The Many Days Of Belize: Exploring A Country's Calendar

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It is a beloved getaway destination, with lush jungles, incredible reef systems, and lively, colourful towns. Belize is the perfect vacation destination for a week-long trip, with plenty of things to do and see.

Belize has something for everyone, from adventure lovers to wildlife watchers and sun-seekers. The country boasts idyllic islands, mysterious Mayan ruins, and unforgettable animal encounters. While one week may not be enough to see the whole country, you can still explore the main highlights, from the Guatemalan border to the Caribbean Sea.

Day 1 to 3: San Ignacio and Cayo District

After arriving at the airport in Belize City, head west towards the jungle to San Ignacio and the Cayo District. This area is perfect for adventure seekers and history buffs, with its concentration of Mayan ruins, caves for exploring, rivers for tubing, and wildlife spotting. One of the most unforgettable experiences in Belize is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour, which takes visitors through a cave once used by the Mayans for human sacrifices. Evidence of these sacrifices remains in the form of crystallized skeletons.

Day 4 to 7: San Pedro and Ambergris Caye

Next, head across the country to Ambergris Caye, a group of islands off Belize's east coast in the Caribbean Sea. San Pedro, the main tourist hub, is a bustling town where everyone gets around on golf carts. Here, you can fly over the Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole and one of the world's top dive sites. You can also take a catamaran cruise, go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and relax on Caye Caulker.

Day 7: Departure from Belize

On the last day of your trip, soak up the sun, enjoy the Caribbean waters, and savour the local cuisine before heading home.

Belize's islands: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker

Belize is a small country, making it a perfect destination for a week-long trip. You can spend 3 days at a beach destination and 4 days in mainland Belize, staying in San Ignacio, Cayo, a hub for jungle adventures.

Ambergris Caye

Belize's largest island is a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. San Pedro town is its largest settlement, known for luxury beach resorts, restaurants, and fun nightlife. It is the destination of choice if you're looking for a more sophisticated place to relax and indulge. The bustling downtown area has many popular bars and nightclubs. For a more relaxed and quiet experience, seek out exclusive resorts in South or North Ambergris Caye.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is Ambergris Caye's smaller sister island and a popular stop for travellers looking to relax and enjoy a "go slow" Caribbean vibe. The island attracts a younger and less affluent crowd seeking a no-frills beach vacation. It is tiny, only 5 miles long, and very laid-back and chill. Accommodations are primarily guesthouses and small hotels, great for tourists who don't want to break the bank. There are many restaurants and some lively bars, but no nightclubs. It is also the go-to place for a picnic/beach day trip from Ambergris Caye.

Getting There

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are both east of Belize City and easily accessible. You can reach Ambergris Caye by boat or air. The water taxi option takes around 1.5 hours from Belize City to San Pedro Town. If you opt for a domestic flight, it's a quick 20 to 25 minutes from the International Airport.

Caye Caulker can also be reached by boat or air. The water taxi from Belize City takes around 45 minutes to an hour. The domestic flight option is 15 to 20 minutes.

Belize's mainland: San Ignacio and Cayo District

Belize's mainland is home to the charming town of San Ignacio, located on the west bank of the Macal River. Together with its neighbouring town, Santa Elena, they form the principal urban centre in the Cayo District. San Ignacio is the cultural-economic hub of the district and the second-largest settlement in the country, after Belize City. The town boasts a diverse population, including Mestizos, Creoles, Mopan and Yucatec Maya, Mennonites, Lebanese, Chinese, and immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.

San Ignacio is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions and archaeological sites. The town itself offers a lively downtown area with popular restaurants, a farmers' market, an iguana hatchery, and murals. A unique experience in San Ignacio is the Green Iguana Exhibit at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. A short walk from the town centre is the Maya site of Cahal Pech, which is definitely worth a visit, especially at sunset.

For those seeking adventure, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour is a must. This exhilarating tour involves a 45-minute walk through the jungle, swimming across three rivers, and navigating through a pitch-black cave with a headlamp. Inside the cave, you'll encounter obstacles like huge boulders and tight spaces, making for an unforgettable experience.

The Cayo District also boasts other natural wonders, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where you can go hiking, explore caves, and take a dip at Butterfly Falls. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve and the Rainforest Medicine Trail along the Macal River.

For history buffs, the Cayo District offers a wealth of Mayan sites. Xunantunich, located a short ferry ride from the village of San Jose Succotz, is one of the most popular Mayan ruins in Belize. Caracol, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar are other notable Mayan sites in the area.

When it comes to accommodation, San Ignacio has something for every budget, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious eco-resorts. The town is also known for its delicious local cuisine, including traditional dishes like garnaches, salbutes, black relleno, and panades.

In summary, Belize's mainland, with San Ignacio and the Cayo District, offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and natural exploration.

Belize's beaches: Secret Beach and The Split

Belize is a small country in Central America, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It is known for its lush jungles, incredible reef systems, and vibrant towns. With its diverse landscape, Belize offers something for every type of traveller, from adventure lovers to wildlife watchers and sun-seekers.

When it comes to beaches, Belize has a unique blend of coastline and cayes (small islands). While the coastline may not be a continuous stretch of white sand, and the cayes are often encircled by mangroves rather than classic beaches, Belize does boast some spectacular beaches that are worth seeking out.

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye

Secret Beach, located on the west coast of Ambergris Caye, has become a popular and accessible beach destination. Once a local spot, it has recently been developed into a vibrant beach area. To reach Secret Beach, rent a golf cart and drive 4.5 miles north of San Pedro. The journey involves a bumpy ride through a pockmarked road that winds through a swamp, but the destination is well worth it.

At Secret Beach, you'll find calm, clear, and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants, each offering its own unique vibe and amenities. From the lively Pirate's Not-So-Secret Beach Bar & Grill to the more relaxed Sunset Palace Beach Club, there's something for everyone. You can rent chairs and enjoy piña coladas by the water, or explore the nearby mangrove lagoon and spot crocodiles. Just remember to bring waterproof footwear, as the beach can be a little rocky, and watch out for stingrays hiding in the seagrass!

The Split, Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a backpacker's paradise located off the coast of Belize, known for its laid-back "go slow" attitude. And at the heart of this island paradise is The Split, a channel that divides Caye Caulker into two halves.

The Split is more than just a body of water; it's a vibrant social hub where locals and tourists come together to enjoy the sun and sea. With reggae music playing in the background, you can lounge on the dock, snorkel in the clear waters, or grab a drink at The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant. It's the perfect place to meet new people and soak in the carefree atmosphere of Caye Caulker.

The Split is also a great spot for fishing and kayaking, with equipment available for rent. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even jump into the channel and ride the strong current like a natural lazy river! Just be sure to keep an eye on the boats that use the channel and always stay aware of your surroundings.

So, whether you're looking for a lively party scene or a more relaxed beach vibe, Belize's Secret Beach and The Split offer diverse experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Belize's Mayan ruins: Xunantunich and Caracol

Belize is home to several Mayan ruins, including the sites of Xunantunich and Caracol. Here is some information about these fascinating ancient places:

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site located in western Belize, about 70-80 miles (110-125km) west of Belize City in the Cayo District. The name Xunantunich comes from the Mayan language and means "Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Woman". It is believed to refer to a ghost, dressed in white with glowing red eyes, that has been sighted at the site since 1892.

Xunantunich served as a Maya civic and ceremonial centre during the Late and Terminal Classic periods (200-900 CE). The site includes a series of six plazas surrounded by over two dozen temples and palaces. The core of the city covers about one square mile (2.6 km2).

The most well-known structure at Xunantunich is "El Castillo", a pyramid that served as a shrine, dwelling, and meeting place for the elite rulers. It is the second tallest structure in Belize, reaching a height of about 130 feet (40 meters). El Castillo features intricate stucco carvings or "friezes" on its east and west sides, depicting astronomical symbols, the sun god, moon, and Venus.

Xunantunich was first explored in the 1890s by British medical officer Thomas Gann, who had a keen interest in Mayan archaeology. Since then, various archaeologists have conducted excavations at the site, uncovering burial chambers, friezes, and other artefacts.

Caracol

Caracol is another significant Mayan ruin site located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, about 26.5 miles (42 km) south of Xunantunich. It is believed to have been a "vassal city" of Calakmul, one of the superpowers of its time, and was involved in a conflict with Naranjo, another powerful city-state.

Caracol is notable for its size and the extent of its excavation. It is believed to have been one of the largest Mayan cities, with an estimated population of 150,000 people. The site covers an area of about 98 square miles (158 square km) and includes several plazas, pyramids, and other structures.

Caracol is known for its impressive pyramids, including the Caana pyramid, which is the tallest man-made structure in Belize, standing at 143 feet (43.5 meters). The site also features several sacbeob (raised roads) and a number of stelae (carved stone markers) that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the ancient Maya.

Belize's Great Blue Hole: fly over or dive in

Belizes Great Blue Hole: fly over or dive in?

The Great Blue Hole is a natural wonder located in Belize, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. It is a marine sinkhole, almost perfectly circular, that sits in the middle of the ocean surrounded by the Belize Barrier Reef. It is over 120 metres deep and about 300 metres wide, with a striking deep blue colour that contrasts with the turquoise waters of the reef.

There are two main ways to experience the Blue Hole: by scenic flight or by scuba diving.

Scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole

Taking a scenic flight is the cheapest way to see the Blue Hole, costing around $250-300 USD per person. The flights are usually around an hour long and are operated by local Belizean airlines. The flights depart from San Pedro, Belize City Municipal, or Caye Caulker, and offer incredible views of the Blue Hole and the surrounding reef. You'll get a sense of the sheer size of the hole, as well as the beautiful colours of the water.

Scuba diving in the Great Blue Hole

Diving in the Blue Hole is a more expensive option, costing upwards of $350 USD. It is a bucket list dive for many scuba enthusiasts, but it is not for beginners. Divers need at least an Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification, and even then, it can be a challenging dive due to the depth and conditions. The Blue Hole is very deep, with limited marine life, so most of what you'll see are stalactites and stalagmites, as well as some sharks. The dive itself is relatively short, around 30 minutes, and is often part of a multi-dive day trip.

Both options offer a unique perspective on the Blue Hole. If you're looking for a cheaper option and want to see the Blue Hole from above, a scenic flight is a great choice. If you're a certified diver and want to experience the Blue Hole from within, scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, it is important to manage your expectations as some divers have found it disappointing due to the lack of marine life and challenging conditions.

Other things to do in Belize

Belize has a lot to offer beyond the Great Blue Hole. The country is known for its lush jungles, vibrant towns, and beautiful beaches. Here are some other highlights to include in your Belize itinerary:

• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour: An intense and unforgettable experience that involves hiking through the jungle, swimming across rivers, and exploring a cave with ancient artefacts and crystallized skeletons.
• San Ignacio and Cayo District: Home to Mayan ruins, caves, rivers for tubing, and an array of wildlife, including toucans, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and jaguars.
• Caye Caulker: A small, laid-back island with a bohemian vibe and beautiful beaches.
• Hopkins: A unique cultural area with a large Garifuna population, offering access to both the beach and the rainforest.

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