Deal direct with the tour operator; PACZ does a good job at a competitive rate and has been around quite a while .

We had a good experience with Pacz; I'd use them again.

We also used PACZ, mainly because we got the recommendation on this board, but they were great for us.

Our tours were included with our resort rate, but at least one was PACZ (and not just the resort staff) and they were fantastic. It was the ATM cave tour. I would definitely use them if I was booking independently.

So it looks like PACZ it will be. I assume the tours go regardless of weather...true?

Some tours will not go if the water levels are too high from recent rains. That's part of the reason to go with a reputable company - they'll say no if it's not safe. There have been some cave tubing deaths in Belize in high water situations. We've never had a cancellation during July and August trips so you'll probably be fine. Happy trails!

Here's their contact form, to ask them: http://www.pacztours.net/blog/contact-us/

I'm confused...I found this at one link:

Pacz Tours started its small caving operation in 1998 with its owner Jamal Crawford being the manager, guide and the mechanic all as the same time.

and this at another:

Pacz Tours was started in 1998 as a very small caving company by a gentleman named Emilio Awe. How small you ask, Emilio was the manager, the guide and the mechanic; essentially meaning it was him and someone else who answered the phone.

I wouldn't worry about it; they're a much larger operation now, run lots of tours, and from what I know, have a good reputation. However, there are many tour companies in San Ignacio; we used PACZ for a day trip to Tikal and another outfit for ATM (they were just fine, but I can't remember their name, and won't pull a familiar sounding one out of a list, because we looked into several).

Thanks everyone...I sent a note to PACZ requesting reservations.

Syl,
I was just a little confused because I'd been looking at a website that had a whole different look than the one you provided. They had different info on the company origins. Turns out if you click the link for the blog on the site I was using, you get to the one you posted. But why the info is different I can't figure out....WEIRD!

Have a terrific time! Loved ATM & Tikal; alas, never got to Caracol due to road washouts at the time, but it's on my bucket list.
p.s. If you're in San Ignacio, make sure to spend a couple of hours at Cahal Pech, it's a lovely (and fascinating) place.

Well we ended up using PACZ for our excursions to Caracol and ATM. They were very long days, but we enjoyed them both.

As mandated by the government, our group at ATM consisted of 8 adventurers along with our guide Juan Carlos (JC). We were transported to the site in a 12-14 passenger van with A/C. The trip was pretty bumpy but not terribly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, just a week or so before our arrival the government completely banned cameras at the site. The water was very cold but the trip was definitely worth it. JC was great with helping us know where to step and put our hands especially during the more challenging climbing parts.

In contrast, our trip to Caracol was in a Toyota 4-door truck and we were the only passengers. Our guide, Bruce, is new to PACZ but not to Caracol or the Mayans. He actually worked as an archeologist at Caracol for several years. Even though the road was again bumpy, the ride was better because of the smaller truck. We enjoyed our day, but there is so much more at the site than we were able to see. Due to the military escort timings, we actually only had about 3 1/2 - 4 hours at the ruins and museum which included the time to eat our picnic lunch. We went to the Rio Frio cave prior to our departure from the checkpoint to Caracol and then stopped at Rio On pools on the way back.

So overall I would definitely recommend PACZ for Belize tours!

Thanks for coming back with an update!

Not a problem hope. I only owe you guys about 4 or 5 trip reports. My problem is I get home and start planning the next one...actually continue the planning! LOL

Glad you liked it, Deb - wow, what news about the cameras. I would have been really disappointed about that. I guess it's for security?

Surprised at the camera restriction, too; wonder why? (Glad I have lots of photos.)
Did you visit Cahal Pech?

Recently a tourist dropped their camera onto one of the skulls causing some damage, this is why cameras are no longer allowed.

Much as we loved having cameras in there and treasure our photos, I think it's probably a good idea. In addition to the risk of dropping equipment, when people are looking through cameras they tend to not be as careful about where they're walking or about the concerns of others.

brm...you are correct, and apparently there was more than one dropped camera/lens!

hope...I was disappointed, but as you say, it caused us to stay more focused! At least there are pics on the internet that are most likely better than any I could have taken on my own!

sylvia, we did not make it to Cahal Pech. We only had 3 full days in Cayo and two were taken up by tours. The last day we decided to stay near our lodge and paddled up the river from Table Rock to Chaa Creek for lunch and a visit to the butterfly farm. Something for next time!

vg, Chaa Creek was beautiful and we'll keep it in mind for a future trip. It is considerably more expensive than Table Rock though, and we were trying to keep costs a little more reasonable after Lamanai Outpost and Chan Chich.