Two weeks is more than enough time to fully explore Belize’s main highlights.
Related: One week in Belize
Since the country is small, 14 days in Belize means you have enough time to visit popular island destinations, coastal towns and the mainland jungle, as well as perhaps visit a few off-the-beaten-path locations while having plenty of time to relax and go slow.
Two Weeks in Belize
This 14-day itinerary involves spending 4 days at the islands of Ambergris Caye and/ or Caye Caulker, 4 days in the jungles of Western Belize (staying in San Ignacio, Cayo), 1 day exploring Tikal Maya Ruins in Peten, Guatemala, and 3 days in the Southern Coast of Belize (staying at either Hopkins or Placencia, both located in the Stann Creek District).
Day 1
- Your international flight will land at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City.
- Make your way to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. You can either take a local flight from the airport or catch a water taxi from the Belize Watertaxi Terminal.
Belize City
Belize City is Belize’s main gateway to exploring the country. Most people don’t stay there but if you care to visit, consider taking a scenic tour of its downtown to learn about the city’s culture, economics, and architecture.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is Ambergris Caye’s smaller sister island and a popular stop for travelers looking to relax and enjoy a “go slow” Caribbean vibe. The island attracts younger and less affluent individuals that want to enjoy a no-frills beach vacation.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and it’s a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. San Pedro town is its largest settlement and it’s known for luxury beach resorts, restaurants, and fun nightlife.
Day 2
- See amazing marine wildlife by snorkeling in Belize’s Barrier Reef. One of the most popular options is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
- In Caye Caulker, explore the many colorful shops and end the day at “The Split”. If you’re in San Pedro, indulge in the many amazing restaurants and then go
bar hopping.
Belize Barrier Reef
Belize’s Reef is perhaps the number one reason people visit Belize. It’s the second-largest barrier reef in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. Popular reef activities include fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers one of the best snorkeling experiences in Belize. During a trip here you will see pristine coral gardens and swim with marine wildlife such as sea turtles, nurse sharks and stingrays. By boat, Hol Chan is about 15 minutes away from San Pedro and 40 minutes away from Caye Caulker.
Day 3
- Explore the Great Blue Hole. Yes, of course, it’s on your bucket list!
- For a full day of diving, add the Half Moon Caye Wall and The Aquarium dive sites to your tour package.
- OR, choose a more relaxing tour and go sunset sailing.
Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is Belize’s most famous attraction. It’s a giant marine sinkhole near Lighthouse Reef Atoll that draws divers from around the world and it’s Belize’s top tourist site for a scenic flyover tour.
Sailing
Typically done on catamarans, cruise tour options include sunset sailing or full-day scenic boat tours which include snorkeling and island hopping. Boats can be rented out privately or you can join a group, which is always fun since you never know who you might meet.
Day 4
- Take a day trip to explore the Lamanai Maya site in Orange Walk.
- Explore Orange Walk Town before returning to San Pedro or Caye Caulker.
Lamanai
Surrounded by foliage on the banks of the New River in Orange Walk, are the remains of the pre-classic Maya site of Lamanai. It is one of the most visited Mayan ruins of Belize, often done via day trips from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
Orange Walk Town
Often referred to as “Sugah City”, Orange Walk is one of the sweetest districts in Belize with the unmistakable aroma of sugarcane filling the air. But even better is their food scene. Orange Walk town is known as the tacos capital of Belize.
Day 5
- Make your way to the Cayo District. I recommend staying in or near San Ignacio Town.
- Stop off at the Belize Zoo before arriving in San Ignacio.
Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo isn’t your ordinary zoo, here you will only find rescued animals that are native to Belize and they roam “free” in large enclosures that replicate their natural environment.
San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a small town in Cayo that serves as a hub for eco-adventures in Belize. Its lively downtown is popular with tourists since it has a restaurant and nightlife scene that is not seen elsewhere in Cayo.
Day 6
- For an active day of hiking, take a day trip from San Ignacio to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
- This trip may involve visiting Big Rock Falls, Rio On Pools and the Rio Frio Cave, as well as trekking Caracol, the largest Mayan temple in Belize.
Mountain Pine Ridge
Mountain Pine Ridge is a nature reserve created to protect Belize’s native pine forest. Visitors are treated to many top tourist attractions and can experience fun activities such as hiking, swimming and birding.
Caracol
Located 1 hour south of the Mountain Pine Ridge, Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize and one of the most popular sites in Mesoamerica. It is rich with history and mystique, rivalling Guatemala’s Tikal.
Day 7
- Visit the Mayan site of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech (great for early morning birding).
- In the afternoon, explore downtown San Ignacio (the farmer’s market day is on Saturdays) or visit the San Ignacio Iguana Hatchery.
- Eat at my favourite restaurants in San Ignacio: Ko-ox Hannah, the Guava Limb or Erva’s Restaurant.
Xunantunich
Xunantunich is my favorite Maya temple. After crossing a hand-cranked ferry, lush jungle surrounds the site. The main temple, El Castillo offers spectacular views of nearby villages and Guatemalan mountains.
Cahal Pech
Cahal Pech is a small Maya site located in San Ignacio, Cayo. Although this site is really small, I really like that it’s within walking distance from downtown San Ignacio and thick jungle foliage surrounds the temples.
Downtown San Ignacio
Explore San Ignacio to see why its the liveliest town in western Belize. The Cayo Farmers’ Market, for example, is a top attraction in downtown San Ignacio and it ranks very high as one of my favourite things to do in Belize.
Day 8
- Journey into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld by touring the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
- Or go cave tubing and zip-linning.
ATM Cave
Actun Tunichil Muknal is an impressive, artifact-rich Maya ceremonial cave that contains rare bloodletting altars, sacrificial human remains, and over 1400 cataloged artifacts. It’s Belize’s top cave tour.
Cave Tubing
Cave Tubing is probably the most popular activity for cruise ship tourists visiting Belize. It’s loads of fun and an interesting way to mix river tubing and cave exploration. This tour is often paired with zip-lining.
Day 9 in Belize:
- Cross the Guatemalan border and have lunch in Flores, Peten.
- Explore the Tikal Mayan Ruins and spend the night there. Make sure you wake up early to see the sunrise from the main temple, it’s magical.
Day 10 in Belize:
- Return to Belize and head to Placencia or Hopkins in Southern Belize.
- Tour Bocawina National Park or Monkey River.
Day 11 in Belize:
- Bike around Hopkins or Placencia and spend the day at some of the best beaches in Belize.
- Discover all the colorful bars and cafes and if you’re in Placencia, end the day at Tutti Frutti, having the best gelato in the world.
Day 12 in Belize:
- Spend the day diving or snorkeling at Gladden Split. It’s a bonus if you’re in Belize during Whale Shark Season!
Day 13 in Belize:
- Hike the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in search of the elusive jaguar.
- Have dinner at Maya Beach Hotel bistro or Rumfish y Vino.
Day 14 in Belize:
- Catch a local flight or shuttle to Belize City.
- Arrive at PGIA and leave for home.
Check out itinerary alternatives such as 7 days in Belize, Belize on the cheap and backpacking in Belize.
Don’t be afraid to mix up this itinerary and explore other areas that I haven’t mentioned. For more options, start by checking out my Belize destination guide.
Where to Stay in Belize:
- List of Luxury Hotels
- List of All Inclusive Resorts
- List of Beach Resorts
- List of Dive Hotels
- List of Jungle Lodges
- List of Budget Hotels
- List of Hostels