Belize Travelers Recommend

The bustling port town of Belize City offers a dose of Caribbean culture, coral reef views, and animal encounters. Given the city’s small size and nearness to the airport, it’s also easy to see in a day. Here’s how to maximize one day in this laid-back Central American hub.

Morning: Go Wild at the Belize Zoo

Even if you don't have time to venture into the Belizean rain forest, you can still get up close to creatures of the jungle at the Belize Zoo, located less than an hour’s drive from Belize City. The small zoo began as a wildlife rescue center and today is home to more than 45 native species. Book a guided tour to get there without a car and learn about zoo residents such as jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles. Best of all, your visit supports conservation efforts to protect these animals and their natural habitats. If you prefer the city, learn about ancient and colonial history on a bus tour that covers top urban sights in a short amount of time.

Afternoon: See the Barrier Reef, No Boat Needed

Resting just offshore from Belize City's bustling port is the world’s second-largest coral reef. There's no better way to appreciate the scope of this barrier reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, than from the air on a helicopter tour. Treat yourself to an aerial perspective while soaring above protected marine reserves, coral gardens, and islands such as Ambergris Caye and Turneffe Atoll. For the ultimate fly-over, book a tour that goes all the way to the Great Blue Hole, a massive ocean sinkhole ringed by reef.

Night: Get a Taste of Caribbean Culture

Though it's no longer the Belizean capital (that honor moved to Belmopan after destructive hurricane Hattie), Belize City still showcases the small country’s diverse culture and cuisine. Dig into Creole, Afro-Caribbean, and Maya dishes at relaxed restaurants and street vendors. Or, hit the town on a party bus extravaganza.

Thanks to Belize’s small size, it’s possible to see the country’s diverse ecosystems in just a few days. With Belize City as your base, a 3-day stay allows time to venture into the jungles of the south, the coastal barrier reef, and ancient Maya ruins for a glimpse into the pre-Columbian past. Here’s how to cover the most ground. 

Day 1: Uncover Ancient Mayan Mysteries

Begin your stay in Belize City by getting out of town and into the region’s ancient history at a Mayan ruin. Hilltop Xunantunich boasts a massive temple with views stretching into Guatemala, while Lamanai rises out of the jungle at the mouth of a tropical lagoon. Located less than an hour’s drive from Belize City, Altun Ha is also a popular pick for day trips. Guided tours make it easy to access the ruins without a car and add context to the remnants of temples, royal palaces, ball courts, and burial chambers. For the ultimate Mayan experience, strap on a headlamp and trek deep inside the Actun Tunichil Muknal (known locally as ATM) cave, where ceremonial pottery and crystallized skeletons provide clues to a lost civilization. Alternatively, stay in the city for a guided tour of its highlights, with a stop at Traveler's Liquor Heritage Center for a rum tour and tasting.

Day 2: Islands

Take advantage of Belize City’s coastal location and cruise into the warm aquamarine Caribbean. The second largest in the world, Belize’s barrier reef beckons snorkelers and scuba divers with colorful coral gardens and clear, shallow water. Swim alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, sting rays, and harmless nurse sharks at popular snorkel sites such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a quick boat ride from the urban port of Belize City. Some tours include stops at nearby islands of Caye Caulker or Goff’s Caye—idyllic spots to kick back with a rum cocktail and squeeze in some beach time. If getting wet isn’t your style, appreciate the barrier reef from the air on a helicopter tour with unbeatable views of the reef, coral atolls, and islands such as Ambergris Caye, nicknamed La Isla Bonita.

Day 3: Jungle Adventure

Today, venture south into Belize’s forested interior to play among pristine jungle landscapes dotted with waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and caves. For a true Belizean-style adventure, float through elaborate cave systems on a cave tubing tour. Often bookended by a jungle hike, this low-impact activity let you relax while floating through caverns filled with glittering rock formations. Alternatively, soar through the rain forest on a zipline tour for a bigger adrenaline kick, or look for howler monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife on a horseback ride. Some tours include stops in modern Maya villages or chocolate farms for a dose of Belizean culture alongside the thrills. 

Located in western Belize near the Guatemalan border, San Ignacio is within easy day-tripping distance not only of the ancient Maya ruins at Caracol in Belize, but also from the jungle-set Tikal National Park in Guatemala, one of Central America’s most impressive Maya sites. Here’s what you need to know about Tikal tours from San Ignacio. 

Highlights

• Climb up the huge Tikal temples, which rise high above the surrounding jungle canopy at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

• From the top of the Temple of the Masks, admire views of the Temple of the Great Jaguar, the centerpiece of Tikal’s Great Plaza.

• Learn about the advanced Maya civilization and their sophisticated use of mathematics and astronomy from a tour guide. 

• Hear howler monkeys screeching in the trees above as you make your way along jungle trails that weave through the archaeological site.

• Examine stone carvings etched with ancient glyphs. 

Things to Know

• Tikal is about 96 miles (115 kilometers) from San Ignacio. The drive normally takes 2.5 hours, though it may be longer depending on border-crossing times. 

• Bring a passport as you’ll be passing through immigration at the border between Belize and Guatemala. 

• Most organized Tikal day trips from San Ignacio are full-day tours, lasting upward of nine hours.

• Round-trip transport, lunch, and entrance fees are typically included on Tikal day tours from San Ignacio. 

With three days on the island of Ambergris Caye, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel, swim, soak up the sun—and even check out underwater cave systems and Maya ruins on the mainland. Here are some ideas for your itinerary.

Day 1: Ambergris Caye from Above and Below

Begin your stay at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a popular snorkeling and diving destination replete with coral and tropical fish. For a hassle-free morning, head out on an excursion that includes transport and equipment. After lunch, get a bird’s-eye view of the crystalline waters off the coast of Ambergris Caye on a parasailing tour. Or, treat yourself to a private helicopter ride high above the Belize Barrier Reef and the UNESCO-listed Blue Hole, the largest oceanic sinkhole on the planet. 

Day 2: Day Trip to the Mainland

Make your way to the mainland for a day of ruin exploration and jungle adventure. Most tours begin in the morning at the fantastically preserved Maya ruins of Xunantunich, followed by a typical Belizean lunch at a local restaurant. Some also include the chance to go ziplining over the rain forest canopy, or inner-tubing through cave systems. If you’re back in Ambergris Caye in time for dinner, make a beeline for the Truck Stop, a food cart pod with lots of options and outdoor seating.

Day 3: Secret Beach

Now for some quality beach time. The most popular spot is Secret Beach, where you’ll find bars, lounge chairs, and opportunities for water sports—you can even prebook a floating mattress with a table. Later, if you can peel yourself off the sand, join a late-afternoon barhopping boat tour. Fishing enthusiasts might opt for a full-day excursion, some of which include a barbecue lunch and swimming stops. In the evening, either head into San Pedro for a seafood dinner or sign up for a local cooking class. 

With two days in Belize’s main port city, there’s time to sample both marine treasures and ancient Maya ruins nestled in the pristine Belizean rain forest. Here’s how to maximize a short stay for the best of Belize by land and sea.

Day 1: Cruise to La Isla Bonita

**Morning:**Start the day with a flyover of Belize’s marine geography on a helicopter tour that soars above the barrier reef and surrounding islands. Or, catch a water taxi from the port to nearby Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, two of the most popular nearby islands for visitors thanks to their laid-back Caribbean vibes.

**Afternoon:**Get an underwater perspective on the barrier reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a snorkeling trip. Tours depart from both the cayes and Belize City, cruising to protected spots such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Turtle Garden, and Shark Ray Alley for snorkeling. Some tours include beach time. 

**Night:**If you made your way to an island via water taxi, stay for dinner—try an upscale seafood or casual Caribbean jerk shack. Do check the ferry schedules so you don’t miss the boat to Belize City. If you took a snorkeling tour with included transport, spend the evening relaxing at a waterside Belize City restaurant.

Day 2: Explore the Maya Underworld

**Morning:**Venture into Belize’s lush interior to try the country’s signature outdoor activity—cave tubing through underground rivers once used by the ancient Maya people for sacred ceremonies. For a double dose of adventure, combo tours pair a float through glittering caverns with an aerial zipline course.

**Afternoon:**Learn about the mighty Maya civilization from above ground with a visit to ancient sites such as Xunantunich, Altun Ha, or Lamanai. Tours get you there from Belize City with included transport and guides who share the history of royal palaces, temples, and stone carvings. Alternatively, take a tour of Traveller’s Liquors, the distillery that makes local favorite One Barrel Rum, for a behind-the-scenes look at barrel aging and distilling techniques for this Caribbean staple. 

**Night:**After a full day of exploring Belize’s wild jungles and ancient past—or perhaps some time spent doing a rum tasting—devise your own bar tour by stopping at various bars and restaurants in Belize City’s waterfront downtown. 

In Belize’s Cayo District, San Ignacio is conveniently located near caves, Maya ruins, and a forest reserve with beautiful waterfalls. With a 3-day stay, you’ll have time to explore several of these sites, and even cross over into Guatemala. Here are some ideas for your itinerary.

Day 1: Flora and Fauna

Head to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel to tour the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where you’ll learn all about the country’s iguanas while observing them in their on-site habitat. Then, walk along the property’s nature trail to see native Belizean plants, many of which have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, walk or take a taxi to Cahal Pech, an archaeological site known for bird watching—the ruins are about a mile (1.6 kilometers) up a steep hill. Alternatively, look for the majestic blue morpho at one of Cayo’s butterfly farms, and wander around the Belize Botanic Gardens. In the evening, return to town to grab a drink and dinner. San Ignacio’s nightlife scene is pretty quiet, with the bars generally catering to a backpacking crowd.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Venture into the surrounding rain forest and hike along the foothills of the Maya Mountains, admiring waterfalls and swimming in natural pools filled with crystal clear water. Or, canoe down the Macal River to town. Later, hop in a bus or taxi to the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen (just a few minutes away), and make your way to Xunantunich, one of Belize’s top archeological sites. Climb 130-foot-tall (40-meter-tall) El Castillo for views of the jungle canopy. Cave tubing at Caves Branch River is another option.

Day 3: Across the Border

Don’t miss the chance to visit Tikal, in Guatemala, about two hours from San Ignacio. This Maya archaeological site is a must for travelers interested in ancient civilization. It can be tricky to cross the border, so book a group tour to eliminate some of the stress. Alternatively, if you’re up for an Indiana Jones–type adventure, journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, accessible only with a guide. Hike through a rain forest to the cave, which you’ll need to swim through at times. (This activity isn’t recommended for people with claustrophobia.) Inside, you’ll spot ancient ceramics and human bones—including the skeleton of a young girl who was sacrificed thousands of years ago.

A 2-day stay in San Ignacio gives you time to explore further and relax a bit between adventures. From Maya archaeological sites to outdoor activities like cave tubing and hiking, here are a few options.

Day 1: Beyond the Border

**Morning:**Venture across the nearby Belize–Guatemala border to visit Tikal, an ancient Maya ceremonial center located in Petén, Guatemala. It can be tricky and involve some coordination to cross the border, so book a group tour to eliminate travel-related stress. Alternatively, check out nearby ruins like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.

**Afternoon:**Make your way to the San Ignacio Market, the country’s most popular outdoor market. Saturdays are a must, with vendors descending on the town from around the district to sell goods like produce, clothing, and pupusas and tacos made and served on-site. Grab lunch from one of the stands for a riverside picnic.

**Night:**Watch the sun set behind the mountains as you ride around the countryside on horseback. Tours depart in the late afternoon, and sometimes include a glass of wine. Alternatively, hit one of the local bars for a drink and a bite to eat.

Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls

**Morning:**Head out into the surrounding rain forest, hiking in the foothills of the Maya Mountains to waterfalls such as the Rio Frio. When you need a break, take a swim in the natural pools filled with crystal clear water. Or, spend an action-packed day at Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.

**Afternoon:**If you haven’t yet been there, walk or take a taxi to Cahal Pech, a Maya archeological site popular among bird-watchers—the ruins are about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from San Ignacio. Or, see the beautiful blue morpho at one of Cayo’s butterfly farms.

**Night:**San Ignacio isn’t known for its nightlife, but there’s a handful of bars and restaurants that cater to the backpacking crowd. Night owls might opt for the Princess Casino, open until 5am.

With its beautiful beaches, abundance of local eateries, and easy access to fantastic snorkeling, scuba diving, and water-sports opportunities, it’s easy to find ways to spend your time on Ambergris Caye. But with even just one day on Belize’s largest island, you’ll be able to experience some of the best it has to offer. Here’s how. 

Morning: Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Start your day off with a visit to the expansive Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a short boat ride south of Ambergris Caye. This popular snorkeling and diving area is known for its variety of tropical fish and coral, particularly in the Maya and Shark Ray Alley areas. A variety of options exist for visiting the reserve, with plenty of half- and full-day snorkeling trips; for something a little different, consider a tour by Snuba, a sort of hybrid scuba-snorkeling device with an air hose that allows even inexperienced divers to go deeper than they could with a regular snorkel.

Afternoon: View from the Sky

In the afternoon, head back to shore for lunch. While you may want to spend the rest of the day lazing around on the beach, it's worth at least considering changing your perspective of Ambergris Caye by viewing it from the sky. Options include parasailing adventures suitable even for first-time fliers. If you’re willing to splurge, you can also hire a helicopter to take you on a private tour out over the Belizean Barrier Reef and the gargantuan Blue Hole, the world's largest oceanic sinkhole and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening: Culinary San Pedro

Devote your evening to trying out some local food. The San Pedro town center has all sorts of options, from locally caught seafood to empanadas made to order; it’s also a good spot to pick up a bottle of Belize’s famous Marie Sharp’s hot sauce. For a more immersive experience, you can join a cooking class and learn how to make Belizean fare yourself, including the ever-popular fry jacks (deep-fried dough). The carts at the Truck Stop, a food-cart pod made of shipping containers, are another great place to sample local delights.

With two days on Ambergris Caye, you’ll have enough time to check out the popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve, try out local food, get some beach time in, and maybe even try out some water sports. Here’s one way to plan your time on this Belizean island. 

Day 1: Underwater and Above the Water

**Morning:**Start with a boat trip out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a popular snorkeling and diving destination full of underwater life. There's no shortage of snorkeling-trip options available, but if you want to get down to the depths of the sea, consider a Snuba adventure, in which swimmers dive attached to 20-foot-long (6-meter-long) oxygen hoses.

**Afternoon:**After your aquatic adventure, grab a quick lunch and get ready for more adventure. Choose among a variety of water sports available in the area, or consider a parasailing adventure for great views of the island and the waters below. For something extra special, splurge on a helicopter tour over the Belizean Barrier Reef.

**Night:**By the time night begins to fall, you'll have likely worked up an appetite. Fortunately, Ambergris Caye's main town, San Pedro, is full of places to eat, especially if you’re fond of seafood. Alternatively, join a cooking class and learn how to make popular Belizean fare yourself.

Day 2: Sea and Sun

**Morning:**On your second morning, head out to Secret Beach, which, despite its name, is the most popular beach on the island, owing to its crystalline waters and numerous beach bars; you can even rent pedal boats and sunbed mattresses with floating tables (prebook them to guarantee availability).

**Afternoon:**It's easy to spend your whole day at Secret Beach, though by the time the afternoon rolls around, you may feel like hitting up some local bars. For an unusual experience, consider a guided bar crawl by boat.

**Evening:**Make your last dinner on Ambergris Caye something special by heading out to the lagoon on a barbecue boat, a special round boat with a barbecue at the center. A captain will come along for safety and to show you the best places to stop and grill.

Situated in Belize’s Cayo District, San Ignacio serves as a base for adventure seekers and a layover for travelers on their way to or from Guatemala. Horseback riding, cave tubing, and hiking are just a few of the activities offered—and with some planning, you can pack a lot of action into a single fun-filled day. Here are some options.

Morning: Archaeological Adventures

Many travelers stay in San Ignacio because of its convenient location near major archaeological sites such as Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. To maximize your time, see both Maya ruins on a group tour. Known for bird watching, Cahal Pech is the smaller of the two sites; at nearby Xunantunich, climb 130-foot-tall (40-meter-tall) El Castillo for views of the jungle canopy, the other ruins, and the Guatemalan border. Alternatively, spend the entire day cave tubing at Caves Branch River or ziplining through the jungle.

Afternoon: Butterflies and Blooms

If you didn’t join an all-day excursion or you’re looking for something less strenuous, head to one of the butterfly farms in Cayo after lunch. Belize is home to about 700 butterfly species—keep an eye out for the blue morpho. Or, tour the Belize Botanic Gardens, and learn about traditional uses for medicinal plants. Don’t miss the orchid house, which contains more than 120 orchid species.

Night: Relaxation

Most all-day tours return to San Ignacio in the evening, just in time to grab dinner at one of the local eateries. Overall, the San Ignacio nightlife scene is fairly quiet, with a smattering of bars and restaurants serving up a range of cuisine, from pizza to Chinese. Alternatively, catch the sunset as you explore the Cayo countryside on horseback. Riding tours sometimes include a glass of wine to enjoy at the end of the day.

English-speaking Belize is a small jewel on Central America’s Caribbean coast. It combines historic attractions with natural beauty spots to make a magnificent holiday destination.

Day 1: Ancient and modern Belize City is no longer the country’s capital but remains its largest city. You’re most likely to encounter it only at the beginning and end of your visit, but before you escape to your tropical paradise, take a moment to get to know this local hub. How you approach the city is up to you: visit the historic highlights, concentrate on the excellent zoo, or see the best of ancient and modern by combining your sightseeing with a visit to the Mayan city of Altun Ha. Alternatively, visit the zoo with the impressive ruins of Xunantunich, or get a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter which will also introduce you to Belize’s amazing reef.

Day 2: Reef and river That reef, by the way, is Western Hemisphere’s most extensive. Discover it by speedboat as you head to the breeding grounds of the amazing manatee and snorkel around breathtaking coral growths. Or maybe you’d prefer to discover inland Belize’s waterways? Go on the ultimate tropical adventure as you climb on an all-terrain vehicle before exploring subterranean river caves on an inner tube. Or combine a jungle hike, rivers and lagoons and the stunning Mayan pyramid of Lamanai. For something a little less strenuous, take a relaxing three-hour cruise on Belize River followed by a visit to Altun Ha, or follow the medicinal trail and learn about the healing properties of tropical plants before seeing the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech.

Day 3: Animals and jungle trails The rich diversity of fauna is one of Belize’s biggest draw cards. Birds or baboons? It’s up to you. Spend the morning in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll encounter over 360 different species, including the Jabiru stork. Alternatively, visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, an inspiring grassroots project which provides a home to beautiful black howler monkeys. Finally, let rip in the afternoon on an all-terrain tour of the mighty Belizean jungle.

Caye Caulker is the perfect Caribbean island with its "Go Slow" motto matching its rhythm. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful ocean and many bars and restaurants lining the beach are just some of the things that make this such a great vacation spot.

Day 1: Snorkeling and diving

Head on a snorkeling tour of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, equally close from Caye Caulker as it is from San Pedro. In the afternoon, hop on a snorkel tour of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, no more than 15 minutes away. Closer to sunset, head to the Split and the Lazy Lizard for drinks, music and stunning views.

Have dinner at Rose’s Grill, the most popular seafood and BBQ restaurant on the island, where you pick your catch of the day that are beautifully displayed outside the restaurant beside a giant grill, and cooked while you wait. Post dinner, dance to the Reggae tunes at I&I Reggae Bar, a lively multi-level Rastafarian-themed bar and an institution on the island.

Day 2: Explore the streets

Rent a bicycle (unless provided by your hotel) and tour the island, starting at Front Street and heading south. Ride on the beach side and use the narrow pathways. On the way back, cut across at the water taxi terminal and explore Middle and Back Streets. There are only three major streets on Caye Caulker, but plenty of side ones with plenty of village life to see along the way.

Stop for lunch at Syd’s, a local favorite serving the best fried chicken in Belize for just US$5. Burn off your lunch with more biking or rent a kayak and explore the leeward side of the island, where the sea is calm and boat activity is scarce. Spot wildlife on your way and eventually watch the sun set from your canoe.

For dinner, try Little Kitchen, an off the beaten path eatery well worth the find, serving home cooked Central American specialties.  Post-dinner, head to the outdoor Paradiso Cinema to catch a movie under the stars while enjoying cocktails.

Day 3: Visit surrounding islands

Go on an island-hopping trip to neighboring Goff’s Caye, followed by St George’s Caye, to experience authentic Belizean island life away from tourism hot spots. Pristine beaches, snorkeling, swimming, BBQ and swinging in a hammock are the hallmarks of Belize’s cayes. In the evening, head to Habanero’s, the island’s most upscale restaurant for a memorable last dinner on Caye Caulker.