A ten day discovery of Belize: Punta Gorda's rainforests, the lush Cayo interior and chilled Ambergris Caye
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- Luxury family accommodation throughout
- All tours mentioned in itinerary
- All transfers and domestic flight
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
A wonderful family adventure to explore three of the most beautiful regions of Belize.
Start with three nights in Punta Gorda in the lush south of the country where the rainforest – rich in wildlife – meets the sea. Here, visit an organic cacao plantation to see, smell and taste how chocolate is made – a real treat both for grown ups and children. You’ll also get to experience the jungle aboard a boat, drifting by brightly coloured toucans, iguanas, boisterous howler monkeys, and perhaps seeing graceful manatees grazing in the waters by a traditional fishing village.
Next venture to Cayo, in Belize’s beautiful interior, where you’ll get to explore the incredible ruins of Xunantunich, a Maya city surrounded by forest on the Guatemalan border, and canoe through the mysterious caves of Barton Creek.
Finally head north to Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island and most popular beach destination. Spend your last days relaxing on the sand, with one day on a private boat cruise, snorkelling on the marine wildlife hotspot at Mexico Rocks and enjoying a barbecue on the beach.
Example trip itinerary
Punta Gorda
Flight
Flight from Belize Airport to Punta Gorda
Transfer
Transfer from Punta Gorda airstrip to your lodge
Lodges in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda
Overview
A truly special place, Copal Tree Lodge is simply one of our favourite lodges in all of Latin America. Perched on a hill overlooking the canopy of the lush tropical rainforest of southern Belize the hotel is centred around a main dining and relaxation area which affords great views and provides a focus for guests to meet and mingle with the excellent staff and guides.
The private cabins lean out into the canopy itself, set on stilts and with a large screened balcony one really has the feeling of being in the canopy itself. Each is very spacious and elegantly appointed including comforts such as air conditioning and a double head shower room with a floor to ceiling window to allow views of the rainforest as you bathe.
For relaxation the hotel has a pleasant pool area an outdoor fireside (where live music from local native musicians is arranged for evening drinks) and a small spa area with a good range of treatments.
The star of the show here are the activities and the people which make them happen and can be arranged around any requirements making this an ideal lodge for people of all ages, abilities and tastes.
Though very much in the rainforest, the boathouse at the banks of the lush river at the base of the hill, houses a speedboat that can whisk you to the calm clear waters of the Caribbean for snorkelling, swimming and fishing in the cayes.
→ Find out moreEnjoy your days at Punta Gorda exploring the lush countryside, beautiful reefs and exciting rainforest.
The Toledo District is known for its top-quality cacao, which is used to make chocolate. At the organic Agouti Cacao Farm in the village of San Pedro de Columbia, farmer Eladio Pop and his family teach chocoholics how the sweet stuff is made, from bean to bar. See first-hand how cacao is harvested, dried, roasted, and ground and have an opportunity to make hot chocolate from scratch—the ancient Maya way. You will also learn about the local area and culture.
Board a small boat and float through the lush jungle, listening to the calls of river birds and howler monkeys. Your experienced river guide will point out some of the region’s abundant wildlife including Morelet’s crocodiles, iguanas and an array of bird species. You’ll then enjoy a jungle hike to spot troops of howler monkeys, toucans, snakes and other rainforest flora and fauna and learn about the various plants that are used in herbal medicine. After lunch you’ll wander through Monkey River Town, a small fishing village, before returning to Placencia looking out for West Indian manatees en route.
Transfer
Transfer to Punta Gorda airstrip
Flight
Flight from Punta Gorda to Belize Airport
Cayo District
Transfer
Private transfer from Belize airport to the Cayo District
Accommodation in Cayo District
Cayo District
Highlights
- Access to Chaa Creek's 400-acre nature reserve
- 10% of Chaa Creek's accommodation revenue funds environmental and community projects
- Restaurant
- Infinity Pool
- Full Spa
- Butterfly House
Overview
Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically to be one of the very best eco-lodges in Belize with a real sense of place, character and history. The lodge is set in a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River.
There are just twenty three rooms ranging from garden suites to the jacuzzi cottage, all are ample in size and tastefully appointed with local hardwood furnishings and textiles. The lodgings are arranged around beautiful lush gardens dotted with royal palms and brimming with exotic birdlife. At the centre is a large infinity pool, bar and restaurant. There is also a large spa area atop the hill with an extensive range of treatments on offer. The lodge is well-positioned to explore the attractions of the surrounding area from Mayan ruins to Cave systems. Service is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- The lodge champions sustainability through the implementation of green energy practices, ensuring the property operates in harmony with the environment. This dedication to running the lodge sustainably reflects a conscientious effort to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems that thrive within the reserve.
- Their ‘Butterfly on the Road’ project is an inspiring initiative that extends beyond the boundaries of the lodge, connecting with primary schools in nearby communities. This educational initiative highlights the captivating life cycle of butterflies, underscoring their vital role in the environment. Students benefit from hands-on experiences that provide valuable insights into the significance of butterflies in pollination and maintaining ecosystem balance.
- The lodge contributes 5% of room revenue to social and environmental causes. These include an annual river cleanup, a successful partnership with the Yerkes Primate Institute and Foundation for Wildlife Conservation for the reintroduction of Howler Monkeys to the 400-acre preserve, and a yearly scholarship programe providing monetary aid for tertiary and secondary students’ tuition fees.
Cayo District
Highlights
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wine Cellar
- Organic Garden
- Spa
- Infinity Pool
Overview
This boutique resort is for those seeking a more polished hotel-style experience in the Cayo district.
Located just a short drive to San Ignacio. All rooms are comfortable and equipped with all the modern luxuries one would expect from a hotel such as air-conditioning, flat screen televisions and iPod docks.
Accommodation is in large rooms or private casitas. The hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool, spa, bar, and a good restaurant. Service is excellent, very attentive and helpful.
→ Find out moreCayo District
Overview
You’ll find the rustic Black Rock River Lodge in a stunning location on the banks of the remote Macal River in the Maya Mountains.
Composed of 13 simple cabins, a restaurant, and bar, the lodge places its emphasis on an immersive, natural experience. Each of the one-room cabins are pleasantly airy and bright, built to take advantage of the fresh mountain breezes. You’ll find inviting hammocks around the property, beckoning you to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
While you’re here, you can look forward to hiking, biking, horse riding, and tubing in the surrounding countryside.
→ Find out moreSpend your days exploring the lush interior area of Cayo and where you can truly get stuck into some outdoors activities, hiking the rainforest, birdwatching, horseriding, kayaking, to happening upon hidden Mayan ruins and cave rivers.
You will head to the Mopan river where the vehicle will transfer onto a hand cranked ferry to travel across the river as there is no bridge! From here there is a short drive to arrive at Xunantunich Maya archaeology site. Here you will receive an informative guided tour of this small, picturesque & fascinating site and can enjoy amazing vistas of the surrounding rainforest landscape from atop the main temple.
Head through the Mennonite Community of Upper Barton Creek to the river at Barton Creek. Equipped with canoes and high powered lights, guests gently paddle along the river into the cave system known as Xibalba (she-bal-ba), which is Maya for underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you float past impressive calcite crystal formations. Knowledgeable guides discuss the relevance of the cave to the ancient Mayan people and the archaeological significance of this 7.5km limestone cave system which was used for ceremonial purposes and as a burial site by the ancient Maya people.
Transfer
Transfer to San Ignacio airstrip
Flight
Flight from San Ignacio to San Pedro
Ambergris Caye
Transfer
Transfer from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) to hotel
Accommodation in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye
Overview
Located a short drive away from the main town, Victoria house is an wonderfully elegant beachfront property with beautiful gardens and pool area.
Service is very professional and helpful and the gardens and beach are immaculately manicured. On-site services include a dive-shop, massages, bar and a good restaurant. There are a range of different accommodations on offer from private casitas, to beachfront houses suitable for families or groups of friends.
→ Find out moreAmbergris Caye
Overview
Set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach looking out to the vast barrier reef, Matachica offers a choice of 31 intimate villas, including 30 single casitas and 1 two-bedroom villa. Vibrantly coloured with thatched roofs, the villas are spacious and privately located from each other with traditional mosaic bathrooms, air-conditioning, private patios and hammocks.
There is a welcoming bar, and drinks can be brought to you, poolside or on the beach, while the award-winning Mambo restaurant is considered one of the best in the country and offers locally inspired flavours and some surprising combinations.
As well as relaxing on the serene beach or in the Jade Spa, you can explore both land and the reef with complimentary use of sea kayaks, bicycles, snorkel gear and fishing tackle. The buzzing little town of San Pedro is just a short water taxi away and the lush jungles of Belize’s interior are also within reach.
→ Find out moreThe country's most popular beach destination, for good reason when you see its calm Caribbean beaches, chic island hotels and warm tropical waters. Spend your days here winding down and soaking up the sun, to some excellent snorkelling, diving, water sports and days out on a chartered boat.
Take a boat up the coast from Ambergris Caye to Mexico Rocks where an beautiful collection of Star, Elk Horn Coral, and Staghorn corals are colonised by lobsters, rays, eels and colourful juvenile fish. Shallow and protected by the barrier reef from ocean swells, this site is great for novice snorkellers with excellent visibility. Lunch is will be a wonderful BBQ cooked up on the beach.
Enjoy your day of leisure at Ambergris Caye swimming, snorkelling and diving in the warm Caribbean seas, on a trip to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or simply relaxing at your luxury hotel.
Transfer
Shared transfer from Ambergris Caye hotel to San Pedro airport
Flight
Flight from San Pedro airport to Belize International airport
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A Family Adventure in Belize
How we work
A wonderful family adventure to explore three of the most beautiful regions of Belize. Start with three nights in Punta Gorda in the lush south of the country where the rainforest – rich in wildlife – meets the sea. Here, visit an organic cacao plantation to see, smell and taste how chocolate is made – a real treat both for grown ups and children. You’ll also get to experience the jungle aboard a boat, drifting by brightly coloured toucans, iguanas, boisterous howler monkeys, and perhaps seeing graceful manatees grazing in the waters by a traditional fishing village. Next venture to Cayo, in Belize’s beautiful interior, where you’ll get to explore the incredible ruins of Xunantunich, a Maya city surrounded by forest on the Guatemalan border, and canoe through the mysterious caves of Barton Creek. Finally head north to Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island and most popular beach destination. Spend your last days relaxing on the sand, with one day on a private boat cruise, snorkelling on the marine wildlife hotspot at Mexico Rocks and enjoying a barbecue on the beach. | Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Punta Gorda |
Meet and Greet at Belize Airport | |
Flights & transfers
Flight from Belize Airport to Punta Gorda |
|
Transfer from Punta Gorda airstrip to your lodge | |
Lodges in Punta Gorda
•
Copal Tree Lodge - $$$$$
A truly special place, Copal Tree Lodge is simply one of our favourite lodges in all of Latin...
|
|
Three days at Punta Gorda Enjoy your days at Punta Gorda exploring the lush countryside, beautiful reefs and exciting rainforest. |
|
Toledo Cacao Plantation and Community Visit Tour The Toledo District is known for its top-quality cacao, which is used to make chocolate. At the organic Agouti Cacao Farm in the village of San Pedro de Columbia, farmer Eladio Pop and his family teach chocoholics how the sweet stuff is made, from bean to bar. See first-hand how cacao is harvested, dried, roasted, and ground and have an opportunity to make hot chocolate from scratch—the ancient Maya way. You will also learn about the local area and culture. |
|
Monkey River tour Board a small boat and float through the lush jungle, listening to the calls of river birds and howler monkeys. Your experienced river guide will point out some of the region’s abundant wildlife including Morelet’s crocodiles, iguanas and an array of bird species. You’ll then enjoy a jungle hike to spot troops of howler monkeys, toucans, snakes and other rainforest flora and fauna and learn about the various plants that are used in herbal medicine. After lunch you’ll wander through Monkey River Town, a small fishing village, before returning to Placencia looking out for West Indian manatees en route. |
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Flights & transfers
Transfer to Punta Gorda airstrip |
|
Flight from Punta Gorda to Belize Airport | |
Days 4-7 |
Cayo District |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Belize airport to the Cayo District |
|
Accommodation in Cayo District
•
The Lodge at Chaa Creek - $$$$$
Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically...
•
Ka’ana - $$$$$
This boutique resort is for those seeking a more polished hotel-style experience in the Cayo...
•
Black Rock River Lodge - $$$$$
You’ll find the rustic Black Rock River Lodge in a stunning location on the banks of the...
|
|
Three days exploring the Cayo District Spend your days exploring the lush interior area of Cayo and where you can truly get stuck into some outdoors activities, hiking the rainforest, birdwatching, horseriding, kayaking, to happening upon hidden Mayan ruins and cave rivers. |
|
Tour of Xunantunich You will head to the Mopan river where the vehicle will transfer onto a hand cranked ferry to travel across the river as there is no bridge! From here there is a short drive to arrive at Xunantunich Maya archaeology site. Here you will receive an informative guided tour of this small, picturesque & fascinating site and can enjoy amazing vistas of the surrounding rainforest landscape from atop the main temple. |
|
Barton Creek tour Head through the Mennonite Community of Upper Barton Creek to the river at Barton Creek. Equipped with canoes and high powered lights, guests gently paddle along the river into the cave system known as Xibalba (she-bal-ba), which is Maya for underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you float past impressive calcite crystal formations. Knowledgeable guides discuss the relevance of the cave to the ancient Mayan people and the archaeological significance of this 7.5km limestone cave system which was used for ceremonial purposes and as a burial site by the ancient Maya people. |
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer to San Ignacio airstrip |
|
Flight from San Ignacio to San Pedro | |
Days 7-10 |
Ambergris Caye |
Flights & transfers
Transfer from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) to hotel |
|
Accommodation in Ambergris Caye
•
Victoria House - $$$$$
Located a short drive away from the main town, Victoria house is an wonderfully elegant...
•
Matachica - $$$$$
Set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach looking out to the vast barrier reef,...
|
|
Three days in Ambergris Caye The country's most popular beach destination, for good reason when you see its calm Caribbean beaches, chic island hotels and warm tropical waters. Spend your days here winding down and soaking up the sun, to some excellent snorkelling, diving, water sports and days out on a chartered boat. |
|
Private boat cruise to Mexico Rocks Take a boat up the coast from Ambergris Caye to Mexico Rocks where an beautiful collection of Star, Elk Horn Coral, and Staghorn corals are colonised by lobsters, rays, eels and colourful juvenile fish. Shallow and protected by the barrier reef from ocean swells, this site is great for novice snorkellers with excellent visibility. Lunch is will be a wonderful BBQ cooked up on the beach. |
|
Day at leisure on Ambergris Caye Enjoy your day of leisure at Ambergris Caye swimming, snorkelling and diving in the warm Caribbean seas, on a trip to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or simply relaxing at your luxury hotel. |
|
Flights & transfers
Shared transfer from Ambergris Caye hotel to San Pedro airport |
|
Flight from San Pedro airport to Belize International airport |