Ultimate 2 Week Belize Itinerary
Belize is one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible. Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, this small but incredibly diverse country is packed with adventure. Think paradise islands, world-class snorkelling, dense jungles, and ancient Maya ruins – this 2 week Belize itinerary has it all!
The beauty of travelling in Belize is how effortless it feels (and that’s not even accounting for the fact they speak English). Unlike larger destinations where travel days eat into your itinerary, getting around Belize is easy, meaning you’ll spend less time in transit and more time enjoying yourself!
Given you’re considering two weeks in Belize, I’m assuming that you’re a slow traveller and want to see more than just the usual places… Therefore, I’ve designed this itinerary with backpackers like yourself in mind, to give you a full and authentic Belizean experience! This includes swimming in jungle waterfalls, exploring caves once used by the Maya, and snorkeling with sharks in the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Besides each day’s activities, I’ll cover everything else you need to plan your trip: where to stay, what to eat, and how to get from place to place. So if Belize is on your radar (or even if it wasn’t before), this 2 week Belize itinerary will show you exactly why it deserves a spot at the top of your list.
p.s. If you don’t have 2 weeks in Belize, I’ve also written a jam-packed 1-week Belize itinerary, so check that out if you’re strapped for time!
Belize Itinerary in Short
- Day 1: Belize City (1 night)
- Day 2-6: Caye Caulker (4 nights)
- Day 6-8: 3-day Sailing Tour: (2 nights)
- Day 8-10: Hopkins (2 nights)
- Day 10-11: Placencia (1 nights)
- Day 11-14: San Ignacio (3 nights)
How to use this 2 week Belize itinerary: This itinerary covers a route across the whole of Belize for travellers looking to see more than just the main destinations. Feel free to swap around or remove stops if you prefer, I have given some alternatives if you have more time (or want to extend further) at the end. The sailing trip only runs in one direction, so the itinerary flows better in this order.
Belize Itinerary Map
2 Week Belize Itinerary
How long to spend in Belize
7 days in Belize is good, but 14 days in Belize is great!
Most people spend between 7 and 10 days in Belize. And I’m not going to deny that (for most) it’s usually enough.
However, if you have 2 weeks in Belize you can start to get a real taste of what the country has to offer. You can slow down in places you enjoy. Spend an extra night or two in Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, as well as explore Belize City, other islands and some of the lesser-explored south.
When to visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season from late November to April when the weather is warm and dry. This is also high season so prices are higher and popular spots can get crowded. I visited Caye Caulker in January and most hostels were fully booked out.
If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in the shoulder months (May and November). The rainy season (June to October) has afternoon showers and very occasional hurricanes, but you’ll have fewer tourists and greener landscapes. If you don’t mind the rain, it can still be a good time to visit!
How to get to Belize
For most, the best way to get to Belize is by air. Most flights into Belize land at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. There are no direct flights from the UK, but there are plenty from the United States.
As a British citizen, I could enter Belize for up to 30 days without a VISA. Depending on where you are from, you can check your Belize VISA requirements here.
For your arrival, I recommend an eSIM in advance since Belize City airport doesn’t have many facilities. I also recommend that you have USD readily available since it’s widely accepted across Belize (and taxis from the airport usually cost around $20 USD into town).
Day 1: Belize City
With 2 weeks in Belize, you don’t have to rush. Spend one night in Belize City to recover from your journey before heading to more exciting destinations.
If I’m brutally honest, Belize City doesn’t offer a lot in terms of attractions. The most famous activity is Belize Zoo, which is worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing local wildlife. However, if you arrive earlier in the day, I’d recommend heading straight to Caye Caulker.
Day 2-6: Caye Caulker
Now it’s time to take a step into a tropical paradise with a visit to the Caye islands! If you’re travelling directly from Mexico (Bacalar or Chetumal) you can take a ferry to the islands bypassing Belize City altogether.
Caye Caulker has a laid-back, budget-friendly atmosphere compared to the more developed Ambergris Caye (aka San Pedro). It’s certainly more of a backpacker vibe, making it ideal for travellers (like myself) looking to enjoy the island vibes without breaking the bank. Your days here will revolve around exploring the reef, relaxing by the water, and indulging in fresh seafood. If I were to return to Belize, I’d probably spend most of my time on Caye Caulker!
Here’s how I would spend 4 nights in Caye Caulker:
- Day 2: If you catch an early ferry, you will arrive late-morning or early-afternoon. Take it easy for the rest of the day; visit The Split, the most famous swimming spot on the island. Here you can enjoy a few drinks and a beautiful sunset while spotting stingrays and pelicans.
- Day 3: Take a full-day snorkelling tour to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You’ll be able to swim with sharks, turtles and rays and see the incredible coral reef!
- Day 4: Visit the Great Blue Hole. You can take a scenic flight over. If you’re a diver, you might consider diving it instead, but (in my opinion) it’s not as impressive from sea-level.
- Day 5: Take a day trip to Ambergris Caye for a change of vibe. It takes 30 minutes by ferry to get from Caye Caulker to San Pedro (they run frequently). Once you’re there, enjoy the beachfront, try out restaurants, and enjoy the more developed island. Most of the activities in Caye Caulker are similar to those in San Pedro (e.g., snorkelling, and boat tours), so I recommend staying here for the duration of your island time.
- Day 6: Depart at 9:00am on the sailing trip.
Check out my full Caye Caulker itinerary if you want even more detail for your stay here!
Day 6-8: Sailing Trip
One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Belize is the 3-day sailing trip from Caye Caulker to Dangriga. This adventure is on the pricier side ($600 USD per person), but it includes accommodation, transport, food, and activities, making it well worth the cost. The most popular company to book through is Ragga Sailing Adventures.
What makes this sailing trip special is the exclusive access to remote islands and reefs that are otherwise inaccessible. Spend your days snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, fishing off the boat, and sleeping under the stars on uninhabited islands. The peace and remoteness of these remote cayes are unlike anything else in Belize!
After 3 days, you will arrive in Dangriga, which is a short distance away from the town of Hopkins.
Here is what 2 nights on the sailing boat will look like:
- Day 6: Set sail from Caye Caulker around 9am. The day usually has stops at Goff’s or Sergeant’s Caye, as well as additional stops for fishing and snorkelling. You will stay overnight in tents on Rendezvous Caye, which you’ll have all to yourself!
- Day 7: The second day of the sailing trip has stops at Colson Caye, Southern Long Caye Channel and Caye Glory. You will stay overnight in dorm rooms on Tobacco Caye (though there is the option to upgrade).
- Day 8: The final day on the boat will give you the chance to spot manatees near South Water Caye. It’s not uncommon to spot them, but they are very timid, so like all wildlife experiences, you shouldn’t expect anything. Arrive in Dangriga mid-afternoon (around 15:30).
NOTE: If you don’t do the sailing trip, you can return from the Caye Caulker back to the mainland and get a bus down to Hopkins.
Day 8-10: Hopkins
After three days at sea, you’ll arrive in Hopkins, a peaceful Garifuna village known for its rich cultural heritage and laidback vibes. This is the perfect place to unwind and experience a different side of Belize away from the main traveller’s trail.
It’s still crazy to me how quiet the south of Belize is compared to the north, as most people (either because they don’t have time or don’t do much research), just go from the islands to San Ignacio.
Anyway… While in Hopkins, you can take a Garifuna drumming lesson, sample delicious local dishes like hudut (a coconut fish stew), and explore the stunning surroundings. Nature lovers should take a trip to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which was apparently the world’s first jaguar preserve.
If you’re visiting at the right time of year, you can go bioluminescent kayaking in Anderson Lagoon. I didn’t visit as I’ve experienced bioluminescence elsewhere, but apparently the water glows as you paddle!
Here is what 2 nights in Hopkins might look like:
- Day 8: As you port in Dangriga, a quick journey to Hopkins. Arrive in Dangriga and get settled into the laid back village vibe. Walk the beach and dinner at Driftwood Beach Bar. Evening Garifuna drumming lesson and learn about the culture.
- Day 9: Head to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a hike and wildlife spotting. If season permits, end the day with a bioluminescent kayak tour in Anderson Lagoon.
- Day 10: Head south to Placencia.
Day 10-11: Placencia
A short journey south takes you to Placencia, another lesser-known but equally beautiful coastal destination. It takes 1.5-2 hours by bus, via Dangriga.
If you loved Hopkins, you’ll love it here too, as it’s got even better beaches! In fact, they’re some of the most pristine beaches in Belize! Overall, Placencia feels a bit more tourist-friendly than Hopkins, with a charming main street, beachfront cafes, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, making it a great place to slow down and relax!
Spend your time here lounging on Placencia Beach, exploring the village boardwalk, or taking a boat trip to Silk Caye, where you can snorkel with sea turtles, rays, and nurse sharks. For wildlife lovers, a Monkey River tour will give you the chance to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and exotic birds in the mangroves.
Here’s what 1 night in Placencia might look like:
- Day 10: Arrive in Placencia, walk the Placencia Boardwalk and have some fresh seafood at Tipsy Tuna or Barefoot Bar.
- Day 11: If you have time in the morning, take a short boat to Silk Caye to snorkel, before returning inland to San Ignacio.
Follow the Hummingbird Highway back north. This 86km stretch of road connects Dangriga in he south, with the capital of Belmopan further north. If you self-drive, there are plenty of stops along the way as you make your way up to San Ignacio.
Day 11-14: San Ignacio
The final stop on your 2 week Belize itinerary is San Ignacio, the country’s so-called adventure capital. What I have to say about San Ignacio, is that it’s pretty damn cool.
Located in the Cayo District, this town is the perfect base for exploring Belize’s caves, ruins, and jungle landscapes.
A highlight of any trip to Belize is the ATM Cave Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal), an epic caving expedition where you’ll wade through underground rivers and discover ancient Mayan artifacts. Other activities in the area include cave tubing and ziplining, visiting the impressive Xunantunich, Cahal Pech or Caracol Mayan ruins.
Something that most people with less time in Belize don’t allow time for is visiting the nature around San Ignacio. Mountain Pine Ridge and Big Rock Falls are both epic
Here’s what 3 nights in San Ignacio might look like:
- Day 11: Arriving in San Ignacio, take a visit to some Mayan Ruins. Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are both good options. Cahal Pech is ideal if you don’t have much time and want to stay local, whilst Xunantunich is more impressive.
- Day 12: ATM Cave Tour
- Day 13: Visit Pine Ridge, checking out Big Rock Falls. You could even go cave tubing here.
- Day 14: Depart Belize. Before then, try to squeeze in a visit to the Farmers Market and Iguana Conservation Project.
Check out my detailed San Ignacio itinerary.
2 Weeks in Belize Budget
How much does 2 weeks in Belize cost? It depends on your travel style, but here’s a rough estimate:
- Budget: $50-80 per day (hostels, local transport, street food, budget activities)
- Mid-range: $100-200 per day (guesthouses, a mix of local and tourist transport, mid-range restaurants, more paid tours)
- Luxury: $250+ per day (resorts, private transport, high-end dining, exclusive tours)
One of the biggest expenses in Belize is tours and activities. The 3-day sailing trip alone costs $600 USD, and the ATM Cave tour is $100 USD. I found budgeting for specific activities separately (rather than my daily budget) helped me stay sane!
If you’re on a strict budget, you can save money by taking public transport, eating at local restaurants, and choosing fewer guided activities.
How to get around Belize
This itinerary is best travelled without a vehicle (i.e. public transport and shuttles) purely for the inclusion of the 3-day sailing tour which drops you in a different location.
Once you’re back on the mainland, you could rent a car to make day trips much easier, but one-way rentals aren’t common in Belize, so you’d need to drop off the vehicle where you picked it up. If you want to drive, Belize City is probably your best option. The only stretch I’d want a car for would be the Hummingbird Highway.
For most travellers, public transport and shuttles are the best options. Belize’s chicken buses are cheap and (relatively) reliable for getting between major towns. And they don’t take forever!
Shared tourist shuttles offer a faster and more comfortable way to travel. It’s a good go-between as it’s cheaper than private transport, but more expensive than the public transport.
More than 2 weeks in Belize
Whilst two weeks in Belize is a very reasonable amount of time, there are still a few things that didn’t make the itinerary! Here are a few more suggestions if you want to extend further or want to swap out any other stops.
- Ambergris Caye: Staying on the biggest island in Belize offers a different experience to Caye Caulker. It’s great if you want something more resort-style or high-end. It also has more nightlife.
- Lamanai Archaeological Reserve: If you’re travelling down from Chetumal in Mexico, Lamanai is (almost) on route. It’s otherwise slightly out of the way, but worth visiting for its jungle-surrounded Mayan ruins.
- Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala: You can easily hop across the Belize-Guatmala border from San Ignacio, meaning that you can do a day trip to the most influential Mayan Ruins in Central America!
- Caracol Mayan Ruins: If you want to explore more Mayan history, Caracol is Belize’s largest ruin complex and is much less visited than Tikal. You might be able to squeeze this into your time in San Ignacio, but it’s not that close.
- Hummingbird Highway: Driving this stretch of road, there are plenty of stops along the way such as Home to St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park and Billy Bardeqier National Park where you can hike and see caves and waterfalls.
- Belmopan: The capital of Belize doesn’t have much to admire, but if you really want to delve deep into Belize, it’s hard to not include the capital!
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