Discovery Circuit: Between Primary Forest and the Caribbean
From Mayan pyramids to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, a journey between jungle and coral in Belize
Duration
10 days
From
€1,330/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This discovery itinerary, bringing together the greatest must-sees of Belize, combines the pleasure of adventure and seaside relaxation, for a journey that varies atmospheres from one stage to the next.
You first explore the lush San Ignacio region, renowned for its caves, Mayan pyramids and protected reserves, a true gateway to the western part of the country and its still largely preserved nature. You visit in particular the sites of Caracol, the largest Mayan city in Belize nestled in the heart of the jungle, Xunantunich, whose El Castillo pyramid offers a breathtaking view over the Guatemalan border, as well as Barton Creek, famous for its caves accessible by canoe.
Then you continue this discovery of the remains of Mayan civilization in northern Guatemala, in a region where temples and ancient cities still emerge from the canopy, silent witnesses to a lost empire.
You end with well-deserved seaside relaxation on Ambergris Caye, in the heart of the Caribbean, where turquoise waters and the world's second largest coral reef invite you to relax and dive after these days rich in discovery.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Belize City – Howler Monkey Reserve – San Ignacio Valley
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows in a lush garden
You land today at Belize city airport where one of our drivers will be waiting for you to welcome you and take you to the San Ignacio region, in the west of the country.
Crossing landscapes of plantations and verdant hills, our driver can stop to show you along the way, if you wish, a howler monkey protection program in their natural habitat, near the village of Burrell Boom.
San Ignacio Valley – Xunantunich Mayan Pyramid and Kayak Descent – San Ignacio
This morning you set off in a small shared minibus to visit, in a small group and with a guide, the Xunantunich Mayan ruins. Composed mainly of two large pyramids, this site offers a superb panoramic view over the valley.
The adventure continues with a kayaking descent down part of the Mopan River.
Overnight in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a lush garden.
San Ignacio Valley – Caracol Mayan Site and Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve – San Ignacio
A small shared minibus picks you up this morning to take you to the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. Traveling its ochre dirt roads lined with pines, you reach Belize's largest archaeological site, Caracol.
A guide then explains the distinctive features of this impressive Mayan city before stopping on the way back to explore the underground river of Rio Frio Cave.
You finally enjoy swimming time in the refreshing waters of Río On Pools, a set of natural pools carved into the rock.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a lush garden
San Ignacio Valley – Kayaking in Barton Creek Cave – San Ignacio
New start this morning to discover by kayak the Barton Creek cave, formerly used as a gateway to the underworld in Mayan cosmovision. A guide shows you archaeological remains and ceremony remnants inside. The site also offers a pleasant zip-lining course in the trees (not included).
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows in a green garden
San Ignacio Valley – Yaxha Archaeological Site – Flores Peninsula
Night in a charming hotel in the heart of the village of Flores.
Today you cross the border to Guatemala in a private vehicle until you reach the Yaxhá Mayan site, lost in beautiful tropical vegetation.
Flores Peninsula – Tikal Mayan Site – Flores Peninsula
This day is devoted to visiting the flagship site of Maya civilization, Tikal. This ancient city with its spectacular temples and pyramids is a small gem in the heart of the jungle. Accompanied by a guide, you will also spot various small tropical animals such as Agoutis, Coatis, monkeys and toucans.
Night in a charming hotel in the heart of the village of Flores.
Flores Peninsula – Belize City – Ambergris Caye Island
Flores → Belize City
Night in a comfortable hotel with swimming pool by the sea
A short drive with a driver takes you this morning to the bus station in Flores, from which you board a bus heading to the port of Belize city.
It is then by ferry (not included) that you cross to Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize; where you settle in the lively village of San Pedro.
Free days in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris
Free days to enjoy the sun and marine life, an opportunity to go diving in the Hol Chan marine reserves, Bacalar Chico or Shark Ray Alley. Swimming in the heart of the coral reef among turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks is an extraordinary experience.
Nights in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool by the sea
Ambergris Caye Island – Departure from Belize City
Depending on your flight schedule, you will take a ferry today (not included) to reach the port of Belize city where a driver will be waiting to take you to the international airport, located approximately 20 minutes drive away.
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 (count 20 USD/person exit tax from Belize to Guatemala)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Round-trip transfers to Ambergris Caye island
- International flight tickets
- Excursions and entry fees to sites, monuments and museums not previously mentioned (e.g.: howler monkey sanctuary, Yaxhá…)
- Tips
- All expenses due to delays or conditions beyond our control
- All personal expenses
- Insurance
- All services not mentioned
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast at the mentioned hotels, except on the island of Ambergris Caye where no meals are included
- Transport as mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary (in private vehicle, bus and shared shuttles)
- Excursions, site entrances and English-speaking guides (or English-speaking for Tikal only) for days 2, 3, 4 and 6. These excursions may be carried out in the company of other travelers
- Midday meals as picnics during outings to Xunantunich and Caracol
- 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
