Belize Off the Beaten Track: San Ignacio & Hopkins Village - 7 Days

Highlights

• Visit ancient Maya ruins, butterfly farms, and river caves in San Ignacio
• Spot jaguars and pumas at Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
• Swim alongside colorful tropical fish at the largest reef in the Americas

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

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

Welcome to Belize! One of the few English-speaking nations in Latin America, this country enjoys a privileged location on the Caribbean coast. Travelers flock here for snorkeling/diving tours of the Belize Barrier Reef (the second-largest barrier reef system in the world). However, Belize also offers plenty of other wonders farther inland, which include nature reserves, tropical forests, river caves, and even ancient Maya ruins.

This well-rounded itinerary covers all of the above, beginning with your arrival on the north coast and Belize City. A driver will meet you at the airport for the two-hour ride inland to San Ignacio, located near the border with Guatemala. This town sits on the Macal River and is surrounded by jungle, which allows for some great nature tours and visits to archaeological sites. Once here, you'll check in to your hotel.

After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding areas. The area has many fun activities, one of which is a visit to a butterfly farm. Located outside of town at the foot of the green Maya Mountains, it's a great place to meet the majestic blue morpho butterfly, known in the country as the Belizean blue. This rare species is one of the world's largest butterflies, with wings that span up to 8 inches (20 cm).

Day 2: Day Trip to Xunantunich, Visit Barton Creek

Hit the road early on a trip to nearby Xunantunich, the ruins of an ancient Maya city located on a ridge above the shimmering Mopan River. On a half-day tour, you'll hike around the remains of a city that reached its height of power during the seventh century CE but was abandoned around 750 CE. It covers 1 square mile (2.6 sq km), and you'll explore the main area's six plazas and 26 temples and palaces.

Later, continue to Barton Creek Cave, the largest river cave in the country. Tour the collection of huge caverns used in Maya times for everything from fertility and agricultural rituals to bloodletting and human sacrifice. After about four hours of exploration, you'll return to your hotel in San Ignacio.

Day 3: Day Trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Leave after breakfast on a journey into the Maya underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal (also called ATM), or the "Cave of the Stone Sepulchre." During this three-hour guided tour, you'll see the cave's crystalline stalactites, stalagmites, and Maya artifacts and learn about the history of the sacred burial place of the "Crystal Maiden" and the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children.

Upon arrival, you'll hike through jungle and across streams for approximately 45 minutes to reach the cave's entrance. Then, wade through knee-high water as you cross a spring-fed lagoon to an underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers. After the cave tour, hike back to the car for a picnic lunch and then return to San Ignacio. You'll have the rest of the day free.

Day 4: Transfer to Hopkins, Nature Reserve Tour

It's another early start. Meet your driver in the morning for the two-hour ride from San Ignacio to the southern coast. The journey will take you east along the George Prince and Hummingbird highways, passing forests and citrus orchards. Eventually, you'll arrive in Hopkins, a village in Belize's Stann Creek District. Besides the beautiful beaches, Hopkins is known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and vibrant Garifuna (Afro-Caribbean) culture.

After dropping off your bags at the hotel, you'll head right back out on a trip to the nearby Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. Here, a naturalist guide will lead you through this 153-square-mile (389 sq km) sanctuary on jungle trails to spot all five of Belize's native big cats: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, and margays. Afterward, float down the South Stann Creek River by inner tube, then head to a local cacao farm to learn about the ancient Maya art of chocolate-making. 

Day 5: Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll head to the pier in Hopkins and board a boat for a full day exploring Belize's famous barrier reef on a snorkeling tour. As you zip across the turquoise and crystalline waters in the boat, you'll spot harmless nurse sharks swimming in the shallows.

Eventually, you'll arrive at a secluded beach surrounded by coral reefs. Take to the water and snorkel among exotic fish, including rays, parrotfish, turtles, and eels. Also included on this excursion are snacks and drinks. At the end of the day, you'll return to Hopkins.

Day 6: Kayaking & Optional Activities in Hopkins

You've seen the coast and reef from underwater; now it's time to explore just above it. After breakfast, you'll walk to the beach and hop in a kayak for a leisurely ride around Hopkins. If you like, you can rise at dawn and soak up the scenery on a tour as the first rays of sun light up the Caribbean. Alternatively, opt for a late-afternoon ride as you paddle along the coast amid golden sunset views. 

Whatever you decide, you'll have much of the day free to enjoy optional activities. If you like, opt for another jungle/caving expedition, hit the water again on a snorkeling tour, or immerse yourself in Garifuna culture in a local cooking and/or dance class. Other fun options include a tasty history lesson in a Maya chocolate workshop, waterfall hikes, and visits to local farms.

Day 7: Transfer to Belize City, Depart

Enjoy your last morning in Belize with a leisurely stroll on the beach, followed by breakfast at the hotel. Then, meet your driver for the two-hour ride up the coast back to Belize Cty. There, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Until next time!

More Great Belize Itineraries