Off the Beaten Path, from North to South
From Cayo District to Garifuna villages, an authentic itinerary between Maya jungle and Caribbean waters.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,060/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
This itinerary explores Belize away from the crowds, from Cayo District to the south of the country. In the western jungle, you discover the pyramids of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, a horseback ride through the valley and a swim in the natural pools of Mountain Pine Ridge. Next stop is the coast, to meet the Garifuna communities of Hopkins and Punta Gorda, between percussion, mixed cuisine and living traditions of Toledo district. The journey ends on the bohemian island of Caye Caulker, where the coral reef invites diving, before a final excursion to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, in the heart of the jungle.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Belize and drive to San Ignacio
Upon your arrival at Belize city airport, our driver welcomes you and takes you to the San Ignacio region, in the west of the country. The road crosses plantations and rolling green hills.
If you wish, you can stop at the Belize Zoo, located in a 12-hectare forest, to discover the country's wildlife.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows, in the heart of a lush garden.
Mayan Sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
This morning you depart in a shared minibus to visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Composed mainly of two large pyramids, this site offers a superb panoramic view.
You then continue your day with the discovery of the Cahal Pech site, which features around thirty palace and temple remains.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a lush garden
San Ignacio Valley – Horse Riding in the Valley
This day is devoted to a horseback riding excursion of approximately 2 hours through the valley. Departing from a small family-run equestrian center well-known to local residents, you set off accompanied by a member of the property to discover the many local natural riches at the pace of the horses.
Night in a simple hotel composed of bungalows in a verdant garden
San Ignacio Valley – Mountain Pine Ridge and Swimming at Río On Pools
A small shared minibus will pick you up this morning to take you to the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. You will explore these ochre-colored landscapes by vehicle and on foot, before enjoying a swim in the refreshing waters of Río On Pools, a set of natural pools carved into the rock.
Night in a simple hotel made up of bungalows in a lush garden
From Bocawina Reserve to Hopkins Village
This morning, a driver takes you to the Bocawina reserve. On site, you can choose from several activities, including zip-lining, canyoning or a guided hike.
You then continue on to the village of Hopkins, the birthplace of Garifuna culture in Belize.
Night in a comfortable family-run establishment by the beach.
Rest by the sea in Hopkins
Free days to enjoy the beach and discover the Garifuna culture specific to this Caribbean area. Hopkins is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye islands. Here tourism is still in its infancy and the atmosphere is relaxing.
Night in a comfortable family establishment on the beachfront.
Route to Punta Gorda and visit to Nim Li Punit
You head down the road to Punta Gorda, at the far south of Belize. Along the way, you freely visit the small Nim Li Puni Maya site, which notably features a well-preserved ball court.
You also stop at a spice farm where many endemic plants grow.
Night in a charming small ecolodge, where you enjoy delicious cuisine.
Culinary Encounters and Percussion in Toledo District
This day is placed under the sign of interculturality. You thus depart accompanied by a local guide to discover the culinary traditions of Toledo District thanks to meetings with 5 different Belizean ethnic groups; Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Creole and East Indian. You thus visit, among other things, the hamlets of Forest Home and Big Falls before finishing with a percussion lesson.
Night in a charming small ecolodge with savory cuisine
From Punta Gorda to Caye Caulker via Belize City
After breakfast, you travel by vehicle to the port of Belize city from Punta Gorda.
You then take the ferry to Caye caulker; the crossing is not included in the tour.
On this small island with a bohemian atmosphere, enjoy some rest time. Night in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool by the sea.
Free days on the island of Caye Caulker
Free days to enjoy the sun and marine life, an opportunity to go diving in the Lighthouse Reef marine reserve to observe the famous Blue Hole or discover the small islands of Turneffe Atoll. Swimming in the heart of the coral reef among turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks is an extraordinary experience.
Night in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool by the sea.
Excursion to the Mayan Site of Lamanai
Night in a charming welcoming B&B on the outskirts of Belize City
Return by boat (not included) to Belize City then transfer by small shared minibus towards the North of the country.
You board a motorized boat to navigate the New River Lagoon to the Maya site of Lamanai. You discover large pyramids that dominate the jungle.
Night in a charming B&B on the outskirts of Belize City.
Belize City – Belize City Airport
Depending on your flight schedule, free time in Belize City to discover its small historic center with several naval museums and a beautiful Anglican cathedral.
Then, a vehicle takes you to Belize City International Airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Airport taxes, border taxes and miscellaneous taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Round-trip transfers to Caye Caulker Island
- International flight tickets
- Excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not previously mentioned (e.g. Belize Zoo, Bocawina Reserve, Nim Li Punit, the spice farm)
- Tips
- All expenses due to delays or circumstances beyond our control
- All personal expenses
- Insurance
- All services not mentioned
Included
- Double room accommodation with breakfast
- Transport as mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary (private vehicle and shared shuttles)
- Excursions, site entrance fees and English-speaking guides for days 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 13. These excursions may be carried out in the company of other travellers
- Midday meals in the form of picnics during outings to Mountain Pine and Punta Gorda
- VAT
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Belize for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Belize, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Belize.
Currently, this exemption allows an initial stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. A stay extension can generally be requested on-site from the Belize Immigration Department, for a maximum total duration of 90 days per year.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Tourist tax on arrival
A tourist tax is charged upon entry to Belize. The amount may vary depending on the mode of entry into the country (by air or land). This tax is generally included in the airline ticket for travelers arriving by air, but may need to be paid separately for arrivals by land.
It is advisable to inquire with your carrier or Belizean authorities to find out the exact amount applicable at the time of your trip.
Health
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Belize for travelers coming from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada, except in cases of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, where a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
As a preventive measure, health authorities notably recommend:
vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid,
precautions against malaria, present in certain rural areas of the country,
protective measures against arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), transmitted by mosquitoes.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Belize in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Belize, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a return ticket are required upon arrival. A visa exemption is granted for an initial stay period, extendable on-site up to a maximum duration. Please check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Belize consular authorities or your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, budget between 200 and 330 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Belize combines jungle, coral reef and Mayan ruins across a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Western Jungle
Explorer of Belize's jungles and reefs, based in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Belize offers a true sense of freedom. You can go from a tropical jungle to a coral reef in the same day, while keeping that feeling of simple, natural travel.
— Jean-François
