Belize

Notes

• Type A/B adapter needed. None needed for US travelers.

• Taxis are clearly marked and easy to spot.

• Fares: $7–10 BZE ($5 USD) per ride (not per person).

Day 1: San Ignacio – Arrival & Exploration

Belize City to San Ignacio (≈3 hours)

• Schedule private pickup with Belize Family Adventure.

• Enjoy the scenic ride — keep your eyes open and camera ready!

Check In

• Airbnb check-in (4 nights).

• This property hosted many different wildlife species (iguanas, tarantulas, tropical birds).

San Ignacio at Dusk

Explore San Ignacio

• Start walking toward town — a taxi driver will likely stop.

• Stop at the San Ignacio Sign for a photo op!

• We ate at Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let’s Go Eat!).

• Try a Belikin Beer, Belize’s most popular beer.

• Take a stroll around the city before grabbing a taxi back to your accommodation.

Day of the Dead Celebrations

Day 2: Tikal Mayan Ruins (Guatemala Day Trip)

San Ignacio Market – Early Morning (6:00 a.m.)

• Arrive early (the market opens around 6:00 a.m.).

• You can walk or grab a taxi.

• Open daily, but busiest on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

• Vendors sell crafts, produce, souvenirs, and food.

• Try a fresh-squeezed juice and fryjacks — a Belizean breakfast staple. Tip: Order fryjacks stuffed with beans, bacon, or eggs.

Day of the Dead Celebrations

Tikal Mayan Ruins Tour

• Arrange pickup in advance with Belize Family Adventure from the market for the group tour.

• Bring your passport and entry fee for the Guatemala border crossing.

• Guide handles logistics and leads you through Tikal.

• Lunch included.

• Pop-culture note: Part of Star Wars: Episode IV was filmed here — ask your guide to show you the spot!

• Wildlife to watch for: spider monkeys, howler monkeys, coatimundis, keel-billed toucans.

• Date-specific option: Visit Oct 31–Nov 2 to stop at cemeteries for Day of the Dead celebrations.

Evening

• Drop-off at accommodation or in downtown San Ignacio for dinner and drinks.

• We recommend Guava Limb Restaurant.

• Taxi back to accommodation.

Cahal Pech Ruins

Day 3: Cahal Pech & Mountain Pine Ridge

Cahal Pech Ruins

Rio on Pools

Crystal Cave

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

• Arrive at opening (hours vary — check the official site).

• Take a taxi — it’s mostly uphill.

• Explore the ruins before the crowds.

• Smaller than Tikal but interesting for its downtown location.

Mountain Pine Ridge Day Trip

• Schedule pickup in advance with Belize Family Adventure from Cahal Pech.

• Wear water-friendly hiking shoes.

• Stops include:

• Rio Frio Cave (raw and rugged cave used for Mayan rituals).

• Rio on Pools (natural rock pools and small waterfalls — bring a swimsuit).

• Big Rock Falls (ask your guide about safe spots to jump).

• Lunch provided.

Evening

• Dinner at Cahal Pech Resort (great view of San Ignacio).

• Take a walk around the deck before catching a taxi back to your Airbnb.
  

Day 4: Caving Adventures – ATM or Crystal Cave

ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

• Schedule pickup in advance with Belize Family Adventure.

• Cave includes ancient pottery and human remains; moderate fitness required. You will need to navigate through tight spaces at times.

• No phones or cameras allowed. Essentials like medication must be carried by your guide.

• Late lunch provided.

Crystal Cave (Alternative Option - If ATM is closed)

• Schedule pickup with Belize Family Adventure. Occasionally, ATM closes due to water levels, this option still includes remains of a human sacrifice.

• More intense caving experience — expect to climb, crawl, and squeeze.

• You can bring your phone, camera, and water.

• Late lunch included. Finish after dark sometimes.

Evening

• Drop-off at accommodation or in downtown San Ignacio for dinner and drinks.

• Take a taxi back to your Airbnb afterward.

Day 5: Cave Tubing & Transfer to Caye Caulker

Morning – Check Out & Cave Tubing

• Check out of your accommodation.

• Book in advance a half-day Cave Tubing with Belize Family Adventure.

• Confirm you can leave luggage in the vehicle.

• Float through jungle rivers and caves; opportunities to swim and jump.

• Ask your guide about Mayan cave rituals and local superstitions.

Transfer to the Coast

• In advance arrange transport with Belize Family Adventure to the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and schedule the latest water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker and communicate time to your guide.

• Bring a change of clothes — you may be soggy.

• Optional stops: Prison Gift Shop (souvenirs made by inmates), BELIZE sign photo op in Belize City.

Iguana Reef Inn

Arrival at Caye Caulker

• Take a golf cart taxi to your Airbnb (5 nights).

• If you can’t book this place, book a place with complimentary bikes.

• Lock your bike when leaving it unattended.

• Bike to dinner: Wish Willy’s (chillest vibes, and best seafood in Caye Caulker. Eating at picnic tables in a Belizean guy’s backyard is an experience in itself!).

• Evening: Visit Iguana Reef Inn dock to see stingrays and nurse sharks.

Day 6: SCUBA & Snorkel Belize Barrier Reef

Morning – Reef Adventures

Belize Barrier Reef

• Book in advance SCUBA with Belize Diving Services or snorkel with Nauti Time Tours (not at Hol Chan, that will be later).

• You’ll be immersed in a world of Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, giant grouper, eels, and more.

• Bike to the meeting location and bring snorkel gear if you have it.

Afternoon – The Split & Stingrays

• Bike to The Split and snorkel on your own.

• Drink at Lazy Lizard Bar.

• Around 5:00 p.m., head to Iguana Reef Inn for free stingray feeding (they provide fish). Dip your toes in the ocean while the rays splash around you!

Belize Barrier Reef

Evening

• Dinner and drinks at a local beach bar.

• Return to your accommodation for the night
  

Pirates Not So Secret Beach Bar & Grill

Day 7: Ambergris Caye Day Trip

Morning – Getting There

• In advance book the first water taxi to Ambergris Caye via San Pedro Belize Express and the last water taxi back to Caye Caulker.

• Bike to the ferry port and park securely.

On Arrival

• Rent a golf cart near the dock.

• Explore the island at your own pace.

Secret Beach Adventure

• Head north of town, then (left) west on the first large road to Secret Beach.

• Relax in shallow turquoise water.

• Lunch at Pirates Not So Secret Beach Bar & Grill (lionfish tacos & pineapple cocktails).

Return Trip

• Drive back toward town (about one hour to ferry).

• Return golf cart and catch your last water taxi back to Caye Caulker.

Day 8: Flightseeing the Blue Hole

Morning – Blue Hole Flight

• In advance book a scenic flight with Tropic Air, you can bike to the airport.

• 1-hour flight from Caye Caulker; private charters are more cost-effective with 3 people. You can pick your own departure time.

• Go early for clearer views and fewer boats; bring motion sickness meds if needed.

• Group tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (subject to change).

Afternoon – North Side Beach

• Boat from the dock at the end of Calle De Sol Road to North Side Beach Club (formerly Coco King).

• Spend $5 USD at the bar/restaurant for a complimentary ride from the boat.

Evening – Tarpon Feeding

Belize Blue Hole

• Return before dark to the Tarpon Feeding Dock at the end of Calle La Posa. This will look like a private dock.

• Buy sardines and let locals show you how to hand-feed tarpon.

• Bike downtown for dinner.

Day 9: Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Estuary Tour

Morning – Hol Chan Snorkeling

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

• Book in advance with Nauti Time Tours for Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkel.

• Expect to see sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and over 160 species of fish. You will get to be up close and personal with nurse sharks during a feeding frenzy!

• Clarify pickup and drop-off in Caye Caulker and bike to the meeting point.

Afternoon – Estuary Tour

• Day of, schedule an estuary tour with Richard’s Adventures for a boat trip to the less visited far North side of the island… Off the beaten path!

• Get close to iguanas and American saltwater crocodiles; walk a handmade boardwalk through bloodred mangrove ponds.

• If Richard isn’t available, check alternate operators near the ferry dock.

• Ask guides about manatee snorkeling opportunities.

Evening

• Bike around town and enjoy dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants.

Day 10: Final Snorkel & Departure

Early Morning Snorkel

• At least the day before, schedule a sunrise snorkel (around 6:00 a.m.) to spot spotted eagle rays with a guide at the ferry dock.

• Bring luggage to the snorkel shop and ask if they’ll store it while you snorkel.

• Change into travel clothes at the shop to save time.

Departure

• Book your water taxi in advance back to Belize City and taxi back to the airport.

• Ensure you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.