Final Up to date on January 11, 2024 by Nellie Huang
Solely have 1 week in Belize? Take a look at my detailed Belize itinerary that packs within the nation’s greatest adventures.
Welcome to Belize, a rustic that straddles between the Caribbean Sea and the dense Central American rainforests. It might be the second smallest nation in Central America, but it surely positive packs a punch — it’s dwelling to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, lots of of islands with powdery white sand, historic Mayan temples that tower over lush jungles, advanced cave techniques that run underground, and a cultural heritage as wealthy as its landscapes.
We first traveled Belize as a part of a six-month backpacking journey, however we lately returned with our 8-year-old and located ourselves captivated as soon as once more by the the rhythm of Belize – a harmonious mix of laid-back Caribbean vibes, the decision of unique wildlife, and the heat of a singular tradition.
Belize is sufficiently small you can simply see the highlights in a single week, good for a brief getaway! I’m sharing our 1-week Belize itinerary, that may convey you from the sun-kissed seashores of Caye Caulker to the mysterious depths of the ATM Cave.
Belize Itinerary & Information
Belize Itinerary on Map
This one week Belize itinerary will present you three completely different sides to the town: first you’ll do a fast wander round hectic Belize Metropolis, then you definately’ll take in island vibes on each Ambergris Caye (aka San Pedro) and Caye Caulker. The islands are good for snorkeling, scuba diving and even deep-sea fishing!
My Belize itinerary ultimately brings you to inland to the jungles surrounding San Ignacio, the place you may discover Belize’s most spectacular Mayan ruins, go to the legendary ATM caves, and keep in an eco lodge within the jungle.
With this itinerary for Belize, you’ll get a style of one of the best of the nation and expertise how versatile and numerous the small nation might be.
How one can Get to Belize
This Belize itinerary begins and ends within the capital metropolis, Belize Metropolis. The primary gateway to Belize is the Phillip S.W. Goldson Worldwide Airport (BZE). It serves many cities within the US. You will get flights from Denver to Belize Metropolis for simply US$380 return and from New York for US$500 return. Seek for flights to Belize Metropolis.
Belize can also be surprisingly simple to get to from Mexico; we drove over from our dwelling in Playa del Carmen in Mexico and it took us simply over 5 hours to get to the Belize border. If you happen to don’t have your individual transport, there are buses that go straight from Chetumal to Belize Metropolis (try buses right here). You may also take a water taxi from Chetumal to San Pedro or Caye Caulker. Learn extra about water taxis under.
Getting round Belize
By Water Taxi
Water taxis are the preferred approach to get from one island to a different in Belize. If you happen to’re touring to Belize from Mexico, the water taxis are essentially the most handy approach to get from Chetumal to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. The water taxis are typically medium-sized, sheltered boats with restricted seating and so they can get bumpy and tight.
They’re not low cost although, at round US$76 for a one-way journey from Chetumal to Ambergris Caye. It’s extra reasonably priced to drive or take a bus to Belize Metropolis, then take a water taxi from there, which prices round US$31 for a one-way journey. Ebook your water taxis right here.
By Automobile
We drove our personal automobile from Mexico overland into Belize Metropolis, parked it by the pier (whereas we have been on the islands) after which drove to San Ignacio and again to Mexico. Renting a automobile is unquestionably a simple approach to journey round Belize — roads in Belize aren’t one of the best, however visitors is managable and it’s simple to search out your means round. If you happen to’ve bought expertise driving overseas, it positively makes for an journey!
We at all times e book automobile rental on Uncover Vehicles, as they’ve persistently given us one of the best charges and repair. A 1-week automobile rental in Belize prices round US$400, not together with insurance coverage. Ebook your automobile rental right here.
By Bus
If you happen to’re on a finances, buses are the most cost effective approach to get round Belize. Not like Mexico, Belize doesn’t have correct big-coach buses that go between cities. There are many hen buses which are actually low cost however unreliable. You may also take personal shuttles between cities particularly if you happen to’re touring in a bunch and may lower your expenses by splitting the fee. Ebook your shuttle switch.
Belize Itinerary Day 1: Land in Belize Metropolis
Many vacationers are inclined to keep away from Belize Metropolis because it doesn’t have one of the best popularity. Truthfully it’s fairly tough across the edges and there aren’t so much to see and do right here. I counsel spending a day or only a few hours right here to get your bearings. First, catch a personal shuttle from the airport to the town heart for US$16. Ebook your switch right here.
Begin by exploring the historic Swing Bridge, the oldest swing bridge in Belize. Watch it rise above the murky waters to let water taxis move. This iconic landmark connects the north and south sides of Belize Metropolis. From there, stroll over to St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America, famend for its structure significance.
Afterward, make your approach to the Museum of Belize (pictured under), housed within the historic Belize Central Jail, providing insights into Belize’s historical past, tradition, and pure heritage. The museum is surprisingly insightful and the setting can’t be extra apt. Head to the Riverside Tavern for recent seafood or easy Belizean dishes. take a stroll to the waterfront “Welcome to Belize” signal, capturing memorable images of your time in Belize Metropolis.
The place to Keep in Belize Metropolis
Finances: The Pink Hut Inn
The Pink Hut Inn is a budget-friendly possibility providing comfy lodging. It’s identified for its pleasant employees and clear rooms. Whereas it could not have all of the facilities of higher-end accommodations, it supplies a superb worth for budget-conscious vacationers. Verify charges right here.
Mid-Vary: Radisson Fort George Lodge and Marina
Situated proper on the waterfront, this can be a mid-range possibility with a waterfront location. It affords comfy rooms, a swimming pool, and varied facilities. The resort is conveniently located close to key points of interest in Belize Metropolis. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Shaka Caye All Inclusive Resort
Situated outdoors of Belize Metropolis proper on the seashore, this upscale resort affords beachfront lodging, fantastic eating, a spa, and a spread of leisure actions. With its high-end furnishing, it supplies an opulent seashore escape proper within the metropolis. Verify charges right here.
Belize Itinerary Day 2: Head to Ambergris Caye
After a day in Belize Metropolis, it’s time to go out to the cayes (small, low islands composed largely of coral or sand) that Belize is thought for! You’re going to first head to Ambergris Caye, the biggest and hottest island in Belize. The city of San Pedro, situated on the southern a part of the caye, is a bustling hub with colourful buildings, full of life streets, and a various culinary scene.
Water Taxi vs Airplane?
The most cost effective approach to get to San Pedro from Belize Metropolis is by water taxi; a one-way ferry ticket prices US$31 and it takes 1h30min. As talked about, water taxis are often small and house is tight, however they depart commonly and are environment friendly.
However if in case you have the finances, I like to recommend flying there in your means there. Flights are round US$84 per individual a method and the views on the flight are completely spectacular! The flight is in a tiny, tremendous informal-feeling aircraft, gliding over water in essentially the most stunning shades of inexperienced and blue that you can think of. Flights are cheaper if you happen to e book them prematurely on Maya Island Air’s web site.
Wander round Ambergris Caye
When you’ve settled in San Pedro, contemplate renting a golf cart to discover the island. It’s price visiting the mangrove forests or the Marco Gonzalez Maya Website, an historic Maya buying and selling and fishing outpost. Guided excursions can be found to offer insights into the wealthy historical past of the area.
You may also drive all the way in which to Secret Seaside, which is not a secret anymore. Secret Seaside has shallow spearmint waters, good for swimming and enjoyable. You’ll be able to even go fishing right here along with your spinning reel and luxuriate in some quiet time.
The place to Keep in San Pedro
Finances: Drift Inn
Situated within the coronary heart of San Pedro, Drift Inn affords budget-friendly lodging with out compromising on consolation. With a central location, it supplies easy accessibility to the city’s points of interest, eating places, and seashores. Verify charges right here.
Mid-Vary: SunBreeze Lodge
We stayed at SunBreeze Lodge, an awesome mid-range possibility located on the beachfront, providing comfy rooms and a spread of facilities. We beloved the handy location and straightforward seashore entry. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Victoria Home Resort & Spa
For an opulent expertise, contemplate Victoria Home Resort & Spa. This upscale resort is thought for its elegant lodging, stunning beachfront setting, and high-end facilities. It affords a tranquil and indulgent retreat on Ambergris Caye. Verify charges right here.
Belize Itinerary Day 3: Dive the Blue Gap
Ambergris Caye is famend for its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, providing distinctive snorkeling and diving alternatives. If you happen to’re a PADI-certified diver, don’t miss diving within the Blue Gap, a legendary submarine cave that attracts scuba divers from around the globe. The round Blue Gap is over 330m in diameter and 120m deep, and it was shaped when the roof of a limestone cave system collapsed in the course of the ice age.
Sadly diving right here will not be for newbies; you’ll have to have the PADI Superior Open Water license to scuba dive right here. We solely had the Fundamental Open Water license so missed out on the prospect to see the Blue Gap. In case you are licensed, try Scuba Faculty and Household Dive Middle, which has one of the best critiques on TripAdvisor.
Alternatively, you can even go for a sightseeing flight for aerial views of the Blue Gap. From the air, the spherical patch of darkish blue waters surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and coral reefs appears to be like unbelievable. It’s not low cost in fact, at US$215 for a 1-hour flight.
Snorkel with Sharks at Hol-Chan Marine Reserve
Within the afternoon, e book your self on a snorkel tour within the Hol-Chan Marine Reserve close to Ambergris Caye. Marine life is excellent right here – we noticed enormous nurse sharks, bumphead parrot fish, and even an eagle noticed ray! It was a surreal expertise because the ray slowly glided previous us, so gently and relaxingly. Visibility within the water is as clear as it could get and snorkeling situations are near good. This was by far our favourite a part of this Belize itinerary.
Within the night, deal with your self to a beachfront dinner on the beachfront Blue Water Grill, which serves us hearty Belizean staples and freshly grilled seafood. One other spot price testing is The Truck Cease, a meals truck park with quite a lot of choices. Benefit from the sundown views over the Caribbean Sea whereas savoring recent and scrumptious Belizean delicacies.
Belize Itinerary Day 4: Jump over to Caye Caulker
Only a hop away from San Pedro is Caye Caulker, the smaller sister island, which affords a extra budget-friendly and laid-back expertise in comparison with Ambergris Caye. It’s only a 30-minute water taxi journey away; a one-way ticket prices US$21 per individual. Ebook your water taxi right here.
With a quieter, low-key vibe, Caye Caulker appeals extra to the backpacker crowd with its laid again, reggae vibes. We completely love Caye Caulker — each once we have been younger backpackers 20 years in the past, and now with our 8-year-old child in tow. There aren’t any roads, no air pollution, no loud noises. Simply mushy winds, gentle music and the limitless sea.
Take a look at my really useful issues to do on Caye Caulker.
Chill on the Cut up
Spend your time swinging away on the hammocks by the Cut up, on the northern finish of the caye. The Cut up was shaped in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie hit, splitting Caye Caulker in two. It’s turn out to be a preferred place to relax, snorkel and hang around. The shallow waters are clear, refreshing and stuffed with marine life. Plus there are seashore bars proper on the aspect of the Spit, so you may actually pull your seashore benches out and sit within the water whereas consuming an ice chilly beer.
Kayak to the Northern Mangroves
You may also lease a kayak right here and paddle to the mangrove reserve within the distant northern half of Caye Caulker. It makes for a enjoyable tour, particularly within the mornings when birdlife is wealthy. Tsunami Adventures manage kayaking journeys for B$15 (US$7.50) within the first hour and B$10 (US$5) for subsequent hours. It’s very easy to kayak within the calm waters across the northern a part of Caye Caulker, so don’t fear if you happen to don’t have any expertise. Ebook their journeys right here!
The place to Keep on Caye Caulker
Finances: Popeye’s Seaside Resort
On our first journey to Belize, we stayed at Popeye’s Seaside Resort and had the time of our lives hanging out with different backpackers and simply chilling. Quick ahead to fifteen years later, Popeye’s nonetheless stays an establishment, with dormitory-style rooms and a communal environment. Verify charges right here.
Mid-Vary: Tropical Paradise Lodge
Tropical Paradise Lodge is a mid-range possibility providing comfy rooms and a calming environment. Located near the seashore and central areas, it supplies a handy location for exploring the island. The resort options facilities comparable to a pool and a pleasant employees, making it a good selection for these looking for a stability between affordability and luxury. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: La Isla Resort
There aren’t many luxurious resorts on Caye Caulker; however this is without doubt one of the few nicer ones. We stayed right here with our buddies on our current journey and actually loved the pool and the great campfire space with cozy benches and hammocks. Whereas the rooms are small, the resort is situated proper on the seashore and in a quiet however central location. Verify charges right here.
Belize Itinerary Day 5: Drive to San Ignacio
Begin the day vibrant and early with a morning water taxi journey again to Belize Metropolis. It’s only a 1-hour boat journey (US$21 a method). When you arrive on the ferry terminal, both choose up your rental automobile or take a taxi to the bus terminal. It ought to take round 3 hours to get to the luxurious jungly inside of Belize.
When you arrive, examine into your ecolodge and take a stroll round city. San Ignacio’s vibrant market supplies an genuine style of Belizean life. Have some fry jacks (puffy crisp deep-fried flour dough) on the market or duck into Cenaida’s Belizean Meals for some coconut hen or Creole fish.
See the Inexperienced Iguanas
After lunch, drop into San Ignacio Resort Lodge to take a look at the Inexperienced Iguana Conservation Undertaking. They run guided excursions of their services commonly all through the day, and the information supplies enjoyable and fascinating details about the inexperienced iguana. You’re free to get pleasant with the inexperienced iguanas, the infants are particularly playful.
Discover the Mayan Ruins
It’s time to go into the jungle! San Ignacio serves as a gateway to quite a few archaeological websites, together with the famend Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. We have been actually impressed by the sheer scale of Xunantunich (simply half-hour from San Ignacio) — the large Mayan advanced can rival Palenque in Mexico and Tikal in Guatemala when it comes to its magnitude and grandeur. The smaller Cahal Pech ruins are inside strolling distance from San Ignacio city.
The place to Keep in San Ignacio
Finances: Mana Kai Tenting and Cabins
Situated on the town, Mana Kai affords an reasonably priced eco-friendly lodging possibility in San Ignacio. Set inside a pristine pure atmosphere, this budget-friendly lodge supplies company with a detailed connection to nature whereas sustaining affordability. Verify charges right here.
Mid-Vary: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Located amidst a personal nature reserve, this upscale lodge affords a spread of comfy lodging and upscale facilities whereas prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Additionally they supply guided nature walks, birdwatching, and discover the lodge’s dedication to environmental conservation. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Ka’ana Resort
For these looking for an opulent eco-friendly expertise in San Ignacio, Ka’ana Resort is an upscale resort that mixes lavish lodging with a dedication to sustainability. Surrounded by lush landscapes, Ka’ana affords company a high-end retreat that includes fantastic eating, spa providers, and unique entry to Belize’s pure wonders. Verify charges right here.
Belize Itinerary Day 6: Go Caving within the ATM Caves
We’ve saved one of the best for final! Rise early to go on an adventurous tour of the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), one of the vital well-known sights of Belize. Named one of the vital sacred caves on the planet by Nationwide Geographic, the ATM Caves is a must-visit for journey vacationers. Geologically, the cave extends over a kilometer, meandering by way of slender rock formations till unveiling an impressive, glittering atrium adorned with crystallized stalagmites and stalactites.
Nevertheless, what really distinguishes the ATM Cave is its position because the resting place for a number of human sacrifices. Inside its depths lie 14 partial and near-whole stays, notably the “Crystal Maiden” – a remarkably preserved skeleton adorned with crystals on the coronary heart of the cave. Amidst the human stays, the cave additionally homes quite a few pottery fragments, ceremonially shattered as a part of the sacrificial rituals.
The ATM caves can solely be visited on a guided tour, and it requires a sure stage of health. We didn’t do that as we have been touring Belize with our child, however this ATM cave tour appears to get one of the best critiques.
Belize Itinerary Day 7: Again to Belize Metropolis
Sadly, your Belize journey has come to an finish and it’s time to go again to Belize Metropolis. Both catch a hen bus from the bus station, or drive again to Belize Metropolis Airport (which ought to take just below 2 hours). Alternatively, e book this shuttle that’ll convey you out of your San Ignacio airport to the airport.
Belize Journey Information
Finest Time to Go to Belize
The most effective time to go to Belize is in the course of the dry season, which generally spans from November to April. This era ensures favorable climate situations with decrease possibilities of rain, offering optimum alternatives for outside actions, exploration, and having fun with the pristine seashores and coral reefs.
The height vacationer season falls between December and April when Belize is blessed with nice temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant marine life for actions comparable to snorkeling and diving. However notice that that is additionally the excessive season, leading to increased lodging costs and elevated crowds.
For these looking for a stability between favorable climate and fewer vacationers, the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and September to early November supply good options, albeit with some potential for rain in the course of the latter interval.
Is It Protected to Go to Belize?
Belize is usually thought-about a protected vacation spot for vacationers, particularly if you happen to comply with the vacationer path. In accordance with world journey security studies, Belize has a average crime charge, with most incidents occurring in Belize Metropolis. Most vacationers, together with ourselves, expertise a trouble-free keep.
We’ve been to Belize twice, and by no means had something dangerous occur to us. Practising commonsense security measures, comparable to safeguarding private belongings and being conscious of 1’s environment, contributes to a safe journey expertise in Belize.
How A lot Does This Belize Itinerary Price?
Belize is without doubt one of the pricier locations in Central America, aligning extra intently with the price of dwelling in Costa Rica and Panama than with its neighboring Mexico and Guatemala. However it’s potential to maintain to a low finances, particularly if you happen to follow hostels and native diners.
Hostels often are available in below $25 per evening, mid-range accommodations usually fall inside the $50-100 per evening vary, whereas luxurious choices value $150 and above per evening. Consuming in easy diners value $5-8 per meal and $15-20 in a restaurant. Remember that these figures are approximate, topic to variation based mostly on elements just like the time of yr.
Day journeys are typically fairly costly, with half-day snorkeling excursions at round US$50 or extra. A caving tour within the ATM caves often prices over $100, but it surely’s the spotlight of Belize and you may’t miss it!
What to Pack for Belize
For this journey to Belize, you’ll be spending most of your time within the sea, so positively pack plenty of sun-proof gear. KEEN footwear or regular sandals are additionally actually helpful to stroll on seashores strewn with seashells or corals.
Snorkel masks and fins will are available in helpful as you’ll be utilizing them alot right here. If you happen to’re planning to go fishing, you should definitely convey your spinning reels or different gear that you just won’t be capable of discover in Belize.
Packing Checklist for Belize
Take pleasure in Your Belize Journey!
Are you able to discover Belize? Hope you discovered my Belize itinerary helpful! As a result of the nation isn’t too massive, you may really see and expertise quite a bit in to 1 week in Belize. Be happy to bookmark this Belize itinerary in your telephone and refer it to it as you go alongside.
Be sure you depart a remark under if in case you have any questions. We’ll be completely happy to assist in any means we are able to!
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee if you e book something by way of my hyperlinks, at NO additional value to you. I solely suggest firms I’ve personally used and loved.
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