10 Days in Belize - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

0Itinerary #1: Belize Adventure: From Reefs to Maya Ruins

On this classic Belize adventure, active travelers will enjoy some of the world's best snorkeling spots, rich Maya history, and a number of cayes to explore. Journey by land and sea as you swim with sharks in the Hol Chan marine reserve, step into the world of Actun Tunichil Mukna's sacrificial burials, and explore the archaeological site at Caracol. Hop over to San Pedro as a base to dance, savor fresh fish, and snorkel on Ambergris Caye. 

Begin your journey in Belize City. Visit the Museum of Belize to learn about Maya history and the Old Belize Marina, tour the nearby butterfly farm, or eat local ceviche. Head toward San Ignacio, your base for the next four days. En route, hike through the jungle, swim, and weave through tunnels to discover the wonders of Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Spend the following day trekking to the ancient Maya civilization in Caracol and take a break at the Rio On Pools' natural swimming holes and waterfalls to cool down. Continue your exploration, this time to Xunantunich's temples and plazas on horseback.

Your time in San Ignacio ends with a chocolate tour, where you'll learn about the history of Belizean cocoa. Afterward, explore the Rainforest Medicine Trail or take an excursion to the Cahal Pech ruins. Catch a boat to San Pedro on Day 6 to enjoy island life on Caye Caulker. On your free day, lounge on a beach, snorkel, or boat to the other cayes. See the incredible creatures below the surface in Hol Chan, a famed dive and snorkel site. You can even swim with sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley. Next, sail among Belize's cayes, stopping at coral-rich Mexico Rocks before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of Belize: Culture, Nature & History

This best-of-Belize itinerary focuses mostly on the mainland, with time spent in the Cayo District, Hopkins village, and Lime Caye to showcase cultures and culinary traditions. You'll swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters of Lime Caye, learn about chocolate production on a cacao farm tour, and experience Garifuna culture through a cooking class, dancing, and playing the drums.

Learn about the country's Maya history at the Museum of Belize in Belize City and take a blue morpho butterfly tour on a butterfly farm. On the way to Cayo District, you'll have time to admire the animals at the Belize Zoo, like jaguars. The following day, hike through Moutain Pine Ridge, explore its caves, and take a dip in the Hidden Valley waterfall. Day 4 is about exploring Xunantunich archaeological site and learning about ancient Maya culture. At the same time, Day 5 is for time spent on Lime Caye, part of the Belize Barrier Reef—a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Get on a boat with your gear ready or relax on the beach and embrace island life.

Journey to Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve the following day, where you can hike through the jungle to Actun Tunichil Muknal to see the cave's Maya artifacts and learn the history of its sacred burial place. The following day, wander through Cahal Pech, once the royal palace of an ancient Maya ruling family. Head to Hopkins next, a village with rich Garifuna culture. Day 8 brings a hands-on cooking experience in a Garifuna cooking class, including learning about the many ways to use a coconut. End your trip on a cacao farm tour and savor a unique lunch at the Ixcacao Maya Belizian Chocolate Factory. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Belize: Rainforests, Ruins & Reefs

The pace quickens with this discovery itinerary, where you'll immerse yourself in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park rainforests, the ancient Maya ruins of Lubaatun, and Glover's Reef Atoll—perfect for travelers wanting to sample Belize's different landscapes. Go off the grid in an ecolodge in the heart of the Maya Mountains, share a traditional meal prepared at the home of a local family in a remote village, and embark on a multiday paddling and camping excursion on the Moho River.

Settle into your rainforest resort located in the heart of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Then on Day 2, you'll travel overland through the countryside to the remote Maya village of Santa Theresa before sharing a traditional meal at the home of a local family, followed by the start of your multiday paddling and camping excursion on the Moho River. Learn about wildlife and gain an appreciation of the rich Maya folklore during your jungle experience paddling through canyons and lush rainforests. The next day, transfer to Big Falls—your home for the subsequent two nights.

Step back in time on Day 5 as you explore the Lubaantun Maya ruins. Then, get immersed in an inspiring cultural and culinary experience with a visit to a unique spice farm and a tasty Maya chocolate makers' experience. Return to relax and enjoy the pool at the lodge. Before you know it, you're off for the next four days in Southwest Caye, first in Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, home to more than 700 snorkeling sites, before receiving instruction on the fundamentals of kayaking, snorkeling, and tropical water safety. Finish your journey exploring Glover's Reef, paddling sea kayaks, standup paddleboarding, traditional Belizean handline fishing, and learning to sail. Learn more

More Great Belize Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Belize? Check out these other Belize itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.