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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. 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 wow 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
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
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, Dinner
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 sit down for an included dinner.
Day 6: Garifuna drum lesson
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, 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
Enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion.
Cockscomb Basin & Jaguar Preserve Hike
From $85 per person
Cayo District2 nights
Day 7: Mayan chocolate factory & transfer to Cayo District
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Tour a Mayan chocolate factory to learn about the history of one of the country’s most delicious foods. You’ll see how cacao is produced, harvested, and turned into chocolate before sampling the sweet treat.
Then, travel through the rainforest to the Cayo district and enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.
Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing in Belize
From $65 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
Cross into Guatemala where your culture and history lesson continues on a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Tikal Mayan ruins. You’ll discover that the only experience that tops exploring the world-famous site is seeing the views from the ancient temples and plazas.
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.
Belize is amazing! The guides were great. The people of Belize are so kind and talented artisans. Wish we had more free time at the Rain Forest lodging as they had so much to do that we could not, due to other tour activities. The negative was that our tour director could have and should have done ...
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EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 9/19/23
Thank you for your review and feedback. We are alw...
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3.0 star rating
Beautiful Country/Tour lacked a bit
7/8/23 by 1st-time traveler Erica
The country was beautiful. Our tour director left a bit to be desired. Even the local staff at our destinations didnt love him. He was knowledgeable of the country and its history, but didn't communicate well or even listen well to his guests.
EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/8/23
Hi Erica,
Thank you for taking a moment to share ...
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5.0 star rating
Stunning!
7/8/23 by 1st-time traveler Julie
This was the tour of a lifetime for me! For those considering this amazing tour I include some recommendations based on my experience on tour in July.
1. Belize is very hot and humid. I recommend bringing a water bottle with carabiner to clip to your backpack and carry with you at all times. Purifie...
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EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/8/23
Thank you for your wonderful review and tips for t...
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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.
El Gran Mestizo
This cabin style hotel is located in the town of Orange Walk. Guests enjoy their own private cabin, outdoor pool, and complimentary bikes. Nearby you'...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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
In order to enter Belize (and Guatemala on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BEL.
You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily over moderately uneven terrain including paved roads, grass, and sand with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats and ferries.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Belize City. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Boat rides to the Lamanai Mayan ruins, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Coral Gardens, and the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, as well as a round-trip ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include boats and ferries.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for daily activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in this region.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes several boat transfers.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BEL.
Belize’s culinary influences derive from Spanish, Mexican, African, Caribbean, and Mayan cultures. While staples such as rice, beans, corn, and fruit are involved in nearly every meal, seafood is the shining star. Lobster, shrimp, and fish can be found on most menus. Local fruits like pineapples, mangos, and melons are abundant and fresh. For dessert, you’re likely to find favorites like bread pudding and flan.
Guatemalan cuisine, on the tour extension, is inspired by both Mayan and Spanish traditions. Most meals are centered around staples such as rice and beans or stews and seasoned meats. Don’t miss the tamales, dough filled with meat or fruits and wrapped in green maxan leaves. Traditional treats include arroz con leche, tres leches cakes, and locally grown fruits, such as mango, papaya, banana, and avocado. Coffee lovers will want to sample Guatemala’s world-class brew.
Belize operates on 110-120 volts and uses Types A, B, or G plugs with two flat pins, two flat pins and one round pin or three flat pins, respectively.
Guatemala (on the tour extension) operates on 120 volts and uses Types A or B plugs with two flat pins, or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Central American hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Belize (and Guatemala on the tour extension) are six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and one hour behind Eastern Time (ET). These countries do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 11am on tour from November through March and 10am from April through October.
You will use the Belize dollar in Belize (and the Guatemalan quetzal in Guatemala on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency or USD. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.
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