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
Venturing completely off the beaten path, this journey invites you to discover the lesser-known regions of southern Belize, away from the crowds at the country's most visited sites.
Exploring the lush Cayo District, renowned for its jungle landscapes, rivers and Mayan ruins, then the Garifuna villages of Hopkins and Punta Gorda along the southern coast, this circuit sets out to meet a population with mixed origins, heir to a unique history blending African, Caribbean and Native American roots.
You will discover a way of life still shaped by ancestral traditions, Garifuna music and dance, as well as by a cuisine rich in flavors, forged by centuries of cultural blending along the Caribbean coastline.
Finally, it is on the peaceful Caye Caulker island that you will be able to bask in the sun, facing the coral reef, in a relaxed atmosphere typical of small Belizean islands, where the pace of life naturally invites you to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Belize City Airport – Belize Tropical Zoo – 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 is 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 green hills, our driver can stop you to discover along the way, if you wish, the Belize Zoo set up in a 12-hectare forest and which offers a good overview of the country's varied wildlife.
San Ignacio Valley – Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Maya Sites – San Ignacio
This morning you depart in a shared minibus to visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Composed mainly of two large pyramids, this site offers a superb panoramic view.
You then continue your day with the discovery of the Cahal Pech site, which features around thirty palace and temple remains.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a lush garden
San Ignacio Valley – Horseback Riding in Cayo District – San Ignacio
This day is devoted to a horseback riding excursion of approximately 2 hours through the valley. Departing from a small family-run equestrian center well-known to local residents, you set off accompanied by a member of the property to discover the many local natural riches at the pace of the horses.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a verdant garden
San Ignacio Valley – Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – San Ignacio
A small shared minibus will pick you up this morning to take you to the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. You will explore these ochre-colored landscapes by vehicle and on foot, before enjoying a swim in the refreshing waters of Río On Pools, a set of natural pools carved into the rock.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows in a lush garden
San Ignacio Valley – Adventure in Bocawina Reserve – Hopkins
San Ignacio → Hopkins
Night in a comfortable family establishment on the beachfront.
A driver picks you up this morning to take you to the Bocawina reserve where you can experience various zip-lining courses, canyoning, guided hiking and many other activities on site.
Your journey then continues to the village of Hopkins, the cradle of Belizean Garifuna culture.
Beach Rest in Hopkins
Free days to enjoy the beach and discover the Garifuna culture specific to this Caribbean area. Hopkins is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye islands. Here tourism is still in its infancy and the atmosphere is relaxing.
Night in a comfortable family establishment on the beachfront.
Hopkins – Nim Li Punit Mayan Site and Spice Farm – Punta Gorda
Hopkins → Punta Gorda
Night in a charming small ecolodge with savory cuisine
You take the road today to Punta Gorda, at the far south of the country and make a stop along the way for a self-guided visit to the small Maya site of Nim Li Punit featuring in particular a very well-preserved ball court. On the road, also a stop at a beautiful Spice Farm where many endemic plants grow.
Punta Gorda – Cultural and Culinary Discovery of Toledo District – Punta Gorda
This day is placed under the sign of interculturality. You thus depart accompanied by a local guide to discover the culinary traditions of Toledo District thanks to meetings with 5 different Belizean ethnic groups; Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Creole and East Indian. You thus visit, among other things, the hamlets of Forest Home and Big Falls before finishing with a percussion lesson.
Night in a charming small ecolodge with savory cuisine
Punta Gorda – Belize City Pier – Caye Caulker Island
Night in a comfortable hotel with swimming pool by the sea
Return by vehicle to Belize City port
It is then by ferry (not included) that you cross to Caye caulker. This small island with its most bohemian atmosphere is an ideal haven of peace to rest.
Free days on the island of Caye Caulker
Free days to enjoy the sun and marine life, an opportunity to go diving in the Lighthouse Reef marine reserve to observe the famous Blue Hole or discover the small islands of Turneffe Atoll. Swimming in the heart of the coral reef among turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks is an extraordinary experience.
Night in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool by the sea.
Caye Caulker Island – Belize City Dock – Lamanai Maya Site – Belize City
Night in a charming welcoming B&B on the outskirts of Belize city
Return by boat (not included) to Belize City then transfer by small shared minibus towards the North of the country.
You then board a motorboat along the New River Lagoon, until you reach the Maya site of Lamanai, one of the most impressive remnants of Maya civilization with large pyramids overlooking the jungle.
Belize City – Belize City Airport
Depending on your flight schedule, free time in Belize City to discover its small historic center with several naval museums and a beautiful Anglican cathedral.
Then, a vehicle takes you to 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 airplane tickets
- Excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not mentioned previously (e.g. Belize Zoo, Bocawina Reserve, Nim Li Punit, the spice farm)
- Tips
- All expenses incurred 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 entrance fees 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
