Belize, a tiny country in Central America, has a little bit of everything: culture, nature and adventure. From ancient Mayan ruins to lush jungles and the Belize Barrier Reef, there’s something for everyone. This 7 day Belize itinerary will take you through the best of Belize, so let’s get started!

Day 1: Arrival in Belize City

Morning: Arrival at International Airport

You arrive in Belize City at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. This is the hub of all things Belize. Once you clear customs, grab a taxi or private shuttle to your hotel.

Hotel Option: Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina - Book Here

This hotel is located in the heart of Belize City. Rooms are comfortable, views of the Caribbean are stunning and most attractions are within walking distance. Check in, freshen up and get ready to go.

Afternoon: Belize City

After you settle in, head out to explore Belize City. First stop is the Belize Museum, located in a former colonial prison. The museum is a great introduction to Belize’s history and culture. Then take a walk across the Swing Bridge, the only manually operated bridge in the world.

Lunch: Riverside Tavern

Have lunch at the Riverside Tavern, famous for its burgers and Belizean dishes. A great place to chill and soak up the local vibe.

Evening: Belize Zoo - Book Here

In the evening head to the Belize Zoo, just outside the city. This zoo is home to over 175 native animals including jaguars, howler monkeys and green iguanas. The zoo’s mission is to educate visitors about Belize’s wildlife and conservation.

Dinner: The Smoky Mermaid

Finish the day with dinner at The Smoky Mermaid, a cozy restaurant serving Caribbean and international cuisine. Try their seafood dishes and relax.

Day 2: San Ignacio and Mayan Ruins

Morning: San Ignacio

After breakfast fly to San Ignacio with Tropic Air or drive through the countryside. Check in to your hotel upon arrival.

Hotel Option: San Ignacio Resort Hotel - Book Here

This resort hotel has stunning views, elegant rooms and all the amenities: pool and spa. It’s also home to the Green Iguana Conservation Project where you can learn about and interact with these amazing creatures.

Afternoon: Cahal Pech and Xunantunich - Book Here

Start your Mayan adventure with a visit to Cahal Pech, just outside San Ignacio. This small but impressive site gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Mayan elite. Then head to Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most famous Mayan ruins. Climb to the top of El Castillo for views of the jungle and the Guatemalan border.

Lunch: Benny’s Kitchen

For lunch head to Benny’s Kitchen in the nearby village of San Jose Succotz. A local favorite serving up big Belizean dishes in a chill atmosphere.

Evening: San Ignacio town

In the evening explore San Ignacio town. Visit the market where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts and street food. Don’t miss trying the Belizean meat pies.

Dinner: Guava Limb Café

Farm to table dining at Guava Limb Café. Their menu features organic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Cozy atmosphere and friendly service makes it the perfect spot to end the day.

Day 3: ATM Cave Adventure

Morning: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave - Book Here

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you tour the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. This challenging tour involves hiking through the jungle, wading through rivers and exploring the cave’s chambers filled with Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through this underground world.

Lunch: Jungle Picnic

Most tour operators include a picnic lunch in the ATM Cave tour. Eat in the jungle.

Afternoon: Hotel Time

After the ATM Cave tour you’ll need to rest. Take a dip in the pool, get a spa treatment or just chill in your room.

Dinner: The Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant

Dine at The Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The menu features steaks, seafood and Belizean dishes all made with fresh ingredients.

Day 4: Jungle Adventures and Rio Frio Cave

Morning: Horseback Riding and Cave Tubing

Begin the day with a horseback ride through the Belizean jungle. Ride along scenic trails, through beautiful landscapes and spotting wildlife. Then cool off with a cave tubing adventure. Float down a crystal clear river, drift through underground caves and marvel at the rock formations.

Lunch: Local Restaurant

Lunch at a local eatery. Try rice and beans, stew chicken or fresh seafood.

Afternoon: Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools

Next visit Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This massive cave has a beautiful arched entrance and interior. Then head to Rio On Pools, a series of natural pools and waterfalls where you can swim, relax and take in the scenery.

Dinner: Erva’s Restaurant

Dinner at Erva’s Restaurant in San Ignacio. A local favorite with a variety of Belizean and international dishes, fresh seafood, grilled meats and vegetarian options.

Day 5: Tikal National Park and Departure for Caye Caulker

Morning: Tikal Day Trip

Day trip to Tikal National Park in Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best ancient Mayan sites in Central America. Visit the pyramids, temples and plazas of this former city. Climb Temple IV for views of the jungle.

Lunch: Tikal Picnic

Afternoon: Travel to Caye Caulker

After returning to San Ignacio, fly or take a shuttle to Belize City and then a water taxi to Caye Caulker. This laid back island is famous for its calm waters and beautiful sunsets. Check in to your hotel and start exploring.

Hotel Option: Island Magic Beach Resort - Book Here

Beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms, pool and easy access to the island’s attractions. Perfect to relax after a day of travel.

Dinner: Street Food at The Split

Dinner at The Split, where locals and tourists gather to eat street food, drink and listen to live music. Try the grilled lobster, shrimp tacos or fresh ceviche.

Day 6: Island Hopping and Marine Adventures

Morning: Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Snorkel to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Swim with fish, sea turtles and nurse sharks in the crystal clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. The coral reefs and marine life is a must see for any snorkeler.

Lunch: Rainbow Grill & Bar

After snorkeling, lunch at Rainbow Grill & Bar with a view. Fresh seafood, burgers and local favorites.

Afternoon: Caye Caulker

Afternoon to explore Caye Caulker. Visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter, a rescue for animals or take a bike ride around the island. Don’t miss the Secret Beach, where you can relax on the beach and swim.

Dinner: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Evening: Sunset dinner cruise around the island. Dinner while watching the sun set below the horizon.

Day 7: Ambergris Caye and Departure

Morning: Travel to Ambergris Caye

Water taxi to Ambergris Caye, the biggest island in Belize and a beach lovers paradise. Check in to your hotel and start exploring.

Hotel Option: Ramon’s Village Resort - Book Here

Thatch roof cabanas, beach and activities like diving and snorkeling tours.

Afternoon: San Pedro and Scenic Flight Over the Great Blue Hole

Visit San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye. Walk the beach, visit local shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous natural wonders of Belize. This flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the massive underwater sinkhole and the reef.

Lunch: Elvi’s Kitchen

Lunch at Elvi’s Kitchen in San Pedro. This institution serves Belizean and international cuisine, seafood, steaks and vegetarian options.

Evening: Beach time and Final Dinner

Final evening to relax on the beach. Swim in the warm Caribbean waters, watch the sunset and enjoy the peace of the island. For your last dinner in Belize, dinner at Blue Water Grill, fresh seafood, sushi and ocean views.

Flight Home: Departure from Belize City

After a week of this, it’s time to go home. Water taxi back to Belize City and fly out of Goldson International Airport. Think about all the amazing things you’ve done in this beautiful country and start planning your next trip to Belize.

Final Thoughts:

This one week itinerary for Belize has it all, from ancient Mayan ruins and jungle adventures to snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef and beach time on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker or a beach lover, Belize has something for everyone. Warm people, good food and natural beauty, you’ll never forget Belize.