Are you ready to journey through Belize? Our meticulously crafted one-week in Belize itinerary will take you from the beaches to the jungles. Follow our adventure, doing precisely what we did as we traveled to the laid-back Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye to the adventure capital of San Ignacio for jungle trekking. Are you ready for a great adventure? Let’s go!
One Week Belize Itinerary
Belize’s geography is a paradise for nature lovers and a gateway to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, offering unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving experiences.
Formerly a part of British Honduras, Belize’s official language is English, making it an accessible destination for travelers to explore independently.
Belize’s culture is a blend of influences, including Maya, Creole, Mestizo, and Garifuna culture. This cultural melting pot manifests in Belize’s cuisine, music, and festivals, making every experience here richly textured. From exploring ancient ruins and lush jungles to relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, Belize offers an array of activities that cater to every traveler’s desire.
Day 1 in Belize – Caye Caulker
Flights from Belize City to Caye Caulker are just 10 minutes allowing plenty of time to enjoy this laid-back island where the motto, “Go Slow,” sets the tone for a tranquil yet fun experience. Indulge in the palm tree-lined shores and azure waters that make Caye Caulker a paradise for relaxation and water sports.
Check in to El Ban Cabanas
El Ben Cabañas is a luxury resort located on the sparsely populated north side of Caye Caulker Island. With twenty-six cabaña-style rooms featuring palm-thatched roofs, private verandas overlooking the sea, and chic, modern designs that transport you to a tropical paradise. Rooms have air conditioning and private verandas.
It’s been a long day, so after you check into the hotel and fall into your feathery bed, make your way to the restaurant at El Ban Cabanas, which is considered the best fine dining on Caye Caulker. We indulged in fresh seafood caught just off the shores of Belize with a bottle of wine as the friendly staff filled us in on all the things to do.
It was an early evening as we had a big day ahead to enjoy the sights and watersports over the Belize Barrier Reef.
Day 2 in Belize – Ambergris Caye
Morning
Flight Over the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole, about 300 meters (984 feet) across and 124 meters (407 feet) deep. It is located off the coast of this beautiful country in Central America and is a nearly perfect circle in the sea. Its deep blue color stands out amongst the electric turquoise waters surrounding it.
When visiting Belize, you must make a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovery Channel named it one of the most amazing places on earth, and we agree!
From above, you can see the colors changing before your eyes as the water’s depth changes and the corals come into view. Flights to the Blue Hole can be booked from Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye and can range from $250 per person to $1250 for a private flight.
Afternoon
After taking in all that beauty in the Caribbean Sea, we worked up an appetite and made our way back to San Pedro Town for lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in Belize.
El Fogon Restaurant
Parasailing
The adventure was about an hour long taking us out to the Belize Barrier Reef. Once we were well away from the shore, we put on our life jackets and strapped into our harnesses before being pulled high into the sky for beautiful views. We even saw manta rays from our perch!
It was terrific to spend our first day seeing the Belize Barrier Reef from above.
Evening
Day 3 in Belize – Caye Caulker
Morning
We were let off at the pier and walked along the sandy street Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling which is located on the main street. They fitted us with fins and snorkels and then we all walked together to the Split to board a luxury catamaran for our half-day trip.
Private Yacht Tour
When you visit Belize you must get on the water to do some sailing. Even if you don’t want to go snorkeling, you can book a day trip on a boat. You can see a lot just from the deck. During our sail out to the coral reef, we saw sea turtles, sting rays, and nurse sharks from the boat’s bow!
But, getting in the water is truly spectacular. The water was clear and warm and all snorkeling equipment was included, so all we had to do was put on our mask, fins, and snorkel and follow our guide.
South Channel Reef
It was then on to another site to before making our way to Shark Ray Alley. It has exploded since our trip 20 years ago! Sharks were originally drawn to the area when local fishermen cleaned their catches in the calm and shallow waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. This practice turned the area into a natural feeding ground for nurse sharks and stingrays, who were attracted by the easy meal.
Shark Ray Alley
A highlight of any Belize itinerary is a snorkel trip to Shark Ray Alley. There is no need to go scuba diving here, the marine life is all within a few feet of water so a snorkel tour is more than enough.
Afternoon – Tour of Caye Caulker
The Split
The Split is a popular spot on Caye Caulker with bars, volleyball courts, a swimming area, and soft sand. It’s also one of the best places for sunset. The split is located near the center of the island where Caye Caulker was split into two parts by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The fierce storm carved a narrow channel creating a distinct north and south division of the island.
Split Shuttle
Feed the Tarpon
Other things to do on Caye Caulker. It doesn’t take long to explore Caye Caulker, it is a small island and the experience is all about relaxing, interacting with the locals, and soaking up the sun. If you want to keep busy, you can rent paddleboards or do some sea kayaking. If you are looking for some unique activities, head over to the pier to feed the tarpon, pop into the Chocolate factory, or visit the dog shelter.
There are plenty of dogs on Caye Caulker, as one of our guides mentioned, “Did you notice that we are a dog-friendly island?”
Evening
Dinner – A Taste of Caye Caulker Food Tour
Nightlife
Already feeling full and a little buzzed, we then walked on to the local sports bar where we sampled four different main dishes that were huge. Not to mention another couple of cocktails to go with the meals. We made instant friends with our guide and vowed to come back soon. Don’t miss the Taste of Cay Caulker Food Tour when you are on the island.
We made it back to our water taxi just in time for the last ride and as a storm came in, we learned what it is like to boat in the dark through crashing waves. These drivers are skilled and we didn’t worry at all.
Day 4 in Belize – San Ignacio
Morning
Drive to San Ignacio
Afternoon
Relax at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
Did we mention the private infinity plunge pool overlooking the jungle? During the wet season, this was heavenly as we warmed our bones in the hot water and then went back into our room to sit in front of one of our two fireplaces. In the hot weather, it has air conditioning to keep us cool and dry.
Day 5 in Belize
Full Day Tour
Caracol Natural Monument
It’s an impressive ancient city set in the middle of the rainforest. If you are quiet, you’ll hear howler monkeys roar in the distance as spider monkeys and toucans play in the forest canopy overhead. What we love about Caracol, is that you can see jungle growing from its pyramids and other mounds buried under the canopy. It’s a wild experience similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia where the forest has taken over the city.
Big Rock Falls
Day 6 in Belize
Sadly, during our Belize trip, the rains came in with a vengeance, and our cave tours were canceled due to flooding. The wet season in Belize is usually over by November, but this year was exceptional and with the rains being so intense, our cave tour was too dangerous. We weren’t alone, though, all cave tubing and those who booked the ATM Cave Tour were canceled as well.
But, to give you an idea of what our day would have been, we’ll explain what it is like to do a cave tour in the Cayo District. We talked to many people who have done them all to get first-hand accounts of what the ATM Cave Tour, Crystal Cave Tour, and Cave Tubing are like.
ATM Cave Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal)
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave takes you on a journey into the heart of the Mayan underworld, where you’ll traverse through jungle trails and wade through crystal-clear waters. National Geographic ranked it as the most sacred cave on earth and it’s easy to see why.
Inside the ATM Cave, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring geological formations, ancient ceremonial sites, and well-preserved Maya artifacts, including pottery and skeletal remains. Yes, you heard me, skeletons.
This unique spelunking adventure is a tour and a journey back in time, providing insights into the mysterious ancient Maya civilization. Guides undergo rigorous training, and very few lead tours into the ATM Cave, so you can be sure that you will have a safe and memorable experience. This incredible experience is a full-day trip and the perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Be prepared to do some crawling, swimming, and squeezing.
Crystal Cave Tour
The tour starts with private transportation, with Mayawalk Adventure taking a 90-minute drive to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. It is then a moderate 50-minute hike to the cave entrance followed by climbing down 15 feet into the Mayan Underworld.
Be prepared to slide through mud ramps, climb rocks, and be surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites coated in crystals. Like the ATM Cave, you’ll also witness a living museum with ancient skeletal remains, Mayan artifacts, old fire pits, and pottery.
The tour ends with a Belizean Lunch and a swim in the Inland Blue Hole. You then can enjoy a rum punch for the drive home.
Cave Tubing
Navigate through the darkened caves, marveling at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites while learning about the area’s geological and cultural history. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, cave tubing connects you with nature but also provides a glimpse into the mystery of Belize’s underground landscapes.
Tour of San Ignacio
We took a day trip to discover downtown San Ignacio, a bustling hub of culture and adventure. This lively town is nestled in the lush Cayo District with plenty of things to enjoy on your Belize travel itinerary. We started our journey at the bustling San Ignacio Market, where we bought our handcrafted souvenirs and sampled some authentic Belizean cuisine.
We took a walk along its pedestrian street, popping into its shops, and found a popular place for lunch to enjoy empanadas and tacos.
San Ignacio has its own Maya ruins without taking the long drive to Caracol. Adventure seekers can delve into the ancient Maya history at the nearby Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Belize.
While in San Ignacio, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Iguana Conservation Project, a unique chance to interact with these fascinating creatures and learn about conservation efforts.
Butterfly Farm
We learned about the life cycle of the butterfly, from seeing where they lay their eggs to watching them as chrysalids and emerging as butterflies.
Other things to do in San Ignacio include visiting the Green Iguana Conservation Project, the Belize Botanic Gardens, and the Belize Zoo which houses only rescued animals. The Belize Zoo is a good place to stop on your way back to Belize City.
Day 7 in Belize
Today, we didn’t leave our resort as we enjoyed the luxury of Hidden Valley Resort all day long. We had adventures in the morning followed by pampering and romance in the evening.
Morning
Jungle Tour
Our first stop was King Vulture waterfall which was made famous by Bear Grylls who rapelled down its amazing cascade. While there we spotted the elusive orange-breasted falcon and its mate who were soaring through the air.
We ended at … pool which is an easy five-minute hike. The resort sets up picnics here where couples and families can spend the day by the waterfall, swimming in the pool, and relaxing in a hammock. They bring out lunch to you and drinks. Whatever your heart desires.
People who go jungle trekking are armed with radios so they can keep in touch with the resort should any problems arise.
Afternoon: Private Massage
We’ve had a lot of massages around the world, but we’ve always had to go to the spa. Having the massage therapists come to us was heavenly. When they finished, we simply walked into our private plunge pool to relax and rejoice as we listened to the sounds of the rainforest.
Evening
The traditional stove fire was lit as candles burned all around us. This was the ultimate romantic evening as we enjoyed the locally infused flavors combined with international cuisine.
This resort has everything you could ask for in a luxury vacation. After dinner, we walked to the Rum bar to enjoy a post-meal cocktail where we chatted with the bartender Kenny about the resort and how everything right down to the gin is locally made.
It was bittersweet as this was our last night in Belize. But it ended perfectly with pampering and relaxation after a morning of adventure and fun. It’s exactly the way we like it.
As we faded to sleep we vowed to come back to Belize and tour the caves that we missed and to explore more places around the country. A one-week Belize itinerary is just barely enough to scratch the surface.
When is the Best Time to Visit Belize?
Weather: The dry season brings less rainfall and more sunshine, making it ideal for activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring the Mayan ruins. Temperatures are generally warm and comfortable.
Crowds: The peak tourist season in Belize coincides with the dry season, especially around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. If you prefer to avoid the busiest times, consider visiting in November or early December before the holiday rush, or in late April, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds have diminished.
Festivals and Events: Belize hosts various cultural events and festivals during these months, offering a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
Off-Season Travel: If you’re considering traveling in the off-season (May to November), you’ll encounter fewer tourists and lower prices, but be prepared for hotter, more humid conditions and a higher chance of rain, especially during the hurricane season from June to November.
What is the Best Way to Get to San Pedro, Belize?
The best ways to get to San Pedro, Belize, from Belize City are either by plane or ferry:
By Plane: The quickest method, taking under 30 minutes, with flights operated by Maya and Tropic Air. Tropic Air has three daily flights in the morning, and Maya offers flights throughout the day from 7.40 AM to 6.30 PM. The cost for a one-way flight to San Pedro is around 119 USD????.
By Ferry: A more affordable option, taking around 1.5 hours. The San Pedro Belize Express offers several daily ferries, equipped with amenities like wheelchairs, life jackets, and first-aid kits. The cost for a one-way ferry ticket is approximately 29 USD.
How to Get to San Ignacio Belize?
We took a private transfer to San Ignacio from Belize City with Nine Ecological Tours
Tourist Shuttle: This is a comfortable journey that takes about 2 hours from Belize City. The cost starts from around $20.
Public Bus: A cheaper and more adventurous option, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Buses usually depart from Belize City Bus Terminal to San Ignacio Bus Terminal. However, buses may not be very comfortable or reliable, especially if crowded??.
Taxi: A fast and comfortable option, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with fares ranging from $100 to $150 one-way. Taxis can be booked online or by phone and will pick up passengers from various locations in Belize City??.
Car Rental: Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, with the journey taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Car rental costs range from $60 to $90 per day, and the route is mostly along the Western Highway (George Price Highway). This option requires a valid driver’s license, credit card, and insurance??.
Belize Packing List
Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho, especially if traveling during the rainy season (June to November). Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the strong sun. Insect Repellent: To guard against mosquitoes, especially in jungle areas. Long Sleeve Pants and Shirts that you don’t mind ruining for the ATM Cave Tours or river tubing. A long-sleeved rash guard shirt for snorkeling. The sun is hot, so make sure to protect your skit. Camera or Smartphone: For capturing the stunning scenery and wildlife. Backpack or Daypack: For day trips and excursions. A dry bag for your electronics. An umbrella if you are traveling in the wet season.
Is Belize Expensive to visit?
The cost of visiting Belize can vary widely depending on your travel style and choices. Certain aspects of travel here can be expensive and costs here are more along the lines of what you’ll find in Costa Rica. That said, Belize may be more expensive than other Central American countries like Guatemala and Honduras, but it is more affordable than Caribbean destinations.:
Accommodation: Prices range from budget-friendly hostels to high-end resorts, with options to fit various budgets. Food and Dining: Local eateries and street food are generally inexpensive, but restaurant meals, especially in tourist areas, can be pricier. Activities: Tours and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and visiting ancient Mayan ruins can add to the cost, though there are often a range of options available. Transportation: Local transportation like buses is affordable, but taxis, shuttles, and internal flights can increase costs. Location: Popular tourist areas like San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Placencia tend to be more expensive than less touristy locations.
