Exploring Belize: How Long To Uncover Its Treasures

Belize is a small country, making it a great destination for a week-long trip. However, it has a lot to offer, so you could easily spend a month there and still have plenty to do.

If you're looking to stick to the beaten track, two weeks is a good amount of time to see all the best bits of the country. This gives you enough time to explore the ancient Mayan ruins, get adventurous in the jungle, and relax on the beaches.

If you only have a week to spare, you can still experience both the jungle and the islands. Three to four days is enough time to explore the main tourist attractions, including Belize's most popular beach and jungle destinations.

How long to spend in Belize

Belize is a small country, making it a great destination for a week-long trip. However, it has so much to offer that you could easily spend a month there and still not get bored.

If you're short on time, a week is a great amount of time to explore the ancient Mayan sites, get adventurous in the jungle, and relax on the Caribbean beaches.

For example, you could spend 3 days at a beach destination like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, and 4 days in mainland Belize, staying in San Ignacio, a hub for jungle adventures.

If you have more time, you could spend 5 days in the Cayo District, including a day trip to Tikal National Park in Guatemala, and a tour of the ATM Cave.

If you're looking to stick to the beaten track, 2 weeks is a perfect amount of time to see all the best bits of the country. You could spend 3 or 4 nights in San Ignacio, exploring ancient ruins and underground caves, then head to Caye Caulker for 6 nights of snorkelling, delicious food, and laid-back locals.

Belize's dry season, from December to May, is the most popular time to visit, with clear, sunny days and very little chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest time, with higher prices and limited availability. If you're looking for a quieter, cheaper time to visit, the wet season from June to December might be a better option.

Best time to visit Belize

Belize is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from late November or December to May. During this time, you can expect warm temperatures and clear skies, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures. However, it is also peak season, so you will have to deal with crowds and higher prices.

The dry season is followed by the rainy season, which runs from June to November, with the rainiest months being September and October. While you may have to deal with some afternoon showers, this is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Some businesses may be closed during this time, and there is a low risk of hurricanes, so plan accordingly.

If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind the rain, September and October are good months to visit. The weather is still warm, and you can enjoy the country's top attractions without the crowds. However, keep in mind that some establishments may be closed during the offseason.

February is another great month to visit Belize, as you can enjoy the country's finest weather without the crowds and high prices of the peak season. The months of March and April also offer idyllic temperatures and calm waters, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May, June, July, and November. During these transition months, you'll find cheaper prices on tours and accommodations, and you'll still have plenty of other travellers to interact with.

Where to stay in Belize

Belize has a wide variety of accommodation options, from beach resorts to jungle eco-lodges. Here is a guide to where to stay in Belize:

San Ignacio, Cayo

San Ignacio is the second-largest city in Belize and a popular base for visitors. It is close to Mayan ruins, expansive cave systems, and the country's spectacular rainforest. The city has a bustling market and a colourful historic centre. There are several highly-rated hotels and lodges in and around San Ignacio, including:

• San Ignacio Resort Hotel
• Pine Ridge Lodge
• Ka'ana Resort
• Mystic River Resort
• Maya Mountain Lodge
• Crystal Paradise Resort

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The largest settlement is San Pedro, known for its luxury beach resorts, restaurants, and lively nightlife. Recommended hotels on Ambergris Caye include:

• Victoria House
• Ramon's Village Resort
• Pelican Reef Villas Resort
• Coco Beach Resort
• Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a smaller island near Ambergris Caye. It is a popular stop for travellers seeking a more relaxed and affordable beach vacation. There are no cars allowed on the island, only golf carts and bikes. Recommended hotels on Caye Caulker include:

• Jaguar Morning Star
• Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel
• Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
• Drift Inn San Pedro

Placencia

Placencia is a 16-mile peninsula in southern Belize, known for its tranquil beaches and excellent facilities for families. It offers a range of restaurants and great diving and snorkelling opportunities. Recommended hotels in Placencia include:

• Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences
• Robert's Grove
• Mariposa Belize Beach Resort
• Turtle Inn
• Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas

Belize City

Belize City is the country's biggest city and main port. It has a mix of run-down elegance and lively, colourful culture. It is a good place to experience local urban life and enjoy a wide range of entertainment and cuisine. Recommended hotels in Belize City include:

• Villa Boscardi
• Fort George Hotel and Spa
• Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza
• Golden Bay Belize Hotel

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is a town in the heart of Belize's rainforest. Recommended hotels in this area include:

Copal Tree Lodge

Other Options

There are also unique accommodation options in other parts of Belize, such as:

• Turneffe Island Resort—located on a secluded 14-acre private coral island
• Hidden Valley Inn—a 12-room property set within a 7000-acre private reserve in the rainforest
• Chan Chich Jungle Lodge—located in a private 130,000-acre nature reserve in the Rio Branco Conservation Area

Things to do in Belize City

Belize City is the country's central hub for business and travel, and there's plenty to see and do. Here are some ideas for things to do when you're there:

Explore the Belize Rainforest

Take a tubing expedition through the caves in the Belize rainforest. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the country, and there are plenty of qualified tour groups to choose from. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you can also try zip-lining through the rainforest canopy.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is considered one of the finest small zoos in the world. It's unique in that it only features animals native to Belize, such as ocelots, black jaguars, spotted jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and dozens of different snakes.

Tropical Education Centre

Next to the zoo, you'll find the wonderful Tropical Education Centre. With 84 acres to explore, you can hike or canoe through the centre and encounter true Belizean wildlife in their natural habitats, with the help of friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Belize Museum

For a historical perspective, visit the Belize Museum, which is housed in a former colonial prison. Discover the country's rich Mayan history through the many artefacts on display. Be sure to visit the one cell that has been maintained in its original form.

St. John's Cathedral

For another blend of beauty and history, visit St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America. Built in 1812, the church is dedicated to preserving its history and legacy.

Day trips from Belize

Belize is a small Central American country, so it is possible to visit many of its major attractions as a day trip from Belize City. Most are easily reached in under two hours by car, bus, or boat taxi, and some are even accessible by short commuter flights.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a stunning island located about a 30 to 40-minute boat ride from Belize City. You can hop on a boat and ride across the Caribbean Sea to this island paradise. Once there, you have the option to relax in the sun, explore the charming island, enjoy delicious seafood and local cuisine, or sample drinks made from rum and fresh fruits. You can also rent a bike or golf cart to get around the island. Popular spots to visit include The Split and Sip N Dip. There are also affordable restaurants and bars located along the main street, such as Rainbow Bar, Errolyn's House Of Fryjacks, and The Pelican Bar.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a national treasure, housing over 200 native Belizean species across 12 hectares (30 acres) of land. It is located about 29 miles from Belize City, and you can see several species of Belizean cats, April the tapir, crocodiles, and other wildlife in natural surroundings. It is best to visit early in the morning or close to closing time when the animals are most active and the sun is less intense.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary is located about 20 miles west of Belize City. Despite the name, it is not home to baboons but rather to black howler monkeys, an endangered endemic subspecies found only in Belize. The sanctuary is a community program run by local landowners in eight villages to preserve these vociferous primates. In addition to the nearly 1,500 howler monkeys, there are numerous other bird and mammal species to spot, including peccaries, anteaters, pacas, and coati-mundi. You can also hire a canoe for a paddle on the Belize River or take a guided bird-watching excursion or night canoe tour to spot crocodiles.

Mayan Ruins

There are several Mayan ruins that can be visited on a day trip from Belize City, including Altun Ha, Lamanai, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Tikal. These sites offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan culture and history.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is located in the western part of Belize, known for its rainforest, jungle, ruins, and cultural immersion opportunities. It is a great option if you're looking for a mix of nature and cultural experiences.

With a variety of transportation options available, including cars, buses, boats, and even commuter flights, it is easy to explore the many attractions that Belize has to offer, even if you are just staying for a day or two.

Frequently asked questions