1 Week in Belize - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Belize Discovery Tour: Natural Wonders & Maya Culture

This weeklong highlights tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Belize who are eager to split their time between ancient Maya sites and the country's famed underwater world. First, spend three days in the jungle-tucked town of San Ignacio, where you'll explore caves and an ancient Maya city. Then, transfer to the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker and wrap up your adventure with multiple snorkeling tours and a thrilling helicopter ride.

Welcome to Belize! Your adventure begins in Belize City, but as this journey is all about the country's natural and cultural wonders, you'll transfer to the jungle-surrounded town of San Ignacio. Spend your first afternoon here sampling street food alongside a guide and conquering a short hike. Then, embark on a fascinating journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the "Cave of the Stone Sepulchre," the following morning to witness Maya artifacts. Before leaving San Ignacio, you'll also trek to the ancient Maya city of Caracol and tour the storied caverns of Barton Creek Cave.

The second leg of your journey brings you to Caye Caulker, a tiny, car-free island reachable by a water taxi from Belize City. Upon arrival, don your swimsuit for an afternoon of snorkeling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, then continue your underwater exploration at the famous Blue Hole. With one more full day left on your adventure, you'll transition to exploring the island's land and air. Hop between beaches and local restaurants, and take to the sky for a spectacular helicopter tour, all before returning to Belize City to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Belize Beach Escape: Snorkeling, Diving & Sailing at Ambergris Caye

Dive into Belize's renowned underwater world on this relaxed island adventure crafted especially for marine life enthusiasts. Throughout, you'll dive in the famed Blue Hole, snorkel in Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, and spend an entire day sailing along the coral island-dotted Caribbean coastline. You'll also embark on a few land-based excursions, including a visit to the peaceful Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and a tour of Xunantunich's Maya ruins.

Your trip starts with two days based in Belize City, but before settling in at your hotel, you'll head straight out of the city to explore San Ignacio's Blue Morpho Butterly Farm. Another memorable day trip awaits the following morning, this time to the San Antonio Women's Cooperative to learn the secrets of traditional Maya cuisine. Then, on the morning of Day 3, board a water taxi bound for Ambergris Caye—Belize's largest island. Your four-night base here is San Pedro, a laid-back town renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Spend your first afternoon in San Pedro boating among the manatee-filled waters of the neighboring Caye Caulker. Then, wake early for a bucket list-worthy day trip to the famous Blue Hole, complete with a chance to swim, snorkel, and scuba. The water theme continues over the next two days, with an idyllic full-day cruise around Belize's grand Caribbean coast on the agenda, followed by a snorkeling excursion in Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Lastly, before returning to Belize City to catch your departing flight, you'll squeeze in a detour to Xunantunich to hike amid Maya ruins. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nature & Adventure in Belize: San Ignacio & Placencia

Ideal for nature lovers seeking an activity-packed adventure, this outdoor-oriented itinerary gets you out hiking, snorkeling, river floating, and fishing. Starting in San Ignacio, you'll meander among the ruins of Xunantunich and visit the awe-inspiring caverns of Barton Creek Cave. Then, with four days based in Placencia, you'll have ample time to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, search for big cats in the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, and explore the former Maya site of Nim Li Punit. 

Upon arriving in Belize City, transfer from the airport to San Ignacio and spend the afternoon admiring majestic butterflies at the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm. Wake early the following morning to embark on a half-day tour of Xunantunich, the ruins of an ancient Maya city, and wrap up the day exploring Barton Creek Cave's expansive river caverns. Next, trade the jungle for the southern coast community of Placencia, which will be your base for the rest of the trip. Spend your first day here seeking out native big cats at Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve and floating down the South Stann Creek River. 

Your second day in Placencia features an exciting boat trip to the Belize Barrier Reef, and with a long afternoon here, you'll have plenty of time to snorkel among rays, parrotfish, and turtles. Then, lace up your trail shoes and spend Day 5 hiking around Nim Li Punit's Maya ruins and learning about spice cultivation at a local farm. Next on your itinerary is another fantastic day of snorkeling, this time to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Afterward, test your luck at catching dinner during a fishing trip to Laughing Bird Caye and prep for the following day's return to Belize City. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Belize Off the Beaten Track: San Ignacio & Hopkins Village

Explore the lesser-visited gems of Belize, including the jungle-surrounded San Ignacio and the Caribbean-backed village of Hopkins, on this off-the-beaten-path escape. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive trip filled with unique activities, you'll walk among ancient palace ruins at Xunantunich, wade through a sacred river cave, and snorkel off a secluded beach. Plus, with time set aside to explore independently, there's plenty of opportunity to conquer additional hikes and water expeditions.

Your adventure kicks off with a transfer from Belize City to the nature-immersed town of San Ignacio. Upon arrival, take the afternoon to settle in and explore your surroundings, perhaps stretching your legs on a short hike or visiting an enchanting butterfly farm. Then, over the following two days, delve deeper into the region's fascinating history and natural wonders. First, during a trip to the ancient Maya archaeological site of Xunantunich, followed by a tour of the cathedral-like Barton Creek Cave and a guided walk through Actun Tunichil Muknal's underground tunnels.

The second half of your adventure kicks off with a transfer to the village of Hopkins. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, you'll get right back to the activities, with a trip to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve and a float down the South Stann Creek River on the agenda. Wake early the following morning to enjoy a long afternoon snorkeling in the tropical fish-filled waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. Then, spend your final full day exploring at your leisure, and with options including kayaking, a cooking class, and waterfall hikes, you'll undoubtedly return to Belize City happily exhausted. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best of Belize & Guatemala

Travel from the Caribbean Sea, through the rainforests of northern Guatemala, to the volcanic-surrounded city of Antigua on this Belize and Guatemala highlights tour. Perfect for those seeking a fast-paced trip, you'll fit in numerous activities between transfers by car, water taxi, and plane. Highlights include snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, horseback riding in Xunantunich, and hiking up the Pacaya volcano.

Upon arriving at the airport in Belize City, you'll transfer to the port and board a water taxi bound for the tiny car-free island of Caye Caulker. Spend your first night here lazing on a beach, which ensures you're refreshed and ready to devote the following day to a dreamy snorkeling excursion to Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. Next, transfer inland to San Ignacio, where you'll stop for a thrilling horseback ride among Xunantunich's ruins. Afterward, cross the border into Guatemala and head straight to Tikal National Park—home to the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.

With an evening arrival in Tikal, you'll wake excited to spend the morning exploring the park's ancient temples and pyramids. Next, catch a short flight to Antigua, a colorful city surrounded by volcanoes, and your base for the following three nights. Start with a city walking tour, complete with stops at historic churches and palaces, then head out of the city for a fun-filled "chicken bus" tour through countryside villages. You'll also venture even farther afield for a rugged hike up the Pacaya volcano before transferring to Guatemala City to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Belize Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Belize? Check out these other one-week Belize itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.