My boyfriend and i are trying to plan a 10 day trip to belize in the middle of June... we would like to spend half our time near the beach and other half in the mountains.
First of all: i know that it is rainy season in June, but how much rain can we expect near the coast vs in the mountain.....should we consider postponing trip a few months?
We are thinking about staying in the Cayo region at either Hidden Valley Ranch, dePluooy's Jungle Lodge, or Mariposa Jungle Lodge the first half of trip ~ 4 days. Any personal experiences with either of these places...we want the jungle experience but with some comfort and a little romance....Do you recommend getting a car? Is it possible to leave these lodges to "go into town" to experience the culture? what is the cheapest way to get from the airport to any of these locatins....
The other half we were planning on spending in Placencia(5 days), since i read the beaches are more softsand and the water is clearer (less algae)...we are interested in lounging by the beach, some snorkeling and swimming....we are looking at Placencia Hotel or the Inn at Roberts Grove...Any reson to consider one over the other? How is the town of placencia for restaurants/ bars/ soaking up some real atmosphere.....is it possible to rent bikes or taxi into town....
would you recommend a few days in eith ambergris caye or any other sites...where is the best place to visit a good ruins site from and which is a good site... thanks and sorry for rambling on

I don't know much about the Cayo, only been there once and stayed right outside San Ignacio. We rented a car, the driving was easy, although it takes longer to get anywhere than it does in the States. I don't know how far away from town the lodges that you mention are.

I've also only been to Placencia once. My experience was that the sand wasn't as soft or as white as it is on Ambergris. The beaches are wider, and there is less sea grass in the water in Placencia. However, sea grass isn't the same as algae, and the water on Ambergris is very clear.

As you can tell, I'm biased towards Ambergris. It is busier and more built up, but that also means a larger choice of bars/restaurants/live music and hotels.

I've been to Belize twice in June. The first time it hardly rained at all. The second time it did rain quite a bit, mostly at night. That was before any of the roads were paved in San Pedro, and it was tough getting around because of the mud and pot holes. It's better now, since at least the main streets have cobblestones.

thanks for the info JeanH.....i'll take a closer look at ambergris caye....

I'd opt for HVI on 7200 acres in the Mtn Pine Ridge and 7 waterfalls on premises and close to Caracol. Or duPlooys, on the Macal River in tropical foliage with a formidible botanic garden, close to Xunantunich and closer to Tikal than HVI. duPlooys is about 15 mins from town, HVI 45 mins. Car rental will be less $ than transfers and drivers for tours. Placencia has the better beaches. The Placencia is fine and about 10 miles from the village, Roberts Grove one of the best on the peninsula and 6 miles from the village.

if you want to stay in a new place on the beach in placencia village, try the mirasol. very nice. go to placencia.com and check out their website