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Itineraries
10-day adventure
Add Caracol and Caye Caulker to the classic route, the complete Cayo-to-reef arc.
Active pace · 10 days
10 days
in Belize
Belize is built for adventure travel. ATM Cave, Caracol, and the Barrier Reef form the backbone of every serious active itinerary, connected by the Western Highway and the scenic Hummingbird Highway southeast.
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), Maya skeletons and ceramics in a live cave system
- Caracol's Canaa temple (143 ft), the tallest structure in Belize
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve + Shark Ray Alley, nurse sharks in arm's reach
- Cave tubing and zip-lining at Nohoch Che'en Park
- Cockscomb Basin, the world's first jaguar preserve
Phase 01
Into the jungle
01
Day 1
San Ignacio, Cayo
Arrive at PGIA and transfer west to San Ignacio along the Western Highway. Dinner on Burns Avenue, the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena have one of the best casual dining scenes in Belize.
02
Day 2
ATM Cave
Full-day tour into Actun Tunichil Muknal in Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Wade and swim into passages holding ancient Maya skeletons and unbroken ceramic vessels. Book weeks ahead, this is Belize's most in-demand guided experience.
03
Day 3
Caracol, Chiquibul Forest Reserve
Early start for Caracol, Belize's largest Maya site. The road winds through Mountain Pine Ridge into remote Chiquibul Forest where you'll spot howler monkeys and keel-billed toucans. Canaa (Sky Place) at 143 feet is the tallest human-made structure in Belize, the acoustics at the base are remarkable.
Caves, ruins, and the reef, Belize delivers
No destination packs this much into a single day's drive.
Browse experiencesPhase 02
Caves, ruins & reef
04
Day 4
Xunantunich + Mountain Pine Ridge
Morning ferry crossing to Xunantunich and the El Castillo climb. Afternoon loop through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, stop at Rio On Pools (natural rock swimming holes) and Rio Frio Cave, whose entrance arch spans 65 feet.
05
Day 5
Barton Creek Cave + Caves Branch
Morning: Barton Creek Cave by canoe, glide silently through stalactite chambers where human remains and Maya artifacts rest undisturbed on ledges. Afternoon: cave tubing or zip-lining at Nohoch Che'en Park on the Hummingbird Highway.
06
Day 6
Ambergris Caye, San Pedro
Domestic flight to San Pedro. Afternoon at leisure on the beach or a sunset cruise around the northern tip of the island.
07
Day 7
Hol Chan Marine Reserve + Shark Ray Alley
Full snorkel day covering Hol Chan's coral channel and the legendary Shark Ray Alley, nurse sharks and southern stingrays congregate here in shallow, calm water.
08
Day 8
Caye Caulker
Water taxi south to Caye Caulker, Belize's most laid-back island (motto: 'Go Slow'). Swim at The Split, kayak around the northern tip, and book a manatee snorkel tour to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
Phase 03
Island exit
09
Day 9
Caye Caulker + Barrier Reef
Full reef day from Caye Caulker, the island sits right on the reef, making dive and snorkel trips some of the shortest and most affordable in the country. Options include a sunset sailing trip or second snorkel.
10
Day 10
Departure
Water taxi or domestic flight to PGIA. Allow 90 minutes from Caye Caulker to the international airport.
Insider tip
Caracol is a full-day commitment from San Ignacio. The road through Chiquibul Forest Reserve can be rough, go with an operator who knows the route and can spot wildlife on the way.
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