Central American jungles meet the Caribbean Sea on this luxurious week in Belize. Venture off the beaten path and blend coastal paradise with spectacular Maya relics. There will be action, adventure, mysterious old civilizations, wildlife-rich experiences, and the atmosphere of a Caribbean beach escape.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Cayo – Impressions of Western Belize
You will land in Belize City and travel to a landscape of thick rainforest and small villages. Your lodge will be located just outside San Ignacio, which is a luxurious base to spend a few days exploring the rainforest. Like everywhere else in Belize, Cayo is low-key and laid-back. You will probably hear the distant hoot of the howler monkeys each afternoon with a resonant echo that can consume the valley on some days. You will arrive in San Ignacio for a leisurely lunch on the balcony before the first afternoon is left to your leisure.
What's Included:
Day 2
Cayo – Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour
Day 3
Cayo – Coffee and Maya History
Day 4
Cayo – Ruins in the Jungle
Day 5
Ambergris Caye – White-Sand Charm
Day 6
Ambergris Caye – Scenic Flight and Island Escape
Day 7
Ambergris Caye – Catamaran Tour
Day 8
Ambergris Caye – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Travel into the surreal realm of Actun Tunichil Muknal, which is a cave complex with a fascinating history
- Relax on the white Caribbean beaches for which Belize is known
- Take a day trip to Guatemala and Tikal, which is the Lost City in the jungle
- Soar above the Great Blue Hole during a scenic flight for the best way to appreciate this fabulous work of nature
- Discover more Mayan history at Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, ancient sites, which provide a cultural counterpoint to your forest adventure
- Spend a day cruising around the Caribbean in a catamaran with a barbecue lunch on a white-sand islet
- Settle into the serenity of an off-the-beaten-path country with highlights that include everything from a coffee plantation tour to quiet hours on the beach
Detailed Description
For such a small country, Belize knows how to make an impression. Surreal landscapes set the scene, and half of the country is dominated by thick jungle, and the other half is defined by the Caribbean Sea. The local culture is vibrant and welcoming. This handcrafted tour celebrates the highlights of Belize.
You will fly into Belize City and transfer to western Belize. Cayo will be your base for the first few days. By staying at a luxury lodge near San Ignacio, you will have space to relax and to enjoy the local experience. You will begin your first full day with a spectacular hike and swim in the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, which is a strange ceremonial site that was once used by the ancient Mayans. The following day, you will hop into neighboring Guatemala and spend the morning at a coffee farm and the Lost City of the Mayans, Tikal. Your final day in Cayo can take a few routes. Some options will be to explore more Maya ruins or to go canoeing, biking, or hiking. These first days will also provide you with an introduction to the local culture.
Next, you will fly to Ambergris Caye and spend your last few days on the coast, basking in the tranquility of the Caribbean. You can spend hours lounging away on the white sand. The diving and snorkeling here are excellent, but you will not need to go under the water to enjoy the landscape. The following day, you will fly over the Great Blue Hole on a scenic flight that also includes incredible views of the world’s second-largest barrier reef. You can wander around an island of white sand before spending the rest of the day almost nothing at all.
Your final full day will include a catamaran cruise that will allow you to snorkel in Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Your cruise will also include a barbecue lunch beneath a canopy of palms. It will only have been a week in Belize, but your experiences will make it feel like a much longer vacation.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.94 stars based on 136 reviews.
Zicasso's travel agents did an awesome job listening to our travel preferences and crafting an unforgettable trip for our family. We received several options for accommodations and experiences from their trusted partners, which were all incredible. Their team thought of everything and frequently checked in on us throughout the trip, providing dining recommendations and suggestions for slight changes in the travel schedule.
It was so nice to enjoy the trip and to know all of the details had been meticulously thought through and were managed behind the scenes. There was something for all of us: adventure, history, unforgettable experiences (swimming with sharks and sea turtles, reeling in lots of big fish, the ATM cave and Monkey River, and the private island resort we stayed at were all highlights!).
Reviewed By Andrea K.
The country was gorgeous and the trip was perfectly planned to suit my family’s needs. We loved all of the excursions, the food was delicious, and the guides were expert and kind.
Reviewed By Elisha B.
The trip was exceptionally and thoughtfully planned. Zicasso's travel specialist took the time to understand the general vision through questions, suggested ideas, and consideration of feedback before presenting and refining the trip. The travel company continued to provide updates and check-ins before and during the trip as well, confirming scheduling as needed. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with the travel company.
Reviewed By Denise E.
I have traveled extensively around the world with various companies. I think Zicasso's tour company may be the best. They were very responsive and flexible to the changes I needed to make during the trip and the concierge they assigned to me in Belize was awesome.
Reviewed By steven H.
Zicasso's travel agents were helpful and quite thorough.
Reviewed By Jill S.
The trip was great. The accommodations were great. The process was easy and Zicasso's travel agency was responsive to any and all inquiries.
Reviewed By Aaron M.
