One Week Best of Belize Itinerary
One week is just enough time to see a few of Belize’s major destinations and get a taste for just how much more there is to discover. This itinerary includes plenty of self-guided activities, as well as some guided tours. One thing is certain: You won’t run out of things to do and see!
Day 1
Arrive at the international airport just outside of Belize City. Hop on your connecting Tropic Air domestic puddle-jumper flight to laid-back Caye Caulker; stay camera-ready to capture the gorgeous views. After dropping off your bags at the hotel, schedule a snorkel trip to Caye Caulker Marine Reserve for the next day, then watch sunset at The Split and Lazy Lizard Bar, the island’s social headquarters. Continue on with dinner alfresco at Hibisca by Habanero—pick the fresh catch of the day and relax on the outdoor veranda. Walk the sandy streets up to I&I Reggae Bar for a drink on the rooftop and some island tunes, or head to El Portal at The Split for cocktails and dancing by the sea.
Day 2
Today you’ll head out on a half-day morning snorkel trip to Caye Caulker Marine Reserve’s Shark Ray Alley. Swim and snorkel alongside a dozen or more nurse sharks and stingrays, among other marinelife, and admire coral gardens.
Back on the island, grab your things and catch the early afternoon water taxi to bustling San Pedro. Spend the rest of the day walking around San Pedro Town, with plenty of opportunities to shop, eat, swim, barhop, and be merry. Grab a romantic dinner at Red Ginger or Mayan specialties at Elvi’s Kitchen, and end the night with drinks at the over-the-water Palapa Bar and Grill. If you’re a night owl and it’s the weekend, continue on to Jaguar’s Temple nightclub.
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Day 3
Catch the first water taxi to Belize City. Stash your bags at the water taxi terminal while you explore the Swing Bridge, the Fort George area, and the Museum of Belize for an hour. Transfer to the Cayo District by bus, shuttle, or car. As you travel along the George Price Highway, visit The Belize Zoo or stop for a hike at Guanacaste National Park, near Belmopan.
Overnight at a lodge in Bullet Tree Falls, or head to downtown San Ignacio and settle into your guesthouse or stay at Cahal Pech Village resort, with stunning views and access to nearby ruins. For more solitude, opt for Black Rock Lodge, one of the area’s remote jungle lodges. Spend the evening strolling the mellow town, then grab food at Crave House of Flavors on West Street.
Days 4-5
Rise early and visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, either on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Or opt instead for a canoe trip up the Macal River. Depending on the water level, you might make it to the Belize Botanic Gardens. If you’re more adventurous, spend the day on an exhilarating cave trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, or find “the showers” waterfalls in Cristo Rey.
The next day, venture past the Vaca Reservoir on a pontoon boat adventure, or you could enjoy a ride along the Mountain Pine Ridge to the Mayan ruins of Caracol. Along the way, take a dip at Río On Pools or get more off the beaten path with a short hike to Big Rock Falls, where you can cool off in a jade pool. Stop at Calico Jack’s Village for a unique zip-line experience or for a photo op at Thousand Foot Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Central America.
Day 6
Inland or island? A couple of puddle-jumper flights—or a drive down the Hummingbird Highway—will get you to Dangriga. Take an afternoon trip to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can hike through the rainforest past fresh jaguar tracks and chill in waterfalls under a green canopy. Overnight here for night walks or sunrise hikes.
You could also end the night with dinner back in Dangriga at Pelican Beach Resort and head to town for cold beers and dominoes under a thatch cabana at Wadani Shed. Island lovers could instead hop on a boat and transfer to nearby Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye for diving and snorkeling along the pristine southern barrier reef and some blissful beach time. These islands are oh-so-stunning and romantic.
Day 7
Take a Tropic Air puddle-jumper flight back to Belize City, and start planning your return.
Extend Your Stay
From Dangriga, catch the first bus down to Hopkins and soak in some Garifuna culture, go beachcombing, and enjoy fine dining. Sign up for a drumming lesson at Lebeha Drumming Center or a half-day Garifuna culture and cooking class at Palmento Grove Cultural & Fishing Lodge. Bury your toes in the sand while enjoying a traditional Garifuna meal at Laruni Hati Beyabu Diner, or wine and dine at Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe.
Spend the next day fishing, lazing in a hammock, or bicycling through Hopkins to the nearby village of Sittee River.
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