The Ultimate 7-Day Belize Itinerary

To kick off your 7-day Belize itinerary, you will fly into the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport. I recommend you travel to San Ignacio first (the jungle region) and end your trip at the beach for relaxation. You'll want to hire a private driver to take you from the airport to your accommodation in San Ignacio, located about two hours away.

If your hotel is located along the Macal River, grab some canoes or tubes in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely float or paddle down the river. Rest up because tomorrow, your Belizean adventure begins!

Get ready to have one of the most unique experiences exploring an ancient Mayan ceremonial site at Actun Tunichil Muknal (the ATM Cave). Of all our travels, this is still our favorite experience ever. After a short drive, you will get outfitted with a helmet and a headlamp. You'll want to wear water shoes and socks (yes, socks!). You'll start by wading through three rivers, and then you'll enter the cave to explore the dark labyrinth, underground river, and impressive rock formations.

Once inside the cave, you will wade through water, walk amongst cathedral-like caverns and come to the ancient sacrificial site, where you will need to climb some rocks to witness this incredible area. Guides are required for this adventure. There are less than 25 guides who have the privilege of taking you on this adventure, where you will learn about the unique cultural and historical significance of this sacred cave.

Today you'll want to spend the day exploring one of the ancient Mayan ruins to learn more about the history of this fascinating civilization. Two ancient Mayan ruins are located in San Ignacio: Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. These are two impressive sites to explore if you want to stay closer to town.

A bit further away, deep in the jungles of Belize and near the border of Guatemala, is Caracol, the largest Mayan ruin in Belize. I recommend hiring a private driver to take you here as it's about a two-hour drive, and a 4x4 is highly recommended.

If you are up for a full-day adventure (approximately 9-11 hours), consider crossing the border into Guatemala to explore Tikal. At its height, Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Mayan civilization.

You've made it halfway through this 7-day Belize itinerary to day 4 - a day made for travelers who live for adventure and the outdoors. Take an early morning drive to the Belizean jungle, where you'll experience some of the country's most thrilling activities. Belize is home to over 300 caves, so most visitors enjoy spending time exploring them. Depending on your transportation mode of preference, you can go cave tubing at Caves Branch or canoeing through the Barton Creek Cave. Enjoy your time on the water as you float through underground caverns and see amazing rock formations. Later in the day, you'll have the option of ziplining over the jungle canopy for an exhilarating adventure.

This morning you will depart your hotel for a two-hour drive back to Belize City. From here, you will board a small prop plane for a short 15-minute flight to the breathtaking Ambergris Caye. Rent a golf cart to explore the town filled with shops and fantastic restaurants. Or drive 40 minutes to Secret Beach, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in the crystal-clear water.

Spending a day exploring nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley and Caye Caulker is a must-do experience for any Belize itinerary. Your day will start with a boat ride to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected area of coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can snorkel among colorful fish and sea turtles and may even spot the occasional stingray. Next, the boat will take you to Shark Ray Alley, an incredible location to swim and snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays. These animals are accustomed to human interaction and are safe to swim alongside, but if you are not comfortable jumping into an ocean of sharks, you can enjoy watching from the boat.

Then make your way to Caye Caulker, a charming island with a laid-back atmosphere. You can explore the local shops and restaurants or spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Stop by the seahorse nursery at Iguana Reef Inn or make your way to The Split, a popular swimming spot that separates the north and south ends of the island.

On your final day of this 7-day Belize itinerary, depart from your hotel and transfer to the airport for the short flight to Belize City, where you will connect to your flight home. You'll leave Belize with unforgettable memories of the country's stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture.