Discover some of Belize's best cultural and natural sites, and take part in active jungle adventures on this five-day tour. See Maya ruins at Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, soar over the jungle canopy near San Ignacio, and snorkel through the pristine reefs of Glover's Reef Marine Reserve. End your trip by learning about the lifecycle of dazzling blue morpho butterflies.

Highlights

  • Explore the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech
  • Snorkel, dive, or kayak at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve
  • Hike to the Che Chem Ha Cave system
  • Learn about dazzling blue morpho butterflies

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Belize City, Transfer to San Ignacio San Ignacio
Day 2  Che Chem Ha Cave & Xunantunich Tours San Ignacio
Day 3 Transfer to Glover's Reef, Paddle, Snorkel & Relax  Southwest Caye
Day 4 Transfer to Belize City, Zipline Adventure & Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm Belize City
Day 5 Depart Belize City  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Belize City, Transfer to San Ignacio

Cahal Pech
The Maya ruins of Cahal Pech

Welcome to Belize City! You'll arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, and a friendly driver will be waiting to greet you. You'll be driven to your hotel in San Ignacio in a private shuttle. San Ignacio is a town on the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District of western Belize. You'll have time today to unwind, explore, and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.

If you have the energy after your flight, there's the option of a trip to the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech, which are south of San Ignacio. The name of the ruins means "place of ticks" in modern-day Maya, referring to the fact that the surrounding area was once used as pasture land and the cattle were tick infested. This was the royal acropolis-palace of an elite Maya ruling family who lived here during the Classic period. There are seven plazas on the site as well as more than 30 other structures, including temples, an altar, residential buildings, and ball courts. 

Day 2: Che Chem Ha Cave & Xunantunich Tours

Explore the ruins of Xunantunich

Today you'll set out for a full day of adventure and culture. Your first stop is in the jungle, where you'll explore the underground archaeological site of the Che Chem Ha cave system. Reach the multi-chambered series of caves after a 30-minute hike through the rainforest. You'll be rewarded for your efforts by a site that's rich with geological formations, Maya artifacts, ancient ceremonial altars, and relics. After looking around, hike farther downhill for lunch, which will be served in a spectacular setting overlooking the Macal River Valley.

After lunch, head to the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich by road and then cross the Mopan River by ferry. The ruins are on the banks of the river, and as you explore, you'll be transported back through the centuries to the world of an ancient city with kings, temples, plazas, and the renowned ball courts of the Maya.

Plan your trip to Belize
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 3: Transfer to Glover's Reef, Paddle, Snorkel & Relax 

Snorkeling at Glover's Reef Atoll
Snorkel amid tropical fish and corals

You'll be picked up this morning and taken to the marina to travel by motor boat to your base on Southwest Caye within Glover's Reef Marine Reserve. Glover's Reef is one of three atolls off the coast of Belize and is a truly spectacular marine environment. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are very clear, and it has a rich reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. In the mornings and evenings here, informative sessions are held by knowledgeable guides on everything from the marine environment to local culture.

Your itinerary at Glover's Reef is kept flexible, so you can choose an activity to suit your vacation style. Activities on offer include sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, and windsurfing, whether you're a novice or an experienced boarder. If you're a certified diver, you could arrange a dive on the outer walls too. Alternatively, you can always just kick back in a hammock and enjoy your surroundings with a good book and a cold drink. At the end of your day, try your luck in a high-stakes game of hermit crab racing.

Day 4: Transfer to Belize City, Zipline Adventure & Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm

See the brilliant blue morpho butterfly up close

Consider starting your day with an early swim or participating in a sunrise yoga session before you're picked up by motor boat charter to travel back to Dangriga on the mainland. Then, you'll head to Calico Jack's Village near San Ignacio for an adrenaline-filled ziplining adventure. Here you can test how brave you are while whizzing through the jungle on a series of lines. Don't forget to take the time to stop and look at the flora and fauna while you're here, though, which changes as you ascend to the tree canopies. You'll feel exhilarated at the end of the course.

In the afternoon, learn about the dazzling blue morpho butterflies at Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm. Here you'll discover the lifecycle of these rare butterflies that are native to Mexico, South America, and Central America. You'll see pale green eggs at the start of the cycle, caterpillars, dormant pupas, and finally, the dazzling "Belizean Blues" as they flutter around. Afterward, continue to Belize City, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 5: Depart Belize City

Belize City
Transfer to Belize City in a water taxi

Today is the final day of your tour, and you'll transfer from the dock in a water taxi to Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Enjoy zipping across the water before you board your flight to your onward destination. Until next time!

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Map

Map of Highlights of Belize: Maya Ruins, Glover's Reef & More - 5 Days
Map of Highlights of Belize: Maya Ruins, Glover's Reef & More - 5 Days