Three Weeks Itinerary for Belize – Exciting, Fun Filled & Adventurous
The culture of the Garifuna people, which is still very much alive in Belize, lends the country a distinct Caribbean flavor. The entrance of enslaved people from West Africa in 1653 is considered to be the beginning of the Garifuna people, who are of Afro-Caribbean descent. Communities of Garifuna people can be found along the Caribbean Sea today, primarily in the coastal cities and villages of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in Central America.
Making an itinerary is a time-consuming endeavor that is frequently filled with frustration. It is frequently simpler to just take a tour, but tours do not always lead to the locations that you choose or allow you to spend sufficient time at the locations that you find intriguing.Â
This is a dilemma that applies to Belize in general. Even though it’s a small country, there’s a lot to see here. Therefore, following this itinerary should be of assistance in terms of how to make the most of the time you have available in Belize.
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Where is Belize?
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Belize is a nation that may be found on the Caribbean Sea, as well as on the northeastern coast of Central America. To the north, it is bordered by Mexico; to the east, it is adjacent to the Caribbean Sea; and to the west, it is bordered by Guatemala; and to the south, it is surrounded by Mexico.
It extends across an area of 22,970 square kilometers (8,867 square miles) and is home to a total population of 419,199 people (2020). Its mainland has a length of around 290 kilometers (180 miles) and a breadth of approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles).
Follow This Itinerary to Make the Most of Your Time in Belize
Week 1:
Day 1 - Old Belize
When you arrive in a new city, the first thing you should do is make an effort to become familiar with it. Discovering the secret parks, shops, and pubs of a new place, as well as getting a feel for the local culture, is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being on vacation.Â
For your first full day in the country of Belize, we recommend that you spend some time in Belize City, which will serve as both your new base of operations and the nerve center of your journey.
Your first day in Belize should start with a visit to Old Belize. To help you get your day off to a good start, Old Belize Exotic Beach & Bar provides a variety of delectable appetizers, in addition to other offerings. Old Belize takes great pride in its ability to convey a feeling of history while still wanting to present guests with a contemporary experience that will stay with them forever!
Old Belize is home to a number of exciting and entertaining attractions and activities, some of which include the Cucumber Beach Marina, Kukumba Beach, the Old Belize train trip, and a number of eateries that are sure to pique your interest. It is located on the stretch of the shore of Belize City that is informally referred to as “Kukumba Beach”!
The beach is one that was created by humans, and it features a water slide that is both 50 feet tall and 90 feet long, and it will have you shrieking with glee. In addition, there are sections for playing bean bag toss, inflatable tubes, rope swings, volleyball nets, as well as a bar, restaurant, and other amenities!
Experience real Belizean cuisine! The restaurant at the Old Belize Exotic Beach & Bar has a breathtaking view of both Cucumber Beach and the Caribbean Sea from its prime location. This creates a pleasant and exotic atmosphere in which to have some meals after a swim.
Take in the serene scenery as you watch the boats navigate the harbor in this panoramic view.
Day 2 - St. John's Cathedral
A haunting remembrance of the dominance formerly held by ancient empires. It’s a little unsettling to have such a strongly European structure in a nation that’s clearly identifiable as being in Central America.Â
The traditional Belizean food served at Bird’s Isle Restaurant will only serve to enrich your overall cultural experience in Belize. Located in the heart of Belize City, directly across the street from the Belizean Government Building and a few hundred feet to the west.
The magnificent Cathedral was constructed in 1812 for the purpose of serving as the headquarters of the Church of England in Central America. Once upon a time, four distinct native monarchs of the Miskito tribe were crowned in extravagant festivities within the Cathedral.
These ceremonies took place in the Cathedral. The Cathedral is now the oldest building in Belize that was built by Europeans and has survived to the present day. The “power foundation” of the Church of England in Central America was a cathedral that was created by English invaders using enormous ballast stones that were transported all the way from Europe!
It’s a peculiar attraction for tourists to check out while they’re in Belize. You could be fooled into thinking you were in an old English town if you disregarded the wonderful weather and focused only on the Cathedral, which is located in this modern city. The contrast is rather strange.
Even if it might appear to be geared for tourists, it’s still an experience that you shouldn’t pass up just because of that fact. On our trip schedule through Belize, we will be making a stop at this extremely worthwhile destination.
It is highly recommended that you go and have a look at the wonderfully well-preserved architecture (built from Sapodilla and Mahogany wood), as well as the vintage pipe organ and the tombstones of English colonists!
Day 3 - Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is the most well-known “small zoo” in the world. It offers visitors a breathtaking opportunity to observe the native flora and fauna of the country in conditions that are as similar to their natural habitat as is humanly possible.Â
At the Lil Texas Bar & Grill, you can get wonderful Texan food with a delectable Belizean twist! For those interested in animals and the natural world, this location is an absolute must-see because it is home to more than 175 different species of animals.
“Environmental education and rehabilitation” is the primary mission of the Belize Zoo, which is a zoo that operates on a not-for-profit basis and is dedicated to the preservation of animals. It was the first natural destination in Belize that was designed to accommodate guests with disabilities in every way.
The 175 animals in the Belize Zoo represent more than 45 different natural species. Animals who were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, animals that were rehabilitated, or donated to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions around Belize are all kept at the zoo!
The zoo is an attraction that should not be missed on any trip to Belize District. It is home to a wide range of animals, including pumas, tapirs, scarlet macaws, white-lipped peccaries, and white-lipped peccaries, among many others.Â
A trip to the zoo is the most effective method to become familiar with the native flora and fauna of Belize and to gain an appreciation for the significance of preserving the ecosystems that are essential to their survival.
Day 4 - Belize Museum
Visit the National Museum wherever you are since it is the best method to learn about the history and culture of the place you are in at the moment. The Belize Museum is a must-see for anybody traveling to Belize and is conveniently located just a few hundred meters from the coast.
Ruins of old Mayan cities may be seen all over the countryside in Belize, which was an important region in the Mayan Empire in the past. There are also artifacts from the Victorian colonial era that may be found in Belize that tell of the time when the country was formerly known as British Honduras!
If you go with the option of taking a tour, one of the things that you will get to do is go into a real prison cell! The facility, which had been used to imprison inmates since it was constructed more than 150 years ago by the British colonial authority, was finally shut down in 1992 by the newly independent government of Belize.
After ten years, the government of Belize undertook extensive renovations to the structure, and it is now home to the Belize Museum! Anyone who is feeling hesitant about making the journey to view the ruins of the Mayan civilization can benefit from making this stop because it gives them the opportunity to see more than 3,000 years of history and is a wonderful way to get there!
Day 5 - Dinner at the Riverside Tavern
This eating frenzy is the ideal way to unwind at the end of a long day because it features some of the tastiest and largest burgers in Belize. Meals can cost anywhere from 15 US dollars (for takeout, which already includes a drink) and more, depending on what you want to eat.Â
This restaurant is a wonderful place to start off your night out on the town or wind down your day, regardless of whether you want to sit on the patio that overlooks Haulover Creek or in the lively bar area.
It is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest dining establishments in Belize. It offers patrons who are driving there a safe parking lot that is free of charge, completely surrounded by fencing, and staffed by security personnel.Â
Their famous hamburgers, which start at 6 ounces and go up to larger quantities, are widely considered to be the greatest in Belize. The steak and prime rib entrees, in addition to the onion rings, come highly recommended from this establishment.
These are from cattle raised on a farm owned by the Bowen family not far away in Gallon Jug. In addition to owning the bar and restaurant, the Bowens are also the proprietors of Belikin beers.
Day 6 - San Ignacio Farmers Market
The market is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of what makes Belizean lifestyle so special! The prices vary by stall but have been reported to be as low as $1 USD for ten bananas or $1 USD for five limes.
The market has some of the best fruit and vegetables in the world, all locally produced. Breakfast and coffee are also available nearby at Bamboo Tea & Coffee. Some places on this Belize itinerary are not to be missed. One of those places is San Ignacio!
San Ignacio, in the Cayo area, is a little town with a pleasant, small-town ambiance. It’s the ideal place to stop on any Belize itinerary. It’s the ideal site to visit the country’s Mayan ruins and cave systems, thanks to its colorful past and varied blend of cultures.
But first, one of the best things to do in San Ignacio is to go to the San Ignacio Farmers Market.
This marketplace, which opens at around 04:30 a.m, is Belize’s largest of its kind, and with the variety of fruits and veggies available, it’s the ideal way to start your day. Because it is particularly multicultural, the open-air market is a great blend of vivid fruits, lively apparel, and colorful languages.
This lively hub can hear everything from English to German, Spanish, Creole, and native Mayan. Saturday is the busiest day to visit, and many Belizeans take advantage of the opportunity to connect, talk, or simply spend time with one another.
Exploring the best of Belize’s offerings is a great way to start your day as you fill up on all the fresh food you can handle.
Day 7 - Capello's Art Gallery
This gorgeous art gallery allows local artists to flourish, resulting in some of the most distinctive and exquisite works of art in the world! The price is zero.
The nearby dining options are a hole-in-the-wall restaurant named Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let’s Go Eat) that serves authentic Belizean cuisine and more. Inside and out, the Capello Art Gallery is one of San Ignacio’s most magnificent structures.
Local artists are given the opportunity to create magnificent works of art at the gallery, which they take delight in. It employs four Belizean artists full-time. Each artist has their own studio, and the gallery only employs high-quality materials to ensure long-term value.
Week 2
Day 8 - Explore the ATM Cave
These caves are the most holy in the world, and visiting them is almost spiritual. The cost is $110 USD per person (includes guide, lunch, and transport, water, and entrance).Â
Food in the vicinity includes Purple Star Sports Bar & Grill, which is a great place to go if you’re looking for a good deal in the area. According to National Geographic, the ATM Cave (short for the less catchy Actun Tunichil Muknal) is the world’s most sacred cave.
They usually have some knowledge of these topics, so you can rest assured that your time and money will be well spent. The ATM Cave is a natural wonder, and an archaeological site rolled into one. It goes for at least a kilometer into the ground, twisting through tight rock passages.
This continues until you reach a large atrium filled with crystallized stalagmites and stalactites. The crystal cathedrals aren’t the only thing that makes the cave feel so hallowed. The ATM Cave is where the remains of multiple ancient human sacrifices are interred.
The “Crystal Maiden,” an entire skeleton of a young female in near-perfect condition in the cave’s center, is the most famous of these. The “crystal” is formed by a layer of calcium carbonate that shines hauntingly.
There are many pieces of pottery and other objects shattered into bits, likely as part of sacrifice ceremonies, in addition to human remains. As a result, it is one of the most well-known Belize sights and should not be overlooked.
Day 9 - Green Iguana Conservation Project
You get to interact with these gigantic animals. The cost is 9 dollars (USD). The Running W. Steakhouse & Restaurant is one of Belize’s most picturesque locations to eat, with toucans frequently observed as you dine.Â
Green iguanas are some of the largest lizards in the Americas, native to Central, South, and the Caribbean. Their massive tails account for about half of their whole length. Unfortunately, humans consume these iguanas and their eggs, and they are considered a delicacy.
On menus in the area, the edible iguana is referred to as “bamboo chicken.” As a result of this, as well as the rising devastation of their natural environment, they have become increasingly vulnerable. As a result, the Green Iguana Conservation Project is required. Two crucial initiatives are part of the project.
Adopting an Iguana is the first step, and the Iguana Kids Club is the second. Incubation, hatching, raising, and releasing young iguanas into the wild are all encouraged. The goal is for students who participate in the program to gain a better understanding of these enormous reptiles.
The Iguana Conservation Project, located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, offers hour-long tours to visitors. You’ll go into the confined area where juvenile iguanas are raised until they’re released into the wild at this time. Adult iguanas can be touched and held, and then dozens of baby iguanas will cling to your body.
Day 10 - Dinner at Ko-Ox Han Nah
Authentic cuisine at a fair price. The majority of meals cost around $20 USD or less. The greatest way to finish a day is to have some of San Ignacio’s finest cuisine at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Some even refer to it as “THE” restaurant.
We couldn’t leave it off of our extensive Belize Itinerary. This Maya restaurant, which means “Let’s Go Eat,” offers a broad and fantastic choice of food, ranging from native and authentic Belizean cuisine to lamb curries and Mexican doof to American staples. There are also various vegetarian and vegan choices available.
The term “eclectic” is frequently used, yet it is completely suitable in this case. It’s a reasonable question why an eatery should be worth a visit, but all we can say is give it a shot. Nobody who has gone has ever regretted it, and you’d have to look hard to find someone who has had a poor time!
You should absolutely take advantage of this opportunity to skip room service and enjoy superb service, a hip atmosphere, fantastic food, a genuine ambiance, and a sense of inherent quality.
Day 11 - Unwind in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker, a tiny island a mile from the famous barrier reef system known as the Great Blue Hole, is popular with budget tourists, backpackers, and those looking to get away from the rush and bustle of everyday life back home.
The island is commonly referred to as the “little sister” of the busy San Pedro islands since it is less expensive. Because there are no paved roads, most people rely on a combination of golf carts, bicycles, water taxis, and regular old-fashioned walking to get around.
If you enjoy windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving, this is the place for you. Scuba diving, snorkeling, zip-lining, and meeting the native manatees are just a few of the day tours available.
Caye Caulker’s diversified geography makes it an ideal spot for a romantic sunset. It’s a good spot to relax and rest after all the excitement you’ve experienced since coming to beautiful Belize.
Day 12 - Eat Out at The Truck Stop in San Pedro
San Pedro, like the rest of Belize, has a plethora of adventure activities to choose from. From diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley to sunset excursions, there’s something for everyone.Â
The Truck Stop is a hidden gem on this golden island. The Truck Stop, 1 mile north of San Pedro Town, is a collection of cargo containers that have been converted into great eateries offering something for everyone! Take in the cool wind from the lagoon’s pier, eat/drink in the beer garden, or relax in the “tree pit.”
You won’t be bored with activities like cornhole bag tossing, horseshoes, redneck golf, life-size Jenga, and more. They also sell Arepas, which are some of the best-tasting South American food, as well as food from around the world, including Malaysian/Asian-style alternatives.
The Truck Stop is the kind of hidden gem that makes you glad you did your homework ahead of time!
Day 13- Spend time with Jaguars at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
With various hotels within 30 minutes of the location, it could be a good idea to get a room there before visiting this one-of-a-kind sanctuary. It’s a great opportunity to get a taste of Belize’s natural splendor, with over 14 distinct hiking paths to choose from and few tourists to contend with.
It’s a wonderfully surreal way to spend some time in nature, with hidden waterfalls, rivers, and mountain summits with incredible views of the park. There is a vast variety of tropical species for birdwatchers to enjoy.
Wildcat and other wildlife tracks are frequently seen, especially along the South Stann Creek bank. If at all possible, schedule a longer visit. For those seeking to spend the night, the park includes various cabins as well as campgrounds!
The area was also established to safeguard the upper watersheds of significant river systems, which is an intriguing detail about the area. Cockscomb is divided by two distinct basins by a ridge of hills. The East Basin empties into South Stann Creek, while the West Basin empties into the Swasey River.
Day 14 - Xunantunich Tour
This is yet another historic Belize site. The Mayan word Xunantunich means “stone woman,” and the ruins date from around 200 to 900 AD. Over 25 different temples and palaces can be seen among the ruins. El Castillo, one of the most powerful, is one of the most stunning.
It stands 40 meters (130 feet) tall and offers a spectacular perspective of the jungle, neighboring ruins, and even across the Guatemalan border. But be warned: getting to Xunantunich can be difficult, and because the park shuts at 4 p.m., you’ll want to get there early.
If you’re coming from San Ignacio, you’ll have no trouble finding a bus that will take you to the ruins. Most of Belize’s major cities offer planned tours that provide transportation on a regular basis.
Take a free ride on the hand-cranked ferry to bridge the Mopan River after being dropped off, followed by a short beautiful walk to the site! Make sure you don’t miss out on one of Belize’s major attractions!
Week 3
Day 15 - Go Bar Hopping in Placencia
With some of Belize’s best beaches and bars, you might as well combine the two. In this vibrant nighttime environment, there’s always something to do. San Ignacia and Caye Caulker are both safer and more fun at night than Belize City.
The Barefoot Bar features live music five nights a week, full-moon celebrations, and fire dancing. Check out Above Grounds or Brewed Awakenings if you love coffee or breakfast vibes.
Check out the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar for a colorful lounging atmosphere and Garifuna dancing on Wednesdays. Yoli’s, Street Feet, and SkyDeck are all happening nightclubs that can become fairly intense on the weekends.
Day 16- Caracol and Rio on Pools with Lunch
Take a trip through the Maya settlements of Cristo Rey and San Antonio, Toledo, in Caracol. Follow the twisting woodland walk and listen to the amazing guides immerse you in Maya legends.
You’ll be able to observe the massive stone structures and extensive networks of ancient highways as they do so. Climb the Canna, Belize’s largest man-made structure (43 meters), and go along the trails that the warriors used.
Before stopping at the Rio on Pools or the Big Rock Falls, you’ll get a chance to see the abundant tropical jungles. You can take a refreshing dip after your excellent lunch.
Day 17- Belize Cave Tubing and Ziplining
As you make your approach to the cave’s entrance, take a 30-minute walk to take in the beautiful flora and animals. The ancient Maya came to perform major rites at the location. While your guide tells you everything you need to know about the cave’s natural structures, you are driven by mild currents.
The journey continues with an adrenaline-pumping ride through the forest treetops, providing a bird’s eye perspective of the emerald forest canopy. The zip line tour entails traversing from one platform to another while suspended 75 feet above the forest floor on cables.
Day 18- Hopkins
Hopkins is far further north than Placencia. Although this is a little fishing community, it cannot be compared to Placencia. Hopkins is far less well-known, with only a few buses passing through each day.
The beaches here aren’t as lovely as those in Placencia. Perfect for a few days when you don’t want to do anything, but don’t expect much more.
Your Three Weeks in Belize Are Complete! ...🛪
Now that you’ve finished reading through our Belize Itinerary, you should have a good idea of what to anticipate throughout your trip in Belize, which is a stunning Caribbean jungle mix.Â
Be sure to make a note of when you want to go and keep in mind that even though it may be raining outside, you can still do many of the things that have been stated here without too much trouble. In fact, it might even make things better!
Remember to take a camera with you and shoot as many pictures as possible in one of the most picturesque and naturally gorgeous places in the world.
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