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 circuit brings together the major highlights of Belize, between jungle adventure and seaside relaxation. From San Ignacio, you explore Caracol, the largest Mayan city in the country nestled in the heart of the forest, Xunantunich and its El Castillo pyramid, as well as the Barton Creek caves, explored by kayak. Next heading to Guatemala, where Yaxhá and especially Tikal, an emblematic Mayan city lost in the canopy, extend this archaeological immersion. The journey concludes on the island of Ambergris Caye, in the heart of the world's second largest coral reef, between diving and seaside relaxation.
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, a driver welcomes you and takes you to the San Ignacio region, in the west of the country. The route crosses plantations and green hills.
If you wish, your driver can stop near the village of Burrell Boom to show you a protection program for howler monkeys in their natural habitat.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
Xunantunich and Kayaking on the Mopan River
This morning, a small shared bus takes you to the Xunantunich Maya site. You discover it in a small group, accompanied by a guide. Its remains, including two large pyramids, offer panoramic views over the valley.
You continue the day with a kayak descent on a section of the Mopan River.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
Caracol and the Natural Sites of Mountain Pine Ridge
This morning, a small shared bus takes you to the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. Following its ochre dirt paths lined with pines, you reach Caracol, the largest archaeological site in Belize. A guide introduces you to the peculiarities of this Mayan city.
On the way back, you explore the underground river of Rio Frio Cave, then enjoy a swim 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.
Kayaking exploration of Barton Creek Cave
This morning, you explore by kayak the Barton Creek cave. In Mayan cosmovision, it was once considered a gateway to the underworld. Your guide shows you the archaeological remains and traces of ceremonies preserved inside.
You can also enjoy the zip-lining course in the trees available on site; this activity is not included in the tour.
Night in a simple hotel consisting of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
From San Ignacio to Flores via the Yaxhá Maya site
In a private vehicle, you leave the valley of San Ignacio and cross the border into Guatemala to reach the Yaxhá Maya archaeological site, in the heart of tropical vegetation.
Visit to the Mayan site of Tikal
Accompanied by a guide, you spend the day discovering Tikal, an ancient Mayan city located in the heart of the jungle. You explore its temples and pyramids while watching for animals on the site: agoutis, coatis, monkeys and toucans.
Night in a charming hotel in the heart of the village of Flores.
From Flores to Ambergris Caye via Belize City
Flores → Belize City
This morning, a driver takes you to the bus station in Flores. You then take a bus to the port of Belize city.
From there, you board a ferry to Ambergris Caye ; the crossing is not included in the tour. On Belize's largest island, you settle in the lively village of San Pedro.
Night in a comfortable beachfront hotel with swimming pool.
Free days in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris
Take advantage of these free days to relax in the sun or go diving at Hol Chan, Bacalar Chico or Shark Ray Alley. In the coral reef waters, you can observe turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks.
Night in a comfortable hotel with swimming pool on the seafront.
Return to Belize City and departure flight
You join Belize city by water taxi; the crossing is not included in the tour. At the dock, a vehicle takes you to the international airport for your departure flight.
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 beverages not mentioned
- Round-trip transfers to Ambergris Caye island
- International flights tickets
- Excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not previously mentioned (e.g.: howler monkey sanctuary, Yaxhá…)
- Tips
- All expenses resulting from delays or conditions beyond our control
- All personal expenses
- Insurance
- All services not mentioned
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast in the mentioned hotels, except on the island of Ambergris Caye where no meals are included
- Transport as mentioned in the day by day itinerary (private vehicle, bus and shared shuttles)
- Excursions, site entrance fees and English-speaking guides (or English-speaking guide 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
- The 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
