Where to stay in Cayo District
 

It seems like the more research I do the more confused I get. We would like to do ATM, Xunanantunich and possibly Caracol, cave tubing and zip-lining. We're looking for a hotel that is convenient and efficient to getting to and from these activities. Also any help with companies to book tours through and transportation to and from the airport in Belize City would also be appreciated.

Thanks all

Many many grt options in the Cayo district. If you want ac and tv, stay in or aaround San Ignacio town, but I much prefer the jungle lodges outside of town, up the Macal River and in the Mtn Pine Ridge. Lots of fabulous options in this area, depending on budget, comfort range, etc. You can book your tours and travel in Belize with the hotel or lodge you stay with easily enough

I prefer to stay in the town of San Ignacio because of access to shops, ATMs, grocery stores, bars, etc., but if you've never stayed in a rain-forest, you might prefer to stay at a jungle lodge (I used to live in a jungle).

San Ignacio Town has LOTS of accommodation for any budget -- let us know your budget if you want specific recommendations, or have a look at the accommodation listing on the website of the Belize Tourism Board.

A few tour companies are located in town. Pacz Tours always has positive comments on the forums -- have a look at their website. You could see Xunantunich on your own -- get there by bus or taxi from San Ignacio.

Also go to the Cayo Welcome Centre in SI for tourism information.

Travelling to SI from the airport can be done by rental car, transfer service (private shuttle) or public bus. Transfer service is a good way to go. They will meet you at the airport and drive you in comfort. The BelizeBus website has a list ot transfer companies -- contact a few for prices. If you want to do it cheaply, get a taxi to the bus terminal in Belize City and get a bus -- a bit more hassle.

Here's the link to the BelizeBus website...
https://belizebus.wordpress.com/

Here are 2 jungly places we've loved, Macal Jungle Camp and duPlooy's:
https://www.chaacreek.com/accommodat...budget-casitas
www.duplooys.com

They can set up tours and transfers for you or you can hire an outside agency to do it; it depends on your time, your budget, and your willingness to piece things together yourself as opposed to hiring a package deal. Some places you can visit on your own if you have a car or even if you tolerate public transit well.

We stayed at Chaa Creek and really enjoyed it; we did tours through them and also used PACZ tours to take a day trip over to Tikal.

Thanks so much for the recommendations. I'll look into these. Our budget is $150-$200 a night. I was looking at the jungle my one concern was that it makes getting to and from activities a little more difficult. Does renting a car make this easier or is it an unnecessary expense?

Also where is the best place to look/book lodging? Expedia?

You could also look at Cahal Pech, which (a) offers probably the best views in town and (b) is a very short walk to the prominent archaeological site of the same name.

I book directly with the hotels/resorts themselves.

Whether a rental car would help or not depends on who you're going with for tours. If you're staying at duPlooy's, for example, and arranging your tours through the lodge, transportation will be provided. If you want to stay there and arrange tours with an agency in town a car would help for the drives back and forth.

Where did you end up staying?