Belize 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Belize Itinerary: Ancient Ruins & Jungle Adventures

This itinerary focuses on exploring the Mayan ruins and natural beauty of Belize. It’s adaptable to your interests - you can add more days for deeper immersion or swap out activities based on your preferences.

Day 1:

  • Arrive in Belize City (Belize International Airport)
    • Things to know: Belize City is not the safest city, so be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and exercise caution when handling valuables.
  • Activity: Arrive in Belize City (BZE). Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours before heading to your next destination.

Consider:

  • Transportation: Take a domestic flight from Belize City to a location near the ruins you want to visit (e.g., Caracol for the Mayan ruins of the same name).
  • Accommodation: Choose a hotel or guesthouse in a safe area of Belize City, or consider staying in San Ignacio, a town with a more relaxed vibe and good access to the sites.

Day 2-3:

  • Place: Explore Caracol, one of the largest and most impressive Mayan ruins in Belize.

    • Things to know:

      • Caracol is located in the Cayo District, which is known for its accessible archaeological sites.

    • Activity:

Day 2:

  1. Morning: Arrive at your starting point near the Mayan ruins (e.g., Belize City or San Ignacio).
  2. Afternoon: Hire a guide in San Ignacio to explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and learn about its history.

Day 3:

  1. Full Day: Visit Caracol, the ancient Maya city.

Transportation:

  • Travel by bus or taxi from Belize City to your chosen destination (e.g., a bus will take you directly to the Xunantunun site).
  1. Things to consider:

Day 4:

  • Activity: Explore the jungle surrounding the Mayan ruins with a local guide. Discover hidden waterfalls, ancient trails, and the diverse wildlife of Belize.

Transportation:

  • Consider hiring a local guide for hiking and exploration.

Things to do in San Ignacio:

  • Day trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: Explore this fascinating cave with its ancient Mayan artifacts and archaeological significance.
  • Visit the Xunantunich Market: Experience the vibrant local culture by browsing a variety of fresh produce, crafts, and delicious Belizean food at the market.

Things to know:

  • Belize is in Central America, with English as the official language.
  • The currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD)), but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Belize offers a variety of experiences beyond its Mayan sites, such as zip-lining through the jungle canopy, canoeing down rivers, and exploring caves filled with ancient artifacts.

Day 3:

  • Visit Caracol for a full day:

Things to consider:

  • Belize is known for its “jungle” tourism, offering incredible opportunities to see Mayan ruins, explore caves, and experience the diverse rainforest ecosystem.

  • Consider visiting the following sites:

    • Caracol: Located in the heart of the Maya Mountains, this site is perfect for a day dedicated to exploring ancient history.

    • Cahal Pech: This smaller, yet well-preserved site offers stunning views and a glimpse into a more intimate setting with Mayan ruins.

    • Xunantunich: A larger, more impressive Mayan city that allows for exploration of the “Actun Tunichil Muknal” (Mayan for “Cave of the Stone Maiden)

Transportation:

  • Buses are the most popular and affordable mode of transportation. The Belizean Bus system is a great way to see the country and interact with locals.
  • Taxis can be used for shorter trips or you can arrange for a private tour guide/driver to take you to the sites from the local town.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Market: This is a great option to experience local culture and purchase unique souvenirs.
  • Explore Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, and other Mayan ruins: Belize is home to numerous Mayan archaeological sites, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. The Belizean government offers various tours and experiences around the country.

Day 5:

  • Transportation: Consider a guided tour of Caracol, exploring the ancient city’s history and structures.
  • Cave Exploration: Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a fascinating cave system with ancient artifacts and skeletal remains.
  • Water Activities: Take a boat trip to the Belize Zoo for an opportunity to see native wildlife.

Full Day Experience” (Day 4 and beyond):

  • The “Mayan” experience: Explore the vast network of caves and underground rivers that were sacred to the ancient Maya.**
  • Transportation: Hiring a guide for this is highly recommended, as they can provide information about the sites and ensure your safety during the exploration.
  • Guided Tours:
  • Mayan

Day 6:

  • Visit the Mayan ruins: Explore other archaeological sites in the area like Cahal Pech or hire a local guide to take you to remote sites for a more immersive experience.
  • Transportation:

Day 7:

  • Travel Day:

Enjoy the local markets and explore the vibrant culture of Belizean traditions.

Other Experiences:

  • Caving: Explore the depths of the Maya Mountains and discover their hidden treasures.

  • Maya Ruins:

Things to Consider:

  • Pack light: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so pack only what you need for the trip.
  • Wear sturdy shoes: The terrain can be uneven and rocky.

Things to note:

  • Caves are a popular attraction: Many ancient Maya sites have underground caves that offer unique experiences.

Day 7:

  • Activity: Explore the stunning Belizean

  • Go beyond the “typical” tourist experience:

  • Wear appropriate clothing:

Transportation:

  • Consider:

Transportation options:

  • Guided Tours: Many tour companies in Belize offer guided tours of the ancient Maya sites.

  • Day Trip:

Day 7:

  • For a more adventurous experience:

Explore the local culture and learn about the history of the Maya civilization.

  • Consider:

Transportation options:

Things to consider:

  • Bring a headlamp or flashlight: The caves are often dark, so you’ll need a light source for exploring.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: Wear clothes that can get dirty and wear sturdy shoes.
  • Respect the environment: Remember to leave the environment as you found it. Do not disturb the artifacts or the natural formations of the cave.

Day 4:

  • Enjoy:

Transportation:

Bring a water bottle: The caves are dark and humid. Staying hydrated is important.

Things to Consider:

Bringing a camera: *

Transportation options: *

Other Transportation:

  • Consider:

Using public transportation:

  • Transportation:

Public transportation in Belize: *

Paying for the experience:

This is a great option if you’re on a budget.

  • Wear: A swimsuit and hiking shoes are ideal.

Other Transportation Options: *

  • Wear a flashlight: If you want to explore the ruins, it’s best to bring your own

Let me know which destination (Mayan city) and how many days you’d like to spend in Belize and I can help you create a more detailed itinerary.