For a first trip to Belize, choose the coast or cayes for the barrier reef, and western Belize for Maya sites, forest and caves. A week gives you time to settle into one base or combine two with a day set aside for the transfer.
Where to go in Belize
Placencia and the southern coast. Choose Placencia for a mainland beach base and boat trips out towards the reef. Hopkins and Dangriga offer other ways to spend time on this stretch of coast.
Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Look here if snorkelling or diving will shape your holiday. Caye Caulker is compact, while San Pedro on Ambergris Caye gives you a wider range of restaurants, stays and tour operators.
San Ignacio and Cayo. Base yourself in western Belize for guided visits to Actun Tunichil Muknal, Maya sites and the granite pools of Mountain Pine Ridge. Give the cave its own day and ask the guide about the physical demands before booking.
Getting there and planning your stay
International flights arrive near Belize City. Check how your arrival fits onward flights, road transfers or water taxis, especially if you plan to go straight to an island. English is the official language and the Belize dollar is pegged at two to one against the US dollar. Ask which currency a price is quoted in and keep some local cash for small purchases.
Listen to Belize with Simo D
Daniel Edward talks to Canadian-born Belize resident Simo D about the barrier reef, his birthday trip to ATM Cave and what it takes to make a home abroad. Listen to the Belize episode.
Explore our Belize guides
First trip to Belize? Coast, cayes or Cayo
Placencia, Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye?
What moving to Belize taught Simo D
Placencia beachfront by Dave 10Broek, CC BY 2.0. Converted to WebP.
