Belize: 3-Day Adventure Itinerary

Belize is a diverse and charming Central American country with a Caribbean coast. It's a place with so many things to do that you could easily spend a month here and still find new experiences. However, if you only have three days in Belize, you can still experience the best of what the country has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Belize City

Arrive in Belize City and spend the day exploring the city's culture, economics, and architecture. Belize City is the country's main gateway and offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Visit the Museum of Belize, located inside a former prison, and stroll through Old Belize to get a sense of the city's history.

Day 2: Adventure and Nature

On your second day, venture outside of Belize City to explore the natural wonders and adventure activities that Belize has to offer. Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a sacred Maya ceremonial cave with ancient artifacts and crystallized skeletons. This tour is not for the faint of heart, as it involves a jungle hike, swimming across rivers, and navigating through a pitch-black cave.

If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, consider horseback riding, hiking through limestone caves, or canoeing down meandering rivers. For nature lovers, Belize is home to the largest concentration of jaguars in the world, so keep an eye out for these majestic creatures.

Day 3: Beach Relaxation and Island Exploration

Spend your last day in Belize soaking up the sun and enjoying the Caribbean Sea. Head to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, a popular beach destination known for its luxury resorts, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and explore the colourful streets of San Pedro.

For a unique experience, take a catamaran cruise and go snorkelling or diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you can swim with sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays. If you're feeling adventurous, add the Great Blue Hole to your itinerary—a massive underwater sinkhole that is one of the world's top dive sites.

Explore San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is a popular destination for scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, and swimming. It is also known for its luxury beach resorts, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

Day 1:

• Arrive in San Pedro and check into your hotel.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant—be sure to try the fresh ceviche!
• Spend the afternoon exploring downtown San Pedro. Visit local shops and art galleries, such as Capello's Art Gallery, and pick up some Belizean souvenirs.
• As the sun sets, head to the lively bars and world-class restaurants that line the streets.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a scuba diving or snorkelling trip to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the vibrant marine life and coral gardens at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.
• After a morning of water activities, relax on the beach and take in the beautiful Caribbean Sea views.
• In the afternoon, rent a golf cart or bike and explore the island. Head to the west side of the island to visit Secret Beach, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and beach bars.
• As the sun sets, head back to San Pedro for dinner at one of the town's excellent restaurants, such as Elvi's Kitchen for a Mayan buffet.

Day 3:

• Begin your day with a visit to the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where you can interact with these gigantic lizards and learn about conservation efforts.
• After that, take a short walk to the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal and hop on a water taxi to explore neighbouring islands or head back to the mainland.
• Alternatively, spend the day exploring more of San Pedro. Visit the town's green iguana sanctuary or the cool over-the-water bars and sports bars.
• In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise or sail around the island, savouring fresh ceviche and rum punches as you watch the sun go down.

San Pedro offers a variety of activities and experiences to suit everyone's interests, from water sports and beach relaxation to cultural exploration and eco-tourism.

Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-do when visiting Belize. The reserve is located about 4 miles south of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and is a short 15-minute boat ride from the town. It is considered the most popular snorkelling site in Belize and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of corals, 5 sponges, 8 algae, 2 seagrasses, 3 marine mammals, and 3 species of sea turtles. The reserve is divided into zones based on marine habitat, with vibrant coral formations and an abundance of marine life.

When snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you will be guided to the channel's edge, where you can observe schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers, as well as green eels and lobsters dwelling in the crevices and overhangs of the coral. The reserve is also a great place to swim with nurse sharks and southern stingrays, which gather in large numbers to feed. The shallow waters and white sands make this an ideal spot for inexperienced snorkelers, offering all the beauty of the Caribbean in a safe and accessible environment.

There are various tour options available for visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with some tours also including additional stops at nearby attractions such as Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker, and Coral Gardens. These tours typically last between 4 and 8 hours and often include refreshments, snorkelling equipment, and a knowledgeable guide. Some tours also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the underwater world of Belize.

Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. The name means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, combining "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site is located on a ridge above the Mopan River, within sight of the Guatemalan border.

Xunantunich served as a Maya civic and ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. At that time, nearly 200,000 people lived in the Belize Valley. The site includes over 25 temples and palaces, with the main temple, El Castillo, standing at 40 metres (130 feet) tall. El Castillo is the second-tallest structure in Belize and offers spectacular views of the surrounding villages, the jungle, and the Guatemalan mountains.

To get to Xunantunich, you can drive or take a bus or organised tour from San Ignacio, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, it is a 2.5-hour drive from Belize City. Once you arrive, you will need to cross the Mopan River using the Xunantunich Hand Cranked River Ferry.

It is highly recommended to book a tour to truly understand the history and significance of the site. Tours can be booked in advance, which is advisable during peak season (summer and January/February) to secure a spot.

The site has six plazas and 32 structures and is large enough to have housed an estimated 20,000 people. It is believed that it took the Mayans 300 years to build Xunantunich. El Castillo, the largest temple, is believed to have been used as a shrine, dwelling, and meeting place for the elite rulers of the city.

Xunantunich has a rich and fascinating history. The exact date of its discovery by Western civilisation is unknown, but the first site reports were made by British officials in the late 1800s. The site was explored further in the 1900s by British medical doctor Thomas Gann, who unearthed many Mayan treasures, the history and whereabouts of which are now unknown. It is believed that many museums and private collectors may have these artefacts on display without knowing their origin.

Excavations at the site have uncovered a plaster frieze with astronomical symbols and figures representing birth and dance. The centre of Xunantunich sits on an artificially levelled limestone ridge, with settlements extending for several square kilometres.

Xunantunich is a must-visit site to learn about the ancient Mayan civilisation and soak in the rich culture of Belize. It is an adventure you won't forget!

Take a tour of The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a great place to visit to see the wildlife of Belize without actually having to venture into the jungle. The zoo is located 29 miles from Belize City, on the George Price Highway, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. It spans 29 acres of forest oasis within tropical savanna and is home to over 150 animals, including tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws.

The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. When filming ended, she decided to start a zoo, and today, it is a world-renowned wildlife education centre. The zoo is unique in that it only houses rescued animals that are native to Belize, and they are kept in large enclosures that replicate their natural environment. The zoo also employs over 45 Belizeans and is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

During your visit, you can get up close and personal with the resident jaguar, "Lindo," through a unique experience called the "Lindo Link." You can also feed the inquisitive keel-billed toucan, Belize's National Bird, or get your photo taken next to a tapir, the country's National Animal. If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, you can book a VIP tour, which includes intimate animal encounters. The zoo also offers nocturnal tours, providing a unique perspective of the zoo as the forest comes alive at night.

For those who want to extend their stay, The Tropical Education Center/Zoo Lodge, located a mile up the road from the zoo, offers a variety of accommodations and meals. This site also serves as a learning centre and training facility.

Relax on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a “go slow” Caribbean vibe. The island is a popular destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers, and tourists who want beach-oriented relaxation at budget prices.

Explore the Island

Caye Caulker is a small island and is easily walkable. There are no paved roads, and people get around on foot, by bicycle, or golf cart. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, and life moves at a snail's pace. The primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart. You can rent a bicycle for as little as 15 BZD per day, or a golf cart for 125-150 BZD per day.

Visit the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve takes up 100 acres of the island and is home to a variety of sea life, plant life, and over 170 species of birds. The reserve is home to the glossy black catbird, the white-crowned pigeon, and several species of herons. The delicate ecosystem also features little lagoons and mangroves that are home to turtles, iguanas, boas, and other reptiles, including the American crocodile.

Feast at Lobsterfest

July is Lobsterfest in Caye Caulker, a nationwide culinary event that also takes place in San Ignacio and Placencia. Tourists and locals can enjoy competitions, cocktails, beach parties, and music. Visitors can check out restaurants and cafes for their best lobster dishes, allowing you to feast on everything from lobster ice cream to lobster ceviche.

Explore the Split

No visit to Caye Caulker would be complete without a visit to "the split," a stretch of water that divides the island in two. With its stunning crystal shades of blue water and natural tropical biodiversity, it's one of the most popular spots on the island. On one side are the mangroves of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, and on the other is the inhabited part of the island. The Split is great for lounging, swimming, snorkelling, or having a drink.

Go Manatee Watching

Manatees are huge, docile, and highly endangered animals that are protected in Belize. There are only about 300-700 manatees throughout the country, so it's a real treat to see these gentle creatures up close. You can see them on tours to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, an ideal manatee spotting site.

Snorkel Shark Ray Alley

Snorkelers flock to Shark Ray Alley at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to get up close and personal with nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. The water is warm and clear, so you can get in and swim, pose for pictures, and even pet the nurse sharks, which are harmless and used to human contact.

Enjoy the Local Food and Drinks

Most restaurants on the island cost between 14-22 BZD, with breakfast at a cafe starting from 6 BZD. You can find street grills cooking up great seafood until the late afternoon. In July, you can enjoy Lobsterfest, and in other months, you can find rice and beans, tamales, panades, onion soup, chicken stew, and garnaches pretty much everywhere you go.

Hang Out at the Beach

Caye Caulker is busiest from January to April during Belize's dry season. The island has beautiful beaches, and you can find a spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun. The north side of the island has white sand beaches, bike paths, crocodiles, and mangroves.

Take a Tour

There are plenty of tours available on Caye Caulker, including snorkelling tours, sailing boat tours, fishing tours, and manatee-spotting tours. You can also take a tour of the local mangroves or a guided boat tour to nearby mangrove lagoons.

Frequently asked questions