Off the Beaten Path, from North to South
From Cayo District to Garifuna villages, an authentic itinerary between Mayan jungle and Caribbean waters.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,060/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
This itinerary explores Belize away from the crowds, from the Cayo District to the south of the country. In the western jungle, you discover the pyramids of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, a horseback ride through the valley and swimming in the natural pools of Mountain Pine Ridge. Then head to the coast, meeting the Garifuna communities of Hopkins and Punta Gorda, between percussion, mixed cuisine and living traditions of the Toledo district. The journey ends on the bohemian island of Caye Caulker, where the coral reef invites diving, before a final excursion to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, in the heart of the jungle.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Belize and drive to San Ignacio
Upon your arrival at Belize city airport, our driver welcomes you and takes you to the San Ignacio region, in the west of the country. The road crosses plantations and verdant hills.
If you wish, you can make a stop at the Belize Zoo, located in a 12-hectare forest, to discover the country's wildlife.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
Mayan sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
This morning, you depart in a small shared minibus to visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. The site, composed mainly of two large pyramids, offers a panoramic view over the surrounding area.
You continue the day at Cahal Pech, where you discover around thirty remains of palaces and temples.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
San Ignacio Valley – Horse riding in the valley
From a small family equestrian center known to the inhabitants of the region, you set off on a horseback ride of about two hours through the valley. Accompanied by a member of the property, you discover at your own pace the landscapes and natural riches of the surrounding area.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
San Ignacio Valley – Mountain Pine Ridge and Swimming at Río On Pools
This morning, a small shared bus takes you to the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. You discover its ochre-colored landscapes by vehicle and on foot, then enjoy swimming time at Rio On Pools, a set of natural pools carved into the rock.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
From the Bocawina Reserve to the village of Hopkins
This morning, a driver takes you to the Bocawina reserve. On site, you can choose from several activities, including zip-lining, canyoning or a guided hike.
You then continue on to the village of Hopkins, the birthplace of Garifuna culture in Belize.
Night in a comfortable family-run establishment on the beach.
Rest on the seafront at Hopkins
Take advantage of these free days in Hopkins to relax on the beach and discover the Garifuna culture of this Caribbean region. You can also explore Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye. Tourism is still underdeveloped there and the atmosphere is laid-back.
Night in a comfortable family-run beachfront establishment.
Route to Punta Gorda and Visit to Nim Li Punit
You travel to Punta Gorda, at the far south of Belize. Along the way, you freely visit the small Mayan site of Nim Li Punit, where you can find notably a well-preserved ball court.
You also stop at a spice farm where many endemic plants grow.
Overnight stay at a small charming ecolodge, where you enjoy delicious cuisine.
Culinary Encounters and Percussion in Toledo District
Accompanied by a local guide, you discover the culinary traditions of the Toledo district by meeting members of five Belizean communities: Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Creole and East Indian.
You pass through the hamlets of Forest Home and Big Falls, before ending the day with a percussion lesson.
Night in a charming small ecolodge with delicious cuisine.
From Punta Gorda to Caye Caulker via Belize City
After breakfast, you join by vehicle the port of Belize city from Punta Gorda.
You then take the ferry to Caye caulker; the crossing is not included in the tour.
On this small island with a bohemian atmosphere, enjoy some rest time. Night in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool by the sea.
Free days on Caye Caulker Island
Take advantage of these free days to relax in the sun or explore the seabed. You can go diving in the Lighthouse Reef marine reserve to discover the Blue Hole, or visit the small islands of Turneffe Atoll.
The coral reef also offers the opportunity to swim among sea turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks.
Night in a comfortable hotel with swimming pool by the sea.
Excursion to the Lamanai Mayan Site
You return by boat to Belize city; the crossing is not included. A small shared bus then takes you towards the north of the country.
You embark in a motorized boat to navigate the New River Lagoon to the Maya site of Lamanai. You discover large pyramids that dominate the jungle.
Night in a charming B&B on the outskirts of Belize City.
Belize City – Belize City Airport
According to your flight schedule, take advantage of free time in Belize city to discover its historic center, its naval museums and its Anglican cathedral.
A vehicle then takes you to the Belize City international airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Airport taxes, border taxes and miscellaneous taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Round-trip transfers to Caye Caulker island
- International flight tickets
- Excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not previously mentioned (e.g. Belize zoo, Bocawina reserve, Nim Li Punit, the spice farm)
- Gratuities
- All expenses due to delays or conditions beyond our control
- All personal expenses
- Insurance
- All services not mentioned
Included
- Double room accommodation with breakfast
- Transport as mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary (in private vehicle and shared shuttles)
- Excursions, site entries and English-speaking guides for days 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 13. These excursions may be carried out in the company of other travelers
- Midday meals in picnic form during outings to Mountain Pine and Punta Gorda
- VAT
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Belize for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Belize, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Belize.
Currently, this exemption allows an initial stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. A stay extension can generally be requested on-site from the Belize Immigration Department, for a maximum total duration of 90 days per year.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Tourist tax on arrival
A tourist tax is charged upon entry to Belize. The amount may vary depending on the mode of entry into the country (by air or land). This tax is generally included in the airline ticket for travelers arriving by air, but may need to be paid separately for arrivals by land.
It is advisable to inquire with your carrier or Belizean authorities to find out the exact amount applicable at the time of your trip.
Health
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Belize for travelers coming from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada, except in cases of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, where a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
As a preventive measure, health authorities notably recommend:
vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid,
precautions against malaria, present in certain rural areas of the country,
protective measures against arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), transmitted by mosquitoes.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Belize in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Belize, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a return ticket are required upon arrival. A visa exemption is granted for an initial stay period, extendable on-site up to a maximum duration. Please check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Belize consular authorities or your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, budget between 200 and 330 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Belize combines jungle, coral reef and Mayan ruins across a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Western Jungle
Explorer of Belize's jungles and reefs, based in Belize
Belize offers a true sense of freedom. You can go from a tropical jungle to a coral reef in the same day, while keeping that feeling of simple, natural travel.
— Jean-François
