Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to you?
This question is usually asked for two different reasons; the first is wanting to know the best means of transportation, and the second is wanting to know the best route to get to us.
The best means of transportation is a rental vehicle. 4WD is best, especially in the rainy season, but at least get an SUV with good ground clearance. We are not on a public transportation line, so if you don't rent a vehicle you will need to rely on taxis, transfers, and guided tours. A vehicle rental is probably slightly less expensive, gives you the freedom to do things on your own time, and allows you to do some tours on your own for far less than if you went with a tour company.
That said, we understand that not everybody wants to drive in a foreign country where road conditions are questionable and laws are haphazardly followed. And, rental vehicles are expensive and aren't always the cheapest option. If you have time, you can make use of the public bus system, which is very inexpensive; a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio is less than $5US. The closest bus to Moonracer Farm is in San Antonio, which is about three miles away, and it doesn't run on Sundays. But, if you can get there and can let us know you have arrived, we will pick you up for free.
Buses between San Antonio and San Ignacio run Monday through Saturday. No buses on Sunday.
Updated February 28, 2017
Buses between San Antonio and San Ignacio run Monday through Saturday. No buses on Sunday.
Depart San Antonio to go to San Ignacio
5:15am
6:00am
7:00am
8:30am
12:30pm
1:00pm
1:15pm
4:00pm
Depart San Ignacio to go to San Antonio
9:40am*
10:30am
11:30am
1:15pm*
3:15pm*
4:30pm
5:30pm
6:20pm*
* These are Mesh Line buses, and depart from the parking lot next to Western Dairies rather than the bus stop in the park
The other option is to take taxis or transfers, which usually ends up costing about $1US per mile for every mile driven, which is usually both ways even if you are only traveling in one direction. If you can get on a group shuttle, the cost is distributed among the passengers, which can reduce the per person rate. This means we charge $30US to get from Moonracer to San Ignacio, and $165US for Belize City, and most taxis and transfer services have comparable rates.
Many of our guests use some combination of public transportation and taxis; for example, you can get a taxi from the airport to the bus station for $25US, then take the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio for $5US/person, then spend another $25US on a taxi to get from San Ignacio to Moonracer.
Transportation is usually included in guided tour prices, so if you are planning to take all guided tours and not do too much on your own, you may want to ignore our advice about renting a vehicle.
For the second part of this question, regarding the best route, we now recommend the road from Santa Elena through Cristo Rey and San Antonio. The road from Georgeville is more direct and shorter if you are coming from Belize City, but since the Cristo Rey/San Antonio Road has been paved to San Antonio, it is much easier driving and usually faster.
This question is usually asked for two different reasons; the first is wanting to know the best means of transportation, and the second is wanting to know the best route to get to us.
The best means of transportation is a rental vehicle. 4WD is best, especially in the rainy season, but at least get an SUV with good ground clearance. We are not on a public transportation line, so if you don't rent a vehicle you will need to rely on taxis, transfers, and guided tours. A vehicle rental is probably slightly less expensive, gives you the freedom to do things on your own time, and allows you to do some tours on your own for far less than if you went with a tour company.
That said, we understand that not everybody wants to drive in a foreign country where road conditions are questionable and laws are haphazardly followed. And, rental vehicles are expensive and aren't always the cheapest option. If you have time, you can make use of the public bus system, which is very inexpensive; a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio is less than $5US. The closest bus to Moonracer Farm is in San Antonio, which is about three miles away, and it doesn't run on Sundays. But, if you can get there and can let us know you have arrived, we will pick you up for free.
Buses between San Antonio and San Ignacio run Monday through Saturday. No buses on Sunday.
Updated February 28, 2017
Buses between San Antonio and San Ignacio run Monday through Saturday. No buses on Sunday.
Depart San Antonio to go to San Ignacio
5:15am
6:00am
7:00am
8:30am
12:30pm
1:00pm
1:15pm
4:00pm
Depart San Ignacio to go to San Antonio
9:40am*
10:30am
11:30am
1:15pm*
3:15pm*
4:30pm
5:30pm
6:20pm*
* These are Mesh Line buses, and depart from the parking lot next to Western Dairies rather than the bus stop in the park
The other option is to take taxis or transfers, which usually ends up costing about $1US per mile for every mile driven, which is usually both ways even if you are only traveling in one direction. If you can get on a group shuttle, the cost is distributed among the passengers, which can reduce the per person rate. This means we charge $30US to get from Moonracer to San Ignacio, and $165US for Belize City, and most taxis and transfer services have comparable rates.
Many of our guests use some combination of public transportation and taxis; for example, you can get a taxi from the airport to the bus station for $25US, then take the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio for $5US/person, then spend another $25US on a taxi to get from San Ignacio to Moonracer.
Transportation is usually included in guided tour prices, so if you are planning to take all guided tours and not do too much on your own, you may want to ignore our advice about renting a vehicle.
For the second part of this question, regarding the best route, we now recommend the road from Santa Elena through Cristo Rey and San Antonio. The road from Georgeville is more direct and shorter if you are coming from Belize City, but since the Cristo Rey/San Antonio Road has been paved to San Antonio, it is much easier driving and usually faster.
On a related note...can you recommend a map?
One of the most frequent questions we get from future guests is what map of Belize they should get for their visit. We used to refer them to a fairly expensive paper map, until we were referred to the maps.me app. It's a free app you can download on your devices, and it works as a GPS whether or not you are online. It is also crowd sourced and frequently updated, so it is as complete and accurate as any map we have found, including both roads and hiking trails. Just make sure you download the Belize map while you have Internet access. Moonracer Farm is already on the map, so you can get driving directions from the airport!
I'm a little worried about this off grid thing...
I know, this isn't really a question, but since most people aren't quite sure how to even start asking questions about the off grid experience, this is what we usually hear.
The first concern is electricity. The guest rooms are entirely without electricity. This means no televisions, no docking stations, no full time wifi, no air conditioning or fans, no hair dryers, and no electric lights. The dining palapa and kitchen are wired, and we have a couple of generators which we run to do laundry or use other electric tools and appliances, and to charge batteries so we can run our telephone and internet without running the generator. When the generator is running, you can plug in your devices to charge in the dining palapa. When the generator isn't running, we can charge your devices from the battery in our office. We also recommend that you bring a USB converter for your vehicle, so you can charge your devices as you are driving around; this is what we often do.
The second concern is communications and connectivity. In addition to no land lines for telephone or internet, cell reception is spotty. We have a cellular desk phone in our office which works because it is attached to a 40 foot antennae, and there are a few spots in the yard where you may be able to send or receive texts from your phone, but it is entirely undependable. If you need the phone to make or receive calls in case of emergency, we can accommodate you. If you need the phone to stay connected 24/7, our system won't work for you.
Our internet is about the same as the phone. We have highspeed internet that is usually working when we turn on the battery to use it. However, we do have unexpected outages that are beyond our control and we do not receive notifications ahead of time if the system will be down. If you need constant connectivity you need to go elsewhere.
This isn't really as uncomfortable as it sounds. Most of our guests enjoy being unplugged for a few days, and like knowing they have phone and internet if they need it, but aren't expected to be available all the time. For the creature comforts, we find our guests more often requesting extra blankets at night, rather than lamenting the lack of fans and air conditioning. We light with battery powered LED lights and kerosene lamps, which aren't as convenient as a light switch on the wall connected to a 100 watt bulb, but it isn't so bad and you get used to it. You can listen to the noises of the jungle rather than the hum of an air conditioner or a refrigerator, and enjoy being that much closer to nature for a few days.
What if I'm afraid of spiders? Or snakes? Or biting bugs?
Moonracer Farm is in the jungle. We have spiders, which we see every day. We also have snakes, which we don't see every day, but see often enough that we know they're here. We don't think the bugs are bad, and don't even screen our doors (although guest rooms are screened), but at certain times of the year in certain weather conditions, we may be annoyed by some sort of biting or buzzing bug.
If you have a major phobia about any of these things, don't come here because you will be miserable and will make everyone around you miserable. It's happened, and we dislike the situation as much as the person who suffers from the phobia.
But, if it's something that makes you mildly uncomfortable, we think you will find the rewards of experiencing the real jungle well worth a little mental discomfort. Spiders and their kin won't hunt you down, and they try to avoid you as much as you try to avoid them. Snakes don't want anything to do with you, and if you don't go looking for them, it's unlikely that you will see one. For the bugs, bring some bug spray, and you probably won't be bothered. In return, you will see and hear an amazing variety of birds, see and smell more flowers and plants than in multiple cities' worth of florists, and enjoy the ambiance of the jungle unsullied by civilization.
Moonracer Farm is in the jungle. We have spiders, which we see every day. We also have snakes, which we don't see every day, but see often enough that we know they're here. We don't think the bugs are bad, and don't even screen our doors (although guest rooms are screened), but at certain times of the year in certain weather conditions, we may be annoyed by some sort of biting or buzzing bug.
If you have a major phobia about any of these things, don't come here because you will be miserable and will make everyone around you miserable. It's happened, and we dislike the situation as much as the person who suffers from the phobia.
But, if it's something that makes you mildly uncomfortable, we think you will find the rewards of experiencing the real jungle well worth a little mental discomfort. Spiders and their kin won't hunt you down, and they try to avoid you as much as you try to avoid them. Snakes don't want anything to do with you, and if you don't go looking for them, it's unlikely that you will see one. For the bugs, bring some bug spray, and you probably won't be bothered. In return, you will see and hear an amazing variety of birds, see and smell more flowers and plants than in multiple cities' worth of florists, and enjoy the ambiance of the jungle unsullied by civilization.
How do we decide what tours to take?
Most of the Cayo area tours, including ATM and Tikal, are easily accessible as day trips from Moonracer Farm. We are on the road to Caracol, just outside the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and are very close to Barton Creek Cave. In addition, there are a few lesser known attractions in the area which can be accessed by a hike or a horseback ride.
We are not tour operators and do not sell or provide any tours. However, we are happy to talk with you about your interests and what you would like to do while you are here and recommend qualified tour operators and tour guides.
Things to consider as you decide what to do:
Don't be insulted if we ask seemingly personal questions, like the ages and weights of you and your traveling companions. We have learned that some tours just aren't appropriate for some people, and sometimes counsel our guests against doing a certain tour even when the guests are sure they want to do it. We are not trying to ruin your vacation!
Most of the Cayo area tours, including ATM and Tikal, are easily accessible as day trips from Moonracer Farm. We are on the road to Caracol, just outside the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and are very close to Barton Creek Cave. In addition, there are a few lesser known attractions in the area which can be accessed by a hike or a horseback ride.
We are not tour operators and do not sell or provide any tours. However, we are happy to talk with you about your interests and what you would like to do while you are here and recommend qualified tour operators and tour guides.
Things to consider as you decide what to do:
- Your age and fitness level, and the ages and fitness levels of others in your group. Some tours, like ATM, are very strenuous and require a fairly high fitness level, and have size and age limitations.
- Desired activity level. Would you rather hike through the jungle to see something, or see it from a car window?
- History or action? For the history buff, a whole vacation touring archeological sites could be ideal, but this area also offers many much more active adventures.
Don't be insulted if we ask seemingly personal questions, like the ages and weights of you and your traveling companions. We have learned that some tours just aren't appropriate for some people, and sometimes counsel our guests against doing a certain tour even when the guests are sure they want to do it. We are not trying to ruin your vacation!
What do we need to bring?
Cool, comfortable, quick drying clothes are ideal any time of the year. In the winter, you should bring a light jacket or long sleeved shirt, and maybe even a couple of layers in the December to February timeframe. At least one pair of long pants is recommended, both in case it gets chilly, and if you are planning to horseback ride, hike, or cave.
You probably won't need hiking boots unless you are planning to do some heavy duty hiking, but a second pair of sneakers might be a good idea. Many of our guests say they wish they had brought a pair of cheap disposable sneakers so they could keep one pair dry, and so they could just leave the nasty wet sneakers and not have to pack them. Over-the-ankle socks are good to protect the area between your shoes and the bottom of your pants. And, flip flops and sandals are great for less strenuous tours and for just hanging out around here.
Cool, comfortable, quick drying clothes are ideal any time of the year. In the winter, you should bring a light jacket or long sleeved shirt, and maybe even a couple of layers in the December to February timeframe. At least one pair of long pants is recommended, both in case it gets chilly, and if you are planning to horseback ride, hike, or cave.
You probably won't need hiking boots unless you are planning to do some heavy duty hiking, but a second pair of sneakers might be a good idea. Many of our guests say they wish they had brought a pair of cheap disposable sneakers so they could keep one pair dry, and so they could just leave the nasty wet sneakers and not have to pack them. Over-the-ankle socks are good to protect the area between your shoes and the bottom of your pants. And, flip flops and sandals are great for less strenuous tours and for just hanging out around here.
Where do you get supplies? And where can we get stuff?
We get just about everything we need in either San Ignacio or Spanish Lookout. We don't have access to big superstores like Walmart (phew!) but we don't want for anything.
If you should decide you want to take advantage of our guest kitchenette and cook for yourselves, tell us what kinds of things you would like, and we can tell you where to get them. The lack of big superstores means we may make ten stops instead of one to get our groceries and supplies, but we get fresh, high quality food. We can direct you to the produce market, the chicken producer, the butcher, the dairy, the general grocery, the beer and Coke distributor, the tortillaria, the bakery, etc., and guaranteed you will find everything you need. And, if you find you missed something, our neighbor runs a little store right out of her front window and she probably has whatever you forgot.
If you have special snacks you just can't live without, pack them. You will not have a problem getting Trader Joe's nuts or some super specialized power bar into the country, and while you could probably find some substitute here, if it's what you like and it doesn't take much room, bring it with you.
If you want wine, get it at the duty free shop on your way out of the airport. We now have a few decent wine stores, but even semi-decent wine is expensive, and you usually don't have much selection. You will do as well or better at the duty free shop as at any store here.
We get just about everything we need in either San Ignacio or Spanish Lookout. We don't have access to big superstores like Walmart (phew!) but we don't want for anything.
If you should decide you want to take advantage of our guest kitchenette and cook for yourselves, tell us what kinds of things you would like, and we can tell you where to get them. The lack of big superstores means we may make ten stops instead of one to get our groceries and supplies, but we get fresh, high quality food. We can direct you to the produce market, the chicken producer, the butcher, the dairy, the general grocery, the beer and Coke distributor, the tortillaria, the bakery, etc., and guaranteed you will find everything you need. And, if you find you missed something, our neighbor runs a little store right out of her front window and she probably has whatever you forgot.
If you have special snacks you just can't live without, pack them. You will not have a problem getting Trader Joe's nuts or some super specialized power bar into the country, and while you could probably find some substitute here, if it's what you like and it doesn't take much room, bring it with you.
If you want wine, get it at the duty free shop on your way out of the airport. We now have a few decent wine stores, but even semi-decent wine is expensive, and you usually don't have much selection. You will do as well or better at the duty free shop as at any store here.
What if we have a medical emergency?
Calling an ambulance from Moonracer is not an option, but we can drive to a reasonably well equipped hospital emergency room in about 30 minutes. The quality of medical care in Belize is frequently debated, but our opinion is that it is more than adequate. If you are worried about the level of care you would receive here in case of an emergency, purchase insurance to cover a medical evacuation, and at the very least the hospitals and doctors in Belize would do whatever possible to get you to where you could seek additional help.
Calling an ambulance from Moonracer is not an option, but we can drive to a reasonably well equipped hospital emergency room in about 30 minutes. The quality of medical care in Belize is frequently debated, but our opinion is that it is more than adequate. If you are worried about the level of care you would receive here in case of an emergency, purchase insurance to cover a medical evacuation, and at the very least the hospitals and doctors in Belize would do whatever possible to get you to where you could seek additional help.