Luxury Belize: Nature, wildlife and Caribbean cayes
11 days from £3,885
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.
After your arrival, you will be transported to the Jungle lodge. set within a large private area of lush lowland rainforest at San Ignacio, close to the picturesque Macal river and just outside Mountain Pine Ridge Forest reserve.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a delightful jungle hideaway owned by an Anglo-American couple. It is set deep within a valley, in a large private area blanketed in lush rainforest, close to the picturesque Macal River. The atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxing, and service exemplary.
The accommodation is particularly attractive for families, with thatched cottages and villas scattered throughout the grounds, offering space and privacy.
You can relax by the infinity pool surrounded by flower-filled gardens or in the blissful spa, or explore the surroundings on organised activities led by naturalist guides. Choose between a canoe trip down the river, horse riding, mountain biking, nature trails and a tour of the butterfly farm. Other adventures include bird watching, canopy ziplining, cave canoeing or even an overnight excursion to visit the Mayan ruins at Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala.
Your stay at Chaa Creek includes a contribution to the good causes of Chaa Creek Cares, a social and environmental initiative supporting various projects including summer camps for local kids, scholarships, clean-up campaigns and conservation.
Day at leisure. Optional excursions on offer via Chaa Creek’s concierge include horse riding and mountain biking through the pine forest. You can rent a canoe for a paddle or go tubing on the serene Macal river – a terrific experience and a good opportunity to spot wildlife. Another adventurous activity would be to ride a canopy zipline to get an exhilarating tree-top view of the forest and its inhabitants – birds and butterflies are particularly abundant. You might elect to take a jeep safari through the rainforest, or visit one of many cave systems in the vicinity. The local market at San Ignacio, bulging with fruit and vegetables, is well worth a visit too if you are there on the right day.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a delightful jungle hideaway owned by an Anglo-American couple. It is set deep within a valley, in a large private area blanketed in lush rainforest, close to the picturesque Macal River. The atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxing, and service exemplary.
The accommodation is particularly attractive for families, with thatched cottages and villas scattered throughout the grounds, offering space and privacy.
You can relax by the infinity pool surrounded by flower-filled gardens or in the blissful spa, or explore the surroundings on organised activities led by naturalist guides. Choose between a canoe trip down the river, horse riding, mountain biking, nature trails and a tour of the butterfly farm. Other adventures include bird watching, canopy ziplining, cave canoeing or even an overnight excursion to visit the Mayan ruins at Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala.
Your stay at Chaa Creek includes a contribution to the good causes of Chaa Creek Cares, a social and environmental initiative supporting various projects including summer camps for local kids, scholarships, clean-up campaigns and conservation.
Guided excursion to Caracol. Situated high on the Vaca Plateau, in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in Belize and was only discovered in the modern age in 1936. The site is peppered with 30,000 structures: in its ascendancy the city supported a population of over 150,000. Squatting at an altitude of over 500m above sea level with no natural water body close by it remains a mystery how and why such a huge population centre like Caracol survived and evolved.
However, the close proximity to both extremely hard stone and copal, two commodities highly prized by the Maya, may help explain this enigma. At the heart of the site lies the massive pyramid of Caana (Sky Palace) which is now almost fully restored and reaches a height of over 35m. From the top you can enjoy panoramic views over the mountains. The drive to the site in the early morning occasionally allows you to glimpse tapir, jaguar or ocelot as they break their forest cover to cross the road.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a delightful jungle hideaway owned by an Anglo-American couple. It is set deep within a valley, in a large private area blanketed in lush rainforest, close to the picturesque Macal River. The atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxing, and service exemplary.
The accommodation is particularly attractive for families, with thatched cottages and villas scattered throughout the grounds, offering space and privacy.
You can relax by the infinity pool surrounded by flower-filled gardens or in the blissful spa, or explore the surroundings on organised activities led by naturalist guides. Choose between a canoe trip down the river, horse riding, mountain biking, nature trails and a tour of the butterfly farm. Other adventures include bird watching, canopy ziplining, cave canoeing or even an overnight excursion to visit the Mayan ruins at Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala.
Your stay at Chaa Creek includes a contribution to the good causes of Chaa Creek Cares, a social and environmental initiative supporting various projects including summer camps for local kids, scholarships, clean-up campaigns and conservation.
A real adventure today: you embark a light aircraft for the short flight from the airstrip at Mountain Pine Ridge to the evocatively named Gallon Jug. From there, you catch your breath and continue by road to your lodge in the Orange Walk District, which has thrived on the plantation cultivation of citrus fruit, and sugar.
A rich diversity of flora and fauna, including howler and spider monkeys, jaguars, ocelots and a myriad of bird species is found here.
Chan Chich Lodge is not just a top-of-the-range lodge – it’s a holiday experience in itself. Enveloped by the natural world and yet remarkably comfortable, the lodge offers excellent facilities including a fully screened pool and a Jacuzzi. To add some serious wow factor, the luxurious cabins occupy the lower plaza of a 1,200 year-old Mayan temple.
Chan Chich Lodge is built within the lower plaza of one of many unexcavated Mayan ruins scattered throughout the area, and offers a genuine escape into nature, with little compromise on comfort. The area is rich in flora and fauna, including howler and spider monkey, ocelot, and an abundance of birdlife (birding check lists are available). Even sightings of jaguar and ocelot occur from time to time.
Relax and soak up this magical setting spotting toucans and other tropical birds from your veranda, cooling off i the pool. There are self-guided jungle trails and guests have complimentary use of bicycles. You can also sign up for other onsite activities according to your interests, such as guided walks which introduce guests to the wildlife, birds and archaeology of the area, night drives, jungle canoeing and horse riding. Also available are trips further afield at additional cost, payable locally such as visits to other Mayan ruins.
Chan Chich Lodge is not just a top-of-the-range lodge – it’s a holiday experience in itself. Enveloped by the natural world and yet remarkably comfortable, the lodge offers excellent facilities including a fully screened pool and a Jacuzzi. To add some serious wow factor, the luxurious cabins occupy the lower plaza of a 1,200 year-old Mayan temple.
It’s another light aircraft flight from Gallon Jug to Ambergris Caye, the most northerly and largest island in Belize, 46km long. The island offers a splendid vantage point from which to enjoy the Belize Barrier Reef less than a kilometre from the shore. The relaxed main town San Pedro has a wide choice of restaurants and bars. The island’s main attractions are sea-orientated: first class diving, snorkelling and fishing.
The family-friendly Victoria House Resort and Spa blends colonial elegance with Caribbean charm in a stunning oceanfront setting. The hotel offers a range of rooms and more spacious suites, casitas and villas. Most rooms have king or queen bed with canopy netting, mahogany furnishings, veranda or balcony with garden or ocean views.
The hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a spa offering treatments, a fitness centre and large enclosed courtyard frequently used for yoga.
The hotel can organise excursions including bird-watching tours, cave tubing and canopy zip-lining. The hotel also provides complimentary equipment for snorkelling and kayaking, and the coral reef is one of the best in the world for viewing tropical marine life. Back on land, borrow a bike or hire a golf cart to get around at the lazy pace that epitomises the Caribbean.
At leisure on Ambergris Caye. Your hotel is a short drive from the the resort of San Pedro which buzzes with waterside bars and restaurants. Or simply opt for the peace and quiet of the hotel, with its neatly-tended lawns grounds, inviting pool and superb restaurant.
Snorkelling and diving on the Belize barrier reef is outstanding. You’ll need to book on to a boat trip, easily arranged and paid for locally through the Victoria House dive shop. The variety of underwater colour is astonishing with tropical fish, rays and even nurse sharks. If you have your driving licence, golf buggies can be hired to get around the island.
The family-friendly Victoria House Resort and Spa blends colonial elegance with Caribbean charm in a stunning oceanfront setting. The hotel offers a range of rooms and more spacious suites, casitas and villas. Most rooms have king or queen bed with canopy netting, mahogany furnishings, veranda or balcony with garden or ocean views.
The hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a spa offering treatments, a fitness centre and large enclosed courtyard frequently used for yoga.
The hotel can organise excursions including bird-watching tours, cave tubing and canopy zip-lining. The hotel also provides complimentary equipment for snorkelling and kayaking, and the coral reef is one of the best in the world for viewing tropical marine life. Back on land, borrow a bike or hire a golf cart to get around at the lazy pace that epitomises the Caribbean.
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.
Belize is tiny – a little larger than Wales – so it easy to sample its natural and cultural attractions in a short space of time. This luxurious holiday visits just three places but yields a flavour of the variety of landscapes without arduous travelling.
Belize, formerly British Honduras, was once the haunt of back-packers and homesick British soldiers. Now it is now a much-sought-after destination for lovers of nature and beautiful beaches. This English-speaking republic is unique – a cocktail of Creole, British colonial, indigenous Maya, Mennonite and Spanish cultures. The coast is unmistakably Caribbean: silky white-sand beaches and coral atolls, palm trees, turquoise seas, laid-back people, reggae rhythms and rum punch. Belize has the world’s second-largest barrier reef and the undersea world here is a theatre of exotic fish and other marine species living among the coral. Behind the coast in the back-country there are forested highlands cut through by sparkling rivers and waterfalls, with plenty of pools in which to swim.
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.
- Transport
3 flights (longest 0.5hr); 2 road journeys (longest 2hrs).
- Accommodation
For this holiday we have chosen a mix of accommodation styles, all top quality properties and very suitable for honeymooners. They all have excellent and convenient locations, very personal service and good facilities.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch day 3; full board days 4-6.
- Summary Of Nights
11 days, 10 nights: San Ignacio 3, Orange Walk district 3, Ambergris Caye 4.
- Trip Suitability
There are no long days of travel on this trip. This holiday is suitable for honeymooners and other comfort-seeking couples.
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 chance of tropical storms or hurricanes between June and 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.
You might like to bring some smart casual clothing for restaurants in the evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellent 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.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Belize is the Belize dollar which is always 2 to 1 US dollar .(US dollars also accepted).
- How To Take It
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), 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.
- Currency
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but 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 welcome a tip and so it is useful to have spare change for guides, 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.
Take a guided tour of the largest known Mayan site in Belize, occupying a remote rainforest location.
Get a fish eye view of Belize’s thriving reefs, swimming amongst colourful shoals.
Explore the territory of the elusive jaguar in the jungles of Belize.
Try out wild swimming in the clear waters of countryside rivers and sinkholes.
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
Enchanting nature retreat tucked away in a lushly forested valley, offering great opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Relaxed resort with elegant rooms and villas set around a palm-shaded infinity pool at the south end of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.
Luxurious cabins built into a 1,200 year-old Mayan temple, surrounded by jungle rich in bird and animal life.
Papagaio
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