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Uncover one of Central America’s best kept secrets: beautiful Belize.

Discover the natural wonders, picturesque coastline and rich cultural history of Belize. This often-overlooked paradise is packed full of lush jungle, spectacular ruins, long sandy beaches and first-class underwater attractions, and on this tour, you’ll get the chance to sample them all. From the buzz of Belize City, through the marshlands of the Crooked Tree Sanctuary and to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, discover the best of Belize on this epic 8-day adventure to one of Central America’s little-known gems. Sit back and relax into the Bel-easy-an way of life.

Start
Belize City, Belize
Finish
Belize City, Belize
Destination
Belize
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
QVSE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the English-speaking hub of Belize City – a dynamic hotspot with delicious street food.

  • Go wildlife watching in the Crooked Tree sanctuary, keeping an eye out for the Jabiru storks – the tallest flying bird in Central and South America.

  • Oh Maya, there are a range of ruins and archaeological sites to keep you busy. Uncover the secrets of crystallised skeletons and crumbling palaces near San Ignacio that have been preserved in their natural glory.

  • Laze on the sandy shores of Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. Swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean and snorkel through shallow reefs and atolls surrounding the cayes.

  • With more time on the beach and in the water, take up the opportunity for some optional experiences, including sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or even a manatee tour!

Is this trip right for you?

  • Who doesn’t love a challenge? We definitely do here at Intrepid, and while travelling between some locations on local transport on this trip can be hard, it’s super rewarding and a great way to meet the locals.

  • Is it hot in here? Well you’re in tropical Central America so it can get really hot and humid. Carry plenty of water because hydration is key, especially when you’re walking a lot.

  • It’s a good idea to try and brush up on as many Spanish words as you can. While locals are really friendly, they’re also shy, so knowing some local lingo is a great way to break the ice and show you care.

Map of Land of Belize including Belize
Relax beachside in sunny Caye Caulker
Visit the Cahal Pech Ruins on your way to San Ignacio
Buy some fresh produce at a fruit market in San Ignacio
Spot toucans amongst the trees while birdwatch at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Mexican black howler monkey

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Hello! Welcome to Belize. Located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Belize City is an interesting place, divided by the world's only remaining manual swing bridge. On the north side is the coastal and maritime museum, housed in the beautiful restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, and the National Handicraft Centre. The oldest Anglican church in Central America, St John Cathedral, was built in 1812 with bricks brought as ballast in European sailing ships. Opposite is Government House, a preserved colonial mansion. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy going way of live. You will be amazed how many different cultures coexist harmoniously here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Belize City isn't the most beautiful place we visit in Central America but it is the best option as the starting point of this tour. Like any big city in this region, Belize City has some issues with street crime and we advise visitors to take every precaution when you're outside the hotel. Don't take any valuables when you go out and keep your camera safe. At night, always try to go out in a group and stay on the main streets. If you have some extra time and want to explore the city,

Take a private vehicle to Crooked Tree (approximately 1.5 hours). Crooked Tree is an inland wildlife sanctuary full of lagoons, marshlands and creeks, making it one of the best destinations for wildlife spotting. Enjoy your free afternoon exploring the sanctuary by foot or by boat, hoping to spot Jabiru stalks, yellow-headed parrots, Mexican black howler monkeys and Central American river turtles (locally known as the Hicatee). The Crooked Tree village also has some notable and historical sights, having been established around 1750 during the logwood period and thought to be the oldest non-indigenous settlement in Belize. The village is also famous for its locally grown and processed cashews. In the evening, settle into your lodge with an included group dinner.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Wake up early and embark on a birdwatching excursion around the sanctuary, travelling by boat on the lagoon. Some 250 resident or migratory neotropical birds inhabit this reserve, among them the Jabiru stork – the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. Then drive to the San Ignacio area (approximately 2.5 hours). Once arrived and checked in to the hotel, head to Cahal Pech Ruins, a Maya site near the centre of town. This archaeological site was a royal palace of a ruling Maya family, consisting of 7 plazas and over 30 structures including temples, buildings and ball courts. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Crooked Tree - Lagoon birding boat tour (1-3 people)
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins (Entrance fee)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

You have a free day to take on any of the many optional activities available in San Ignacio. Perhaps take a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Maya ceremonial centre located with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique moulded wall surface and the central plaza has three carved stelae (stone slabs). Getting to the site is half the fun as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Otherwise, head to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through water until you reach the ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If Maya ruins aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, a visit to a butterfly garden or a canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • San Ignacio - Barton Creek canoe trip - BZD170
  • San Ignacio - Caracol Ruins (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - BZD135
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins (Entrance fee) - BZD7
  • San Ignacio - (ATM Caves) Actun Tunichil Muknal (Entrance fee, Guide, Transport & Lunch) - BZD190
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing - BZD170
  • San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm - BZD55
  • San Ignacio - Mountain Pine Ridge day trip (Guide & Transport) - BZD120
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel by local bus to Belize City (2 hours) where you’ll board a water taxi (1 hour) to Caye Caulker. The Belize cayes are a group of islands a short boat ride away from the coast. There are a number of these islands to choose from, but the tour bases itself on Caye Caulker as this is one of the more popular islands with travellers. From here it is possible to arrange day trips to other cayes, to the best reefs for snorkelling, or simply to take a local boat out to the reef of Caulker itself. Each island has its own particular character, but all of them have the unmistakeable Caribbean pace and charm. Once you’ve arrived on Caulker, the group leader will give you an orientation walk to get your bearings around the island.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

If your idea of paradise is white sand, blue waters and palm trees then you’re going to dig Caye Caulker with the next couple of days to explore, relax and get active. Relax on the beach with a book, or head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world's second longest barrier reef. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and the occasional manta ray, or spend a half-day taking a sea kayak adventure around the nearby reefs and atolls.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Caye Caulker - Guided snorkelling trip (half day) - BZD70
  • Caye Caulker - Sea kayaking (half day) - BZD70
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your time in Caye Caulker is all about talking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. After a day of swimming and lazing on the beach, you’re sure to get hungry. If you're interested in sampling local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with some of the best meals cooked on the road side. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal you'll ever buy, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season: the lobsters can only be caught between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local fire water?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Caye Caulker - Bicycle rental (per day) - BZD40
  • Caye Caulker - Sunset sail - BZD100
  • Caye Caulker - Manatee tour - BZD240
  • Caye Caulker - Stand up paddle board rental (per hour) - BZD35
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Take a morning water taxi back to Belize City (approximately 1 hour) where the trip will end at the port. With no other planned activities for the day in Belize City, and you can safely continue your onward journey in the afternoon. Please ask your tour leader If you need any assistance arranging transport to the airport from the port. Alternatively you may wish to book extra accommodation and stay on in Caye Caulker. 
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you would like to stay in Belize longer, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you in either Caye Caulker or Belize City (subject to availability).

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, local bus, Taxi, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (1 night)

Included activities

  • Crooked Tree - Lagoon birding boat tour (1-3 people)
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins (Entrance fee)
  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1.
2. On your final day, you’ve got the power to choose where your adventure takes you. If you like, you can stay in Caye Caulker for another couple of nights relaxing beachside – we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Otherwise, jump on an included water taxi transfer back to Belize City where you can also book additional nights’ accommodation, or where your leader can assist you to catch a taxi from the port to the airport for an onward connection. To allow for transfer times, please book a flight after 12 pm (midday).
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

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