Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Belize City — Welcome
Airport arrival and transfer to your boutique hotel near Belize City. Welcome dinner with your guide — fresh snapper, coconut rice, and an introduction to the week ahead. Overnight near Belize City. (D)
Day 2: Altun Ha Maya Ruins & Belize City Culture
Morning visit to Altun Ha, the Maya city whose largest temple’s image graces the Belikin beer label. Climb the Temple of the Masonry Altars, where the largest carved jade object in the Maya world — the Jade Head of Kinich Ahau — was discovered in 1968. Explore Belize City: the historic Swing Bridge, the colonial St. John’s Cathedral (oldest Anglican church in Central America), and the Museum of Belize in the former colonial prison. Afternoon transfer west to San Ignacio. Overnight in San Ignacio. (B, L)
Day 3: Actun Tunichil Muknal — The Maya Underworld
The legendary ATM Cave. Hike through jungle, swim into the underworld, and spend 3+ hours exploring this world-class Maya ceremonial site. See the Crystal Maiden — a fully crystallized human skeleton — and hundreds of pottery vessels in situ. This is widely considered the #1 activity in Belize and one of the world’s top cave experiences. Return to San Ignacio. Overnight in San Ignacio. (B, L)
Day 4: Xunantunich Maya Ruins & Cahal Pech
Hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River to Xunantunich. Explore the Plaza Mayor and climb El Castillo for views of Guatemala’s Peten rainforest. Study the remarkably preserved stucco friezes — astronomical symbols, gods, and the World Tree. Afternoon: Cahal Pech Maya ruins, a quiet hilltop site perfect for sunset photography. Evening: San Ignacio Market exploration and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in San Ignacio. (B)
Day 5: Barton Creek Cave Canoe & Mountain Pine Ridge
Morning canoe expedition through the cathedral-like chambers of Barton Creek Cave — once a Maya ceremonial center and burial site. Paddle through darkness punctuated by headlamps illuminating stalactites and pottery fragments. Afternoon: Mountain Pine Ridge — swim in the Big Rock Falls and visit Rio On Pools, natural granite swimming holes carved by the river. Overnight in San Ignacio. (B, L)
Day 6: Belize Zoo & Transfer to Belize City
Visit the Belize Zoo — “The Best Little Zoo in the World” — where all 175 animals are native Belizean species rescued or rehabilitated. See jaguars, tapirs (Belize’s national animal), scarlet macaws, and the king vulture. All animals live in naturalistic enclosures within 29 acres of tropical savanna. Afternoon drive to Belize City. Overnight near Belize City. (B)
Day 7: Great Blue Hole Flyover — The Icon
Morning scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole — one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. This 300-meter-wide, 124-meter-deep marine sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the air, the perfectly circular dark blue chasm surrounded by a ring of turquoise shallows is one of the most photographed sights on Earth. The flight continues over the atoll’s coral formations before returning. Afternoon water taxi to Caye Caulker. Overnight on Caye Caulker. (B)
Day 8: Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
Full-day snorkeling at Hol Chan. Swim through the “cut” in the barrier reef, surrounded by parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, and sea turtles. Then Shark Ray Alley: nurse sharks up to 3 meters long and southern stingrays gliding around your legs. This is the quintessential Belize underwater experience. Afternoon free for island exploration. Overnight on Caye Caulker. (B, L)
Day 9: Caye Caulker Free Day — Go Slow
A full day to embrace Caye Caulker’s “Go Slow” motto. Optional: sea kayaking through the mangroves, sunset sailing cruise, learning to cook Belizean rice and beans from a local family, or simply doing absolutely nothing at The Split. Evening farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant — grilled lobster if in season. Overnight on Caye Caulker. (B)
Day 10: Departure
One last sunrise over the Caribbean. Water taxi to Belize City, transfer to the international airport. You leave with Belize in your heart — the reef, the ruins, the rainforest, and the warmth of its people.
