After dreaming and months of planning, Keith and I embarked on a two-week adventure through Belize: from the jungle canopies of San Ignacio, to the remote rainforest trails of Bocawina, to the vibrant reef life and sailboat sunsets of Caye Caulker and the Caribbean Sea. Two weeks is perfect to get a blend of the best Belize has to offer between the jungle and ocean.
San Ignacio (July 1–3)
We landed in Belize City after an overnight flight with a layover in Atlanta and picked up a 4WD Jeep Patriot from Car One Rental—a smart move for the off-grid terrain in Bocawina later on. We headed out the airport and across the street was the car rental. From there, we headed west on the scenic George Price Highway to San Ignacio.
We stopped at the Belize Zoo, about 45 minutes outside Belize City. Built into natural forest, this zoo is unlike any other—focused entirely on native species, many of which are rescues. It was hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. Fire-eyed ocelots stretched lazily, harpy eagles scanned from above, and tapirs snorted gently in their enclosures. It was both conservation-driven and intimate. Plan for 1.5–2 hours here.
Day 2: Riverhill AirBnB + Wildlife Watching
Our Airbnb near Cristo Rey, called Riverhill, was perched in the jungle canopy overlooking the Macal River. Mornings began with coffee and tropical fruit on our private deck as hummingbirds flitted around and howler monkeys echoed through the trees. We paddleboarded the river (boards were included with the rental), swam in clear pools, and birded from the porch. Toucans, motmots, and tanagers were all highlights.
Later, we visited Shower Falls, a local swimming hole recommended by our host. It required a short hike and we had it all to ourselves. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon dip. Bonus: Loads of birds on the road in!
Day 3: ATM Cave Tour
We met Patrick from Limpkin Tours at 7am for our ATM Cave excursion. This is a must-do and books up fast, so reserve early. After three river crossings and a 45-minute jungle hike, we swam into the cave entrance and began an hours-long journey through the Maya underworld. We scrambled over rocks, swam through chambers, and climbed into cathedral-like caverns containing pottery and human remains left as offerings. No photos are allowed, which adds to being in the moment and feeling the powerful history send chills up my spine. Bring a change of clothes, water shoes, and socks (required inside the cave).
Bocawina Rainforest (July 4–5)
Day 4: Chocolate Tour + Lower Bocawina Falls
We drove the stunning Hummingbird Highway south, making stops for photos and roadside fruit. Our first real stop was Lamanai Chocolate. This hands-on tour showed us cacao growing, fermenting, drying, and roasting. We cracked beans and ground chocolate on a metate (traditional Maya stone) before tasting our creations.
We then arrived at Bocawina Rainforest Resort, located inside Mayflower Bocawina National Park. This off-grid eco-resort is rustic but charming, with solar-powered cabins and access to trails straight from the property. We checked in, grabbed trail maps, and with just an hour of daylight left, hustled to Lower Bocawina Falls—an easy hike with a beautiful jungle pool at the end. We had it completely to ourselves. After our refreshing dip, we watched fireflies rise as dusk set in.
The Antelope Falls hike is short but steep, with ropes to assist in the climb. It takes about 45–90 minutes each way depending on fitness level. At the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views and a crystalline plunge pool. On the way up, we heard a Spectacled Owl calling from the canopy.
Back at the lodge, I booked a deep tissue massage with Anna, one of the on-site therapists. It was an incredible experience, especially after the steep hike.
Caye Caulker (July 6–10)
Day 6: Travel to Island Life
We returned our rental car in San Ignacio, and Car One Rental drove us to the ferry terminal in Belize City (included). We took the Belize Express Water Taxi to Caye Caulker, which took about 45 minutes.
We checked into the Tiki House, a beachfront Airbnb with AC, bikes, and kayaks included. It felt amazing after the warm jungle. We grabbed some coconut drinks and watched the sunset from our porch.
Day 7: Chill Day
We spent the day at Lazy Lizard on the Split—a lively beach bar with a sandy swimming area and overwater picnic tables. Great spot for people-watching, reggae music, and soaking in the island vibe.
Day 8: Scuba Refresher
We did a scuba refresher with Frenchie’s Diving, which included a short theory session and two dives. We dove the South Channel and saw nurse sharks, eagle rays, and colorful reef fish. At night, we biked to Sip N Dip for drinks and tiki vibes. We biked home in the pouring rain and couldn’t stop laughing.
Day 9: Kayaking + Juicing
We kayaked from our Airbnb to the Split, winding through mangroves and watching for birds and rays. On the way home, we stopped at our favorite juice stand—a tiny family-run shop with fresh watermelon, mango, and cucumber-ginger blends. Don’t skip the juice stands in Caye Caulker!
Day 10: Diving Spanish Bay
We did a half-day dive trip to Spanish Bay and Ski Slope. This site features vibrant coral canyons and massive schools of fish. Highlights included more eagle rays and a free-swimming moray eel.
Ragga Sailing (July 11–13)
Day 11: Ragga Begins
We joined Ragga Sailing’s 3-day/2-night tour from Caye Caulker to Dangriga. We boarded the Ragga King sailboat with 12 guests and 3 crew: Shane (captain), Jamal (co-captain), and Lin (chef). We snorkeled and sailed to Rendezvous Caye, a tiny island all to ourselves. We snorkeled with stingrays off the shore, pitched tents in the sand, and ate lobster ceviche and fresh grilled fish by moonlight.
Day 12: Tobacco Caye
More snorkeling, spear-fishing, and barracuda reeling. We stayed on Tobacco Caye, a larger island with up to 35 residents during high season. The crew cooked up a feast of grilled lobster and veggies. We hung out on hammocks, made friends with the local cats, and enjoyed rum punch under the stars.
Day 13: Manatees + Farewell
We started the day by snorkeling near a manatee mom and calf. Then we snorkeled along coral walls with eagle rays gliding silently beneath us. We ended the trip with a high-speed boat ride to Dangriga and checked into the Pelican Beach Resort. It was comfortable, air-conditioned, and had delicious fry jacks for breakfast.
Day 14: Heading Home
We took a Maya Island Air flight directly from Dangriga to Belize International Airport, arriving with plenty of time for our 1pm flight. Booking in advance is recommended. We at leftover fryjacks and reflected on the wild, saltwater-soaked, rainforest-filled beauty that is Belize. Highly recommend this itinerary to anyone craving both adventure and peace.
