If you have 2 weeks, you'll be able to hit all the highlights mentioned in "In One Week," as well as some others, including a side trip to the ruins of Tikal, in neighboring Guatemala. And, you can do all this at a slightly more relaxed pace to boot.
Day 1: Arrive & Head to PlacenciaArrive into Belize City and grab a quick connecting flight to Placencia. Spend the afternoon strolling along the beach and the town’s famous sidewalk. For dinner, try the tapas and fusion fare served up at Maya Beach Hotel Bistro. Then head back to the sidewalk after dinner, and enjoy some time mingling with locals and tourists alike at the Barefoot Beach Bar.
Day 2: Way Down upon the Monkey River
Take a snorkel trip to Laughing Bird Caye and enjoy a picnic lunch on this tiny little gem of an island. If you happen to be here during whale-shark season, swap out the Laughing Bird Caye trip for a chance to snorkel or scuba dive with the world’s largest fish.
Day 3: Hop over to Hopkins
Make your way up to Hopkins Village, a lovely seaside Garífuna settlement. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the town, because at night is when this little village comes alive. Head to the Lebeha Drumming Center to try your hand at Garífuna drumming and dancing—it’s impossible not to get caught up in the rhythm. If you’re going to be here close to a new moon, schedule a bioluminescence river tour to witness a dark lagoon coming to life.
Days 4 & 5: Live that private island life
Venture just a little bit further north to Dangriga to catch the boat out to Thatch Caye Resort. Join a small handful of other visitors in sipping rum cocktails out of coconuts while surrounded by the calm turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. Spend your time here either relaxing in a hammock, swimming off of the docks, or having a spa treatment—how you relax is totally up to you. For those interested in a more active experience, you can go fishing, catching conch, kayaking, and more.
Days 6, 7, & 8: Cayo Calling
From Dangriga head to the Cayo District either by driving the beautiful Hummingbird Highway or flying via Belize City. Spend what remains of the day with an exploration of the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. On day 7 delve deeper into Mayan history with an all day spelunking of Actun Tunichil Muknal, aka the ATM Cave Tour. For the last day in this area, choose between Belize Botanic Gardens and nearby Chaa Creek Natural History Centre and Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, or heading out to Mountain Equestrian Trails for a jungle horseback ride. The former is ideal for those who are tired from the previous day’s excursions, while the horseback ride is for those who want to keep their energy up. At night experience local music and art with the co-operative Belize Soul Project, and for breakfast stop by Pop’s Restaurant for (arguably) the best fry jacks in Belize.
Days 9: Tikal
Head across the border to view the most extraordinary ruins in Central America.
Day 10: Climb Caana
Venture into the Mountain Pine Ridge area, staying either at Hidden Valley Inn or Blancaneaux Lodge. Visit the ruins at Caracol and climb to the top of the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Stop at Río on Pools on your way back from the ruins.
Days 11, 12, 13: Go Slow in the Cayes
It’s time to head to either funky Caye Caulker or larger Ambergris Caye. Follow the suggestions in the weeklong itinerary for what to see and do.
Days 14: Head home
Time to head to Belize City and home.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.