Even with Belize’s increased name recognition around the world, it still doesn’t take much to drop off the beaten path, and for those whose preferred “scene” is no scene at all, here are some ideas. The two-week adventure suggested below is an entirely mainland one. To add some Caribbean time to your trip, consider inserting several days on Caye Caulker, followed by Raggamuffin Tours’ three-day sailing trip to Placencia; this unique tour includes fishing, snorkeling, and camping on tiny islands before they drop you off at the tip of the peninsula.

From Placencia, you can visit Laughing Bird Caye National Park, spend a night in Monkey River Village, or hop a boat bound for Puerto Cortés, Honduras. Many figure out a way to get to Glover’s Reef Atoll, an unparalleled Caribbean experience. Another alternative is to make it to Punta Gorda, as listed below, then instead of the village homestay, find a way out to the Sapodilla Cayes or Livingston, Guatemala for a few nights.

Of course, the most important items you’ll want to pack for any of these trips are an open mind, extra patience, and the ability to scrap the entire plan when you feel the adventure pulling you in its own direction.

DAY 1
After arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport, transfer to Belize City and enjoy your first heaping plate of rice, beans, and stew chicken while reggae blasts all around you.

DAY 2
Catch a bus to the Community Baboon Sanctuary at Bermuda Landing, where you are guaranteed howler monkey sightings and can stay in a tent or cabin or with a local family.

DAY 3
After a morning hike, take a bus out to the Western Highway and catch another ride up to San Ignacio in Cayo District. Continue through town and stay at one of the budget places toward the Guatemala border, like the Trek Stop or Clarissa Falls. If staying at the Trek Stop, you should have time for a round of disk golf and a tour of the Tropical Wings Butterfly Farm before bedtime.

DAY 4
Spend the morning at the Xunantunich archaeological site, climbing pyramids and convening with the spirits. In the afternoon, arrange a pickup in Benque Viejo to take you to one of the funky places down the Hydro Road: Maartz Farms or Chechem Ha.

DAY 5
Spend the day hiking, horseback riding, caving, and spouting poetry inspired by the awesome views of the upper Macal River Gorge. Spend a second night in your tent, cabin, or waterfall-enhanced tree house.

DAY 6
Get a ride back to Benque, then travel to Bullet Tree via canoe or kayak—plan on five hours of easy paddling and mellow riffles down the Mopan River; when you arrive, take out and have a cabin and meal waiting for you at Cohune Palms or Parrots Nest Lodges.

DAY 7
Roll into town and take a morning to enjoy the San Ignacio vibe, maybe the Cahal Pech ruins, then bus it toward Dangriga, getting off in the village of St. Margaret’s for a homestay and some hearty hiking in Five Blues Lake National Park.

DAY 8
Make your way to Hopkins for a few beers and a Garinagu drumming workshop. You’ll likely have to spend a few hours in Dangriga on the way, so feel free to get sidetracked out to Tobacco Caye for a night or two.

DAY 9
Get back to the Southern Highway and check into low-key Mama Noots Jungle Resort, the best base for exploring Mayflower, Belize’s newest national park.

DAY 10
Continue south to Punta Gorda (PG) and check into a seaside room. Arrange a homestay in the hills for the following days (ask for the remotest village they have), then dine on a gourmet soybean feast at Gomier’s.

DAYS 11, 12, and 13
Go deep into the Toledo bush, living among the Maya or Garinagu. Hire guides, listen to stories, music, and the river. On the last day, transfer back to PG.

DAY 14
Fly back north to Philip Goldson International Airport and begin writing your memoirs as your return flight takes off.