Hi Guys,

I need some help. In 2010 we stayed in San Ignascio for a few days before heading to Caye Caulker for a week after a long trip through Guatemala. In 2007 we spend over 2 weeks in Belize and Guatemala. This time we have 19 days. Our trip begins with Lamanai my wife still talks about the boat ride and I still remember the biggest smile on her face. From there we figure a few days at Nohmul ( to short or too long??) Any ideas of other things to do around the area. We were even thinking of an over night in Corozal?
From there we plan to go to Caracol for 2 days, last time we stayed at 5 Sisters, I know it has a new funky name. Any ideas about any other places to stay in the area as I remember the road was a slow drive and dusty. I don't want to get up at 6 am and drive for 3 hours to the army base. From this part of the trip we need to get to Yaxha, Naranjo and Nakum. The last time we were worn out and didn't see all of Yaxha and none of the other 2 sites. I am hoping that Flames Auto Rental is still in business and will rent me a vehicle to go across the border. Other than that any ideas of how to get around. We are familiar with the collectivo's and have no fear of them but the road up to the ruins and back to the lodge is challenging. We plan to stay at the Eco lodge at Yaxha, again if it is still in business. In 2007 we spent time on Ambergris and plan to go back for the last 5 days but cannot decide on where to stay. Clean and quiet is alway preferred( ear plugs are one of our accessories) Last time we stayed on the other side of the bridge in the north at the White Sands but would like something comparable but closer to town. Banana Beach??? Mata Rocks??? don't really know. Any Ideas.

Thanks

I suspect this trip will be like your last trip. You go and do stuff. Seems strange to me that you are all anxious about going to a place you have already been to. I cant imagine telling you what property to choose without even a clue as to your tastes. Either MR or BB would provide a great vacation. There are no collectivos in Belize.

I realize there are no collectivos in Belize. What I was saying that to go to Yaxha I could take a collectivo but then I would up to the ruins which is about 26 miles if I remember.
As for my tastes clean and quiet. I can afford to stay at Blanceaux lodge or have the coldest beer in Belize. All I was asking if anyone has experienced anything that is newer than what I know. As for going to sites I have seen before archeologists spend years going to the same place, and no I am not comparing myself to an archeologist but I have visited over 50 different ruins in the Gualtemala, Honduras, Belize and Mexico over the years. I have spent many hours talking and watching the people who excavate the sites over the years. As I have told my children and grandchildren when I was 18 I knew everything now I learn something new each and everyday. That is why I would go to the same place over and over again. Some people just go to the same hotel in Cancun every year. It is unfortunate that you did not really read my question but thank-you for trying. I really mean it.

I had to read your question to know about the collectivo thing didnt i

Five Sisters is now Gaia and besides Blancaneaux, Hidden Valley Inn is an incredible 7200 acres property with private waterfalls, MET is in the tropical foot hills of the Mtn Pine ridge. I think the Eco lodge at Ya Xha is still open and love that site and Topoxt; very interesting area. Flames auto? I think you mean Crystal Auto, who allow you to cross the border with advance notice into Guatemala. Have you need to el Pilar outside of San Ignacio town? Both Banana Beach and Mata Rocks are fine and offer good value for the $

Thanks Katie,

There was a rental company based in San Ignacio called Flames and a gentleman name Eldridge Macdougall( I think) We had found it just by accident when we had arrived on the express bus from Belize City ( again something we always laugh about since it really isn't express as per North American standards)and the rental we were to pick up by the Texaco was a car not a SUV and it was still in Belmopan even after we had breakfast. I had noticed when coming up the hill on the bus a rental place but somehow with the maze of streets made a wrong turn, found Flames and Eldridge was and painting vehicles outside. I talked to him and made a deal but I had left my wife with our gear at the Texaco. He gave me his full set of keys probably including his house keys and told me to go and pick her up and he would have a SUV washed up for us. Talk about trust. We took the car all through the Mountain Pines and even had 2 flats and one spare tire( thats another story) Eldridge filled out the paperwork to go across the border and all he asked is that we use the airconditioning as the car we took through the Mountain Pines we had the windows down and about an inch of dust was in the car. When we returned to San Ignacio we were ready to part ways with our car to do the rest of our trip but Elridge arranged for his man to be at the bus station in Belize City and he drove us to the airport. So you see why I rememember but thanks for the tip about Crystal.

We booked last night at Hidden Valley I hope as they got their dates confused from our first email and their availablity. I remembered driving by the resort on the way to the 1000 foot high or so water fall. I think this road was the best road in all of Belize. Thanks for the tip about Topoxt and El Pilar both look interesting and all we have is time for about 10 days. I was just confused about AC as it looked like it had a lot of new places have been built since 2007. I like the idea of flying to the airport then flying to our next destination before we head for home.

Like I said we have had a lot of fun in that part of the world.