Stay : Belize, between archaeological sites and the coral reef
If your schedule allows, a two-week stay in Belize gives you plenty of time to explore the most exceptional Mayan sites, as well as the Caribbean islands surrounding the coral reef.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
14 days
€€€ - Luxury
Detail of the stay : Belize, between archaeological sites and the coral reef - 14 days
Day 2: Heading for San Ignacio
Steps: La Democracia, Belmopán, San Ignacio
Morning departure for the town of San Ignacio. On the way, stop off at the Belize Zoo, for a first encounter with Belizean wildlife, and lunch in Belmopan, the country's capital, at the Farm House Deli, a trendy delicatessen where you can discover local Belizean products. Arrive in San Ignacio in the afternoon, stroll along the banks of the Macal River and dine in one of the city's gourmet restaurants.
THE BELIZE ZOO
Day 3: Exploring the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave
Steps: San Ignacio, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
Half-day exploration of the Actun Tunichil Muknal "ATM" cave, one of the world's best-preserved sites of pre-classical Mayan culture. You must be accompanied by a guide for this visit (many excursion organizers directly in San Ignacio). Picnic lunch on site, then on the way back a stop at the Belize Botanic Garden, with its 2,000 species of tropical trees and plants and 100 species of orchids.
Day 4: Introduction to Mayan culture
Steps: San Ignacio, Xunantunich
Day trip to the archaeological site of Xunantunich, with its 26 temples and 6 squares, in the heart of the Belizean jungle. Return to San Ignacio mid-afternoon for a chocolate-making workshop at Ajaw Chocolate, using traditional Mayan methods and ending with a tasting of your creations!
Day 5: A walk among the birds
Steps: Crooked Tree
Departure for the authentic village of Crooked Tree, in the heart of a nature reserve popular with birdwatchers. Lunch by the river, and afternoon canoe trips to explore the area. Dinner at a local's home to meet the local population.
Day 6: Around Crooked Tree Village
Steps: Altun Ha
Visit theAltun Ha archaeological site from Crooked Tree Village (1.5-hour drive), lunch in one of the restaurants surrounding the site, return to Crooked Tree Village for a quiet evening in the midst of nature.
Day 7: Discover the Garifuna culture
Steps: Hopkins
Transfer toHopkins village, check into your hotel and discover Belize's beaches. Seafood lunch, afternoon immersion in Garifuna culture with a percussion class on the beach, or for the more athletic, a windsurfing class.
Day 8: Observation of local flora and fauna
Steps: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Hopkins
Depart for a day of adventure at the Cocksomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary, with its 250 species of orchids, 700 species of trees, 290 species of birds and, above all, its famous jaguars. This is the world's first and largest reserve for this rare feline. A day's stroll along the reserve's trails, accompanied by a local guide who will give you all the advice you need to avoid getting into trouble with this frightening wild animal! Return to Hopkins at the end of the day.
Day 9: A stroll through Belize City
Steps: Belize City, San Pedro
Head for Belize City, drop your bags at the ferry company, then set off to discover the city and its colonial architecture with typical Creole influences. Lunch on the waterfront at Birds Isle Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the House of Culture, before taking the boat at the end of the day to San Pedro (1.5 hours from Belize City).
MUSEUM OF BELIZE
Day 10: Scuba diving
Steps: San Pedro
The first half-day at Ambergris Caye is devoted to discovering the Ho Chan Marine Reserve on a diving expedition, which usually also includes a stopover at Shark Rak Alley. Return for lunch, to be taken in one of the many restaurants in San Pedro's central district. In the afternoon, stroll through the few streets of the town to discover the souvenir stores and enjoy a relaxing massage or spa session.
HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE
Day 11: The impressive Grand Trou Bleu
Steps: Lighthouse Reef
Spend the day discovering the Great Blue Hole (4-hour round trip). Return at the end of the day, and enjoy some "music and relaxation" in one of Ambergris Caye's bars.
THE GREAT BLUE HOLE
Day 12: Fishing day
Introductory fly-fishing day in the mangroves around San Pedro. Paradise scenery guaranteed! The country is renowned for its permits and tarpon. For those who love the beach more than fishing, a day of farniente!
Day 13: Caye Caulker coral island
Steps: Caye Caulker
Wake up and head for Caye Caulker (45-minute ferry ride from San Pedro), where you can explore the island on foot and enjoy a lazy day on the beach. Spend the night on Caye Caulker and enjoy its Caribbean nightlife and reggae soundtrack.
Day 14: End of stay
Steps: Belize City
Depending on your flight schedule, departure in the morning or early afternoon by ferry to Belize City, then on to the international airport for your return flight.
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