Belize: 10-Day Itinerary Ideas

Belize is a small country, about the size of Massachusetts, so in 10 days, you can cover a lot of ground. You can easily fit in time at the beach, exploring Maya ruins, and adventuring in the jungle.

Belize is a true melting pot, with people from Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese descent. It is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea.

- Days 1-3: San Ignacio. Visit the San Ignacio Farmer's Market, Capello's Art Gallery, the ATM Cave, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

- Days 4-6: Caye Caulker. Dive in the Great Blue Hole, swim with Caribbean Reef Sharks, and enjoy the sunset.

- Days 7-9: Ambergris Caye. Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, explore downtown San Pedro, and enjoy the beach.

- Day 10: Belize City. Get to know the country's biggest city by visiting Old Belize, St. John's Cathedral, the Belize Zoo, the Belize Museum, and the Riverside Tavern.

The Great Blue Hole

Belize is a small country with a plethora of attractions, from beaches to Maya ruins and jungle. If you're spending 10 days in Belize, here's why a trip to the Great Blue Hole should be on your itinerary.

The Blue Hole is a popular destination for recreational scuba divers, offering crystal-clear waters and a diverse range of marine life, including nurse sharks, giant groupers, Caribbean reef sharks, and Blacktip sharks. It was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top scuba diving sites globally.

For those who prefer snorkelling to diving, the Blue Hole also offers a full day of exploration and the opportunity to observe the vibrant marine life. Additionally, nearby small islands, or cays, provide pristine beaches and affordable meals. Ambergris, Caye Caulker, St. George's Cay, and the Turneffe Islands are all worth visiting and are easily accessible from the Blue Hole.

Whether you're an experienced diver or a snorkelling enthusiast, the Great Blue Hole promises an unforgettable underwater adventure and is undoubtedly one of the must-visit destinations during your 10-day trip to Belize.

San Pedro

If you're looking for a more relaxed day, head to Secret Beach, where you'll find beach bars, restaurants, and a nice beach. Alternatively, the Akbol Yoga retreat offers yoga classes, delicious food, and hammocks on the beach.

For a fun night out, head to the Truck Stop, a food truck garden with a bar, ice cream shop, and a pool. They host outdoor movie nights, trivia, and other fun games.

If you're looking for a unique activity, Melody at Belizean Melody Art Gallery offers painting workshops for adults and kids.

For food, you can try local spots such as El Fogon or Brianna's deli, or treat yourself to a private chef. Some recommended restaurants include Blue Water Grill, Elvi's Kitchen, Wild Mango's, and El Fogon.

If you're looking for an easy day trip from San Pedro, you can visit the Lamanai Maya Ruins, Caye Caulker, the Belize Zoo, or go birdwatching at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Xunantunich

Belize is a small country with a lot to offer, from beaches and islands to Mayan ruins and jungle. If you're spending 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations.

One such destination is Xunantunich, an ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. The site is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, within sight of the Guatemala border. The name Xunantunich means "Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Woman" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec. The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods.

Excavations at the site have uncovered a number of artefacts, including a burial chamber containing the corpse of a young man, as well as ceramic vessels, obsidian knives, jade pearls, and animal bones.

There are a variety of tours available at Xunantunich, including horseback riding, cave tubing, and zip-lining. Visitors can also hire a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the site.

Caye Caulker

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Arrive in Caye Caulker and check into your accommodation. Take a stroll through the sandy, car-free streets and soak in the island life. Explore Front Street, Middle Street, and the craft market.

Day 2: The Split

Visit The Split, a popular spot for drinking and sunbathing. The shallow water here is great for snorkelling and you can see small crabs burrowing in the sand. Enjoy the live music and grilled lobster at the Lazy Lizard.

Day 3: West Side and Sunset

Stroll to the west side of the island and visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter to play with the animals. Watch the sunset from the west side of The Split and then head to Bambooze for dinner—a restaurant with swings for seats and a vegetarian menu.

Day 4: Sunrise and Hiking

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Caribbean. Go hiking on the south side of the island and explore the Caye Caulker Airport, the colourful shacks, and the self-proclaimed "longest seashell wall in the world."

Day 5: Snorkelling Tour

Book a snorkelling tour with a local family-owned company like Anwar Tours. Explore the Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley, and see seahorses and tarpon fish.

Day 6: Beach Relaxation

Spend the day relaxing on the beach. Soak up the sun, go for a swim, and enjoy the slow pace of island life. In the evening, watch the sunset and have dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 7: San Pedro and Ambergris Caye

Take a water taxi to San Pedro and explore the town. Visit the Maya ruins, stroll through the lively beaches, and check out the local restaurants and bars. From San Pedro, you can also take a boat or plane to Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, known for its luxury resorts and nightlife.

Day 8: Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the most popular snorkelling spots in Belize. See pristine coral gardens and swim with sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays.

Day 9: Great Blue Hole

Take a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole, Belize's most famous attraction. This giant marine sinkhole draws divers from around the world. Alternatively, you can scuba dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole if you're PADI certified.

Day 10: Departure

Depart from Caye Caulker by water taxi or plane. If you have time before your flight, spend a few hours exploring Belize City. Visit the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm or take a scenic tour of the city's downtown area to learn about its culture, economics, and architecture.

San Ignacio

Day 1:

• Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project to learn about the critical work being done to protect this endangered species.
• Take a guided tour of the sanctuary and learn about their breeding program.
• Enjoy handling and feeding the iguanas.
• Head to the AJAW Chocolate Workshop to learn about the traditional Mayan way of making chocolate.
• Take a short walk uphill to the local ruins, Cahal Pech.

Day 2:

• Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve.
• Go on a short hike to the cave and navigate through its waters.
• Observe ancient Mayan artefacts and the remains of those sacrificed to the Mayan gods.
• Visit the Barton Creek Cave, one of the most popular day trips from San Ignacio.
• Explore the cave in a canoe, inner tube, or by swimming through the cathedral-like chambers.

Day 3:

• Visit the Mayan archaeological site of Xunantunich, located a short distance from San Ignacio.
• Explore the main pyramid, El Castillo, which has well-preserved carvings and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
• Check out the visitor centre to learn more about the history of the ruins.
• Stop by the San Ignacio Market, where farmers and vendors sell local produce, crafts, clothing, and medicinal herbs.

Day 4:

• Go horseback riding to the Maya ruins of Xunantunich.
• Visit the nearby Tikal Maya Ruins in Guatemala.
• Go cave tubing or ziplining in the afternoon.
• Combine the Xunantunich and cave tubing tours to save time and money.

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