Hi, We're planning a 10 day trip to Belize in May. I'm trying to decide if we should rent a car for the Cayo district or just use the tours through our Lodge (still trying to decide between Ek Tun, Chan Chich and Blancaneaux. We definitely want to visit Caracol, go on a cave rafting adventure, hike to Big Rock Falls and probably visit a few art galleries. What would probably be cheaper? I've read that rental cars rates are expensive, but also that tours through the lodges are more than going through another tour group. Also, would it be difficult to visit art galleries and Big Rock Falls without a car? And finally, what would probably be the safest option?<BR><BR>Thanks so much!

I think having a car is a big advantage. It gives you the freedom to go where and when you want. While rental cars aren't cheap in Belize -- figure US$65 a day minimum -- neither are tours, whether it's the lodge's tour or an independent one. Even if you don't save any money, you may break even plus you'll have seen a lot more with a vehicle.<BR><BR>I think the best rental company in Belize is Budget, but Crystal, Thrifty, Hertz and others also are good.<BR><BR>--Lan Sluder

Lan,
I've heard that you can rent a car in San Ignacio, but can't find information on this in the Budget rental car website. Is this true? We're staying at Blankanaeux and then too Placencia, so we thought a direct flight from San Igancio would be faster. Thanks.

BL is best situated for Caracol and Big Rock Falls. Not many, if any art galleries, in this area. You'll find those in Belize City and on San Pedro (I visited 6 of them yesterday on SP). You can walk to Big rock Falls from BL. No public transport in the MPR area where these attractions are.

Budget is based in Belize City.

Try Safe car rental in San Ignacio. But there's not much point in renting a car once you get to San Ignacio. What makes sense is to rent a car in Belize Ctiy and drive to Blancaneaux and then to Placencia. Budget is an excellent choice.

(Not pertinent to your situation, but for &quot;swithers&quot; note: Chan Chich is in a totally different area from Ek'Tun and Blancaneaux. )

--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com