It's amazing how there is just simply so much to do in Belize. We had to carefully pick and choose our activities to make the most out of our one week in the country. When planning the itinerary, I recommend splitting your time between the inland to explore the jungle (Cayo District) and the island beach life (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker). We started our trip by flying into Belize City and then heading straight West to San Ignacio to start our week. We spent two nights at the beautiful Gaia Riverlodge and explored the area by adventuring to the famous ATM cave and climbing the Xunantunich Ruin. After spending some time in the rainforest, we packed our bags to head East on a water taxi toward the islands. We spent four nights at the Alaia Belize, and this gave us just enough time to live the laidback island life.  

Below is a list of things to do and places you can not miss in Belize. 

Day Trips & Things to do 

The Jungle Experiences 

Take a journey to the Mayan underworld: Go caving at the ATM Cave 

This is a must-do experience while you are in Belize. ATM Cave is one of the world's most sacred cave experiences and has one of the best preserved human remains. With no devices allowed inside the cave, this is a place that you can only witness with your own eyes. This full-day experience can be physically demanding, including hiking through a jungle, trekking through rivers, climbing, and swimming inside the cave. Note that only a handful of certified tour guides can lead the tour inside the cave, and each tour guide is only allowed to take up to 8 guests for safety considerations. So, the experience will sell out quickly. We went with MayaWalk Tours and our tour guide Junior was terrific. The team not only followed all the safety protocols (we saw other tour operators not following the rules) but took the time to guide us through every history along the way! We even wrapped the tour with a home-cooked Belizean lunch. 

Stay at the Gaia Riverlodge and have the Five Sisters Waterfalls all to yourself! 

The best way to have the Belize Jungle all to yourself is to stay at the thoughtfully managed Gaia Riverlodge. With only 18 rooms and being part of the Small Luxury Hotel collection, Gaia Riverlodge takes guest personalization very seriously. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with smiley faces and a freshly made fruit punch! This is also an eco-hotel, so everything they do around the property is environmentally conscious. Book a waterfall room and let the waterfall sound rock you to sleep. Fresh coffee is delivered to the room every morning, then make your way to the restaurant for breakfast with a view. Insider Tip: Remember to spend an afternoon swimming in the waterfall and soak in the lavish rainforest view - as a hotel guest, this is an absolute privilege! 

Hike the Xunantunich Mayan Ruin

There are 12 significant ruins in Belize, and visiting them all in one trip is hard! Xunantunich was first discovered in the 1800s, and restoration has continued since 1990. It's a fun trip getting to the ruin because you will have to get on a river ferry to cross a river (by short, I mean, literally, less than 5min). Then the hike to the ruin is a reasonably easy one. Insider Tip: Climb to the top of the ruin, giving you a phenomenal view of both Belize and Guatemala! Note that the site is very exposed, with no shades, so bring lots of water. 

The Island Experiences

Rent a Golf Cart and Visit the Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye 

Golf Cart is the main transportation on the Belize islands. It's easy to drive, and you can quickly get anywhere on the island (just keep in mind that not all roads are paved, so it can be bumpy!). Secret Beach is one of the most popular destinations on Ambergris Caye. Known for its stretches of sandy beaches and turquoise waters, and the best part : you can eat and drink sitting inside the Caribbean Ocean! 

Fly over The Great Blue Hole  

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize, and it's part of Belize's Barrier Reef System. It's a diver's paradise and worth a flyover visit to see this beauty from the sky. Only 2 airline operators Mayan Island Air and Tropic Air offer this experience. The flight duration is one hour, and the price is also similar (around USD 250 per passenger). All planes are small, taking about 11 passengers, and everyone is guaranteed a window seat. Or you can opt-in for the super high-end private tour with Astrum Helicopter. Insider Tip: If you find the co-pilot seat empty, ask to sit next to the pilot! I guarantee you will have a flying experience of a lifetime. 

Go on a snorkeling tour at Hol Chan Marine Reserve 

Do you know Belize has the second-largest living barrier reef in the world? And do you know you can swim with stingrays, sea turtles, fishes, nurse sharks, and manatees all in one day? Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the place to be, and all visits must be arranged by local tour operators. Insider Tip: Wear long sleeve swimsuits or body suits to protect yourself from the sun! Or you will really regret it at the end of the trip. 

Visit Caye Caulker: Swim at the split, feed the tarpons and stroll the island 

Unlike Ambergris Caye's busy tourist vibe, Caye Caulker is a laid-back island. The island is relatively smaller, and you can easily walk the whole island in just 30min. The island was divided in two by a hurricane in 1961, and the famous spot "the split" was born. This is a perfect place to take a swim, grab a drink and talk to a stranger. Definitely hit the Iguana Reef Inn for its beautiful beachside lounge and swings. There is also a cute seahorse habitat and stingray beach near the Inn. For those daredevils, head over to Tarpon View to feed tarpons!   

San Pedro Artisan’s Market 

Looking for some handmade souvenirs to bring home? San Pedro’s Artisan’s Market is a hidden gem you can’t miss. You can find the most adorable hand-weaved baskets and Mahogany wood bowls here. P.S. Don’t forget to bargain!  

Roadside Fruit Stands in San Pedro: There are a lot of fruit stands in San Pedro, and these are true hidden gems. These are the best places to stop by and get delicious tropical fruit at an unbelievable price (I mean, 2 USD for a huge papaya). Prepare some cash with you since they don’t take credit cards. They will take U.S. dollar and return you with the Belize dollar.

San Ignacio/Cayo District  

Gaia Riverlodge’s Restaurant: If you stay at the Gaia Riverlodge, you must not miss their cuisine. You can taste farm-to-table breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open-air setting. You can also request a special dining set up right next to the waterfall! Oh, their fruit-based punches and cocktails are absolutely tasteful!  

Benny’s Kitchen: A Belizean local’s favorite near the Xunantunich Mayan ruins. A great spot to stop by for lunch after hiking the ruin. Get a soursop fruit juice and a “pibil” plate. 

Coffee de los Mayas: A tasty local coffee shop serving a unique blend of coffee and smoothes in the town of San Ignacio. 

San Pedro/Ambergris Caye 

Palmilla Restaurant at the Victoria’s House: If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience in San Pedro, head South to Victoria’s House. This place is known for its romantic honeymoon setting. The seafood execution is also phenomenal. Reservation encouraged. 

Pineapples on the Beach at Ramon’s Village: Step inside this legendary Ambergris Caye resort styled after the Tahitian cottages on the Polynesian Island of Bora Bora. This village has a touching story. All dishes on the menu are delicious and the service is top-notched. Take a stroll in the village after dinner; this property has a magical atmosphere and a beautiful pier for sunset.  

Paradice Cream: We are here every day while we are on the island! The ice cream is so fresh and delicious (also because it’s hot!). Highly recommend the soursop, mango and coconut sorbet, all made from fresh fruits that can help you beat the heat!  

El Fogon: If you want to try some authentic Belizean firewood cooking — this is the place! The coconut curry and Conch in Lime & Garlic Sauce dish are to die for. Reservation is highly recommended.  

Maxie’s Restaurant & Lounge: An open-air dining in the center of San Pedro. We had the most delicious coconut shrimp, conch ceviche, and fish taco here! There’s also a cute cafe called Corner Sixty right next door. Best for lunch or dinner. 

The Trunk Stop: This is a popular stopping place on the way to Secret Beach, where locals and tourists love to hang out for food, drink, music, and games. The famous “Greetings from San Pedro Belize” mural is also inside the restaurant. A great little place for all-day dining!  

Blue Bayou: A super popular restaurant at the Secret Beach for “in the water” dining and drinking experience. The cabanas inside the water can be hard to get during sunset hours, so try to get there as early as possible. 

Caye Caulker 

Juicy: Looking for a detox or cleanse drink on the island? This is the place. The owner of this place loves talking to strangers and will give you the best island recommendations. Their fruit smoothies are a must-get. 

The Lazy Lizard: At the tip of the island, the lazy lizard sits right on the split. This is the happening place where you get to sip and dip all day. 

 The Beach Front Bar at Iguana Reef Inn: A known place for sunset on Caye Caulker Island. This is also one of the most Instagrammable spots. There’s no food menu, but great for evening drinks on a hot summer day!