About this tour

Wild Belize: Ruins, Reefs, and Rainforests in 7 Days

Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through Belize, where ancient ruins meet pristine beaches, and vibrant culture blends with untamed nature. This adventure takes you from the jungles of San Ignacio to the coastal charm of Hopkins, with the freedom to choose your daily tours for a personalized experience.

Overview

Duration: 7 days
Accommodation: 3 nights in San Ignacio, 4 nights in Hopkins
Transfers: Private shuttles between locations
Departure: Domestic flight from Dangriga to Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Day 7
Tour Days: 4 days with one tour per day (choose from two options each day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to San Ignacio
Arrive at Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City. Enjoy a private shuttle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to San Ignacio. Check into your mid-range hotel and spend the evening relaxing or exploring the town.
Overnight: San Ignacio

Day 2: San Ignacio – Choose Your Adventure

Option 1: Caracol Mayan Ruins and Rio On Pools
Journey to Caracol, Belize’s largest Mayan site, hidden deep in the jungle. Explore ancient temples and climb the towering Caana pyramid. After lunch, relax at Rio On Pools, swimming in natural rock pools surrounded by pine forests.
Option 2: Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing
Cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry to reach Xunantunich, a stunning Mayan site. Climb El Castillo for breathtaking views, then float through underground river caves on a cave tubing adventure.
Overnight: San Ignacio

Day 3: San Ignacio – Choose Your Adventure

Option 1: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
Experience a full-day adventure to the ATM Cave. Hike, wade, and swim through the jungle and cave to uncover Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains. This tour is physically demanding but unforgettable.
Option 2: Barton Creek Cave Canoeing and Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
Paddle through the peaceful Barton Creek Cave, admiring stalactites and Mayan history. Then, visit the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch to see vibrant butterflies and learn about their life cycles—a more relaxed option.
Overnight: San Ignacio

Day 4: Transfer to Hopkins

After breakfast, check out and take a private shuttle (2.5–3 hours) to Hopkins, a laid-back Garifuna village on the coast. Check into your mid-range hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to unwind on the beach or stroll through the village.
Overnight: Hopkins

Day 5: Hopkins – Choose Your Adventure

Option 1: Garifuna Cultural Experience and Drumming Lesson
Dive into Garifuna culture with a drumming lesson and traditional cooking demonstration. Learn about the community’s history and traditions in this engaging half-day experience.
Option 2: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Hike
Explore the world’s first jaguar reserve on a full-day hike. Wander jungle trails, spot waterfalls, and look for wildlife like howler monkeys and exotic birds (jaguars are rare but possible!).
Overnight: Hopkins

Day 6: Hopkins – Choose Your Adventure

Option 1: Full-Day Snorkeling at South Water Caye Marine Reserve
Snorkel in the pristine waters of Belize’s barrier reef, discovering coral gardens, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles or rays—a full-day aquatic adventure.
Option 2: Monkey River Tour
Cruise through mangroves by boat, spotting howler monkeys, crocodiles, and birds. Visit a Creole village to learn about local life along the river in this half- to full-day tour.
Overnight: Hopkins

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, check out and take a 30-minute private transfer to Dangriga Airport. Board a 15-minute domestic flight to PGIA, scheduled to connect with your international flight. Check in at PGIA and depart home.
End of Trip

Inclusions

• Private transfers: PGIA to San Ignacio, San Ignacio to Hopkins, Hopkins to Dangriga Airport
• Domestic flight: Dangriga to PGIA on Day 7
• Accommodation: 6 nights (3 in San Ignacio, 3 in Hopkins) in mid-range hotels
• Tours: One tour per day on Days 2, 3, 5, and 6 (choose from the options listed)
• Meals: Lunch included on tour days (Days 2, 3, 5, 6)

Exclusions

• International flights to/from PGIA
• Meals outside of tour lunches (e.g., breakfast, dinner)
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance