Belize offers an incredible mix of Caribbean beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. From diving the Great Blue Hole to exploring jungle temples, this small Central American nation packs adventure, culture, and natural beauty into every corner.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
Highlights: Sacred Maya cave with skeletal remains and pottery in situ · Crystal Maiden — calcified skeleton of a young Maya woman · Underground river swimming and wading · Ancient ceremonial chambers deep inside the mountain
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Highlights: Temple I and Temple II towering over the Gran Plaza · Temple IV — tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas at 65m · Spider and howler monkeys in the jungle canopy above the ruins · Sunrise or sunset from Temple IV with special permit
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Highlights: High Temple — one of the tallest Maya structures in Belize at 33m · Mask Temple with massive carved stone masks · Crocodiles and howler monkeys along the boat ride up river · Orchid-filled jungle surrounding the site
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Highlights: Hidden Valley Falls — highest waterfall in Central America at 500m drop · Rio Frio Cave — large cavern with a river flowing through it · Rio On Pools — granite swimming holes carved by centuries of water · Pine forest dramatically different from the lowland jungle
Caye Caulker Island
Highlights: Snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley · The Split — narrow channel perfect for swimming and sunset cocktails · Laid-back cycling around the largely car-free island · Fresh grilled lobster from beach shacks during season (July-February)
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from San Ignacio to Caracol, ATM Cave, and Tikal from $70-150 per person through operators like Pacz Tours and Caesar's Place. Includes transport and guide.
- Private
- Rental car or 4WD hire from $60-120/day for independent exploration of Mountain Pine Ridge and Cayo District. Required for Caracol road.
- Public
- Chicken buses serve major towns cheaply. Belize City to San Ignacio: $6 BZD (2.5 hrs). Orange Walk to Lamanai boat: additional $30 tour from Orange Walk. Water taxis serve the cayes.
- Rental
- Car rental from $60-120/day for compact to 4WD. 4WD essential for Caracol and Mountain Pine Ridge. Rental agencies in Belize City, San Ignacio, and Ambergris Caye.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start Caracol and ATM Cave trips by 7AM from San Ignacio — midday heat is intense and ATM requires swimming
Bring your passport on any day trip to Guatemala (Tikal) — cross at Benque Viejo del Carmen border
Book Tikal day trips with operators in San Ignacio who handle the border crossing and Guatemalan entry fee
Check road conditions before driving to Caracol in rainy season — 4WD roads can become impassable after heavy rain