Deb15July

We'll be in Belize at the same time Jen!

We won't be going to the beach, but will be at three different places in the jungle. Luxury Link has a deal for Chaa Creek for 4 nights...
http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/h...id=19981&len=4

We also considered Mystic River in Cayo but ended up with Table Rock.

Jennifer72

Hi All,

Sorry to ask even more questions but everything we are reading says that Caye Caulker and Hopkins are unbearable with sand fleas and biting flies and that you cannot even stand them enough to be outside - is this true? From what we have reaad Ambergris has the lowest biting bug problems on the beach, but wanted to check since we were really looking for a more off the beaten path kind of experience and we have read that Ambergris is not quite that. What do you guys think? If both Caye Caulker and Hopkins (we really were planning Caulker) are too buggy to enjoy the beaches then where else is there? Is the only other option Ambergris? I also liked Caulkers location as far as hopping around...

Thanks Deb15, I think we have opted to stay at a different lodge based on feedback, though i have heard amazing things about Chaa Creek. If you see a brunette celebrating her 40th it may just be me so say hello

Thanks All!

volcanogirl

We did not experience any bug/biting problems on Ambergris, but I can't speak to the other places. I think some places in Ambergris could give you that off the beaten path feeling. We had it at the place where we stayed, but if you go into town, it's definitely busy there. Lots of golf carts, etc.

Patty

You're right hopefulist, we probably would've been OK if it was breezy. That said, I'm never going to risk it again We were staying on the beach in Placencia that trip and it was nice and breezy during the day but every evening was dead calm. I got horribly bitten up when the breeze died down too. I don't know if that's typical of the weather pattern in that area at that time of year.

Jennifer,
We didn't have a problem on Caye Caulker but it was very breezy the whole time we were there. The only place we got bitten was at dinner at Wish Willi as it's in a sort of sheltered location toward the back side of the island. I haven't noticed much of a difference between Ambergris and Caulker and think it depends more on weather than anything else.

hopefulist

We haven't had problems with sand flies in Hopkins, Glovers, or Caulker on our trips except for about 30 seconds in 2009 on Glovers when I was stepping off a dive boat. Pray for steady breezes!

Jennifer72

For those who have been to caves branch did you do the all inclusive? we are going a la carte as the all inclusive for 2 for 4 nights is 1600 and a la carte is about half that. THat said we need to figure out our own food situation, I am contemplating renting a car to get to and from the town for dinner. Trying to factor in costs and see which is a better deal price-wise. Wondering what I can figure the cost woudl be to get transport from BZE to Caves Branch each way per person, to factor in which is the more affordable route. Thanks!

Joysky

Hi, if you are looking into outdoor activities we did a couple of tours with a local tour operator Sendero Panama. Very knowledgeable guides and high quality service.
Panama is more than just partys and the Canal, is full of history and culture. Don´t miss the opportunity to explore that side of the country.
We also visited El Valle, Chiriqui and Azuero Peninsula.