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A Week in...
 

A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests

9 days |  12 days with Tikal & Belize City extension
9 days |  12 days with Tikal & Belize City extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

129
Physical activity
several travelers climbing the xunantunich mayan ruins
two men leading a garifuna drum lesson at caye caulker
hummingbird sitting on a tree branch
four kayaks sitting on coast of beach with palm trees
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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A biodiverse hotspot that’s just waiting to be explored.

Nestled along the Caribbean Sea in the northeastern corner of Central America sits a country that beckons beachgoers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. How does one tiny nation hit this travel trifecta? Well, Belize is home to one of the world’s healthiest barrier reefs, archaeological sites once at the center of Mayan civilization, and a lush rainforest. We could go on, but we’ll let those views and the local culture on this small group Adventure Tour do the talking. If you aren’t quite ready to stop listening, stretch your trip a few more days by adding the extension to neighboring Guatemala, and let the twin Pre-Columbian cities of Yaxha and Tikal awe you.

Your tour package includes

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 4 dinners with beer or rum punch
  • 1 cooking class
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Included highlights

  • Lamanai Mayan ruins
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve
  • Coral Gardens snorkeling
  • Orange farm
  • Garifuna drum lesson
Read more
Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Belize City Region2 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Belize City
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Belize! Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lamanai Mayan ruins
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet up with a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the Lamanai Mayan ruins, a once prominent pre-Columbian city named after the crocodiles that live in the nearby river.

  • Board a boat and cruise along the New River Lagoon, the country’s largest fresh body of water
  • Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife including spider monkeys, crocodiles, and birds
  • Walk through the archaeological site to see the Jaguar Temple and ball court
  • Opt to climb to the top of the High Temple and soak in the views of the ruins
  • Enjoy an included lunch before traveling back to Belize City
Ambergris Caye2 nights
Day 3: Ferry to Ambergris Caye
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board a ferry and travel to Ambergris Caye. This stunning island, which is the largest in Belize, is located off the country’s eastern coast and known for its white-sand beaches and diverse marine life. You’ll pass the surrounding barrier islands and Caye Caulker en route. Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 4: Marine biologist chat, Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Coral Gardens
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local marine biologist to learn about the Mesoamerican reef ecosystem.

  • Hear about the coral, fish, turtles and sharks that live here
  • Discover how NGOs and the government are working to increase conservation efforts and address coral bleaching

Then, meet up with a local guide and board a boat to explore two of the world’s top snorkeling spots—Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Coral Gardens.

  • Admire views of the sparking blue water
  • Relax on the boat or hop in the water to snorkel through the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
  • Try to spot local wildlife including turtles, dolphins, and some of the over 160 species of fish that call the marine reserve home
  • Learn about the country’s commitment to preserving the coral reef and marine life

Head back to Ambergris Caye and spend free time relaxing on the beach.

Southern Coast2 nights
Day 5: Ferry to Belize City & transfer to Southern Coast via orange farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Board a ferry and travel back to Belize City this morning. Then, visit an orange farm to learn how the fruit is grown and picked.

  • Join a local guide for a walk through the orange groves and try your hand at harvesting the fruit
  • Sample your fresh-picked orange as you learn about the farm’s sustainable practices, including how the farmers plant and care for the orange trees
  • Stop at an on-site cottage and sip some fresh-squeezed orange juice

Continue on to the Southern coast, an area famous for its beautiful beaches, and enjoy a free evening.

Day 6: Garifuna drum lesson
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free morning on the Southern Coast, or add an excursion.

This afternoon, learn about the country’s traditions and heritage.

  • Visit a cultural center to meet the local Garifuna people and learn about their Afro-Caribbean culture, language, and musical traditions
  • Participate in an interactive Garifuna drum lesson, a UNESCO-recognized art form

Cockscomb Basin & Jaguar Preserve Hike

From $89 per person

Cayo District2 nights
Day 7: Mayan chocolate factory & transfer to Cayo District
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Spend the morning touring a Mayan chocolate factory to learn about the history of one of the country’s most delicious foods.

  • See how cacao is produced, harvested, and turned into chocolate before sampling the sweet treat
  • Meet with a Mayan guide who will teach you about the different herbs and plants used in traditional medicines and healing ceremonies—then get a chance to taste some of them yourself

Afterward, travel through the rainforest to the Cayo District and enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion.

Tonight, gather together for an included dinner with your group.

Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing in Belize

From $75 per person

Day 8: San Antonio Women's Cooperative & Xunantunich Mayan ruins
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner

Join a local guide to dive into the region’s Mayan history and culture.

  • Head to the San Antonio Women's Cooperative and meet the women dedicated to preserving Mayan traditions
  • Participate in a hands-on lesson to learn about Mayan weaving and basket-making techniques
  • Discover how the women use the proceeds they receive to support their community
  • Enjoy a cooking lesson to see how to make tortillas over a fire and sit down for an included lunch

This afternoon, set off on a guided tour of the Xunantunich Mayan ruins.

  • Cross the Mopan River by ferry en route to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, which translates to “Sculpture of Lady”
  • Hear the stories behind the archaeological site’s more than 25 temples and palaces
  • Choose to climb to the top of the famous El Castillo pyramid, the second-tallest structure in Belize

Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Belize City airport for your flight home or continue on to Guatemala.

Extension to Tikal & Belize City
Three urban centers, separated by millennia, await on this tour’s extension. Begin by crossing into Guatemala and visiting a pair of important Mayan cities: ceremonial Yaxha and UNESCO-recognized Tikal. Then, hop back to the present with an additional night in Belize City, stopping in the island town of Flores en route.
Tikal Region2 nights
Day 9: Flores via Yaxha Mayan ruins
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Flores, Guatemala and enjoy an included lunch. Then, tour the Yaxha Mayan ruins with a local guide.

  • Travel through Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park
  • Learn about the history of the archaeological site
  • Watch the sunset over the magnificent Mayan ruins, pyramids, and plazas

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Tikal Mayan ruins
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet up with a local guide and take a tour of the UNESCO-recognized Tikal Mayan ruins.

  • Explore the great plaza, pyramids, and temples in the heart of the rainforest
  • Discover why these are considered to be the most famous of all Mayan ruins
  • Enjoy an included lunch
Belize City1 night
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Flores & transfer to Belize City via hot sauce factory
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Join your Tour Director on a walk through Flores, a town located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá.

  • View the colorful colonial architecture
  • Stroll through the Spanish plaza

Travel back to Belize City and stop to tour a hot sauce factory en route.

  • See where the peppers are grown and how they’re harvested
  • Sample different kinds of locally made hot sauces and learn about the unique carrot-based recipe
  • Hear why hot sauces are a must-add to any local dish

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Belize City airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 129 authentic traveler reviews
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    4 out of 5 stars

    2/17/24 by 1st-time traveler Randi

    It was an interesting and informative tour with a great bunch of people. Our guide and bus driver were exceptional. All in all it was a good experience. The ruins and info associated with them were all I expected and more.

    5 out of 5 stars

    It’s un-Belize-able!
    3/2/24 by 1st-time traveler Becky

    Great tour! The Belizian people are inviting, accommodating and kind! The tour guide, Roberto is the best! He shared his love of his country from his heart! His goal was for us to have an amazing tour …and it was! Three great resorts, great food …along with sun, beaches and jungles!

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/12/24

    Becky, Thank you so much for your review! We're h...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    3/2/24 by 2nd-time traveler Sandra
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/12/24

    Sandra, Thank you so much for your review! We're ...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza
    Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza

    This traditional hotel is located in the Belama Phase 2 neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, spa, and outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Caribb...

    Read more +
    Sunbreeze Hotel
    Sunbreeze Hotel

    This seaside hotel is located in San Pedro, Belize facing the second largest barrier reef in the world. Guests enjoy the sun deck, onsite dive and sno...

    Read more +
    The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
    The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

    This tropical hotel is located on the Caribbean Sea. Guests enjoy beach access, kayak rentals, and restaurant options. Nearby, you’ll find downtown Ho...

    Read more +
    San Ignacio Resort Hotel
    San Ignacio Resort Hotel

    This luxury hotel abuts the the Macal River in San Ignacio. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, spa, and stunning jungle views. Nearby you'll find the Caha...

    Read more +
    Hotel Isla de Flores
    Hotel Isla de Flores

    This charming hotel is located on Flores Island in Guatemala. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, rooftop bar, and live music. Nearby you'll find several r...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ

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