5 Days • 4 Nights
Belize Short Escape: Reef & Jungle in Five Days
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Xunantunich Maya temple near San Ignacio
- Cave tubing on a jungle river
- Snorkelling Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley
- Island time on Ambergris Caye
- An easy mix of jungle and reef
- Perfect as a short break or add-on
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Met at Belize City airport, you drive west to San Ignacio in the jungle-clad Cayo district. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a welcome dinner amid the sounds of the rainforest.
Float on inner tubes through a dramatic river cave in the morning, then cross the river by hand-cranked ferry to climb the great pyramid of Xunantunich for sweeping jungle views.
A short scenic flight over the reef brings you to Ambergris Caye. Check into your beachfront hotel in San Pedro and spend the afternoon on the sand and in the sea.
A boat trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for the best of Belize's snorkelling, gliding among turtles, rays and nurse sharks, with the rest of the day free on the island.
A final island breakfast before the short flight to Belize City and your onward flight home.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Domestic transfers between the mainland and the cayes
- All national park and Maya site entry fees
- cave tubing, Xunantunich and a Hol Chan snorkelling trip
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Language & currency: English is the official language of Belize, which makes travel refreshingly easy. The currency is the Belize Dollar, fixed at two to one against the US Dollar, and US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere
- Visa: Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival; check your nationality with us before travelling and carry a passport valid for at least six months
- Best time to visit: The dry season from late November to May is ideal for the reef, the cayes and the Maya sites, while the greener wet season (June to November) brings afternoon showers and is also the Atlantic hurricane season
- The reef and the cayes: Belize sits on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, superb for snorkelling and diving; bring reef-safe sunscreen, as regular sunscreen is restricted in marine reserves to protect the coral
- Health: A yellow fever certificate is only required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Bring insect repellent for the jungle, stay hydrated, and drink bottled or filtered water
- Getting around: Belize is small and easy to travel, with short domestic flights and boat transfers connecting the mainland, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker; internal transfers are included in your tour
- Money & tipping: Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for local eateries, markets and tips. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service and appreciated by guides
- Electricity & connectivity: Power is 110V with US-style flat-pin plugs, so US travellers need no adapter. Wifi is available in most hotels, though it can be slower on the remote cayes and jungle lodges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is five days enough to see Belize?
It is a taste rather than a full exploration, but cleverly planned it delivers both jungle and reef, the two things Belize does best. It is ideal for a short break or as an add-on to a Mexico or Guatemala trip.
Can this be extended?
Easily — we can add more reef or jungle nights, include Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala, or combine it with the cayes for a longer beach stay. Just tell us how much time you have.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals specifically named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a reef picnic lunch. Belize's food, from fresh seafood to Creole and Maya dishes, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free for you to explore.
Are internal flights and boat transfers included?
Yes — all transfers within Belize, including the short domestic flights or boat rides between the mainland and the cayes, are arranged and included so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Belize?
Many nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for at least six months is needed.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The dry season from late November to May offers the best conditions for the reef, cayes and Maya sites. The green season (June to November) is quieter and lush but brings afternoon showers and falls in the hurricane season.
Is Belize suitable for non-divers?
Absolutely. The reef is wonderful for snorkelling straight off the beach or boat, and there is a wealth of jungle, wildlife, cave and Maya-ruin experiences on the mainland, so you do not need to dive to love Belize.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes — every itinerary is a starting point. We can adjust the balance of reef and jungle, add nights, change islands or lodges, and tailor the activities to your interests and pace.
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