sorry to hear your trip did not go well. I just returned from a Belize/ Guatemala trip. My girlfriend and I missed our connection down which screwed up the timing on the trip, but Linda and Lenny worked to smooth everything out for us.Small family business that took great interest in making our stay enjoyable. We made several changes while we were there and all went smoothly. I see by the date of your post they had just set up shop. Maybe they have worked out the bugs in the operation now

I am planning on using Belize Travel Exploerer this summer and I see that the reviews are mixed. Would you recommend it or not?

I just came back from a 13 day trip from Belize/Guatemala. It was amazing. Met Lenny and Linda VERY briefly, but we didn't really need to meet them at all. Carlos was our tour guide and he was simply amazing! Carlos is funny, smart, and really knows the history of Belize for what it is. Ask for Carlos Carlos Carlos! I can't speak more highly of him and his amazing compadres.

My partner and I stayed with a family for 4 days went hiking, rappelling, cave tubing, snorkeling, catamaran sailing, stayed in an ocean front resort called the Green Parrot (great people there too), and then went to Tikal, Guatemala to see the Mayan ruins.

It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Thank you Carlos for making our trip memorable!

We used Belize Explorer for a 10 day family custom trip to Belize Cayes/Cayo District/Guatemala in June/July this year. Despite American delaying our arrival by +6hrs, Linda did a great job re-scheduling our activities. Schedule overall was excellent, ATM caves, Barton Creek, Caracol, tubing, zip-lining, Tikal, Peten and many reefs around Ambergris Caye. The guides in Cayo were first class, Patrick, Gonzo, Carlos, Graham all knew how to make the best out of each day's itinerary. Guides in Guatemala were also very good as were the guides on Ambergris Caye/Barrier Reef (Li'l Alphonse)

As with any "out of the way" trip in Central America, a little flexibility and patience go along way to ensuring you get the best out of your vacation.

did you end up going? i am interested in going next summer. any info would help, because as you said, reviews are mixed. thanks!

We used Belize Explorer last December 2008, into the New Year and it was amazing. Lenny & Linda are a small, but personal business. If you are expecting to be treated like you are in the TajMahal, don't go to San Ignacio. It is not a tourist type of plae with all the bells and whistles. We wanted adventure. It is a wonderful place to go and see the ruins, cave climbing, horseback riding and more. The people were extremely friendly. This is a poor country and you will see how they live. Lenny & Linda were great. They arranged for us to stay on the island of Ambergris Caye, toward the end of our trip, and that is a different life. It is beautiful, but more touristy. If you want to see how the people from Belize live, then your vacation should focus on the central part of the country. If you want to snorkel, pet sharks and sting rays, and fish, then the coast is for you. We can't wait to go back and will definitely use Linda & Lenny again.

The Ennis Family

I always arrange my trip/tours myself. It is very easy to do in Belize.

As Katz says, it is extremely easy to book your own travel in Belize. Everyone speaks English. Finding guides at the ruins, etc. is easy to do on your own. Lots of first post folks on this really old thread.

We used Belize Explorer for a 5 day trip through San Ignacio and Tikal Guatamala. Belize Explorer completely exceeded my expectations. Linda was fantastic and we were glad to have had the opportunity to meet her and her family. Belize Explorer is very well connected to local tour operators and to to the community. All our activities went very smoothly. We were picked up from the Water Taxi Terminal on our first day, by Alvin, who then brought us to the Belize Zoo. Without his guidance we would have had some difficulty spotting the animals. He was a Fantastic guide. We had lunch at Los Amigos. The stewed chicken with rice and beans was delicious. From there we checked into the Midas Resort. We went on the Barton Creek tour the next day and had Gonzo as our guide. Gonzo is with River Rat Expeditions and he was extremely knowledgeable and ensured we had a great time. He also took us through the ATM caves. Again, his knowledge of the caves made for a fantastic experience. Belize Explorer also arranged for the transfer to Tikal, Guatamala and booked us into the Jungle Lodge for 1 evening. All in all it was a real pleasure using the agency. I agree with some of the postings that it isn't difficult to book some of the tours etc. I actually booked the Caye Caulker leg of my trip myself. However, once I started the Cayo portion of my trip, it was nice to not have to make any more decisions and leave them all in Linda's hands.

One note; the booking process is somewhat informal. It happens via a e-mail exchanges.