Compare Land of Belize by Intrepid Travel vs Rainforest & Reef Explorer by Island Expeditions

Day 1 Belize City

Welcome to Belize! Your adventure begins in Belize City – located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, Belize City has plenty to discover. The coastal and maritime museum is on the north side, housed in the beautifully restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, the National Handicraft Centre and the oldest Anglican church in Central America – St John Cathedral, built in 1812. Tonight, why not head out on a group welcome dinner, recommended by your leader?

Day 2 Orange Walk

This morning, you’ll take a private vehicle to Carmelita, then hop on a boat towards the Lamanai Archaeological site. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, and your leader will help you spot all the colourful birds along the river. Arrive at the archaeological site and take some time to explore the remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation and its unearthed temples. After, head back up the river by boat to the town of Orange Walk, where you’ll spend the night. Tonight, settle into your lodge and enjoy an included group dinner.

Day 3 San Ignacio

This morning, drive to the San Ignacio area, stopping along the way at the San Antonio Women’s Co-op – an organisation formed by local Mayan women as a way to share skills and traditional knowledge while earning an income. Join the local women for a cooking demonstration designed to preserve their culinary heritage, then sit down together for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. 

Day 4 Tikal National Park, Guatemala / San Ignacio

Today, you’ll take a day trip to the UNESCO site and Mayan ruins in Tikal National Park – located just across the border in Guatemala. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Take in the towering limestone temples and other monuments while pondering the mystery of the ancient city's demise. After, enjoy an included group lunch and then make your way back to San Ignacio. Tonight is free to relax at your accommodation or explore at your own pace.

Day 5 San Ignacio

Today is yours to take on any of the many optional activities available in San Ignacio. Maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique moulded wall surface, and the central plaza has three carved stelae (stone slabs). Getting to the site is half the fun as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Maybe head to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through the water until you reach the ceremonial site, where you’ll find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If Maya ruins aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, check out the butterfly garden, or canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.

Day 6 Caye Caulker

Today, take a private transfer to Belize City, where you’ll board a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. While there are a number of islands off the coast of the mainland, Caye Caulker is certainly the most famous (and arguably the most beautiful). Once you’ve arrived on Caye Caulker, join your leader on an orientation walk to get to know this tiny and laidback island. You’ll notice no cars here, making it a real pleasure to explore. If you fancy, it’s possible to arrange day trips to the other islands or to some spectacular reefs for snorkelling – just chat with your leader about your options. Each island has its own character, but they all have the unmistakable Caribbean pace and charm. This evening, why not get your hands on some freshly caught seafood, often served in causal and colourful restaurants, to a soundtrack of reggae music.

Day 7 Caye Caulker

Your time in Caye Caulker is about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another free day here. If you're interested in sampling some local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food and some of the best meals are cooked on the roadside! Caye Caulker is also famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season – the lobsters can only be caught between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater?

Day 8 Caye Caulker

There are no activities planned today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time following checkout. If you would like to spend more time in Caye Caulker, just speak to your booking agent.

Days: 1-3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Bocawina Rainforest Resort

You will be met in Dangriga and transported to your eco-resort in the Southern Maya Mountains. Once you arrive, you'll get a welcome drink, meet your fellow guests and then choose your guided activities for your next two days of adventure in the rainforest.

Bocawina Rainforest Resort combines all the amenities of a rainforest eco-resort with bright comfortable rooms and private bathrooms, yet still off the grid. This unique resort is located in the Southern Maya Mountains within a 7000 acre Mayflower Bocawina National Park adjacent to the world famous 100,000 acre Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve. Bocawina offers you everything right at your doorstep. Experience Belize’s longest zip line adventure plus the only waterfall rappelling in the country.  Explore on your own and hike to five different waterfalls and unexcavated Mayan ruins 

Included In The Rainforest

• 3 nights in a Mayan room
• Welcome drink & meal plan (3 days)
• Free wi-fi access
• Choice of 2 guided activities/excursions – select from a list which includes ziplining, waterfall rappelling, bird watching, hiking & more!
• Unlimited trail and rainforest hiking
• Round trip ground transfer from Dangriga to Bocawina Rainforest Resort

Days: 4-6

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tobacco Caye Paradise Lodge

Enjoy your last morning in the rainforest, then travel by van/boat to your next destination – Tobacco Caye! Settle into your over-the-water cabana…and let the next few days unfold as you wish. Snorkel, SUP or kayak along the reef. Relax with a refreshing drink in the hammock on your deck.

Ready to live on the water's edge? Tobacco Caye is a refreshing yet rustic experience unlike any other in Belize. Perched right on the Barrier Reef you'll find a 6 cabin lodge with everything you need, where you can relax in a hammock right on your own private deck overlooking the warm turquoise tropical seas. Simple living surrounded by tropical fish and exotic birdlife, Tobacco Caye is a gorgeous island covered with palm trees and white coral sand. This five acre caye, is one of the most popular destinations in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. A wonderland for snorkelers and paddlers.    

Included On The Reef:

• 3 nights in an over-the-water cabana
• All meals
• World class walk-in snorkeling from the beach
• Unlimited use of sea kayaks, snorkel sets & SUPs
• Round trip boat transfer from Dangriga to Tobacco Caye Paradise
• Fishing, scuba diving & other guided activities can be arranged for an additional fee