First some adventures, then the sun and the sea!
A very common request is to help travelers determine the best way to see Belize in all of its glory, which is to say the coast as well as the jungles and wildlife in the Cayo District. For those splitting up a single week, it can sometimes prove difficult to navigate the transportation component while still seeing multiple bucket list items in both areas. Bare in mind these are generalised itineraries designed around the most popular activities, and any activity can be swapped out for something else that takes a similar amount of time and is located in the same area. Planning your trip and your tours in advance is a great way to maximize your time in Belize, although it’s often at the expense of why many of us travel- to slow down and relax. That said, if you’re aiming for the most bang for your buck in terms of time, this itinerary is absolutely for you!
Organization is mission critical
to make the most of your time, and get the best of both worlds. As popular as it might be, that means for this trip, skip Tikal in Guatemala. It also means renting a car or hiring a driver- no time to be waiting on the bus! While a driver is almost certainly more money, it allows you to make multiple trips at your own pace and saves you the time of dealing with parking, navigating the roads (and speed bumps!) and lets you focus on getting the most of the country you’re spending your precious time and money to see. For those that love to drive, you’re in luck! Belize has some of the most beautiful roadways in the world for driving, and the Hummingbird Highway has to be seen to be believed. People commonly inquire if they need four wheel drive, and while that’s generally not required, it can be very helpful to have a vehicle that has decent ground clearance to get you across some of the bumpier paths and roads to various areas.
These activities are a broad overview of what is available throughout San Ignacio and Hopkins, Belize. While popular, these are just suggestions and you should adjust them to suit your traveling style and personal interests. Double check availability based upon your day of arrival so you don’t have any surprises– not everything is available seven days a week. If you have any questions you can ask anybody local.
Day One — Travel Day
- Arrive at PGIA in Belize City (BZE)
- Find your driver or pick up your rental car
- Optional Stop– Belize Zoo
- Check into accommodations in San Ignacio
- Dinner at Ko-ox Han-nah
Day Two — San Ignacio & The Maya
- San Ignacio Market
- Cahal Pech Mayan Site
- Xunantunich Mayan Site
- Dinner at The Guava Limb (reservation suggested)
Day Three — Epic Adventure
- Tour ATM Cave
- Dinner at Crave House of Flavor (reservation suggested)
Day Four — Chocolate & Travel Day
- Ajaw Mayan Chocolate
- Travel to Hopkins
- Optional Stop— Bertha’s Tamales
- Check into accommodations in Hopkins
- Dinner at Peer’s Place
Day Five — Village Life & Snorkeling
- Explore Hopkins Village
- Optional Stop– Scarlet Macaws (season dependent)
- Catch and Cook Fishing + Snorkeling Tour
- Dinner at Chef Rob’s (reservations suggested)
Day Six — Natural Wonders
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park
- Bioluminescent Bay Tour (weather/ season dependent)
- Dinner at Ella’s Cool Spot
Day Seven — Travel Day
- Breakfast at Tugusina Garífuna
- Drive to PGIA in Belize City
- Optional Stop— Bertha’s Tamales
- Fly home
Enter Belize 
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