Explore Belize’s Wild Highlights
Discover Belize’s extraordinary wildlife, ancient Maya cities and tropical landscapes on this bespoke journey through the country. From boat trips along the Belize River and the wetlands of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to the towering temples of Lamanai, this itinerary combines archaeological exploration with exceptional wildlife-watching opportunities. Venture into the rainforests of the Cayo District to explore Xunantunich and Caracol, before continuing through the waterfalls and pine forests of Mountain Pine Ridge. The journey ends along Belize’s Caribbean coast, with opportunities to snorkel offshore cayes, explore the rainforest at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and discover the cultural heritage of the Garifuna community in Hopkins.
The Best Time To Visit
December to April
The best time to visit Belize is generally from December to April, during the drier season, when conditions are well suited to exploring Maya ruins, walking through rainforest and snorkelling along the Belize Barrier Reef. February to April is particularly good for wildlife excursions and outdoor activities, with April typically one of the driest months.
Enquire TodayRegions You’ll Visit
View mapThis 22-day Belize Wild Highlights tour combines rainforest exploration, ancient Mayan cities and wildlife watching with time on the Caribbean coast. From remote jungle lodges and river excursions to coral cayes and Garifuna culture, the itinerary explores Belize’s diverse habitats and cultural heritage.
Itinerary Highlights
- Lamanai Mayan Ruins: Travel by boat through the Belize River and inland lagoons to explore ancient Mayan temples surrounded by rainforest, with opportunities to spot toucans, herons, monkeys and other wildlife.
- Chan Chich Lodge: Stay in a remote rainforest lodge surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins and diverse wildlife habitats, with guided walks, jeep safaris and opportunities to spot a wide range of birds and mammals.
- Caracol & Xunantunich: Discover two impressive Mayan archaeological sites, from the towering pyramids of Xunantunich above the Mopan River to the extensive ruins of Caracol deep within Chiquibul National Park.
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore rainforest trails, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints in a protected area known for its jaguars, tapirs, monkeys and diverse birdlife.
- Hopkins & the Caribbean Coast: Experience Garifuna culture in the coastal village of Hopkins, alongside snorkelling around offshore cayes and a boat trip along the Monkey River in search of manatees and other wildlife.
Practical Details
- Price: £7,250 per person.
- Duration: 22 Days / 21 Nights.
- Transport: Private road transfers, boat transfers and a domestic flight from Punta Gorda to Belize City.
- International flights are not included in the tour price, but we are happy to help you find the best and most suitable flight connections for your trip.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May, during Belize’s dry season. February to April is particularly suitable for wildlife watching, birding, exploring Mayan ruins and enjoying the coast.
Route Overview
- Belize City & Burrell Boom: Arrival in Belize and transfer to Black Orchid Resort beside the Belize River.
- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore wetlands and lagoons on a boat trip, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Lamanai: Travel by boat to the ancient Mayan ruins, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife-rich waterways.
- Chan Chich Lodge: Journey to a remote rainforest lodge for guided wildlife excursions and exploration of ancient ruins.
- Xunantunich & the Macal River Valley: Visit Mayan ruins before continuing to Black Rock Lodge for rainforest activities and an excursion to Caracol.
- Mountain Pine Ridge: Explore the Belizean highlands, pine forests and waterfalls while looking out for wildlife.
- Hopkins Bay: Visit St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park before continuing to the coast for snorkelling, a Monkey River excursion and a visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Toledo: Stay at Copal Tree Lodge beside the Rio Grande River, with guided wildlife watching and time to explore the surrounding rainforest.
- Belize City: Transfer from Punta Gorda by domestic flight for onward international connections.
Our Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully-personalised and upgrades are available.
Day 1: Journey Begins – Fly to Belize
Today you will start your adventure and fly to Belize airport.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 2: Arrival in Belize
Welcome to Belize! On arrival, you will be met by your Earth Trip representative and transferred by boat to Black Orchid Resort, located on the banks of the Belize River near Burrell Boom village. After settling into your riverside room, you will visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project protecting the habitat of the black howler monkey. The sanctuary spans seven villages, where local landowners work to conserve the surrounding rainforest and benefit from ecotourism.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 3: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary – Wetlands & Birdwatching
After breakfast, you will take a half-day excursion to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar-listed wetland site known for its birdlife and varied habitats. Explore the lagoons, creeks, swamps and forests on a slow boat ride and guided walk, looking out for species such as Morelet’s crocodiles, black howler monkeys, kingfishers, herons and roseate spoonbills. On your return to Black Orchid Resort, you can relax by the pool and enjoy the sunset along the Belize River.
Location: Burrell Boom | Hotel: Black Orchid | Room: Riverfront Suite | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 4: Lamanai – Mayan Ruins & River Wildlife
After breakfast, you will travel by boat along the Belize River and through inland lagoons to Lamanai, an archaeological site surrounded by rainforest on the shores of a wildlife-rich lagoon. Explore the ancient Mayan temples and learn about the site’s long history, while looking out for toucans, herons, kingfishers, monkeys and iguanas. Accompanied by local wildlife guides, you will discover the area’s varied habitats and impressive archaeological remains. You will return to Burrell Boom by boat in the late afternoon, with further opportunities to spot wildlife along the river.
Location: Burrell Boom | Hotel: Black Orchid | Room: Riverfront Suite | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 5-7 : Burrell Boom to Chan Chich Lodge – Into the Rainforest
Today you will travel from Burrell Boom to Chan Chich Lodge, set among the rainforest and ancient Mayan ruins of Belize’s north-western lowlands. The surrounding forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys and more than 400 bird species. During your stay, you can take part in guided wildlife walks, jeep safaris, horseback rides and kayaking, or visit lesser-explored Mayan ruins, with expert guiding and excursions included at the lodge.
Location: Gallon Jug Estate | Hotel: Chan Chich Lodge | Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 8-10: Macal River & Mayan archaeological sites
Today you will travel from Chan Chich into the Belizean highlands, visiting the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich en route. Set above the Mopan River, the site features towering pyramids and grassy plazas surrounded by rainforest. You will then continue to Black Rock Lodge, overlooking Black Rock Canyon and the Macal River, where you can enjoy guided wildlife walks, night hikes, canoeing and river tubing. During your stay, you will also take a half-day excursion to Caracol, one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites in the region, set deep within Chiquibul National Park and surrounded by rainforest.
Location: Macal River Valley | Hotel: Black Rock Lodge | Room: Riverfront Deluxe Cabin | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Days 11-12: Macal River Valley to Mountain Pine Ridge
Today you will take a short drive into the Belizean highlands and Mountain Pine Ridge, an area of pine forest, waterfalls and varied wildlife habitats. Look out for mammals such as Baird’s tapirs, pumas and coatimundis, alongside bird species including raptors, warblers and hawk-eagles. During your stay at Hidden Valley Inn, you can explore the surrounding wilderness on a guided half-day wildlife walk or follow the self-guided trails through the lodge grounds and nearby forest.
Location: Mountain Pine Ridge | Hotel: Hidden Valley Inn | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Days 13 – 16: Mountain Pine Ridge to Hopkins Bay > Rainforest, Wildlife & the Coast
Today you will travel along the Hummingbird Highway towards Hopkins, with an optional stop at St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park for a forest walk and the chance to swim in its clear-water cenote. Arriving in Hopkins, you will settle into your beachfront accommodation in this coastal village with a strong Garifuna heritage. During your stay, included excursions feature snorkelling and seabird watching around the offshore cayes, a boat trip along the Monkey River in search of manatees and other wildlife, and a guided visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can explore rainforest trails, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints while looking out for jaguars, tapirs, monkeys and a wide variety of birdlife. You can also visit the nearby Maya Center village to learn about traditional tortilla-making and local Maya culture.
Location: Hopkins Bay | Hotel: Hopkins Bay Resort | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Days 17 – 20: Hopkins Bay to Toledo > Rainforest & River Wildlife
Today you will travel south to Copal Tree Lodge in Belize’s Toledo District, set within a rainforest reserve beside the Rio Grande River. The surrounding landscape includes lowland rainforest, mangroves and coastal habitats, with opportunities to spot monkeys, manatees and a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. During your stay, you will enjoy a full day of guided wildlife watching, followed by a day at leisure to explore the lodge’s trails, relax by the pool or join optional boat trips and guided walks. The nearby villages also offer an opportunity to learn about the living cultures of the local Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya communities.
Location: Toledo | Hotel: Copal Tree Lodge | Board: Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 21: Toledo > Belize City > Home
Today you will be transferred to Punta Gorda airstrip for a short flight to Belize City, where you will connect with your international flight home. The flight offers views of Belize’s rainforest, coastline and offshore coral cayes before your onward journey.
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Day 22: Arrival at home
Arrive at your home airport to wrap up your adventure around Belize.
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End of Tour
Included:
- Private transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 21 nights
- Admission fees
- English-speaking guide
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet in all airports
Not Included:
- Gratuities for services and guides
- Expenses on personal nature
- Anything else not listed in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
- Personal & medical insurances
- Flights are not included in the tour price, but we are happy to help you find the best and most suitable flight connections for your trip.
FAQ
1. When is the best time to visit Belize for wildlife and birdwatching?
The best time to visit Belize for this itinerary is generally during the dry season from November to May, with February to April particularly suitable for exploring rainforest trails, wetlands and Maya archaeological sites. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is especially rewarding for birdwatching, while the dry conditions can make travel between inland lodges and coastal resorts easier. Wildlife sightings vary throughout the year, and the southern Toledo region can receive more rainfall than northern Belize.
2. What wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
Belize’s varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife, and this itinerary visits several excellent areas for observing it. At Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, look out for waterbirds such as herons, kingfishers and roseate spoonbills. In the rainforest around Chan Chich Lodge and Black Rock Lodge, you may encounter howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, iguanas and other tropical species. The tour also visits Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, an important area for jaguar conservation. Jaguars and other elusive mammals are difficult to spot, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
3. How physically demanding is the Belize Wild Highlights tour?
This is a varied itinerary combining road and boat transfers, guided rainforest walks, wildlife excursions, archaeological visits and time on the coast. Most activities can be enjoyed at a moderate pace, although some forest trails may be uneven, muddy or slippery after rain. Exploring Maya sites can also involve walking over uneven ground and climbing steps. Sturdy walking shoes, a reasonable level of fitness and flexibility around weather conditions will help you make the most of the trip. You can also discuss activity levels with your guide before setting out.
4. Do I need a visa to visit Belize, and are international flights included?
British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport can currently visit Belize without a visa for up to 30 days. Your passport must have an expiry date more than three months after arrival, although some airlines may require six months of validity. Travellers arriving through Philip Goldson International Airport must also complete an immigration and customs declaration form; check the latest requirements before departure.
The tour is priced at £7,250 per person for 22 days and 21 nights. International flights are not included in the tour price, although Earth Trip can help you find suitable flight connections. The itinerary includes road and boat transfers and a domestic flight from Punta Gorda to Belize City.
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
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Connect with a specialist to craft your journey.
Each specialist has travelled extensively in the countries they plan. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!
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Speak to our Belize travel expert today
Jeremy Snelling - Travel Specialist
Speak to our Belize travel expert today
Jeremy Snelling - Travel Specialist
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Belize Wildlife Highlights 2027 & 2028 © 2026 Earth Trip