Land of Belize

Land of Belize

8 Days Starting in Belize City and ending in Caye Caulker

Visiting: Belize City, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Tikal National Park, Guatemala / San Ignacio, Caye Caulker

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QVSE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2395 $1796 Operator discount: -$599 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Jump into Belize's natural wonders, picturesque coastlines and rich cultural history on this 8-day adventure in Central America. This often-overlooked paradise is full of lush jungle, spectacular Maya ruins, long sandy beaches and first-class underwater attractions. You’ll get the chance to sample them all! From the buzz of Belize City, travel through the Lamanai Archaeological Site and to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Take a day trip to Guatemala to discover the history of the UNESCO Maya ruins of Tikal. Explore this little-visited gem and get off the beaten track, sitting back and relaxing into the Bel-easy-an way of life.

Highlights

  • Laze on the sandy shores of Caye Caulker off the coast of Belize. Swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean and snorkel through shallow reefs and atolls surrounding the cayes.

  • Join a group of local women at a co-operative in San Ignacio, where they’ll show you how to cook up some traditional recipes and talk about the organisation they founded.

  • Discover the remains of a once thriving Mayan city at the Lamanai Archaeological Site, reached by a boat trip that reveals some of Belize’s most colourful birdlife.

  • Take a day trip to the impressive Tikal National Park, just a hop, skip and a jump across the border into Guatemala. These Maya ruins have become one of the most important archaeological sites in Maya history.

  • Uncover the secrets of crystallised skeletons and crumbling palaces near San Ignacio that have been preserved in their natural glory.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Belize City

Location: Belize City

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Belize! Your adventure begins in Belize City – located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, Belize City has plenty to discover. The coastal and maritime museum is on the north side, housed in the beautifully restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, the National Handicraft Centre and the oldest Anglican church in Central America – St John Cathedral, built in 1812. Tonight, why not head out on a group welcome dinner, recommended by your leader?

Day 2: Orange Walk

Location: Orange Walk

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: dinner

This morning, you’ll take a private vehicle to Carmelita, then hop on a boat towards the Lamanai Archaeological site. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, and your leader will help you spot all the colourful birds along the river. Arrive at the archaeological site and take some time to explore the remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation and its unearthed temples. After, head back up the river by boat to the town of Orange Walk, where you’ll spend the night. Tonight, settle into your lodge and enjoy an included group dinner.

Included Activities:
-Lamanai Archaeological Site & Boat Tour

Day 3: San Ignacio

Location: San Ignacio

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, drive to the San Ignacio area, stopping along the way at the San Antonio Women’s Co-op – an organisation formed by local Mayan women as a way to share skills and traditional knowledge while earning an income. Join the local women for a cooking demonstration designed to preserve their culinary heritage, then sit down together for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. 

Included Activities:
-San Ignacio - Cooking Class

Day 4: Tikal National Park, Guatemala / San Ignacio

Location: Tikal National Park, Guatemala / San Ignacio

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch

Today, you’ll take a day trip to the UNESCO site and Mayan ruins in Tikal National Park – located just across the border in Guatemala. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Take in the towering limestone temples and other monuments while pondering the mystery of the ancient city's demise. After, enjoy an included group lunch and then make your way back to San Ignacio. Tonight is free to relax at your accommodation or explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Day 5: San Ignacio

Location: San Ignacio

Accommodation: Hotel

Today is yours to take on any of the many optional activities available in San Ignacio. Maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique moulded wall surface, and the central plaza has three carved stelae (stone slabs). Getting to the site is half the fun as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Maybe head to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through the water until you reach the ceremonial site, where you’ll find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If Maya ruins aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, check out the butterfly garden, or canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.

Optional Activities:
-San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry
-San Ignacio - Barton Creek canoe trip
-San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch)
-San Ignacio - Caracol Ruins (Incl. entry, guide & transport)
-San Ignacio - Mountain Pine Ridge day trip (Incl. guide & transport)
-San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport)

Day 6: Caye Caulker

Location: Caye Caulker

Accommodation: Hotel

Today, take a private transfer to Belize City, where you’ll board a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. While there are a number of islands off the coast of the mainland, Caye Caulker is certainly the most famous (and arguably the most beautiful). Once you’ve arrived on Caye Caulker, join your leader on an orientation walk to get to know this tiny and laidback island. You’ll notice no cars here, making it a real pleasure to explore. If you fancy, it’s possible to arrange day trips to the other islands or to some spectacular reefs for snorkelling – just chat with your leader about your options. Each island has its own character, but they all have the unmistakable Caribbean pace and charm. This evening, why not get your hands on some freshly caught seafood, often served in causal and colourful restaurants, to a soundtrack of reggae music.

Included Activities:
-Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:
-Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour)

Day 7: Caye Caulker

Location: Caye Caulker

Accommodation: Hotel

Your time in Caye Caulker is about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another free day here. If you're interested in sampling some local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food and some of the best meals are cooked on the roadside! Caye Caulker is also famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season – the lobsters can only be caught between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater?

Optional Activities:
-Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day)
-Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing
-Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included)
-Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included)
-Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour)

Day 8: Caye Caulker

Location: Caye Caulker

There are no activities planned today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time following checkout. If you would like to spend more time in Caye Caulker, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (1 night)

  • Lamanai Archaeological Site & Boat Tour

  • San Ignacio - Cooking Class

  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Meals

    1 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Crooked Tree - Lagoon birding boat tour
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins (entrance )
  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry , River boat

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Belize City.
  • 2. On your final day, you’ve got the power to choose where your adventure takes you. If you like, you can stay in Caye Caulker for another couple of nights relaxing beachside – we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Otherwise, jump on an included water taxi transfer back to Belize City where you can also book additional nights’ accommodation, or where your leader can assist you to catch a taxi from the port to the airport for an onward connection.
  • 3. An open-dated round-trip ticket to return to Belize City from Caye Caulker is included on this trip. If you are travelling from Caye Caulker to Belize Airport please ensure you do not book a flight before 12pm to allow for travel time.
  • 4. Additional accommodation in Caye Caulker or Belize City is available to book on this trip should you wish to extend your stay.
  • 5. Transfers from Belize City Port to our Belize City Hotel or the airport are available through your booking agent.
  • 6. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry , River boat

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    In tropical Central America, it can get really hot and humid. Carry plenty of water as hydration is key, especially when you’re walking around a lot.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024
$2460 $2214

Operator discount: -$246

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$2396 $2156

Operator discount: -$240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$2396 $2156

Operator discount: -$240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$2395 $1796

Operator discount: -$599

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$2396 $2156

Operator discount: -$240

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$2460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
$2415

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$2290

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$2290

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2310

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$2140

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$2225

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$2310

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026
$2310

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$2425

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

May 09, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$2245

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$2335

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$2425

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$2425

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 29, 2026 - Jan 05, 2027
$2425

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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