naturetraveller

My family of 5 (3 teenage boys) plans a weeklong trip to Belize in August and we are looking for advice. I have read that ATM is a must, so I would like to do that. Snorkeling on the barrier reef seems like another must-do, but we like to snorkel from the beach, so we were thinking of staying at Pelican Beach at South Water Caye for maybe 3 nights. I am also leaning towards staying at Chan Chich, but it seems like we should stay somewhere else to do the ATM tour, as Chan Chich is far and expensive. I would rather get my money's worth for the nights we stay at Chan Chich by staying on the premises. I was thinking of maybe staying at Pook's HIll for one or two nights to do the ATM tour. I would also consider doing the PACZ overnight ATM tour, which involves camping, but since August is rainy season maybe we should not consider camping? If we just stay one night somewhere to do the ATM tour, and all we need is a clean room, as we would be on the tour all day and therefore don't need a lot of amenities that night, maybe someone knows of a well-located, clean place to stay nearby. To give you an idea of what we like, we have been to Costa Rica 3 times together and have stayed at Bosque del Cabo twice, and we loved it. We are open to other suggestions of places to stay. Bring on the advice!

RAC

I would start with the assumption that you'll be staying in two different locations.

I would say that you can choose 2/3 of Chan Chich, ATM, and the coast.

One alternative would be to stay at Chaa Creek instead of Chan Chich, and take the ATM tour from there.

I would tend to agree that due to expense and location, Chan Chich is a destination rather than a base for tours.

Another good place to combine Mayan archaeology plus wildlife and great service would be the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, right across the road from the Lamanai archaeological reserve, with forest wildlife plus the lagoon. The boat ride there is fantastic with wildlife--lots of cool birds plus big crocodiles.

Patty

3 locations is a lot of moving around for one week. If you're set on the ATM tour, I would stay in the Cayo area for your inland part. If wildlife/birding is more important, I would stay at Chan Chich or Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

naturetraveller

Am I wrong to be so set on the ATM tour? I read in a guidebook that it is the best thing in Central America for people who have done it. That's the only reason I am so set on it. Would that experience be more valuable or would staying at Chan Chich give us more--or Lamanai Outpost?

Katie_Valk

Without sounding like PT Barnum, I think ATM is a lifetime memory and a unique experience. Pelican on SWC is magic. Most similiar to Chan Chich closer to ATM would be Chaa Creek (closer to Tikal) in tropical foliage and Hidden Valley Inn and Blancaneaux in the Mtn Pine Ridge (closer to Caracol).

RAC

We haven't done ATM, but understand the appeal.

We chose to do Tikal and Caracol instead.

Patty

I haven't done ATM either. I'm claustrophobic and don't do caves.

FancyDay

Our family of 5 (3 teens) will be staying on South Water Caye in two weeks. I'l report back.

naturetraveller

I look forward to hearing about your trip! Where will you stay?

naturetraveller

Thank you, responders who suggested we look at Chaa Creek instead of Chan Chich due to its closer proximity to ATM. I am considering that option now. Had wanted to stay at Chan Chich because I had read that it was the nicest jungle lodge, but Chaa Creek sounds nice too.

Katie_Valk

Chaa Creek is one of the best lodges in the region for all they do. Great choice!

beanweb24

>> Without sounding like PT Barnum, I think ATM is a lifetime memory and a unique experience.

I'll second that. My boyfriend and I went last year (we actually stayed in Hopkins...3 hour drive each way to the caves) and it was the highlight of our trip. In general the cave is quite spacious, though there are a few tight squeezes you will make between rocks. If you are claustrophobic, I would imagine the darkness (you wear headlamps) to be a bigger issue than the actual physical space. It really is a unique/amazing experience. If you can make it, I think your boys will love it.

RAC

I would add that if you're in the Cayo (where the ATM is) please make an effort to see Tikal, which may be the most important set of ruins in the entire western hemisphre. It's the only place that's a UNESCO Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage site--great wildlife as well as archaeology and history.

FancyDay

naturetraveller, we are splitting our stay between Pelican Beach and Blue Marlin.

msteacher

Yes, you are right to be so set on the ATM cave. I have travelled to many different countries and it remains one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life.

naturetraveller

So now I am thinking of splitting the time at only Pook's Hill and Pelican Bay/South Caye. Some things I read about Pook's Hill made it sound inferior to Chaa Creek, but another review I read somewhere said that they saw more wildlife at Pook's Hill than at Chaa Creek, and that it was very nice. Wildlife is the big selling point for us, plus Pook's Hill is so much closer to ATM and it sounds like their tours are the best because you get to go first thing in the morning, before other people. And then Pelican Bay/ South Caye because they have the nicest beach and snorkeling? Would love for people to either affirm my thoughts or tell me I am making a mistake.

JMBelizetravel

My advice to you would be stay at Chaa Creek and do the ATM from there. Also make sure you do a Mayan Ruins tour also either Caracol or Xunan as you might want to get the full Mayan Experiences. Stay 3 nights or 4 nights there and then you head to beach for your sea adventure there. You will not regret it.

volcanogirl

We stayed at Chaa Creek and really liked it. They have howlers on the property, lots of good birding, and we saw a new kind of opossum on a night hike. Also saw some aracaris, oscillated turkeys, and spider monkeys at Tikal. We paired it with Victoria House which was spectacular. If there's any way you can snorkel at Hol Chan, I'd recommend it - some of the best snorkeling we've ever done and included seeing sea turtles and huge rays.

Patty

We've stayed at duPlooys which is very close to Chaa Creek and saw agoutis, possums, kinkajous, bats, iguanas and lots of birds. Night walks are good for spotting. Haven't stayed in the area where Pooks Hill is so can't make a comparison in terms of wildlife. South Water Caye is a gorgeous gem and you can snorkel from shore.

dan_heimbrock

Lots of folks on here recommending Chaa Creek, which is nice, but really overpriced compared to just as good resorts right in the area. Here are two to look at: Table Rock Jungle Lodge (across the river from Chaa, easier to get to and about half the price). Gumbo Limbo Jungle Resort is closer to ATM Cave and is a very charming resort with super nice owners...again less than half of Chaa Creek price. I get it that some people want to stay at the most expensive resort with a reflection pool, but for my money I want clean, nice, authentic and convenient more than I want a "big name resort."

Regarding what to do with your teens, ATM IS a must, but there are lots of great activities in Cayo that the whole family will love. Best Mayan site for us was Xunatunich which is pretty close and features a cool hand cranked ferry ride. Cave tubing at Jaguar Paw is really fun too. To explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, you could rent mountain bikes or horses to visit Big Rock Falls and other natural wonders in this area.

For the beach portion, I would recommend either Caye Caulker which is laid back island life at its finest, or the Maya Beach area where you have many choices for great resorts right on the beach so you can snorkle easily. My pick would be the Green Parrot, not too fancy, but really nice. Enjoy Belize and tell your friends!