Greetings! My husband and I are visiting Belize in January. We are flying into Belize City and then going to Santa Elena for several days to take in the Mayan ruins, the caves, and perhaps Tikal. Would we be happier renting a car to visit these sights (with the exception of Tikal) or is it really just as much fun to join a tour group with one of the local companies? Are the roads in this area safe? This will be our first visit to the Cayo so we are not familiar with this district! Thanks for any input!

I've always preferred to have my own wheels - more flexibility to go where/when I want to. Good rates, good vehicles. Always book with Kevin Lewis. Meets me at BZE - ready to go. Drop off in town with free return to BZE....

It's been my experience that most agencies won't permit you to take the car outside the borders, so definitely hookup with a local operator to take you across the border into Guat and onward to Tikal.

Contact info:
Lewis Auto Rental
23 Cemetery Road
Belize City
Tel: 501-227-4193
Fax: 501-227-2756
Email: [email protected]

As far as I know, Kevin is no longer in the auto rental business.

thats too bad - nevermind then

Yes, I miss Lewis Auto too. Now I use Budget and they are good too.

I've used Budget in Belize for 11 or 12 years, and they are tops! Nice people, very professional and good vehicles. I just wish they'd add more diesels to their inventory.

--Lan Sluder

Thanks for the imput. But will I have trouble getting around? Are the roads marked well enough for the average person who does not know where they are going to to get around? And will we be able to drive to the sights around San Ignacio? If I have time for one Cave experience, which one should it be? So much to see and so little time!

Roads are generally well marked. Easy to get around (once you get out of BZ City ). Yes, you can drive to most of the sights. Lots of caves to choose from. I personally like the canoeing through Barton Creek Cave.

if ya want a fun "drivers guide" to BZ, try Emory King's book (sorry Lan) http://www.emoryking.com/driversguide.htm

Maye thingsa change, but just don't expect one delivered quickly. Several years ago, I called Emory up one Sunday afternoon and asked him to send me a copy of his newest release. "SURE NO PROBLEM, PAY ME WHEN IT ARRIVES"...... copy arrived 4 months after I returned which was 3 months after I called him.

But, it was an adventure spending a day trying to hunt him down in BZ City when we were there and pick up ***one*** directly. Kinda like "Where's Waldo?"

Just who was trying to "pick up on you directly?" ("pick up onme directly?")and how much of an adventure was it? Inquiring minds wanna know!