Value Belize: Mayan mountains and Caribbean caye

Day 1

Arrive Belize City and transfer to San Ignacio

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 1^st-9^th 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.

Stay at - Cahal Pech Village Resort

Day 2

Visit the Mayan ruins at Caracol

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.

Stay at - Cahal Pech Village Resort

Day 3

Day at leisure (optional visit to Tikal, Guatemala or the ATM Cave)

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.

Stay at - Cahal Pech Village Resort

Day 4

Transfer to your Forest lodge

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.

Stay at - Black Rock Lodge

Day 5

At leisure

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.

Stay at - Black Rock Lodge

Day 6

By road and boat to the Belize Cayes

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.

Stay at - SunBreeze Hotel

Days 7-9

At leisure in San Pedro, optional snorkelling and watersports

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.

Stay at - SunBreeze Hotel

Day 10

Fly back to Belize airport and connect with your international flight. UK clients arrive home the following day.

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).