My husband and I have just planned a trip to Belize in August with our teenagers. We've decided to go to AC first for a week (maybe Banyan Bay or Victoria House?) and then 3 nights at Chaa Creek or another jungle lodge. I'd love any and all suggestions from you wise board people about favorite activities. (We love to dive, sail, hike, etc.)How's the weather at the end of August? Will we have a problem getting from Banyan Bay into town for dinner? Is it walkable at night? Shold we spend one of our days at Chaa Creek going to Tikal?

I haven't been to Belize for 23 years -- my parents lived in Belize City for one year. The country seems to have changed a lot --my parents didn't even have a refrigerator.

Thanks for any help.

coral: We did the same type of trip in Feb but only 2 of us (older and older ) and loved the cayo area. Stayed in Santa Elena tho. Did do the Tikal trip and it was awesome! Ran out of time so didn't get to do the cave tubing but a definite for next trip! I'd think about rearranging and going to cayo area first and relaxing in San Pedro after. If you look on the "other parts of belize" messages, there is a great trip report from a family that was just there in July (michael123). Just mho but i'd contact Barb @ barbsbelize.com - she can help w/any and everything. Hope this helps...have a blast!

I think Banyan Bay is a great choice for families. My family and I stayed there last summer and everyone loved it, and there were quite a few families there at the time, so my kids found friends to chill with. It's a little far to walk into town, or at least to do so regularly, but you can rent a golf cart or take a taxi (US$5). Also, there are some restaurants within walking distance, including Rico's at the hotel.

In Cayo, while Chaa Creek is excellent you might also look at Ek'Tun, which has the coolest swimming pool in Belize (a natural mineral water pool cut out of limestone, with incredible blue water -- usually it's just you and the howler monkeys).

I'd definitely try to make at least a day trip to Tikal. The Maya sites in Belize are all very interesting, but Tikal is in a class by itself.

--Lan Sluder www.belizefirst.com

i gotta agree about doing cayo first then ac. definately. i liked duplooys too.
http://www.pbase.com/image/3509901/medium

We also have 3 kids and did the same thing you are thinking of..Do Ambergris first Banyan Bay or Victoria are both good choices. Victoria has a much nicer beach. We stayed at Chaa Creek in the jungle camp. I am not mch of a camper but his was awesome..much better than the casitas. your kids will love it!! they have shower and toliet facilities and thefood is fantastic. We went tubing from there (at Duplooys) and had a great time. They also have an awesome spa at Chaa Creek, the setting is beautiful, take advantage of it if you stay there. Have a great time!

We're all set. Thank you, everyone, for all your help. See you in Belize!

Hey Lisa D. You didn't say anything about your "accomodations" in S.P.(snicker, snicker!!)Mother

Dearest Lovey and Thurston,
The accomodations were superb! I don't know about the "help" though, they kept napping in the afternoon and left us with a dead dog!