Value Belize: Mayan mountains and Caribbean caye
10 days from £1,930
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, transfer to your hotel San Ignacio, a journey of about 2.5 hrs and the main settlement of Cayo District, a low lying area close to the Mayan mountains with profuse biodiversity and a multitude of birds, mammals and species of tropical trees, shrubs and flowers.
San Ignacio is a bustling little place with a daily market which is especially interesting on Saturdays when you might see indigenous Maya, native Creole speakers and Mennonites mingling among the stalls. The Hawksworth Bridge was built by the British over the Macal River in 1949 and remains a landmark to this day. In the centre you’ll find a host of little bars and eateries to try local food. Your hotel is scenically located around 20 minutes’ walk from the centre, with panoramic views.
In San Ignacio you are perfectly positioned for a host of activities which explore the ancient Mayan sites, forest and caves systems of the Maya Mountains. 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.
The friendly and spacious Cahal Pech Village Resort hotel is in the Cayo District of western Belize, just over 2 hours’ drive from the airport. Named after the Mayan archaeological site right next door, the hotel sits perched atop of a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio, Belize’s second city.
The panoramic views and slightly cooler air make this a good base for daily excursions. You’re in the verdant Macal river valley here, close to the Maya Mountains and an area packed with Mayan archaeological sites. Xunantunich is close by and San Ignacio is within day trip distance of Caracol, Tikal (Guatemala) and the ATM Cave.
Having grown a lot over the years the hotel has several wings of cheerfully decorated rooms and a cluster of Mayan-style thatched cabanas in the gardens. We recommend the cabanas for greater privacy and their screened verandas where you can unwind and relax in hammocks looking out over the gardens. There are a couple of swimming pools, a poolside bar a restaurant where you can dine on the terrace to the twinkling lights of San Ignacio below.
Deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, 2hrs’ drive from San Ignacio, Caracol is the largest Mayan site in Belize. It was an urban centre which, at the height of its prosperity, had a population of around 180,000.
The temple rises 42m above plaza level and is the largest man-made structure in Belize. Over 70 tombs have been excavated and many hieroglyphic texts have been found on altars and wall façades. Many wildlife species can be encountered in this area which is also known as an excellent place to observe birds.
Return to San Ignacio in the afternoon.
The friendly and spacious Cahal Pech Village Resort hotel is in the Cayo District of western Belize, just over 2 hours’ drive from the airport. Named after the Mayan archaeological site right next door, the hotel sits perched atop of a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio, Belize’s second city.
The panoramic views and slightly cooler air make this a good base for daily excursions. You’re in the verdant Macal river valley here, close to the Maya Mountains and an area packed with Mayan archaeological sites. Xunantunich is close by and San Ignacio is within day trip distance of Caracol, Tikal (Guatemala) and the ATM Cave.
Having grown a lot over the years the hotel has several wings of cheerfully decorated rooms and a cluster of Mayan-style thatched cabanas in the gardens. We recommend the cabanas for greater privacy and their screened verandas where you can unwind and relax in hammocks looking out over the gardens. There are a couple of swimming pools, a poolside bar a restaurant where you can dine on the terrace to the twinkling lights of San Ignacio below.
You can either wake up to a day at leisure or pre-book an optional excursion with us before you depart.
Close to San Ignacio are the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, a less extensive site than Caracol but rewarding nonetheless. Further afield is majestic Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala, probably the Mayans most impressive and complex site, its pyramids and temples shrouded by monkey-filled jungle.
If you crave Indian Jones style adventure we recommend a visit to the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves (often referred to as ATM caves though you can’t withdraw any cash there!). There 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.
The friendly and spacious Cahal Pech Village Resort hotel is in the Cayo District of western Belize, just over 2 hours’ drive from the airport. Named after the Mayan archaeological site right next door, the hotel sits perched atop of a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio, Belize’s second city.
The panoramic views and slightly cooler air make this a good base for daily excursions. You’re in the verdant Macal river valley here, close to the Maya Mountains and an area packed with Mayan archaeological sites. Xunantunich is close by and San Ignacio is within day trip distance of Caracol, Tikal (Guatemala) and the ATM Cave.
Having grown a lot over the years the hotel has several wings of cheerfully decorated rooms and a cluster of Mayan-style thatched cabanas in the gardens. We recommend the cabanas for greater privacy and their screened verandas where you can unwind and relax in hammocks looking out over the gardens. There are a couple of swimming pools, a poolside bar a restaurant where you can dine on the terrace to the twinkling lights of San Ignacio below.
Today you’ll head deeper in to the forest for a taste of the raw nature for which Belize is renowned. It’s a 40 minute drive to your lodge, much of it along an unpaved road. Given its blissfully remote location you’ll feel completely immersed in the wild surrounding jungle, where it is possible to catch a rare sighting all three species of toucan in just one morning.
Nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River in the Maya mountains of western Belize you’ll feel completely immersed in nature at Black Rock Lodge.
This lodge has a beautiful setting above a river canyon, just 40 minutes’ drive from San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border.
Spacious cabins are simply decorated with fans and private bathrooms, and each has a patio. A few small cabins also have air-con, and some have hammocks and views towards the Black Rock Canyon and the pristine tropical forest of the Elijio Panti National Park.
Perhaps the best view is saved for main deck – where you’ll find the restaurant – perched over the canyon and which also doubles up as one of the lodge’s best spots for birding. The restaurant serves up delicious fare that blends local and international influences, including a set menu four-course dinner.
For a refreshing dip there is a small spring-fed pool and guests are offered complimentary use of the lodge’s river tubes. The lodge is proud of its strong commitment to environmental sustainability which is evident during your stay; from the solar power practices through to the knowledgeable staff who come from the surrounding communities.
Onsite activities available include hikes in the National Park, birding walks and kayaking expeditions accompanied by local guides. Black Rock Lodge can also be used as base for outings in the wider Cayo District such as Xunantunich, Caracol or even Tikal in Guatemala but being at the end of a long and winding jungle track we recommend giving yourself at least a day here to discover your immediate surroundings.
Given the precipitous setting there are plenty of steps between the river, cabins, restaurant and other facilities. We recommend you let us know if your mobility is restricted and also please note the River Suite (which is suitable for families) is also the furthest unit from the main areas of the lodge.
A full day at Black Rock. You’re remote here, so why not take time to enjoy some of the on site activities. The lodge offers complimentary on site river tubing and mountain biking. Other hikes requiring guides (payable locally) are available such as night hikes and bird watching with an expert. As well as being able to swim in the fresh mountain waters of the Macal river’s pools there’s also a small swimming pool at the lodge.
Nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River in the Maya mountains of western Belize you’ll feel completely immersed in nature at Black Rock Lodge.
This lodge has a beautiful setting above a river canyon, just 40 minutes’ drive from San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border.
Spacious cabins are simply decorated with fans and private bathrooms, and each has a patio. A few small cabins also have air-con, and some have hammocks and views towards the Black Rock Canyon and the pristine tropical forest of the Elijio Panti National Park.
Perhaps the best view is saved for main deck – where you’ll find the restaurant – perched over the canyon and which also doubles up as one of the lodge’s best spots for birding. The restaurant serves up delicious fare that blends local and international influences, including a set menu four-course dinner.
For a refreshing dip there is a small spring-fed pool and guests are offered complimentary use of the lodge’s river tubes. The lodge is proud of its strong commitment to environmental sustainability which is evident during your stay; from the solar power practices through to the knowledgeable staff who come from the surrounding communities.
Onsite activities available include hikes in the National Park, birding walks and kayaking expeditions accompanied by local guides. Black Rock Lodge can also be used as base for outings in the wider Cayo District such as Xunantunich, Caracol or even Tikal in Guatemala but being at the end of a long and winding jungle track we recommend giving yourself at least a day here to discover your immediate surroundings.
Given the precipitous setting there are plenty of steps between the river, cabins, restaurant and other facilities. We recommend you let us know if your mobility is restricted and also please note the River Suite (which is suitable for families) is also the furthest unit from the main areas of the lodge.
Drive to Belize City and take the water taxi (90 mins) to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, a large coral island where twisted mangroves are framed by tropical shores. The Caribbean waters there are as turquoise as gemstones. In common with much of Belize’s coast you’ll find narrow sandy beaches here and there alongside shore-side terraces and jetties where you can also relax. The island’s main attraction is the first class snorkelling and diving on offer just off its shores.
There’s only one town on the island, San Pedro, Belize’s foremost holiday resort. Thanks to regular air and boat shuttles, San Pedro is a very convenient spot to unwind and although ever popular it remains relaxed: golf buggies still outnumber cars on the roads. Your hotel is moments away from all the action.
Sunbreeze is a good-value mid-range option with a convenient, central location in the Belize resort of San Pedro. Here you can enjoy the beachfront pool, dine on seafood and book an unforgettable snorkelling tour.
Sunbreeze Hotel is opposite the airstrip with bars, restaurants, shops and water-based activities all on its doorstep. Right in front of the beach, the hotel has sea views and its own jetty with an onsite diving and snorkelling centre. Sunbreeze is friendly and informal, and has a Mexican flavour with its warm orange exterior, creamy arches and colourful tiles.
The airport’s tiny terminal is literally across a busy road, served by a steady flow of light aircraft traffic during the day. Facing the sea is an elevated area with a wooden-decked swimming pool, bar and Blue Water Grill restaurant. Although it’s best not to swim in the sea here due to the regular comings and goings of local boats, quieter sections of beach more suitable for swimming can be reached on foot within a few minutes.
The air-conditioned guest rooms are on two levels, with communal terraces overlooking the pool. The hotel has a partnership with a local children’s home, and by way of support for this, guests are asked to make a small contribution of US$1 per night at the end of their stay. The hotel will match your contribution.
It’s great just to kick back by the pool or on the terrace and enjoy the sea views, or wander between San Pedro’s watering holes which spill out onto the sandy shore. You you may be tempted by a menu of optional activities which can be arranged and paid for locally. Among these are snorkelling and diving excursions and sunset boat tours.
Being part of a major barrier reef system, the undersea life here is a kaleidoscope of colour, with thousands of exotic, tropical fish and other marine creatures on display. You can visit Blue Hole, a premier snorkelling and dive site. Resort dive classes are available locally.
The island is not big enough to warrant much vehicular transport so the main way of getting around this lovely, lazy place is by golf cart. If you like, hire one to explore the town, visit the museum and discover the new 16km north road.
Sunbreeze is a good-value mid-range option with a convenient, central location in the Belize resort of San Pedro. Here you can enjoy the beachfront pool, dine on seafood and book an unforgettable snorkelling tour.
Sunbreeze Hotel is opposite the airstrip with bars, restaurants, shops and water-based activities all on its doorstep. Right in front of the beach, the hotel has sea views and its own jetty with an onsite diving and snorkelling centre. Sunbreeze is friendly and informal, and has a Mexican flavour with its warm orange exterior, creamy arches and colourful tiles.
The airport’s tiny terminal is literally across a busy road, served by a steady flow of light aircraft traffic during the day. Facing the sea is an elevated area with a wooden-decked swimming pool, bar and Blue Water Grill restaurant. Although it’s best not to swim in the sea here due to the regular comings and goings of local boats, quieter sections of beach more suitable for swimming can be reached on foot within a few minutes.
The air-conditioned guest rooms are on two levels, with communal terraces overlooking the pool. The hotel has a partnership with a local children’s home, and by way of support for this, guests are asked to make a small contribution of US$1 per night at the end of their stay. The hotel will match your contribution.
Step across the street to San Pedro’s tiny airstrip for your 20-minute Cessna flight to Belize City airport – a scenic excursion in itself, with wonderful views as you fly low across the reef and islands. From here you can connect with your international flight home (not included).
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 - 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.
In this satisfying taste of Belize you’ll have the chance to visit Mayan ruins swathed in jungle, go river tubing or hiking in pristine forests, snorkel on the barrier reef or simply relax on Caribbean shores. We include an excursion to Caracol, Belize’s most important Mayan site as well as the scope to head over the border to Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala, or delve into the mysterious ATM Caves.
Your holiday winds down in bustling San Pedro, Ambergris Caye – the largest island on the Belize barrier reef with chalk-white, palm-shaded sands and the aquamarine tones of the Caribbean sea. Life here is totally laid back, but there’s plenty going on in the resort and you can be as active as you like with fantastic snorkelling and other water-sports available from your hotel.
Chris Rendell-Dunn
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.
- Transport
1 local flights (20 mins); 1 water taxi (1.5 hrs), 3 road journeys (longest 2.5hrs).
- Accommodation
For this holiday we have carefully chosen mid-range accommodation throughout with an eye for location and value for money. In San Ignacio and San Pedro you have the freedom to explore independently, whilst at Black Rock Lodge you’re remote but wit access to onsite facilities and activities.
- Meals
Breakfast daily.
- Summary Of Nights
10 days, 9 nights: San Ignacio 3, Black Rock 2, Ambergris Caye 4.
- Trip Suitability
There are no long days of travel on this trip. This holiday is suitable for couples; friends; single people; families, honeymooners; history, wildlife and active adventure enthusiasts.
If you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us. In the summer (Jun-Oct) the weather can be extremely hot and humid, you might bear this in mind if travelling with small children or elderly persons.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.
- Climate
The best weather conditions are during the dry season December to May. It can be cool in the highlands in winter, while the jungle areas are hot and humid all year round. There’s a low risk of tropical storms or hurricanes from June to November.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light, loose and preferably cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes, trainers or sports sandals. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos or sand flies may be.
Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sun block, guidebook, water and any extra layers. Binoculars are strongly recommended.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Central America.
- What Is Not Included In The Journey Price
The unit of currency in Belize is the Belize dollar which is always 2 to 1 US dollar .(US dollars also accepted).
- Currency
Cash machines are available Belize City and San Pedro (Ambergris), and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip. In each of the hotels, as well as shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
The Belize exchange rate is fixed at $2 Belize dollars to 1 $US. Both currencies are widely accepted in cash and credit cards can be used at the hotels.
- How To Take It
A budget of around US$75 per person per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir.
- Daily Spend
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Tipping
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Insurance
There is an international departure tax of $20 to be paid on departure, also a security tax of about $5 and a small conservation charge.
- Airport Taxes
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements, including advice on yellow fever and malaria tablets. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Vaccinations
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.
- 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.
Get a fish eye view of Belize’s thriving reefs, swimming amongst colourful shoals.
Float along in an inner tube as the Caves Branch River weaves in and out of a spectacular network of caves in Belize.
Take a guided tour of the largest known Mayan site in Belize, occupying a remote rainforest location.
Take a guided tour of a mystical cave where the remains of the ‘Crystal Maiden’ and other possible sacrificial victims were uncovered alongside ancient artifacts.
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
Cahal Pech Village Resort is a friendly resort close to the Mayan Mountains.
One of San Pedro’s longest-established properties, Sunbreeze is friendly, well-run and great choice for visitors seeking convenience and value on Ambergris Caye.
Papagaio
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