(Updated January 2026)
Belize is a destination that has it all: gorgeous beaches, thrilling jungle activities, delicious food and fascinating Mayan ruins to explore. If you are feeling overwhelmed trying to fit all the activities into one cohesive vacation, let this Belize 10 day Itinerary be a helpful guide.
I recently traveled to Belize with a large group and had the chance to experience activities and restaurants from San Ignacio to Ambergris Caye. Keep reading to learn about the beach and jungle adventures of Belize in ten days.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Belize Map
Belize is a country on the coast of Central America. It borders Mexico and Guatemala with the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Belize Itinerary Day 1 & 2- International Arrival to Belize and San Ignacio
Once you arrive from your international flight into Belize City, make shuttle arrangements or book your transportation directly with your hotel to get from Goldson International Airport to San Ignacio.
We booked with The San Ignacio Resort Hotel and transportation from the airport to our hotel was seamless. It is approximately 2 hours to drive from the airport to San Ignacio town (on mildly bumpy and curvy roads).
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you prefer to use a private shuttle from Belize Airport to San Ignacio, William Shuttle Belize is reputable and competitively priced.
Click here to read the Top Reasons To Visit Belize!
Where to Stay in San Ignacio Belize:
A convenient place to stay in the Cayo District is the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Importantly, the hotel is centrally located and a perfect hub to reach nearby jungle activities. If you are planning a trip from San Ignacio Belize to Tikal, the hotel is in close proximity to the Guatemala border.
The property boasts luxurious accommodations, delicious dining and the Iguana Project. The 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Royal Suite at the resort is large and spacious which is perfect for a small group or family.
That evening, have a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Running W, after your long day of travel.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Double check whether your resort has breakfast available for your early departure in the morning or consider ordering room service. The San Ignacio Resort will pack food to go or provide room service.
Belize Itinerary Day 3- Mayan Ruins at Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools Belize
Caracol Belize Tour:
On your second day in Belize, it’s time to explore the best things to do in San Ignacio, Belize. There are no shortage of exciting jungle adventures to explore. From cave tubing at Barton Creek, visiting Mayan Ruins at Caracol, the Rio Frio Cave, and swimming in the Rio on Pools- you have tons of options. These tours can be expertly handled by one of the many tour operators in Cayo, Belize. Enjoy gorgeous scenery as you drive through scenic Mountain Pine Ridge.
Pick up- 7:30 am, return 5:00 pm
Drive time to Caracol- 2.5 hours
Seeking Stamps Tip: The road is crazy, next level, super bumpy! I strongly advise motion sickness medications for anyone prone to it. Bring tissue or wipes and hand sanitizer for the rustic bathroom stop on the way.
Learn About Visiting Caracol Ruins in This Article!
Rio Frio Cave Belize:
Following your Caracol tour, stop by Rio Frio Cave on your return home. It is about an hour to the Rio Frio caves location from Caracol. You do not need to spend too long here, but wander inside the deep Rio Frio caves and check out the interior. The dark, massive crevasse is impressive! The terrain is a bit steep and rocky, but sneakers are sufficient to walk into the cave.
Rio on Pools Belize:
After a hot and dusty day of tours, cooling off in the rivers of Belize at the Rio on Pools will feel amazingly refreshing. At the Rio on Pools Belize water pours over granite boulders in a series of waterfalls and small pools. Water shoes are suggested for the slippery and sometimes sharp rocks. The view is worth a stop even if you don’t plan to swim.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Use caution when swimming because there can be currents and muddy conditions. Do not enter if you are not a strong swimmer.
After you return and freshen up, use the hotel shuttle or taxi to go into town- about a 5 minute drive. Try dinner reservations at Guava Limb Cafe.
Belize Travel Itinerary Day 4- Explore the Relics on an ATM Cave Tour Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour:
Do not miss the ATM Cave Belize tour which feels like a National Geographic Expedition through a dark cave filled with artifacts! This was the highlight of our ten day itinerary in Belize.
ATM Cave Pick up at your hotel at 7:00 am, return 4:00 pm.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Wear comfy clothing for stretching across rocks and climbing. You will possibly get muddy, so wear dark colors and clothing you don’t love.
*No cameras/video are allowed inside the Tunichil Muknal cave.
You may want to have dinner at your hotel because chances are you will be pretty tired from the long day of excitement.
Cultural Consideration: This is a religious site, so please consider dressing conservatively. Mid-drifts and very short shorts are frowned upon by locals.
Belize Itinerary Day 5- Mayan Ruins or Iguana Project in San Ignacio
Mayan Ruins Near San Ignacio:
Depending on your flight time, you might be able to squeeze in a Xunantunich tour or visit Cahal Pech to see more awe-inspiring ruins.
The Iguana Project in San Ignacio:
For a shorter time frame, go to the Iguana Conservation Project. An hour here is plenty of time to learn about protecting and caring for the iguanas in Belize.
Next, travel to Ambergris Caye!
Travel to Ambergris Caye:
Consider booking a flight from San Ignacio directly to Ambergris Caye through Maya Island Airlines Belize or Tropic Air Charters to minimize your travel time. If you are driving back to the main airport, you most likely will not have time for additional tours.
If you are opting to travel via ferry to Ambergris Caye here is booking information and schedules.
Arrival in Ambergris Caye:
After your flight arrives, taxis are readily available just outside the airport. You might want to drop off luggage at your hotel or rental, and keep your airport taxis.
If you are wondering what to do in Ambergris Caye . . . keep reading!
Next, have the taxi drive you to Secret Beach which is further away from the main town in San Pedro to maximize your first day on the island. Secret Beach San Pedro, certainly isn’t a secret and it’s a popular place for locals and tourists.
Secret Beach Ambergris Caye:
Once you reach Secret Beach Ambergris Caye, you can either enjoy the beautiful scenery there, or escape to a beach bar. Our favorite is The Blue Bayou Restaurant. This is the perfect spot for lunch! Grab buckets of beer, or one of their specialty cocktails and hang at their palapas in the ocean. Wherever you decide to spend the day, you can’t go wrong with any Ambergris Caye beach!
Where to Stay in Ambergris Caye: Casa Tortuga Villa
If you are looking for the best place to stay in San Pedro for a large group, I suggest looking at the eclectic Casa Tortuga Villa. Casa Tortuga Villa is in the perfect location in Ambergris Caye. It has a large stretch of beach right out your door, which offers cool sea breezes and stunning ocean views.
At Casa Tortuga every detail is handled. From assistance with tours, local dining, activity recommendations to golf cart rentals in Ambergris Caye Belize. You can even get picked up right from the Casa Tortuga Villa dock for convenient access to snorkel and diving tours.
Belize Itinerary Day 6- Relax and Beach Bar Hop
You will probably be exhausted by now, so spend the day laying by the pool, relaxing, getting a massage, or shopping in town.
In the afternoon, grab a golf cart and go into San Pedro to all the exciting beach bars and restaurants there. Try a floating happy hour in inner tubes at The Palapa Bar.
Or go to Wahoo’s Lounge for the hilarious Chicken drop. Make sure to check the calendar- it doesn’t operate every night.
Then for dinner, check out the variety of food trucks at The Truck Stop.
Belize Itinerary Day 7- Snorkel in Shark Ray Alley
Shark Ray Alley:
Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley to see the gentle nurse sharks and stingrays. Belize has the largest barrier reef in North America and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After snorkeling, try Elvi’s Kitchen for fresh Belizean cuisine. Their seafood in black bean creole sauce is delicious!
Belize Itinerary Day 8- Visit the Great Blue Hole to Scuba Dive or Snorkel
The Great Blue Hole:
Plan a visit to the Belize Great Blue Hole either by boat or air. For certified divers, get out to the phenomenal Belize Barrier Reef. We used Belize Pro Dive Center. Another option is to take a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole. Whether you visit the Great Blue Hole via flight or scuba diving, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Seeking Stamps Tip: The seas are choppy on the way, so keep that in mind if you are prone to seasickness.
Belize Itinerary Day 9- Island Hopping to Caye Caulker and Tarpon Fishing
No ten day Belize itinerary would be complete without a day trip out to colorful Caye Caulker. Spend the afternoon watching Tarpon fish launch out of the water!
Have lunch, jump off the diving board into the ocean and relax at the Lazy Lizard.
Finally, when you return to San Pedro, have a traditional Belizean dinner at highly rated El Fogon. Try the conch fritters, fish balls and salbutes!
If you have additional time, plan a day trip to visit Tobacco Caye!
Belize Travel Itinerary Day 10- Last Day in Belize and Departure Home
Finally, depart from San Pedro in the morning via ferry or plane to Belize City. Then take your return flight home.
10 Day Belize Travel Itinerary- Final Thoughts
That wraps up your ten day Belize travel itinerary! As you can see Belize is a destination with amazing beaches, delicious food and thrilling adventures. I hope these travel tips help you plan an amazing 10 day vacation in Belize.
