Signature Belize: Rainforest, reef and ruins
12 days from £3,860
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Arrive in Belize City and transfer by road to your remote forest eco-resort, Pook’s Hill Lodge, on the edge of Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve; a journey inland of about 90mins. The thatched property is surrounded by flourishing tropical foliage and rugged hills populated by a multitude of birds and mammals.
This intimate lodge is set in a grassy clearing surrounded by dense forest and tropical foliage on the edge of Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. It’s embedded in natural landscapes: the nearest town of any size is the Belizean capital Belmopan, 20km away, while the drive from Belize City takes about 90mins.
Jade Jungle Resort is a great place to relax, absorbing the sights and sounds of the verdant scenery – howler monkeys lurk in the vicinity – or observing some of the exotic birds which visit the property. There are just 11 simple thatched cabins, each fully screened, with private bathroom. Meals are served buffet-style, taken around a large table where you have the opportunity to mix with your fellow guests.
The veranda bar and lounge (with small butterfly collection) is another popular spot to mingle. If you are feeling like a bit of exercise, wander along the extensive network of trails which reach a couple of natural pools where you can swim or go tubing. For a little more excitement, there are more challenging hikes with caves to explore, and horse riding. The lodge is also well placed for visits to the popular Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves.
Today you have a day trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves (often referred to as ATM caves though you can’t withdraw any cash there!). Here you hike into the caves, cross over underground rivers and enter a giant chamber which was long ago the setting for Mayan religious ceremonies and is stuffed with relics including ceramics and, rather gruesomely, skeletons.
This intimate lodge is set in a grassy clearing surrounded by dense forest and tropical foliage on the edge of Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. It’s embedded in natural landscapes: the nearest town of any size is the Belizean capital Belmopan, 20km away, while the drive from Belize City takes about 90mins.
Jade Jungle Resort is a great place to relax, absorbing the sights and sounds of the verdant scenery – howler monkeys lurk in the vicinity – or observing some of the exotic birds which visit the property. There are just 11 simple thatched cabins, each fully screened, with private bathroom. Meals are served buffet-style, taken around a large table where you have the opportunity to mix with your fellow guests.
The veranda bar and lounge (with small butterfly collection) is another popular spot to mingle. If you are feeling like a bit of exercise, wander along the extensive network of trails which reach a couple of natural pools where you can swim or go tubing. For a little more excitement, there are more challenging hikes with caves to explore, and horse riding. The lodge is also well placed for visits to the popular Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves.
The Mayan peoples have had a presence in Mexico and Central America since well before the birth of Christ. Their civilisation, which was at its height in the 1st-9th centuries AD has left a legacy of remarkable buildings, sculptures and artefacts featuring their hieroglyphics and reflecting their artistic creativity and knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
Tikal and Caracol, shrouded by extensive rainforest, are two of the most impressive, long-abandoned Mayan sites, now reclaimed for visitors with their pyramids, sculpted temples, broad plazas and and ball-parks. You can choose to visit either on your free day at leisure.
This intimate lodge is set in a grassy clearing surrounded by dense forest and tropical foliage on the edge of Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. It’s embedded in natural landscapes: the nearest town of any size is the Belizean capital Belmopan, 20km away, while the drive from Belize City takes about 90mins.
Jade Jungle Resort is a great place to relax, absorbing the sights and sounds of the verdant scenery – howler monkeys lurk in the vicinity – or observing some of the exotic birds which visit the property. There are just 11 simple thatched cabins, each fully screened, with private bathroom. Meals are served buffet-style, taken around a large table where you have the opportunity to mix with your fellow guests.
The veranda bar and lounge (with small butterfly collection) is another popular spot to mingle. If you are feeling like a bit of exercise, wander along the extensive network of trails which reach a couple of natural pools where you can swim or go tubing. For a little more excitement, there are more challenging hikes with caves to explore, and horse riding. The lodge is also well placed for visits to the popular Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves.
Transfer back to Belize City and continue by road and river to Lamanai on the woodland-fringed banks of New River Lagoon.
Located two minutes from the Lamanai Maya ruins on the banks of a remote jungle lake, this award-winning jungle lodge is a favourite with families, couples and those seeking adventure.
The area is rich in flora and fauna, particularly bird life with over 400 species recorded. There are 16 air-conditioned thatch-roof cabanas; single cabanas with king beds, double cabanas and special family cabanas are available. Amenities include in-cabana wifi, a refrigerator with complimentary bottled water, an electronic safe, plenty of US style outlets, ceiling fans and a private bath with endless hot water.
Rooms are comfortable and lighting is kept to a minimum so as to not attract insects. The nearby main lodge houses reception, bar and a beautiful open-air restaurant which provides a limited menu with delicious, hearty food.
Activities include canoeing, boat & vehicle tours and specialised guided walks in the surrounding forest or around the well-excavated ruins. The enthusiastic guides can also arrange spotlight river safaris, night-walks and crocodile-spotting trips at night.
Don’t miss the opportunity on one of your days here to discover the nearby Lamanai Maya ruins. In the company of an expert guide, you’ll explore the mysterious abandoned jungle-cloaked temples. The ruins encompass over 700 structures, a visitor’s centre and museum.
Located two minutes from the Lamanai Maya ruins on the banks of a remote jungle lake, this award-winning jungle lodge is a favourite with families, couples and those seeking adventure.
The area is rich in flora and fauna, particularly bird life with over 400 species recorded. There are 16 air-conditioned thatch-roof cabanas; single cabanas with king beds, double cabanas and special family cabanas are available. Amenities include in-cabana wifi, a refrigerator with complimentary bottled water, an electronic safe, plenty of US style outlets, ceiling fans and a private bath with endless hot water.
Rooms are comfortable and lighting is kept to a minimum so as to not attract insects. The nearby main lodge houses reception, bar and a beautiful open-air restaurant which provides a limited menu with delicious, hearty food.
Activities include canoeing, boat & vehicle tours and specialised guided walks in the surrounding forest or around the well-excavated ruins. The enthusiastic guides can also arrange spotlight river safaris, night-walks and crocodile-spotting trips at night.
Transfer by water and road back to Belize City airport and take an exhilarating light-aircraft flight to the little port of Punta Gorda on Belize’s less-visited southern coast. It’s just a short drive on to another adventure-filled, family-friendly property, the Lodge at Big Falls.
The lodge is crammed between the Mayan mountains and the Rio Grande, on a meander of the river with over a kilometre of river frontage.
It’s great accommodation for families, with each hardwood or thatched cottages having its own bathroom and three their own kitchenettes.
In a secluded area of southern Belize, Tanager Rainforest Lodge provides the opportunity for you to visit an area of the country that few get to enjoy. The home cooking and obliging service provided by the friendly owners enhance the personalised atmosphere. There are 8 detached, thatched cabins, scattered amongst picturesque gardens.
Excursions on offer include kayaking on the river that flows through the cultivated grounds of the lodge, which gives way to thicker, low-lying jungle upstream. On land, nature trails reveal a profusion of bird life. Bicycle hire is also available.
Again, there are loads of activities on offer which will suit all sorts of interests and enthusiasms. Try kayaking, snorkelling, caving, and hiking. Cultural activities include a visit to a Mayan or Garifuna indigenous community, to learn about how their long-standing settlements have maintained their traditions and customs.
In a secluded area of southern Belize, Tanager Rainforest Lodge provides the opportunity for you to visit an area of the country that few get to enjoy. The home cooking and obliging service provided by the friendly owners enhance the personalised atmosphere. There are 8 detached, thatched cabins, scattered amongst picturesque gardens.
Excursions on offer include kayaking on the river that flows through the cultivated grounds of the lodge, which gives way to thicker, low-lying jungle upstream. On land, nature trails reveal a profusion of bird life. Bicycle hire is also available.
You’ll follow the path to Blue Creek running along the base of steepening limestone cliffs to arrive at a waterfall and the entrance to the Hokeb Ha Cave. The creek runs out the entrance of the cave, cascading over limestone boulders in the shadow of the surrounding rainforest.
Archaeologists have found many Mayan ceramics and an altar inside the cave, so it was probably a place where religious ceremonies took place. Strong swimmers can travel upstream to the point where the river cascades into a deep pool from a higher cavern, enjoying the limestone formations along the way.
Afterwards, visit Ixcacao, a small-scale, family-run chocolate manufacturer in San Felipe. Ixacaco is the only Mayan chocolate-maker in Belize and supplies the famous company Green & Blacks with organic chocolate. Tour the cocoa grove and have a demonstration on chocolate production with a meal that includes mole sauce – scrummy.
In a secluded area of southern Belize, Tanager Rainforest Lodge provides the opportunity for you to visit an area of the country that few get to enjoy. The home cooking and obliging service provided by the friendly owners enhance the personalised atmosphere. There are 8 detached, thatched cabins, scattered amongst picturesque gardens.
Excursions on offer include kayaking on the river that flows through the cultivated grounds of the lodge, which gives way to thicker, low-lying jungle upstream. On land, nature trails reveal a profusion of bird life. Bicycle hire is also available.
Transfer to Placencia, a friendly and low-key beach resort which sits on the tip of a long peninsula in the south of the country. The village is typified by its ramshackle and colourful wooden houses built on stilts, linked by paths weaving under swaying palms rooted in powder-white sands.
Nearby Monkey River and Placencia Lagoon provide good opportunities for spotting wildlife including the rare and comical manatee.
Entering Itz’ana for the first time feels rather special. With high ceilings and louvre-shuttered windows, swirling ceiling fans and timeworn wooden floors, the main building, known as the Great House, is an elegantly restored villa dating back to the British colonial era. The quiet hubbub of conversations and atmospheric lighting help set the scene for its 21st century role as the hotel’s social hub, with a dining room and cocktail bar (there’s even a secret speakeasy room). Step outside to a patio filled with lush greenery, ideal for a lazy breakfast on a tropical morning, and beyond, the centrepiece swimming pool is right behind the beach. Deluxe rooms are arranged around the pool in low-rise wings and presented in unfussy tropical style, while the swish suites offer ocean views and oodles of space. The contemporary vibe is unmistakable but throughout Itz’ana you’ll find artistic and decorative features which recall another era, including statement mirrors and colourful tiles. The days are lazy here, although paddle boards and kayaks may tempt you away for a while or you can sign up for snorkelling trips at reception.
At leisure in Placencia: explore the village, relax on the beach or by the pools or take out a kayak or paddle board.
Several optional activities can be done in the local area, such as snorkelling trips off idyllic atolls on the barrier reef at Silks Cayes and Laughing Bird Caye. You may see a multitude of technicoloured tropical fish and pristine corals, as well as barracuda, rays and even nurse sharks.
Entering Itz’ana for the first time feels rather special. With high ceilings and louvre-shuttered windows, swirling ceiling fans and timeworn wooden floors, the main building, known as the Great House, is an elegantly restored villa dating back to the British colonial era. The quiet hubbub of conversations and atmospheric lighting help set the scene for its 21st century role as the hotel’s social hub, with a dining room and cocktail bar (there’s even a secret speakeasy room). Step outside to a patio filled with lush greenery, ideal for a lazy breakfast on a tropical morning, and beyond, the centrepiece swimming pool is right behind the beach. Deluxe rooms are arranged around the pool in low-rise wings and presented in unfussy tropical style, while the swish suites offer ocean views and oodles of space. The contemporary vibe is unmistakable but throughout Itz’ana you’ll find artistic and decorative features which recall another era, including statement mirrors and colourful tiles. The days are lazy here, although paddle boards and kayaks may tempt you away for a while or you can sign up for snorkelling trips at reception.
At leisure – or perhaps sign up locally for trips in search of the West Indian manatee, a huge, aquatic mammal whose closest relative is the elephant. They have extraordinary, prehistoric looks, at the same time rather sweet and cuddly, with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail, flippers, and heads and faces wrinkled with whiskers on the snout. On your boat trip gliding through lush mangroves in their feeding grounds in Placencia lagoon, you have a good chance of getting up close to these amazing creatures.
Entering Itz’ana for the first time feels rather special. With high ceilings and louvre-shuttered windows, swirling ceiling fans and timeworn wooden floors, the main building, known as the Great House, is an elegantly restored villa dating back to the British colonial era. The quiet hubbub of conversations and atmospheric lighting help set the scene for its 21st century role as the hotel’s social hub, with a dining room and cocktail bar (there’s even a secret speakeasy room). Step outside to a patio filled with lush greenery, ideal for a lazy breakfast on a tropical morning, and beyond, the centrepiece swimming pool is right behind the beach. Deluxe rooms are arranged around the pool in low-rise wings and presented in unfussy tropical style, while the swish suites offer ocean views and oodles of space. The contemporary vibe is unmistakable but throughout Itz’ana you’ll find artistic and decorative features which recall another era, including statement mirrors and colourful tiles. The days are lazy here, although paddle boards and kayaks may tempt you away for a while or you can sign up for snorkelling trips at reception.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Belize - Maya mountains and jungle
Dense jungle, ancient Maya cities, winding rivers and rugged mountain landscapes create one of Central America’s most rewarding adventure destinations in the wild heart of Belize. From hidden archaeological treasures to wildlife-rich forests and spectacular waterfalls, these Belize jungle holidays offer unforgettable experiences far beyond the Caribbean coast.
Belize - Southern Belize
Discover Belize’s most remote and least-visited region, where pristine rainforest, Maya culture, hidden caves and waterfalls combine to create an unforgettable off-the-beaten-track adventure. Toledo offers a rewarding blend of nature, heritage and authentic local culture far from the country’s better-known tourist areas.
Belize - Caribbean cayes and coast
Snorkel over coral gardens on the world’s second-largest barrier reef, dive the deep-blue sinkhole of the Great Blue Hole, and slow down on a palm-fringed caye with nothing to do but swim. On Belize’s Caribbean coast, the offshore islands and the mainland shore open onto a UNESCO-listed reef that runs the length of the country.
On this good-value holiday packed with adventures, you can enjoy many cultural and wildlife-focused experiences. Visit communities of the Mayan and Garifuna peoples, and find out how they live in harmony with nature and the modern world. You even get to visit an artisan chocolate factory.
English-speaking Belize is rapidly becoming one of the world’s premier eco-adventure destinations, with a bunch of excellent, high quality lodges scattered through the undisturbed Mayan Mountains and along the coral-fringed Caribbean coast.
The small-scale, eco-friendly accommodation we have chosen is appropriate for lovers of sporting activities too: go caving, hiking, tubing down fast-flowing rivers, kayaking and snorkelling. Experienced guides will be with you all the way.
Sophie Barber
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Mountain Pine Ridge 3; Lamanai 2; Punta Gorda 3; Placencia 3
- Accommodation
This trip uses independent mid-range accommodation that we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties vary in heritage from colonial style to remote jungle lodges, but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. All accommodation is flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
- Transport
2 domestic flights, 4 road journeys
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board on days 4 and 5
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
A selection of these include:- Tikal or Caracol Mayan ruins
- Punta Gorda community visit
- Manatee or Whale Shark watching
- Monkey River tour
- When is the best time to visit Belize?
The best weather conditions are during the dry season Dec-May. It can be cool in the highlands in winter, while the jungle areas are hot and humid all year.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of Belize?
The official language of Belize is English but many of the population also speak a creole patois.
- How do I get local currency in Belize?
The Belizean dollar is the currency in Belize. Notes can be obtained from money exchanges and also from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card. There are ATMs in Belize City where you can use a UK credit or debit card. You may have to get authorisation from your bank first, and withdrawal amounts may be limited.
- What's the time difference between Belize and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Belize is GMT -6 hrs
- Do I need a visa to visit Belize?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need in Belize?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Belize?
A visit to neighbouring Guatemala, with its Latin and Maya cultural heritage, is good to pair with a Belize holiday as there’s a road link to the Mayan ruins at Tikal in the Petén jungle. Southern Mexico is also easy to visit from Belize, as you can cross the land border at Chetumal.
- What are the festivals and cultural and sporting events in Belize?
Belize Carnival, (Feb/Mar). Lively celebrations especially in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye.
Lobster season: Lobster season starts Jun-Jul, with lobster on offer in all its forms, with drinking and partying.Belize Independence Day: throughout the country, 21 Sep. Parades, processions and parties.
Garifuna Settlement Day, Dangriga, 19 Nov. Includes parades, live music, drumming, dancing, and prayers in celebration of the first Garifuna Afro-Caribbean settlers.
- How long is the flight to Belize from UK?
There are flights via US and European hubs, the journey from London taking around 15.5 hours.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the most impressive of all Mayan sites with a knowledgeable guide to bring the ruins to life.
Take a guided tour of the largest known Mayan site in Belize, occupying a remote rainforest location.
Visit the artisan chocolate making company Ixcacao in Belize’s cocoa district, Toledo.
Cruise through the emerald cayes of Belize’s Port Honduras Marine reserve and snorkel and swim in crystal clear Caribbean waters.
Encounter the gentle giant of the seas on a boat trip from the coast of southern Belize offering the chance to swim with the world’s largest marine species.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Itz’ana is a stylish, self-contained resort north of Placencia on Belize’s Caribbean shores. This boutique style hotel is unmistakeably Central American in its décor and finishing.
Jungle lodge beside ancient Mayan ruins, in the midst of diverse wildlife habitats. Choose from a wide variety of adventurous excursions within the natural surroundings.
Jade Jungle Resort (formerly Pook’s Hill) is a remote rainforest lodge in the Mayan Mountains of Belize, with just a handful of thatched cabins visited by exotic birds and monkeys. relax or enjoy organised outdoor activities.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
