Belize & Guatemala Round Trip - Mayans & Beach

The best time to travel to Belize is between February and May, and the rainy season is between August and November. The average annual temperature is around 26°C, and in the mountains, it’s just under 22°C.

Welcome to Belize! We’ll explore fascinating natural paradises and learn about the unique Mayan culture for the next few days. The country’s biodiversity will inspire you, and the end of the trip will soothe your soul on stunning cays in the Caribbean Sea. Despite its small size, Belize has a population of around 350,000, one of the most populous countries in Central America. Discover its lagoon-rich coasts, swampy plains, hilly landscapes, and dense rainforests.

After landing, you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to your first hotel, where you can recover after your long flight.

Travel time Belize Airport - Hotel Belize: approx. 10 minutes / approx. 12 km

Overnight with breakfast in Belize City, Belize

After breakfast, drive past Burrell Boom to the Baboon Sanctuary. The country’s most popular and successful conservation project was launched in 1985 and ensured a stable howler monkey population. Around 2500 animals live in this jungle area, and the trend continues to rise.

Resume your journey on the Western Highway towards San Ignacio, the capital of the Cayo District. We recommend stopping at the Belize Zoo, halfway between Belize City and the capital, Belmopan. The zoo opened in 1983 and originally intended to provide refuge for captured wildlife. In the years that followed, the need to bring the local population closer to native animals. It is now home to over 175 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize.

Travel time Belize City - San Ignacio: approx. 2 hours / approx. 113 km

Overnight with breakfast in San Ignacio, Belize

Today we’ll go on a group trip to Guatemala’s Tikal National Park. It nestles in the Peten rainforest and is the former home of around 50,000 Mayans. It’s considered an archaeological jewel, home to one of the most important Mayan sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a 125 km² city area with around 3000 buildings still residing there today.

The anticipated journey to Tikal is an experience within itself. You will go through dense jungles, home to jaguars, snakes, and turkeys. The 45-meter-high Temple of the Great Jaguar is the centerpiece of the Mayan site. Together with another site across the street, it frames the Great Plaza. Your English-speaking guide will tell you everything you need to know about its history. The excursion will take place with other travelers. Lunch and the Tikal entrance fee are included.

Overnight with breakfast in San Ignacio, Belize

Today we have two recommendations for you to choose between:

1. Visit the Caracol Mayan sites, about two to three hours from San Ignacio, on the edge of the Maya Mountains in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol, translated means snail, is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Belize. According to stories, the name originated from the numerous snail shells in the area at the time — however, the Mayan name is Oxhuitza, which means “three waterways.” The bumpy stretch of road through the jungle is one of the country’s most beautiful. The entire Mayan city has been exposed or restored, and many buildings are still overgrown by vegetation and can be glimpsed under tropical nature. The Caracol center has an estimated population of around 115,000 people, and the largest pyramid is the La Caana sky palace, which is about 43 meters.
   
   On the way back, stop at the Rio On pool and relish the Mountain Pine Ridge backdrop. Capture photos of the enormous granite boulders in the river bed, where you can relax by a series of pools connected by small waterfalls.
2. Another excellent excursion is visiting Xunantunich, another Mayan site near San Ignacio. Hop on a ferry across the Mopan River and follow a 1.6-kilometer footpath that leads uphill to El Castillo, known as the Temple of Kukulcán. The 42-meter Mesoamerican step pyramid dominates the center of the Chichen Itza archaeological site and is one of the tallest structures in Belize. Six plazas, temples, and palaces attest that the site was a ceremonial center.

Overnight with breakfast in San Ignacio, Belize

Today you’ll drive over the Hummingbird Highway to St. Herman’s Cave. Ancient stalagmites, stalactites, and huge caverns that look like cathedrals await you in the caves. Nature trails lead to the cave systems and a lake in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. The Blue Hole and the caves are connected by an underground river, which invites you into its glistening waters for a refreshing dip.

Then you’ll drive to the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and spend the night at the Bocawina Rainforest Lodge.

Travel time San Ignacio - Dangriga: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 132 km

Overnight with full board in Dangriga, Belize

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is the perfect starting point for adventurers. Fly over the tropical jungle on the country’s longest zipline! If you’re ready for the challenge, you can join a nighttime ziplining tour, the most spectacular under the full moon.

Hike along the nature trails to the national park’s waterfalls, such as Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls, and Antelope Falls. You will also discover three Mayan sites! For bird lovers: keep your eyes peeled for the 290 bird species native to the area. As you listen to your local Mayan guide, embark on a journey by foot and boat through the local birdlife. You can also take a boat tour of the Belize Monkey River. With a bit of luck, you might spot a jaguar!

For adrenaline lovers, the cave tubing and cave canoeing experiences are just the things for you.

Overnight in Dangriga, Belize

Today you’ll drive on the Southern Highway toward the historic Mayan sites of Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, and Uxbenka.

We recommend visiting the Nim Li Punit ruins at the foot of the Maya Mountains. In the Mayan language, the name translates to “Big Hat” and derives from a 30-foot stone pillar depicting a Mayan king with a large headdress. The site consists of three plazas, surrounded by several buildings. What makes this site special? The stone pillars depict scenes from the Mayans' life, politics, and religion. After archaeologists discovered it in 1976, they found more than 20 other monuments in the area that date back to the late classical period between 700 and 900 BC.

Travel time Dangriga - Punta Gorda: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 154 km

Overnight with breakfast in Punta Gorda, Belize

Your drive takes you to Pedro Columbia, home to the Mayan site of Lubaantum. It’s known for its unusual construction style — all structures are made of limestone blocks with no visible mortar binding them together. It is assumed the city housed around 10,000 inhabitants during the settlement’s short period. The most famous find is an 11-pound crystal skull uncovered in 1926!

Continue the adventure to Blue Creek, the nature trail's starting point to the Rainforest Preserve and the Hokeb Ha Cave. If you decide to visit the cave, it requires strong swimming skills because you must swim through a natural lake to get there. You cannot pass the lake in the rainy season because the water level makes it impossible to get through.

Just 15 minutes from the Blue Creek village is a freshwater pool, perfect for an afternoon swim!

Overnight with breakfast in Punta Gorda, Belize

Today, you will drive over the Southern Highway to Dangriga to meet the Garifuna people. The Afro-indigenous group is as old as the 19th century and has a population of around 100,000 people in Central America and the USA.

Continue your journey to Belize City, where you’ll drop off your rental car at the international airport. Then, a transfer will take you to the regional airport, where you’ll embark on a domestic flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye — a tropical escape where you will spend the next few days relaxing on the sandy beaches.

Travel time Punta Gorda - Belize Airport: approx. 4 hours / approx. 273 km

Overnight with breakfast in San Pedro, Belize

Are you looking forward to some relaxing days on a breathtaking island? Madonna knew about Ambergris Caye’s beauty as early as the 1980s and even sang it in her hit “La Isla Bonita.” A few years ago, the island was also voted the most beautiful in the world.

Ambergris Caye is the most significant barrier island off Belize. Its main town is San Pedro, which has a population of 13,000 people.

It is the best starting point for the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system after the Australian Great Barrier Reef. It extends over 256 kilometers past the Yucatán in Mexico and the Islas de la Bahia to the north coast of Honduras. About 450 Cayes line the reef, Ambergris Caye and Caulker Caye being the most famous. During snorkeling adventures, discover the 350 fish species and 65 coral species. However, around 90% of the reef’s invertebrates have yet to be explored, and some parts of the reef are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous highlights of your trip. The giant marine sinkhole is 80 kilometers off the coast, with a diameter of 300 meters and a depth of about 125 meters. It was originally a cave flooded by the ocean when water began to rise 10,000 years ago. It’s one of the top three diving spots in the world because when you venture underwater, you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites that still have perfect form after all these years.

You don’t have to go to the Great Blue Hole to get to know the Belize Barrier Reef because it’s right in front of your door! Your accommodation is surrounded by these colorful underwater worlds that you can explore from the comfort of your hotel.

Overnight with breakfast in San Pedro, Belize

Today is your last day before flying home. If you want to extend your stay in Ambergris Caye, upgrade a hotel, or explore neighboring countries such as Guatemala or Mexico, don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to customize your trip according to your wishes.

itravel - for that moment

Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza***, Belize City, Belize

The hotel is just a few minutes from the airport in a quiet area north of Belize City. Each of the 90 rooms offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, like a ceiling fan, TV, safe, free WiFi, and modern technology. The bathrooms come equipped with a shower, hairdryer, and towels. Indulge in local and international dishes at the hotel’s restaurant.

Hotel Cahal Pech Village****, San Ignacio, Belize

The country-style hotel offers uninterrupted views of San Ignacio’s riverbed, and the rooms come equipped with a shower, toilet, air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, and a balcony. At the in-house restaurant, enjoy authentic, regional cuisine.

Hotel Hopkins Bay Belize A Muy'Ono***+, Hopkins, Belize

The upscale beach resort is near Garifuna Hopkins on the country's scenic Caribbean coast. The resort offers its guests a tropical garden and beachfront accommodations. Its proximity to the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere makes the resort an ideal base for water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing.

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park’s tropical jungle forest and numerous adventures are only about 30 minutes away by car from Hopkins Bay. The hotel is the perfect place for couples and families who want to enjoy the convenience of a beach resort while being close to natural wonders, Mayan sites, and outdoor experiences.

Hotel The Lodge at Big Falls***+, Punta Gorda, Belize

The lodge is located in a beautiful jungle landscape not far from the village of Punta Gorda. The detached bungalows, built from sustainable materials, are comfortably furnished and convey a family atmosphere. The lodge is an ideal base for various outdoor adventures, surrounded by natural wonders and archaeological treasures.

Ramons Village ****, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

The one and two-story bungalows have two to four rooms, offering impeccable views of the glistening ocean or the tropical garden. Amenities include air conditioning, a safe, WiFi, a terrace, and a coffee maker. At the private beach, unwind after an adventurous day and soak in one of the most beautiful areas on Ambergris Caye. The resort also has a diving center and golf cart rentals for excursions.

Closest airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Duration of the trip: 12 days / 11 nights

Including

• 11 nights at the mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza*** with breakfast in a standard room in Belize City
  • 3 nights at Hotel Cahal Pech Village*** with breakfast in a Junior Suite in San Ignacio
  • 2 nights at Hotel Hopkins Bay Belize A Muy'Ono***+ with breakfast in a Beach View room in Hopkins
  • 2 nights at Hotel The Lodge at Big Falls***+ with breakfast in a Thatch Cottage in Punta Gorda
  • 3 nights at Ramon’s Village Resort*** with breakfast in a Belizean Princess Room in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
• 8 days rental car category Jeep Patriot Sport, 4 doors, 2-wheel drive, air conditioning, unlimited mileage, CDW insurance with 850 USD deductible in the event of damage, local taxes
• Round-trip transportation in San Pedro
• Day trip to Tikal on an add-on basis with English-speaking tour guide, entrance fee, and lunch
• Domestic flight (Belize City - San Pedro - Belize City)

Excluding

• Optional excursions and entrance fees

• Meals not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as tips

• Gasoline and road tolls

• Entrance fees

• Departure tax Belize = 20 USD per person

• Visa, entry and/or exit fees

• Travel insurance

Rental car

• The minimum age for renting a car is 25 years old, and your driver's license must have been valid for at least one year. When picking up the vehicle, the rental car station charges a deposit as security (credit card needed).
• When picking up the rental car, indicate that you want to take it to Tikal in Guatemala.
• You must return the rental car to the transfer station.