With Belize being just a short flight away from most major cities in the U.S, it’s easy to book a weekend trip to one of its 200 islands. Especially when one of those budget flights suddenly sneaks up on you, there’s no choice but to book right there and then lest you miss the deal of a lifetime. While it depends on what activities you’re looking to do, three to five days in Belize is plenty time for a proper glimpse of the country. That’s one perk of being roughly the size of Massachusetts, after all! If you happen to be one of those travelers who prefers spontaneous trips, a.k.a last minute vacations, here is a fool-proof itinerary to help you get the lay of the land.
Burns Avenue in San Ignacio. Image courtesy Duarte Dellarole Photography
Day 0 – Arrive to Belize on one of the many airlines available from major airport hubs. Take a Gold Standard Certified transportation to your luxurious stay in Cayo, because Western Belize is where you will begin your weekend trip! Check in to San Ignacio Resort Hotel right in town and spend the evening relaxing by the pool, preparing for the adventures of tomorrow.
A sweet suite indeed, at San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Image courtesy property.
The Guava Limb Cafe. Image courtesy Kevin Quischan Photography
Where to stay: San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Where to eat: Guava Limb Cafe
Day 1 – Wake up bright and early to go zip-lining and cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en caves, otherwise known as Caves Branch. Spend the morning zipping through the rainforest canopy before lazily floating down a river through dark, ancient caves. Have lunch on site and pick up a few souvenirs at the gift shop before heading back to San Ignacio. Spend your downtime exploring the small town and its vibrant culture by walking down Burns Avenue. Visit the Cayo Welcome Center and take photos near the beautiful murals downtown. Finish the day by having a fantastic dinner at the resort’s restaurant.
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- Photo courtesy of Pop’s Restaurant/Facebook
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- This popular art mural is in San Ignacio. Image courtesy Roeming Belize
Day 2 – After scarfing down some fry jacks for breakfast at Pop’s Restaurant, make your way to the famous Maya ruin of Xunantunich in San Jose Succotz Village. Transport back in time to the Mayas’ curious way of living and imprint the memory of such a majestic temple in your mind. Have some lunch at a nearby restaurant before checking out and hitting the Hummingbird Highway on the road to Hopkins.
Catch the sunset from Big Dock Bar, the over-the-water attraction at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. Image courtesy property/Monica Gallardo Photography.
Check in to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef after the scenic two-hour drive and rehydrate at the resort’s over-the-water bar: The Big Dock. Hit the hay early for a coveted tour that awaits tomorrow.
The Paddle House at Jaguar Reef. Image courtesy Monica Gallardo Photography
Image courtesy The Lodge at Jaguar Reef.
Where to stay: The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
Where to eat: The Paddlehouse
Day 3 – Grab a quick breakfast and walk to the resort’s dock to meet your snorkeling guides for the day! The island of South Water Caye is about an hour away via boat, a perfect hub to witness the eclectic marine life of the Caribbean Sea.
Wade into relaxation on South Water Caye. Image courtesy Roeming Belize
Spend the day getting to know them face-to-face (at a safe distance, of course) before heading back to Hopkins Village. Have a beachside dinner at the resort’s on-site restaurant and reflect on the day’s adventures in your room’s own private plunge pool.
An aerial of the Placencia peninsula. Image courtesy Itz’ana Resort
Departure day – Another early start to your day as you check out and make your way to the airstrip in Placencia. Admire the blue views from above the small Cessna plane as you leave Southeast Belize. After the 30-minute flight to the Philip Goldson International Airport, it’s time to bid adieu to Belize and fly back home.
Header image Roeming Belize
