BELIZE
BELIZE
Belize is a small yet captivating country that offers a rich tapestry of experiences for adventurous travellers. Despite its modest size, it's uniquely positioned to let visitors experience extraordinary variety in a single trip. Inland, vast stretches of jungle are alive with exotic wildlife, offering prime opportunities for birdwatching, nature hikes, and visits to ancient Mayan ruins that echo with centuries of history. The Spanish influence in the interior adds another layer to the cultural experience, blending seamlessly with the vibrant Caribbean vibe of the coast. Offshore, the world’s second-largest barrier reef creates a dazzling underwater playground, perfect for snorkelling, diving, and spotting colourful marine life. A collection of small, picture-perfect islands—known as Cayes—are easily reached by ferry or small plane, each offering a slice of tropical paradise and a relaxed, beachy atmosphere. Whether you're exploring sacred temples in the rainforest or sipping cocktails by the sea, Belize’s beauty lies in how effortlessly you can experience its wild diversity all in one unforgettable journey.
itineraries
We have put together some carefully curated itineraries which you can copy as they are or use as a template to customise.
inspiration:
our travel guides and light-hearted blogs
Top 10 Things to Do in Belize for Families
TRAVEL GUIDES
Belize with Kids: Top 10 Adventures in Paradise Belize is a dream destination for families, offering a perfect balance of adventure,...
Belize's annual festival Lobsterfest
BUCKETLIST BLOGS
An experience for food lovers and beachgoers alike — a lively celebration of fresh lobster, live music, and island culture in stunning coastal towns like San Pedro and Placencia. It’s the ultimate seafood party in paradise.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Explore the sacred and adventurous Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Caves)
Explore the Ancient Mayan Ruins (such as Lamanai or Xunantunich)
Snorkel the worlds 2nd largest barrier reef (Shark Ray Alley, Silk Cayes or Laughing Bird Caye)
Experience rich jungle wildlife (howler monkeys, crocodiles, spiders, birds)
Take part in tropical bird watching at a Jungle Resort in San Ignacio
Head to Cookscombe Wildlife Sanctuary to spot the elusive Jaguar
Take part in cave tubing & zip-Lining through the jungles
Dive the famous Blue Hole (advanced divers only)
OFF BEATEN path EXPERIENCES
Visit a Cacao farm to learn how chocolate is made
Take a small private aircraft from one end of the country to the other
Kayak through the mangroves of Gales Point Manatee
Hike to hidden waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Snorkel at Glover's Reef Atoll
Stay in luxury on a small private Caye on the barrier reef
Take a boat trip to visit King Lewey's Island Resort
Visit the Maya village of San Antonio
places to visit
Cayo District
Caye Caulker
Lamanai
Placencia
itinerary tips
Belize, though small and compact, offers remarkable diversity—allowing travelers to experience both lush jungles teeming with wildlife and relaxed Caribbean beaches within a single trip. Each destination presents its own unique charm, making a multi-stop itinerary particularly rewarding. For jungle enthusiasts, Lamanai and San Ignacio form a perfect pairing. Lamanai provides an immersive wildlife and cultural adventure (with 3 night packages the most popular), while San Ignacio delivers a more refined jungle retreat with luxury accommodations (suitable for 2-4 nights). Along the coast, Placencia and Hopkins serve as excellent mainland beach destinations (great for a 3+ nights) often combined with visits to San Pedro, Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker, the most popular cayes, for a few nights too.
A well-balanced two-week itinerary typically includes 3-4 destinations, adjustable based on your preference for adventure versus relaxation. For those short on time stick to one jungle and one beach resort, or if less interested in nature, island hopping around the Cayes (since they all offer a different vibe). For those looking to extend their journey, Belize pairs wonderfully with neighboring Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala.
public transport tips
All hotels in Belize offer convenient transfer services between destinations, which we highly recommend utilising. Fortunately, the country also boasts an excellent charter flight service that is surprisingly affordable. These flights not only enhance the efficiency of your journey but also provide an exhilarating and adventurous travel experience. Properties like Lamanai Outpost Lodge maintain their own airstrips and can arrange private charters to other regions of the country. If your budget allows, the modest additional cost is certainly worthwhile for the time saved and unique perspective gained.
Belize also features reliable domestic flight services connecting major destinations. However, don't hesitate to consider road travel—given the country's compact size, driving between locations offers its own rewards, allowing you to experience the changing landscapes and local culture up close.
responsible travel
Belize is really making waves in sustainable tourism, putting green initiatives front and center to protect its amazing natural treasures while giving visitors unforgettable experiences. Despite its small size, no other country can boast a greater percentage of its land mass dedicated to natural reserves, parks, and preserves. And Belize was recently named the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards' Leading Sustainable Destination for 2024.
You can stay at eco-lodges across the country, like Chaa Creek, Black Rock Lodge, or Cotton Tree Lodge that operate on renewable energy, practice water conservation, and support local communities. Or get hands-on with conservation by volunteering with organizations like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute to monitor and protect sea turtle nesting sites, or join Fragments of Hope, a community project started by marine biologist Lisa Carne that's planted over 160,000 corals along the coast BelizefundShunCulture.
Recommended places to stay
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Lamanai
