Highlights of Belize
Belize is a country steeped in history, culture, and nature. Over a period of 8 or 11 days, you will explore the Mayan history which shaped the nation, the authentic villages of the nation, and the jungles, rivers and oceans which house the diverse nature of the region. If you have ever been interested in visiting Belize this is an incredible tour which take you to the main sites and highlights of the wonderful nation.
- Xunantunich
- Cahal Pech
- Aktun Tunichil Muknal Cave
- Placencia
- Monkey River
- Belize City
- Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
- San Pedro
Starting in Belize’s more populated area of the Cayo District, you will work your way through Belize experiencing all the incredible sites which the nation is famous for. You will start by exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and then explore the cave systems which the Mayan would use in religious ceremonies. You will then move onto exploring the nation’s wildlife sites. You will look through rivers, forests, and even barrier reefs to examine the unique wildlife of Belize.
Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America, offers a diverse combination of highly rewarding experiences that make it unique in the Americas. Swim with exotic Marine life along the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. Explore the fascinating mysteries of the largest concentration of Maya Ruins in the region. Hike thousands of acres of unspoiled forest, including one of the only jaguar preserves in the world. Discover the highest waterfall and the most extensive cave system in Central America, and dive the captivating Blue Hole. The harmonious blend of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese creates distinctive cultural traditions, including mouthwatering cuisine. The Reefs, Rainforests and Ruins of Belize are enough to captivate even the most experienced of traveller.
Welcome to Belize! Private transfer (2 hours) from International airport to the Cayo district in the west of Belize. You will be staying in or near San Ignacio town for the next 3 night with its’ many restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Full Day Tour
The following morning explore the two ancient Mayan Cities of Xunantunich (lady of stone) and Cahal Pech (place of tics) famous for their battles with Tikal and good examples of the ancient Maya world. Cross the Mopan river on a hand cranked ferry to get to the site at Xunantunich and lunch today is taken at a local restaurant in the village of Succotz. The evening is then yours at leisure.
Full day Aktun Tunichil Muknal Cave
On the final day in this region head out on a day tour of caves! Rated as the top adventure in Central America by National Geographic the ATM (Aktun Tunichol Muknal) cave system, located near the village of Teakettle, is a throwback to the times when the ancient Maya were fleeing the cities and hiding in the cave systems to make sacrifices to the Gods. Here you can see stalagtites, stalagmites, crystal formations, pottery chards and skeletal remains. Access is through a short jungle hike, swimming into a cave and then walking through an underground river. Evening is again yours at leisure.
Private transfer to Placencia with two stops on the way. First take a short walk on a jungle path down to the famous inland blue hole for a refreshing dip in the chilly mountain fed waters. Next is a short visit to the famous Marie Sharps hot sauce factory where the products are shipped to 27 countries around the world. A chance to sample hot sauce and jams before heading to Placencia. The Hummingbird highway is the most beautiful highway in the country and snakes between the Maya mountains. Total travel time is 4 hours. Plus stops. Evening is your own at leisure.
The following day, a lovely boat ride on calm waters brings you to the remote village of Monkey river at the entrance to the Monkey River. Order your lunch and then set off upstream as the guide points out the numerous wildlife before taking you on a jungle tour to get up close and personal with howler monkeys. On the way back stop for lunch in Monkey River village and then spot some Manatees feeding in the shallow water before heading back to Placencia village. Spend your evening at leisure in the same hotel.
Your last day in Placienda is left free for you. Enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or explore the village of Placencia with it’s many bars, coffee shops and restaurants and famous for having the narrowest high street in the world – recently it was made wider and presently 1.2 m (4 foot wide)!
Private transfer with a stop at the Jaguar Paw area and Nocho’een cave system where you will make a cave tubing experience following a short jungle hike, enter the maya caves in a river sitting in your own oversized inner tube and gently floating through the cave system while the guide explains about the cave and its history. Total travel time excluding tours is 4 hours. After a local lunch you will continue to the former capital, Belize City, to take a local filght to San Pedro town where a taxi or golf cart will bring you to your hotel for the next 3 nights. Evening at leisure to explore the many dining options in the town of San Pedro.
Your first day in the area is a day at leisure but perhaps you will go fishing on the barrier reef or deep sea fishing, diving, snorkelling, kayakking or just relax on the beach. Your resort tour desk can assist in arranging any of these or additional touring options.
The following day, you will be snorkeling on the second longest barrier in the world on two prime sites in the protected Hol Chan National Park. In the park you will snorkel the world famous Shark Ray Alley site and as the name implies, you will be snorkeling with harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore down town or chill on the beach. The next day is again a day at your leisure to do as you wish.
After breakfast, a short golf cart will transfer you to the local airstrip for the 18-minute flight to Belize International Airport to take your flight home.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Asterisk (*) marks days only available on the 11 day trip.
- Private transportation for inland tours
- Accommodation in double occupancy, in mentioned hotels or similar
- Daily breakfast (please note some hotels offer continental Breakfast only)
- Land transfers to / from hotel in San Pedro (shared service)
- Additional meals, as mentioned on each day
- Entrance to Hol Chan
- Flight Belize International – San Pedro – Belize International
- Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room service, porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Any additional/extra tours or park fees
- Personal and/or medical expenses
- Any incidentals out of pocket or medical expenses. Please ensure you carry appropriate insurance, which covers all the activities in this itinerary, inherited risks, luggage protection and holiday cancellation.
- Late check-out or early check-in
- International flights
- Departure taxes or immigration fees (to be paid at some airports or land borders)
- Costs associated with changes to your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
- Any other service not mentioned in the “included” list or the itinerary
