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One Week in Belize: The Perfect 7-Day Island & Jungle Combo

If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway where toucans and turquoise water exist in the same sentence, Belize is your spot. Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, this small-but-mighty country offers ancient Maya ruins, steamy jungle treks, and postcard-worthy islands all within a few hours of each other.

This one-week itinerary is crafted to help you explore Belize’s top natural wonders—from lush inland jungles to dreamy offshore cayes—without wasting a second.

Getting There & Around

  • Airport: Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), Belize City
  • Transport Options:
    • Shuttle for inland (San Ignacio) transfers
    • Water taxis or Tropic Air/Maya Island Air for island hops
    • Rental car optional but handy for exploring at your own pace inland

Day-by-Day Belize Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Belize + Transfer to San Ignacio (The Jungle Starts Here)

  • Arrival Time: Aim for early afternoon landing
  • Transfer Time: 2-2.5 hours by shuttle to San Ignacio
  • Stay:
    • Budget: Bella’s Backpackers
    • Mid-Range: San Ignacio Resort Hotel
    • Luxury: Ka’ana Resort

Evening Activity: Walk to the town square, grab dinner at Ko-Ox Han-Nah, and ease into Belizean time.

Day 2: Explore Xunantunich + Caving at ATM

  • Morning: Tour the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins (30 mins from San Ignacio)
  • Afternoon: Go full Indiana Jones with the ATM Cave Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal) – a full-day spelunking adventure with ancient relics and human sacrifices
  • Tour Operator: MayaWalk Tours or Pacz Tours – ~$110 USD for ATM

Tip: Wear water shoes and bring a change of clothes for ATM!

Day 3: Jungle Activities + Transfer to the Coast

  • Morning Options:
    • Ziplining through the jungle canopy
    • Canoeing the Macal River
    • Butterfly farm visits
  • Afternoon Transfer: Head to Hopkins or Placencia (3–4 hour drive)
  • Stay:
    • Hopkins (Cultural + Quieter): The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
    • Placencia (Bustling + Beachy): Sea View Suites

Day 4: Garifuna Culture + Beach Vibes

Garifuna Culture

In Hopkins:

  • Try a Garifuna drumming lesson
  • Feast on hudut (fish stew with plantain mash)
  • Relax on the beach with a rum punch
Placencia

In Placencia:

  • Stroll the Placencia Sidewalk
  • Grab a lobster taco from a beachfront shack
  • Enjoy water sports or go for a chill snorkel

Either spot offers dreamy sunrises and mellow vibes.

Day 5: Island Day Trip – Snorkel the Barrier Reef

  • Book a full-day tour to Silk Caye or Laughing Bird Caye National Park
  • Swim with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish
  • Tour Operators:
    • Splash Dive Center (Placencia)
    • Happy Go Luckie Tours (Hopkins)

Cost: ~$90–$125 USD, includes gear, guides, and lunch

Day 6: Head to Ambergris Caye via Belize City

  • Morning: Transfer to Belize City (via flight or drive + water taxi)
  • Afternoon:
    • Ferry (~1.5 hrs) or fly (~15 mins) to Ambergris Caye
    • Settle into beach life in San Pedro Town

Stay:

  • Budget: Sandbar Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Blue Tang Inn
  • Luxury: Victoria House Resort & Spa

Evening: Enjoy sunset drinks at The Truck Stop and dine by the sea

Day 7: Snorkel Hol Chan + Relax Before Departure

Snorkel Hol Chan
  • Morning: Hit up Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
  • Swim alongside nurse sharks and sea turtles
  • Tour ends by noon—perfect for your final beachside lunch
  • Afternoon:
    • Take the ferry or flight back to Belize City
    • Fly out or spend an extra night if time allows

Belize Packing List

  • Lightweight clothing (it’s humid year-round)
  • Water shoes for cave tours and island exploring
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Bug spray (you’ll need it in the jungle)
  • Dry bag for snorkeling trips
  • Power adapter (Belize uses 110V like the US)

Top Tour Operators to Book With

  • MayaWalk Tours (San Ignacio) – ATM Cave & Xunantunich
  • Splash Dive Center (Placencia) – Snorkeling & diving
  • Happy Go Luckie Tours (Hopkins) – Reef day trips + cultural tours
  • Seaduced by Belize (Ambergris Caye) – Hol Chan, sailing, and sunset cruises

Wrapping It All Up (Not Just a Conclusion)

In just seven days, you’ll hike ancient ruins, float through caves, relax on white sands, snorkel vibrant reefs, and soak in a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean and Maya culture. Belize isn’t just a trip—it’s a total sensory experience.

This jungle-and-island itinerary lets you see it all without rushing like crazy. With the right mix of activity and downtime, it’s the kind of week that recharges your soul and fills your camera roll.