Two week trip to Belize
14 days
This two-week trip to Belize is the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll discover exactly what makes this country such a pristine gem in a world where tourists flock to tropical destinations. Belize has made a concerted effort to preserve as much of its natural beauty as possible, with reserves and protected areas both on land and in the sea. You’re about to experience the best the country has to offer.
A two-week trip to Belize may seem like a long time, but as you’ll quickly find, it’s barely enough time to get a real feel for the country and its friendly people. From hiking to swimming and snorkeling, there’s something for everyone here. It’s a lovely country and we’ll make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Lamanai
Mayan ruins
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
National Park
Cockscomb Basin
Wildlife sanctuary
Caribbean Sea
Belize
Highlights
If you like to learn about the history and culture of a country, you’re in the right place. Belize was inhabited by the Maya long ago and we’ll visit some of their most impressive cities, including Altun-Ha, Lamanai, and Caracol, among others. You’ll visit ATM Cave and see the ancient skeletons of human sacrifices and Mayan altars. Swim in the cool waters of the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and lounge on the beach in Placencia and the Cayes.
It’s your choice whether you want to stay on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, as each offers a unique experience. Whatever you select as your home base, rest assured that you’ll get plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the warm water.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Belize International airport, you’ll be met by your driver and taken to the heart of the Mayan rainforest. Enjoy a peaceful night in a comfortable bed, surrounded by nature.
- Two nights in the Belize or Orange Walk district
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll visit the Lamanai Mayan ruins, set on the western edge of the New River Lagoon. This ancient city covers roughly 950 acres, with over 100 minor structures. There are also larger buildings and structures, including three notable temples, the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the High Temple. The High Temple can be climbed, providing panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding forest. It’s also the largest Pre-classic building in the country.
Be prepared to spot crocodiles, turtles, and plenty of other wildlife as we take a boat tour of the river. Our day’s adventure ends with a traditional Belizean lunch and then it’s back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow.
Today’s journey takes us to Altun-Ha, another Mayan city north of Belize City. The name “Altun-Ha” means Rockstone Water in Yucatec Maya and refers to the water reserve in a nearby town. While Altun-Ha is around 44 acres, the actual city covers roughly 25 square miles. Only a small part has been excavated and that is what you’ll get to explore. This is the site where the famous jade head was found and the ruin is notable for having a royal tomb that was once filled with jade artifacts.
After leaving the ruins, we’ll spend some time at the Community Baboon Sanctuary nearby. Originally established in 1985, the sanctuary protects the black howler monkey and other species, such as jaguars, pumas, and margays. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a hike and learn about the local animals and rainforests.
After the visit, we’ll head to San Ignacio where you’ll stay in a lovely jungle lodge.
- Two nights in San Ignacio/Cayo district
The ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) was used for hundreds of years as a sacred site for rituals and sacrifices, including human sacrifices. To reach the cave, we’ll hike through the stunning jungle of Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, then enter the cave. It is partially filled with water, but well worth the journey as you get a glimpse into the history of this location.
Aside from the stunning rock formations in the ATM Cave, you’ll see artifacts from up to 2,000 years ago sitting on some of the shelves in the cave. There is also the famous Crystal Maiden, a skeleton that is completely crystallized, as well as altars and other human remains. Your guide will explain the interesting stories behind the items left in the cave and you’ll learn how the Maya believed the cave was an entrance to the underworld.
Once you’ve seen the cave, it’s time to head back to the jungle lodge to relax for the evening.
Get ready for a nature adventure today! You’ll be taken to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which was established in 1944. This reserve covers over 100,000 acres with everything from broadleaf forests to pine forests. Our hike will take us first to Rio Frio Cave, where an underground river has created a winding cave below the mountain. After that unique view, we’ll check out some of the other waterfalls and forests, watching for wildlife the whole time.
When you’ve had your fill of the nature reserve, it’s time to move on to the Caracol ruins. “Caracol” means snail in Spanish and it’s an apt name considering the winding road that leads to the ruins. This Mayan city was once home to over 150,000 people prior to 900 AD. The Sky Palace or Caana holds the record as the highest building in Belize, standing at 141 feet tall. You’ll also see three ball courts and five large plazas here, but the biggest attraction is the abundance of stelae, or carved pillars that abound here.
To finish out the day, we’ll cool off in Rio On Pools, which is a series of natural swimming holes. This is a relaxing way to chill after a long day of walking and you’ll enjoy the cool water while surrounded by the Belizean jungle.
Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is located near Belize’s capital city, Belmopan, and covers 500 acres of tropical rainforest. The area is replete with caves and limestone swimming holes where you can take a dip to cool off. The Blue Hole that the park is named after is actually a collapsed limestone cave filled with water, a cenote. The turquoise waters are inviting after a hike to get there and you may want to explore the connected caves, as well.
After exploring the park, your driver will take you to Hopkins, a quiet seaside town that’s known for its Garifuna culture. Spend some time on the beach, go snorkeling, or enjoy exploring this quaint village.
- Two nights in Hopkins
Ready for another day in paradise? Today’s adventure takes us to the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary covers more than 150 square miles, almost entirely jungle. Founded in 1986, Cockscomb was the first jaguar preserve in the world. Today, it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including jaguars, monkeys, toucans, and tapirs. You should keep an eye out for orchids and bromeliads as you walk the beautiful trails, too.
After a hike through the tropical jungle, you’ll take a lazy float down the river on an inner tube. It’s a nice, peaceful way to enjoy the nature surrounding you.
You can spend the morning relaxing or doing your own activities. Your driver will pick you up at noon to take you to the vibrant town of Placencia. This village is at the tip of a 16-mile-long peninsula with stunning white sand beaches and amazing ocean views. It’s a popular spot for tourists, thanks to the many dive tours, whale watching, and diving or snorkeling options.
Spend your afternoon exploring this charming town and getting some great photos.
- Three nights in Placencia
Today’s schedule will depend on the weather. We will let you know which option is available for the day:
Laughing Bird Caye: This caye is about 11 miles from Placencia and was named for the Laughing Gulls that originally inhabited the island. Due to more humans in the area, the birds have mostly moved to other, more remote areas. The caye is a national park and part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll likely spot plenty of birds here, but also stingrays, sea turtles, and other marine life. It’s a great spot to go snorkeling, so bring your swimsuit.
Silk and Moho Caye: This beautiful caye is the perfect place to snorkel, with pristine coral gardens and plenty of marine life. If you prefer, you can relax on the beach instead of snorkeling, and do some birdwatching. Beautiful tropical fish fill the waters, though, so you’ll definitely want to enjoy that view. It has all the perks of a deserted island with none of the downsides . . . you’ll head back to your hotel in the evening.
Today is a chill day, so you can do what you please. There’s no tour scheduled and you’re free to enjoy the warm Caribbean waters or just relax on the beach and get a tan. We also recommend taking some time to explore the town’s quaint streets and trying some of the famous gelato sold here.
You have a big decision to make for this section of our itinerary. There are two cayes you can stay on and it’s up to you to decide which choice best suits your needs.
Caye Caulker is the smaller of the two islands and features a nice, laid-back vibe. It’s particularly popular among backpackers and anyone who is looking for a chill, relaxed place to stay. The main street running down the island is sandy, which just adds to the charm. It has a small-town feel, but still enough nightlife that you can enjoy your evenings. The expansive white sand beaches are perfect for relaxing and there are several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine, including very fresh seafood. If you stay here, you’ll likely be walking everywhere, so be prepared.
Ambergris Caye is larger and more vibrant, for those who prefer a little more excitement. It’s a place of luxury resorts and high-end restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife. There are several bars and nightclubs to choose from, so if you like to get out and party, this is the place for you! You’ll find plenty of activities here, including snorkeling, hiking, and swimming. You’ll probably get around by golf cart since the island is considerably larger than Caye Caulker. However, there are also beautiful beaches and plenty to see if you’re snorkeling.
- Three nights in the cayes
Today, you’ll spend quite a bit of time in the water, exploring the Belize Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important ecosystem with unique biodiversity that must be protected. Home to more than 500 types of fish and over 60 types of stony corals, this reef is a valuable part of the world and is worth a visit.
If you’re staying on Caye Caulker, you’ll head out on a sailboat in the morning to explore the Belize Barrier Reef and the surrounding areas. This tour takes you to five different destinations, including Coral Gardens, The Hol Chan Channel, Tarpon View, Shark and Ray Alley, and the Manatee stop. You’ll have the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks, as well as rays, and view manatees up close.
Did you choose Ambergris Caye as your destination? Your tour will cover sections of the Belize Barrier Reef, too. Your guide will take you out on a boat to swim with sharks and rays in Shark Ray Alley, then you’ll go snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a narrow channel that gives you a unique view of the underwater world here. You’ll also have a chance to relax at Tres Cocos and enjoy a little beach time in between snorkeling.
After all the intense touring and learning you’ve been doing, you’ll find a relaxing day to yourself just before heading home. Take the time to explore the caye or rent some snorkeling equipment to get a closer look at the tropical fish. The day is yours to seize!
If you’re staying in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, you may choose from two extensions that we offer: Private Catamaran tour or the Great Blue Hole.
Your two-week trip to Belize has come to an end. We’ll drop you off at the airport in Belize City to catch your flight home.
map, expenses & price
Two Week Trip to Belize
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Thirteen nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfast.
Extensions
ADD-ON
Hop on a catamaran and visit Shark Ray Alley where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays and check out the Hol Chan Reserve which is like swimming in a real-life aquarium. You’ll see corals, over 160 species of fish, and plenty of aquatic plants. We’ll then sail to Caye Caulker where you can shop for souvenirs, stroll the sand street, and cross The Split. Koko King is the perfect place to eat lunch and take some time to go tubing. You’ll also visit Mexico Rocks, Tres Cocos, and enjoy a natural swimming pool.
add-on
The famous Great Blue Hole is a huge 300-meter-wide limestone sinkhole that is a stunning shade of blue in a sea of turquoise. It’s considered one of the top diving sites in the world, but it’s best seen from the air. So, you’ll board a plane and fly right over this amazing sight, with a great aerial view, perfect for snapping photos.
