We liked Chaa Creek; it's pricey, but we got a really good deal on Luxury Link. They also have a more affordable jungle camp that's popular if that interests you. You're right; tours can be expensive. I'd say definitely go to Tikal and Hol Chan if you can. The ATM cave is popular too. PACZ is a nice tour company.

Lots of options in all these great areas and hope you are aware that CC and SP are neighbor islands and although different in style and speed, are geographically similiar. Perhaps rethink and look at Placencia or Hopkins for your other beach option. Either of these will offer a different flavor, view, trips, etc

thanks to both of you. I will keep checking Luxury LInk.

Yes I wondered about that Katie. We were also looking at possibly Placencia for a week instead of Caye Caulker. Is that easy to get to/from?

We enjoyed our stay at duPlooys a couple of years ago. It's less expensive than Chaa Creek.

If you choose to go to Placencia, I'd either hire a shuttle or take the bus from San Igancio. The trip down the Hummingbird Highway is beautiful. I'm guessing the trip would be around three hours.

Then, I'd fly from Placencia to Ambergris, via Belize City Municipal.

Once you get to Ambergris, you can hop on the water taxi and visit Caye Caulker for a day.

We used Tropic Air to go from the mainland to Ambergris.

8 nights in San Ignacio is almost screaming for 1-2 nights in Tikal. That's the real deal in terms of spending time inside a rainforest.

Thanks so much everyone. We booked our flights from Victoria to Belize tonight so the first step is done!

We are thinking of either Cahal Pech or Parrot Nest in San Ignacia. We are leaning towards Cahal because they have a pool and seem a bit nicer. Has anyone been there?

We are wondering how many days would you suggest for Placencia? Is a week too much?

And RAC that is why I want to spend 8 nights there because I do want to do a side trip to Tikal. Thanks.

We stayed at Cahal Pech. It's a great value, especially if you're doing mostly day trips. The pools are nice, and the views are spectacular. And they offer good service.

However, you're not in the rain forest there and it's not a luxury place.

We got our ride into Tikal with them--we tagged along with a tour group, and then split off to check into the Tikal Inn.

I just booked too but unfortunateley for only 9 days. Let us know how your plans are coming. I am on overload right now

Thanks so much everyone.
We have booked the following
Jan 17 -25 at Cahal Pech San Ignacia in a 2 bedroom, 8 nites.

still deciding where for Jan 25 -31. We want our own rooms for these 6 nights. Seperation may be a good thing to keep the friendship

Looking at Hopkins or Placencia.

Just booked Oasis del Caribe in Abergris Caye, 2 bedroom second floor unit for 10 nites, Jan 31 to Feb 10
Fly home Feb 10.

Any thoughts on the middle 6 nights?

We loved the Hopkins Inn - pretty much perfect.
www.hopkinsinn.com

thanks Hopefulist. That is the one we were looking at.

Well Hopkins was unavailable so this is what we have booked and paid for. Written in stone pretty much now

Cahal Peche two bedrooms Jan 17 -25
Seaspray Hotel in Placencia 25 -31. Each couple have our own unit
Oasis del Caribe Jan 31 to Feb 10. 2 bedroom unit.

Thanks for your help everyone.