feb 23--at about 4 PM and right now except for 4 nights booked in Placencia (Feb 28 -March 4) no reservations.

Since I love snorkeling (and am scuba certified but have not dove in years), want to spent part at one of the cayes.
Suggestions/recommendations/etc--greatly appreciated. Unfortunately we are on a budget but can splurge a few times.
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Old Feb 16th, 2009, 10:32 AM
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I'd plan to shuttle from the airport to a pre-arranged place in the San Ignacio area. The Trek Stop is a great budget place that I mentioned before, and Aguada is another, closer to town, ac and pool and a bit more expensive but still good value. You could stay 4-5 nights plus an overnight to Tikal. Some folks visit as a day trip but it's a lot of time on the road for a few hot hours to explore. If you stay overnight in the park you can explore in the cooler evening and early morning hours when wildlife is abundant and you practically have the place to yourselves.

It's easy to shuttle or bus back to Belize City, a little more challenging but doable to Placencia. You might want to fly to Placencia from BC if you can swing it.

You can go on snorkel and dive trips from Placencia; the reef is out a ways. You could also visit fairly nearby sites like the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve (great hiking), Maya Centre Village, or the Mayflower site.

If you have time after that, Caye Caulker might be a good match.

You can download Lan Sluder's lodging guide at www.belizefirst.com and check out the Toucan Trail section on the Belize Forum at http://www.belizeforum.com/belize/ . Happy trails!
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