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 is a diverse country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, boasting a stunning coastline along the Caribbean Sea. A trip to Belize isn’t just about island life. A Belize trip itinerary can include rainforest adventures, exploring majestic mountains, and a rich network of rivers and caves.
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.
We took a direct flight to Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) just outside of Belize City from Toronto. We transitioned from a cold and grey winter’s day to the tropical air of Belize in just 4 1/2 hours. We didn’t even leave the airport as we caught a quick hopper flight to the islands.
Day 1 in Belize – Caye Caulker
Start your Belize trip with a bit of island life at one of the Cayes. After you arrive in Belize City, head through security and have your Tropic Air ticket ready to transfer to the islands. This is the perfect way to begin your week in Belize. We made a home base in Caye Caulker, but most people were flying to San Pedro. When I saw the crowds going there I was happy to hop on our quiet flight to the smaller cay.
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
Golf carts await at the tiny airstrip on Caye Caulker, where our transfer to El Ben Cabañas held up a card with our name to take us to the pier for our first boat ride in Belize.
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.
The resort offers free shuttles to Caye Caulker South throughout the day, allowing visitors the chance to enjoy the wild side of the island while escaping to the quiet and luxurious retreat that is nestled within swaying palms, sandy beaches, and two swimming pools.
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
No trip to Belize would be complete without visiting Ambergris Caye, so we took a day trip to the largest island in Belize to explore San Pedro Town and to take part in a few adventures. To make the most of our time, we caught an early morning flight to the island for some fun in the sun. Flights from Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye are only five minutes long and take you directly to San Pedro.
Morning
We had an amazing breakfast at the Blue Water grill overlooking the sandy beach. Located across from the airport, it was just a short walk to our meal. This was the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while the tropical breeze cooled the air as we looked out at the turquoise waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Flight Over the Blue Hole
After breakfast, we took the short walk back across the street to the airport, where we boarded our private flight to the Great Blue Hole. This hour-long scenic flight is a trip of a lifetime. The Great Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the best scuba diving sites in the world, but honestly, to see it from above is truly spectacular.
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!
The flight is so much more than just seeing this natural wonder, we spent an hour soaring over the Caribbean Sea, taking in the bird’s eye views of not only the shores of Ambergris Caye and its Secret Beach but also Caye Caulker and the colorful waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Some 400 Cayes are scattered throughout the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
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
El Fogon Restaurant is a family-run business that has been in operation for more than 20 years. The Arceo-Eiley family grew up in La Isla Bonita and opened this restaurant to preserve the authenticity of Belizean Cuisine. We loved our meals of spicy stews and local soups while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this popular spot.
Parasailing
Continuing our theme of island life and water sports, we joined Belize Parasail Ltd. for another adventure in the sky. They picked us up in San Pedro, where we enjoyed a sightseeing tour of the island as we made our way to Boca del Rio Resort, located on a quieter side of the island, to hop on a speed boat for our parasailing adventure in the sky.
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
It was a lot of fun in the sun and after a full day trip in the air, we made our way back to San Pedro to catch our flight back to Caye Caulker. There are plenty of places to eat on Caye Caulker, but we decided to catch our free water shuttle back to our resort to enjoy its fantastic restaurant. Being close to home lets us fall into our beds dreaming about our perfect day in Belize.
Day 3 in Belize – Caye Caulker
If yesterday was about seeing the Caribbean Sea and Belize Barrier Reef from above, today was all about exploring the Hol Chan Marine Reserve from below.
Morning
After a hearty breakfast at our resort, we arranged a free water taxi to Caye Caulker South to enjoy our day on the water.
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
We boarded a private yacht with Wanderlust Adventures to sail for a half-day trip to the heart of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The sailing trip was as exciting as the snorkeling as the different hues of blue unfolded before our eyes. We sat on the front of the catamaran and felt like millionaires as we sailed through the Caribbean Sea with our private crue who took care of our every need.
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
We snorkeled in four different sites. Beginning in the Caye Caulker South Channel where we explored the colorful coral reefs to see parrotfish, lobsters, angelfish, and tarpon.
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
The last time we snorkeled in Shark Ray Alley was in 2003, during a diving trip through Central America. We stopped in Belize and fell in love with its crystal clear waters. Cut to 20 years later and we are back with different goals of snorkeling in luxury.
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
Doing a half-day tour lets us experience the rest of Caye Caulker for a day. We love this island much more than Ambergris Caye. It is much less busy and fewer golf carts are zipping through its sandy streets. It’s easy to spend several days chilling out on Caye Caulker, but here are a few highlights.
The Split
We walked along the tree-lined waterfront, popping into shops in search of necklaces and souvenirs, and made our way to The Split for a cocktail at the Lazy Lizard.
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
There are shuttles that run between the two sides of the island for $5 per person. We used this a couple of times instead of the free shuttle from El Ban Cabanas as the ride is just a short minute or two long and it’s only a five-minute walk to our hotel once we reached the other side. If you are staying on Caye Caulker, you need to ride this boat at least once.
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
Our night ended with a fantastic food tour through downtown. Owner Matt met us at the pier, and we followed him to Salty’s where we enjoyed Belezian appetizers and cocktails on the patio overlooking the beach.
Dinner – A Taste of Caye Caulker Food Tour
The locals were playing Bingo, and everyone welcomed us as friends as we talked about life on the island and sampled the incredible food.
Nightlife
We toured four different restaurants eating and drinking our way through Caye Caulker. Our second stop took us to the highest rooftop on the island where we ate salads paired with another local cocktail and enjoyed the sunset.
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.
But the night wasn’t over yet; we had to have dessert, so we went to the beach, ordered more cocktails, and enjoyed authentic Belizean treats as we listened to music and enjoyed the cool tropical breeze.
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
After breakfast, we had the chance to explore North Caye Caulker a bit. This is a much quieter island with just a few resorts. We walked along the road to the Caye Caulker Split, chatting with locals riding their bikes to work.
Morning
We caught a flight back to Belize City to transfer to San Ignacio. You can take a ferry and then hop on a bus, but this saved us a lot of precious time by flying. Plus, when we landed in Belize, we were met by our driver from the tour company, Nine Belize, who drove us to San Ignacio on a two-hour private transfer from Belize City. It is an awesome way to see the countryside.
Drive to San Ignacio
San Ignacio is the jumping-off point for jungle adventures in Belize and it is worth spending a few days exploring its surrounding jungle hiking trails, caves, Mayan ruins, and waterfalls. The jungles of Belize house jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, and other tropical birds. It can be difficult to see them, but you never know! One thing is for sure, you will hear the distinct roar of the howler monkeys.
Afternoon
It’s been a long day of transferring and instead of staying at a San Ignacio resort hotel, we checked into the luxurious Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge which is a destination unto itself. This is the perfect spot to chill out and relax. The completely self-sufficient resort is set in the middle of the jungle with a restaurant, cozy bar, swimming pool, and sprawling property that is perfect for jungle adventures.
Relax at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
We never wanted to leave our villa, which was a chic cabana that was larger than most people’s houses. We settled into our huge villa complete with a full living room, kitchenette, indoor and outdoor shower, full screened-in cabana with dining area and sitting area, and a chic bedroom with a California king-sized bed.
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.
This luxurious eco-resort is situated on a vast private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize. Guests have access to hiking tours, free bikes, and jungle adventures within the property. There is fine dining on the property, a bar, and a swimming pool. They offer day trips from horseback riding tours into Belize’s jungles and river tubing or cave tours. Everything you need is right here.
Day 5 in Belize
Did you know that there are Maya Ruins in Belize? They aren’t just in Mexico and Guatemala, the Ancient Mayan City of Caracol is up there with the best of them.
Full Day Tour
We took a private tour with Maya Tours to see Carocal. Very few people visit these ancient Mayan Ruins as the trip is arduous, with a rough road taking us all the way to the Guatemalan border. Having the complex nearly all to ourselves, we felt like Indiana Jones exploring the ruins in the rain.
Caracol Natural Monument
Nestled deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is Belize’s largest Maya site, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into a once-powerful civilization rivaling Tikal in Guatemala.
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.
Plus, unlike Chichen Itza where you can no longer climb the temple, you can climb the structures here including the imposing Caana (“Sky Palace”), once the tallest man-made structure in Belize. We wandered with our guide through the extensive network of plazas, temples, and altars, where intricate carvings and stelae narrate stories of ancient Maya royalty and rituals.
Big Rock Falls
After a delicious Belizian lunch at the archaeological site and a chance to walk through the museum and displays, we were back in our four-wheel drive vehicle to explore the pools of Big Rock Falls. Normally, this is a perfect time to swim in the cascade of waterfalls, but with the unseasonable rain, we enjoyed it only from a distance as we watched the speeding water plunger over the falls.
Day 6 in Belize
Full-Day ATM Cave Tour or Crystal Cave Tour
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 first thing I must tell you is that no cameras, video, or phones are allowed in the ATM Cave. But that is what makes it so unique! (The photos above were provided by the Belize Tourism Board)
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
Crystal Cave Tour is a more intense experience than the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave experience. You can do a full or half-day tour of this cave where you’ll go on an eco-adventure back in time. This tour is rigorous and heart-pumping and is not for the faint of heart.
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
Cave Tubing is one of the most popular day trips in Belize and is a much easier tour than the ATM Cave Tour. Tubing is such a fun thing to do and to glide along the cool waters of the ancient river caves, surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest is something you won’t soon forget.
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
If your cave tour is canceled like ours, there are still plenty of things to do in the Cayo District.
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
After a morning in San Ignacio, we visited the Greenhill Butterfly Ranch. This was a fascinating tour and the perfect thing to do on a rainy day when the caves of San Ignacio are flooded. We walked through the butterfly enclosure where 30 different native species of Belize flew through the large flight area. If we were very still, they landed on us and we had a friend or two walk through with us for awhile.
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.
After our tour, we were free to spend as long as we liked to watch the hummingbirds that visit the bird feeders. This stop is huge on bird watching and photography tours. After Dave captured this beautiful picture, I could understand why! We could watch them flit about for hours.
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
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the resort. Everything that is brought in has been locally sourced within a 15-mile radius following a true, farm-to-table experience. We enjoyed freshly made yogurts, breakfast burritos, and fresh coffee grown right on the property before setting off our our day of adventures.
Jungle Tour
Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize is one of the best bird-watching areas in Belize where avid birders come to spy on tropical birds inhabiting its jungle. We went on a 4X4 sightseeing tour of the jungle to explore the many waterfalls on the property.
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.
It was then onto a hike to … pools where we went jungle hiking over ladders and vine-covered trails to a powerful waterfall plunging into a pool. During the dry season, people can swim in these pools.
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
After enjoying another delicious meal at SAP restaurant, we returned to our villa where two massage tables were set up on our large veranda to enjoy a deep tissue couples massage. This was the ultimate experience that made us truly feel like royalty.
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
After taking a nap and feeling completely relaxed from our massage, we cleaned ourselves up for a private candlelight dinner. Walking out to the screened-in cabana, we enjoyed a three-course meal created by renowned Belizean chef Sean Cuylan.
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.
Taking a glass of wine to our villa, we walked along the torch-lit path taking us to our private retreat where we built a fire and sat in the infinity pool sipping on a glass of wine.
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?
The best time to visit Belize is typically during the dry season, which runs from late November to mid-April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for enjoying Belize’s outdoor activities and natural attractions:
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?
San Pedro Belize is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest cay in Belize. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Belize with beaches, resorts, and day trips to the Belize Barrier Reef.
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?
To get to San Ignacio, Belize, from Belize City, you have several options:
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
Belize is a little different from other countries, especially if your Belize itinerary includes a trip to San Ignacio. Weather can be unpredictable in the rainforest and the cayes are a little different than other tropical destinations, so besides your beach gear, here are a few items to add to your 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.