In a week, you can enjoy the best of Belize, from its world-class diving to the inland Maya ruins. Stay longer to explore all of this tiny Afro-Caribbean nation as you visit indigenous villages and paddle down jungle rivers. And if you want to see as many of Belize's famous dive sites in a short time, base yourself on the island of Ambergris Caye, from which you can embark on day trips to incredible marine reserves.
Belize is a small country, about the size of Massachusetts, so in five days, you can hit all the highlights: the beach, Maya ruins, and jungle. Mix it up with time at the Maya Lamanai ruins, zipline through the jungle, and relax on Southwest Caye, or spend more time discovering Maya ruins, exploring the jungle, and checking out underground cave systems. Alternatively, you could spend most of your time on an island like Tobacco Caye or Southwest Caye, snorkeling and diving the Belizean Barrier Reef and lying out under the sun.
With one week in Belize, you can spend three days each exploring the Maya ruins around San Ignacio and the Caribbean waters around Caye Caulker on a highlights tour. Alternatively, if you're a marine life enthusiast, San Pedro and Placencia are excellent bases for snorkeling excursions. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path adventure with a three-day stay in Hopkins Village and a fast-paced trip that includes time in Guatemala's Tikal National Park and Antigua.
With 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations. Consider a classic route of caves, Maya ruins, and snorkeling around Ambergris Caye, or spend time in the Cayo District—a starting point to explore parks and ecological reserves before learning about Garifuna culture in Hopkins on the coast. For a more off-the-grid experience, add a paddling adventure down the Moho River, and for divers and snorkelers, Glover's Reef Atoll is your paradise.
With two weeks in Belize and Guatemala, you can visit up to seven destinations. For a history and culture-focused itinerary, include Livingston for an encounter with Afro-Guatemalan Garufina culture. Adventurers will want to spend time kayaking and hiking at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, while history buffs will be interested in ancient Maya ruins at Xunantunich and Tikal National Park in Flores, Guatemala, and San Ignacio, Belize. Snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef in Caye Caulker will surely be a highlight for all.
