Discover Belize

13 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Rich in exotic wildlife, tropical forests, white-sand beaches and lost civilisations, Belize really is a diverse pocket of overlooked beauty. This is a trip that has something for everyone - food lovers, wildlife spotters, jungle hikers and beach junkies alike will all find something to love about Belize. Maya sites - Visit the lesser-known ruins of Xunant...
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$4,084
From$3,320
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Experience exotic wildlife, tropical forests, Mayan sites and white-sand beaches of Belize
    • Explore the impressive Mayan city of Tikal
    • Snorkel and swim over coral reefs in the Caribbean

What's this trip about?

    Rich in exotic wildlife, tropical forests, white-sand beaches and lost civilisations, Belize really is a diverse pocket of overlooked beauty. This is a trip that has something for everyone - food lovers, wildlife spotters, jungle hikers and beach junkies alike will all find something to love about Belize. Maya sites - Visit the lesser-known ruins of Xunantunich and Lamanai, and explore the impressive temples of Tikal (Guatemala) Belize Barrier Reef - Just off the small island of Caye Caulker is some of the best snorkelling in Central America, in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea Wildlife - Spot birds in wetland areas, and find howler and spider monkeys, toucans, crocodiles and many more in their natural habitats

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBelize City
End CityBelize City harbour

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Belize
  • Guatemala
  • Europe
  • England

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Belize Barrier Reef
  • Blue Hole
  • Caribbean
  • Caye Caulker
  • Central America
  • Flores
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve
  • Houston
  • Placencia
  • San Ignacio
  • Tikal
  • Xunantunich

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Trip begins in Belize City

Arrive in Belize City, the capital of Belize until 1970, at which time it moved to Belmopan. Its a typical Caribbean town; parts of the town are still largely built of wood and galvanised iron, with many of the original colonial style houses in an elegant state of dis...

Day 2 To Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve via Altun Ha

Leaving Belize City on the northern highway, we drive to the atmospheric Maya ruins of Altun Ha. The pyramids and temples in this compact site are a great introduction to Belize's diverse cultural history. Within less than one hour, we journey from the Caribbean vibes...

Day 3 Dawn bird watching; boat trip to the jungle ruins of Lamanai

Rising early this morning, we explore the lagoon by boat (in times of low water, we will explore on foot). In this birdwatcher's paradise, we may spot wood storks, numerous herons, vultures, kingfishers, raptor,s and shorebirds, and perhaps most notably, the rare jabi...

Day 4 Optional dawn bird watching; drive to Placencia via Community Baboon Sanctuary

We have the option of another early bird-watching walk and sunrise along the Crooked Tree Lagoon before our departure after breakfast. En route to the seaside resort of Placencia, we will visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary in search of howler monkeys. Here, we have ...

Day 5 Free day in Placencia; relax on the beach or optional snorkelling trip to Laughing Bird Caye

Placencia is southern Belize's premier beach spot and a jumping-off point for visiting numerous cayes that form part of the Belize Barrier Reef - the longest reef system in the western hemisphere. Today, we have the option of a full-day visit to Laughing Bird Caye. It...

Day 6 Visit Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve; head to San Ignacio

This morning, we visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the world's first and only jaguar reserve, located in the heart of an important large tract of undisturbed tropical forest that is thought to have the densest population of jaguars in all the Ameri...

Day 7 Explore the Xunantunich archaeological site

San Ignacio, a traditional Belizean town, is an ideal place to base ourselves for the next couple of days. Straddling the Macal River, which was once a critical transportation artery for the Maya and later the European settlers, it is now a centre for many adventurous...

Day 8 Free day, choices include visiting Cahal Pech Mayan ruins, canoeing on the Macal River or visiting Belize Botanical Gardens

In the middle of our busy trip, we have a free day to spend as we please around San Ignacio or relaxing in the gardens and by pool of our hotel. You can visit the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech or canoe at Barton Creek if you didn't do this yesterday. Alteratively, a popul...

Day 9 Explore the great Mayan metropolis of Tikal (Guatemala)

Leaving Belize today, we drive to Tikal, just over the border in Guatemala. Arriving at Tikal, we spend the day exploring this great Mayan metropolis, which can justly be compared with Egyptian and Greek masterpieces. Initially settled about 600 BC, Tikal was abandone...

Day 10 Optional re-entry to Tikal or visit to Flores

We have a free day to enjoy here, with several options to make the most of the beautiful location. It's possible to go into the site to watch the sunrise (weather permitting!) from atop Temple 4, the highest structure in the site, and listen to the sounds of the fore...

Day 11 Boat journey to the idyllic island of Caye Caulker

We cross back into Belize today, taking some time for the border formalities and then heading straight to Belize City and its bustling water taxi terminal for our trip to Caye Caulker. Once a pirate lair, this tiny but enchanting tropical island lies 34km northeast of...

Day 12 Free time in Caye Caulker; relax by the sea or optional snorkel boat trip

Today, we can participate in one of many of the optional activities available on the island. The Belize cayes have some of the best snorkelling in Central America, and it's well worth a trip to Goff's Caye or Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley for a full day snorkelling trip. Scuba diving is also available.

Meals Provided : None

Day 13 Tour ends Belize City

The trip ends at our hotel on Caye Caulker. From here, we get a water taxi back to Belize City. The water taxi takes around one hour. The earliest water taxi departs at 6 am and operates throughout the day. An onward road transfer to Belize's Philip S. W. Goldson Inte...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,320
Price per day$255
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
13 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$3,320
$1,000
16 spots left
27 Oct 2024
08 Nov 2024
$3,520
$970
3 spots left
10 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$3,610
$970
Sold Out
17 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$3,680
$970
7 spots left
24 Nov 2024
06 Dec 2024
$3,650
$1,010
13 spots left
18 Dec 2024
30 Dec 2024
$3,520
$970
5 spots left
29 Dec 2024
10 Jan 2025
$3,810
$1,010
10 spots left
12 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
$3,760
$1,030
16 spots left
19 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
$3,760
$1,030
10 spots left
26 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$3,760
$1,030
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
A

Angela

Apr 2024

Written on

Discover Belize

A fantastic memorable trip. Enjoyed every aspect, varied and informative. Well organised and lots of fun. Jason worked really hard to make it as smooth and enjoyable...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Discover Belize

Superlatives have been used up by da crew!! Im. Sure, We were Blessed with a cracking tribe of emotionally intelligent ...positive, vibrant & mature .. Well trav...

T

Thomas

Mar 2024

Written on

Discover Belize

The tour covered an extremely broad range of natural, cultural, and historic sites throughout Belize. The guide, Wilfred, added exceptional value throughout with hi...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2024

Written on

Discover Belize

Everything was as described by Explore, but better

C

Catherine

Mar 2024

Written on

Discover Belize

All the activities on water were fantastic. The amazing abundant birdlife in the wetlands as we travelled by boat at dawn. The canoeing into a huge cave, the canoe r...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Belize: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Guatemala: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Dinner : 2
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-BL

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