My head is swimming with all the info I've been reading here lately!! I've narrowed down the choices, can you help?? We're bring our kids (13,8,9) for 3 days, then on to AC. It's between DuPlooys, Crystal Paradise, Parrots Nest or staying in San Ignacio. Is it easy to get to town and arrange tours from these places to save money over what the lodges charge? the kids want to do horesbackriding, see some ruins (maybe Tikal) and night walks in the jungle. I need to watch my money, I don't need great digs, just some barriers betwen me and the biggest jungle creatures!

duPlooy's .... the kids will love it!

slommom, My husband and I are staying at Aguada in Santa Eleana which is right near San Ignacio.
We chose Aguada because I want the jungle experience when I want it and not when I don't. Shalue is our host and she has been wonderful. She will be helping us make arrangements for our trips, including Tikal. I'm not sure how entertained the kids will be, a lodge sounds great for them but Aguada does have a pool:) If your watching your pennies, you might want to check it out. They have a web site, Aguada.com
Good luck!

Suzy Q,
how far from town and the "jungle" are you? sounds like that might be a good compromise...how do you like your accomodations?

Slomom, Not far from what I am told. This will be my first trip to the Cayo district. I know that San Ignacio is suppose to be within walking distance and the local ruins are close. We are renting a car so that we can make the trips to some of the areas attractions on our own. Shalue at Aguada is helping us arrange the trips to places like the caves and Tikal. Aguada got good reviews in Fodor's, the travel book. I have been reading this message board for months and have seen postings before and after trips. Go with the recommendations of these guys. They know what they are talking about! Where are staying on AC? When are you going?

Aquada is nice. In a residential area. Short drive for horseback riding and other activities.

duPlooy's (from your choices) is your best best for the jungle experience. Horseback to Xunantunich in pretty incredible.

The duPlooy's family really do it right. The restaurant's deck sits up in the jungle canopy overlooking the Macal River a hundred feet below.

Chaa Creek is a short hop away (next door). The Natural History Center, Butterfly Farm, Ixchel Medicine Trail and Chaa Creek Spa are located here.

The highway and San Ignacio is a 20-30 minute drive.

duPlooy's for sure. Say hello to Heather and Shela.

Sir Isaac,
thanks for your info, can you tell me, do most lodges drive you somewhere to begin your tours? I guess my big dilemna is why pay for a jungle lodge if we're only sleeping there and leaving every day to go and do tours, horsebackriding, caving etc. we'll see alot of the jungle on the tours during the day, and it seems I could save alot staying in town. can you visit the butterfly farm, natural history centre, etc if you are not guests of the lodge?
can you shed some light on this?
thanks

If you are staying in the jungle at a lodge, you will end up doing your tours with them. Would not save you $$ getting into town to start from there (example - about $35 taxi fee duPlooys to SI) unless you plan to rent your own vehicle. Staying in town or at a place like the Aguada is considerably less $$ than staying at a lodge and will have cheaper tours as well. Longer drive getting to the sites usually but more choice of restaraunts, etc. Depends on what you are looking for. I have stayed at the Aguada and Crystal Paradise with my 2 kids (6 &11) and they liked both. The lodges have more of a jungle "on site" experience (birding scopes, canoes on the river, cool bugs, etc. But the town hotels usually have more creature comforts like TV, A/C, pools. Personally I think CP might be a good choice for you as it is lower priced than some of the lodges and includes breakfast & dinner in the prices. Run by a large Belizean family so very family oriented and usually kids on site. Good tours, horses on site. Aguada has kids on site too and a pool & playground. Feel free to contact me for more info or specifics, and check out several years worth of photos at http://photos.yahoo.com/barbsbelize

It is really something special waking up in the jungle right at daybreak.

No unatural noise polution, no matter how faint.

Its equally amazing when the night comes, listening to the various sounds of the canopy.

Some tours start at the lodge, like the river excursions, horseback and hiking.

Chaa Creek's attraction are open to the public, guests and non-guests pay admission.

Renting a car is a very smart idea no matter where you stay. It's a pretty good hike to town from Aguada.

If you are looking for the full jungle experience, you may want to stay in the jungle. It may not seem like too much more if you compare it with your overall vacation expenditure.

The Aguada is a very nice property also. A good friend of mine operates the resort.

SIN