I wanted to share with you a sample itinerary for a beautiful and culturally rich trip to Belize! Get excited, because there are so many fun adventures and gorgeous beaches awaiting you in this lovely Central American country tucked between Mexico and Guatemala.
DAY 1: Arrive at the Phillip Goldstein International Airport right outside of Belize City.
Pick up your rental car steps from the airport terminal at Belizean owned company Crystal Car Rentals.
Skip Belize City and instead head southwest to San Ignacio. This charming, hilly city is bordered by lush jungle, rivers, and farmland. It’s an easy two and half hour drive from the airport.
You’ll be staying at Belizean owned and operated, Martha’s Guesthouse in the heart of the city. Your colorful and artistically decorated room will be a welcome respite from the long day of travel. The food here is amazing as well, I highly recommend the El Cayeno breakfast!
DAY 2: Take a leisurely stroll to explore the city, it's very walkable but quite hilly. Check out the food and craft market by the river and sample the street vendors' empanadas and tacos.
If you're feeling energetic you can walk to a nearby Mayan temple, Cahal Pech perched high above the city. You can also easily drive there. This ancient site is a great place to explore, on your own or with a guide.
A short 20 drive away is another spectacular Mayan temple, Xunantunich.
For dinner, head two blocks down the street to Erva’s, for a delightful dinner on the patio.
DAY 3: Walk up the hill to Ajaw Chocolate after breakfast for a cacao farm and traditional chocolate making tour.
For lunch pop over to Restaurante Tipico for an excellent Salvadorian lunch of pupusas and salbutes.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and taking in the diverse culture of downtown San Ignacio.
DAY 4: After an early breakfast head out on a day trip to Mountain Pine Ridge to birdwatch, swim, and tour the impressive Mayan temple of Caracol.
Or if that’s not your speed, book a tour of the Women's Collective in the nearby town of San Antonio. They offer traditional Mayan culinary and pottery demonstrations.
DAY 5: Time to go explore the beautiful reef and coast!
Belize is a small country which makes going from the inland mountains to the coast an easy 2-3 hour drive. Head down the Hummingbird Highway to Dangriga where you will meet your boat to take you to Southwater Caye.
On the drive down, stop at Lamanai Chocolate for some locally made chocolate and a refreshing fruit smoothie.
Arrive at Pelican Beach Resort on Southwater Caye and get ready to unwind.
This eco conscious lodge is the perfect place to explore the magnificent barrier reef and the abundant sea life.
DAY 6-9: Enjoy the slower pace of island life. Snorkel right off the southern end of the island, charter a boat to go explore other spots on the reef, and paddleboard the crystal clear and calm waters surrounding South Water Caye.
DAY 10: Bid farewell to the gorgeous country of Belize and head back home.
Where are you headed on your next vacation?
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