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Planning a Belize itinerary can be overwhelming, with factors like how much time you have and what kind of experiences you enjoy shaping your entire experience. The country is jam-packed with unique bucket list things to do in Belize, and planning them all into your route can be tricky. Luckily, with its compact size and diverse destinations, you can combine the best of Belize, from the reef to the rainforest, into one trip. Instead of the usual short vacation or quick backpacking route most ...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize may be the second smallest country in Central America, but it's full of incredible places worth visiting. While most travellers only visit one or two destinations, we spent weeks slow-travelling the country from Mexico to Guatemala, and we found the most beautiful places in Belize, including remote island paradises, laidback beach towns, and relaxing jungle lodges. Discover where to stay in Belize, from the world's second-largest barrier reef to dense rainforest filled with ancient May...| Thoroughly Travel
While Mayan ruins might make you think of wonder of the world Chichén Itzá in Mexico or mighty Tikal in Guatemala, Belize is home to some of the most fascinating Mayan ruins in Central America. Scattered across the country, these sites range from towering temples hidden deep in the jungle to riverside cities and hilltop ceremonial centres, once home to one of history's greatest civilisations. Some sites are easily accessible from popular towns like San Ignacio, while others require more ad...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize is a country defined by its natural beauty, and much of it is protected through a vast network of reserves, parks, and conservation areas. While you might be thinking national parks mean pristine rainforests and steamy jungles, you might be surprised to know that much of the coast and offshore cayes (islands) also fall into the category of protected areas in Belize. With over 100 protected areas, from lush rainforests and mountain ranges to coastal mangroves and the world’s second-la...| Thoroughly Travel
Driving in Belize is one of the best ways to explore the country, giving you the freedom to reach remote ruins, hidden waterfalls, and small villages that aren’t always accessible by public transportation. We love a road trip, have driven all over the world in over 11 countries, and Belize is one of our favourite places we've road-tripped. We love the flexibility that having a rental car gives us, and it often works out cheaper than booking onto multiple day tours, too. From being able to a...| Thoroughly Travel
Tucked into the highlands near San Ignacio Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of Belize’s most diverse and beautiful natural areas. Covering a vast area, this sprawling protected area is home to rolling pine forests, granite hills, cascading waterfalls, impressive caves, and rushing rivers, making it very different from the country’s typical tropical jungle scenery. We’ve collated everything you need to know about visiting Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, from how to get here,...| Thoroughly Travel
Caracol is one of the best Mayan archaeological sites in Belize, hidden deep within the rainforest near the Guatemalan border. Once a powerful city-state that rivalled Tikal, today visitors can wander Caracol's vast plazas, spot wildlife in the canopy, and climb ancient temples for panoramic views. Getting to Caracol is part of the fun, requiring a bumpy drive through remote forest, but the journey is more than worth it for the chance to experience such a massive and remote site without the c...| Thoroughly Travel
Xunantunich is one of Belize's most impressive Mayan archaeological ruins. Featuring intricate stone carvings, towering temples, and expansive plazas, this unique site is one of the best things to do near San Ignacio. Easily reached via a short hand-cranked ferry ride across the river, Xunantunich makes for a great half-day trip and is a must-visit for any history enthusiast. We've amalgamated everything you need to know about visiting Xunantunich, from how to get here, the best tours, how to...| Thoroughly Travel
One of the most easily accessible Mayan ruins in Belize, on the outskirts of San Ignacio, Cahal Pech may be small, but its history is mighty. Once a royal acropolis inhabited by an elite Maya family, the site is perched on a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. It's one of the oldest known Mayan settlements in the region, and visitors can explore its maze of courtyards, plazas, temples, and interconnected palaces, many of which you can climb on. We've collated everything you need to know...| Thoroughly Travel
The ATM Cave, short for Actun Tunichil Muknal, is highly regarded as one of the best things to do in Belize. It's one of the country's most famous archaeological and adventure sites, known for its water-filled caverns, dramatic limestone formations, and preserved Mayan artefacts. Visiting the ATM Cave is an active journey, where you hike through the jungle, wade and swim through cool subterranean rivers, and explore chambers filled with ancient pottery, ceremonial artefacts, and calcified ske...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye is known for its vacation vibes, sprawling beaches, and boujee resorts. Positioned near the Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye's main town, San Pedro, is one of the most popular places in Belize. There are plenty of fun things to do in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, both on land and at sea. From relaxing beach days to snorkelling and diving excursions, there are countless activities to fill up your itinerary. We’ve listed all the best activities, attr...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize's Secret Beach isn't much of a secret anymore. Known for its sprawling white sands and crystal-clear waters, visiting this spot on Ambergris Caye's west coast is one of the best things to do in San Pedro. There's plenty to do here, from bar hopping and jet skiing to sunbathing and eating in the famous Blue Bayou Bar and Restaurant with its in-water dining tables. In this post, we've included everything you need to know about Secret Beach and Blue Bayou, from how to get there to whether...| Thoroughly Travel
Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest and most developed island, known for its lively atmosphere and abundant activities. Despite its significant popularity and growth, it blends a bustling energy with an underlying island vibe, offering a tropical vacation destination. Its prime position directly adjacent to the Belize Barrier Reef makes its main town of San Pedro a hub for exploring the underwater world, whether you're embarking on thrilling SCUBA dives with sharks, snorkelling amidst turtles ...| Thoroughly Travel
The first thing you need to know about Manuel Antonio is that there are unfortunately scams everywhere. The problem is so persistent that the official website actually has a notice to warn tourists they may encounter scams on their way to the park. This is something a lot of websites gloss over but, if you're not prepared, it could completely ruin your trip. We've listed the common Costa Rica tourist scams and what to look out for below.| Thoroughly Travel
The Iguana Eco Sanctuary is a protected piece of land on the lagoon in Ambergris Caye and one of the most unusual things to do in San Pedro, Belize. Created by a local, it is a conservation initiative set up to protect black spiny-tailed and green iguanas and their mangrove habitat. We want to shine the spotlight on Calvin's amazing conservation efforts, raise awareness of the threats the iguanas and ecosystem here face due to the rapid development of Ambergris Caye, and provide you with ever...| Thoroughly Travel
Accommodation in Ambergris Caye, especially around San Pedro, combines the island’s relaxed tropical vibe with a wider range of comforts and styles. You’ll find everything from colourful colonial-style buildings and rustic beachfront cabanas to modern resorts with rooftop pools and full-service spas. While the island has welcomed more development than its neighbour, Caye Caulker, much of it remains low-rise and designed to complement the tropical setting, with sandy paths, palm-lined beac...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize is often considered one of the world's top destinations for snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Due to its position along the expansive Mesoamerican Reef (the second-largest on the planet), the waters here are teeming with marine life, from turtles, sharks and stingrays to manatees, whale sharks, and fish, as well as unique topography, including colourful coral reefs, seagrass beds, and conch graveyards. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or an experienced diver, Belize offers underwa...| Thoroughly Travel
Southeast Belize is lined with coastal towns, but none are more popular than Hopkins and Placencia. Just a short drive apart, these two beach towns are similar in many ways but offer distinctly different experiences. Hopkins is a small fishing village with a strong Garifuna culture, while Placencia is a larger, more developed peninsula with a strong focus on tourism. In this guide, we break down the key differences between Hopkins and Placencia, from size, layout, and transportation to cultur...| Thoroughly Travel
Often referred to as the 'Maldives of Mexico', Bacalar is a laidback town in Quintana Roo best known for its stunning Lagoon of Seven Colours, a freshwater lake so brightly turquoise and clear it’s often mistaken for the Caribbean Sea. Despite growing in popularity, Bacalar has retained its slow-paced vibe, offering a tranquil alternative to the busier beach towns of the Riviera Maya. The town’s unique setting on the edge of a vast, shallow lagoon makes it a haven for paddleboarding at su...| Thoroughly Travel
A popular vacation destination nestled at the southern tip of a long and narrow peninsula on Belize’s east coast, Placencia is known for its sprawling white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and immediate access to the Belize Barrier Reef. There are plenty of fun things to do in Placencia, from exploring the town with its colourful buildings and narrow main street to snorkelling and SCUBA diving off remote cayes. With easily accessible day trips inland and on the water, Placencia is the perfect...| Thoroughly Travel
If you’re planning to travel between San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and its neighbouring island of Caye Caulker, you’ll find you have two choices: plane and boat. While flying is tempting, it's more expensive and no faster. Water taxis (ferries) run frequently throughout the day, offering a quick and scenic way to hop between these two popular Belizean islands. At only 20 miles and a smooth 30-minute ferry journey apart, it's easy to take a day trip from San Pedro to Caye Caulker or vice ver...| Thoroughly Travel
Isla Contoy is a small, uninhabited island just off the coast of the Mexican Riviera. Protected since 1961 and designated a National Park in 1998, it is a pristine ecological reserve jointly managed by the Mexican government and the non-profit 'Amigos de Isla Contoy'. The island is known for its pristine environment and diverse ecosystem, which includes white-sand beaches, mangroves, lagoons, and tropical forests, with over 95% of its vegetation untouched. Surrounding coral reefs and seagrass...| Thoroughly Travel
A deep blue marine sinkhole in the middle of the turquoise-coloured Belize Barrier Reef, the Blue Hole isn't just one of the best things to do in Belize but is the main reason many travellers visit this small Central American country in the first place. Visitors are attracted by the possibility of SCUBA diving in the hole, which is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and has been deemed 'one of the best dive sites in the world'. Another option, flying over the Blue Hole, provides panoram...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize’s Caribbean coast is dotted with stunning islands, but none draw more attention than Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Just a short boat ride apart, these two islands offer very different experiences - one buzzing with activity and the other defined by its 'Go Slow' motto. Whether you're planning a snorkelling trip to the Barrier Reef, dreaming of sunsets with a cocktail in hand, or just looking for an island escape, choosing the right island can shape your entire Belize adventure. In...| Thoroughly Travel
A blissfully laidback island, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed vibes and 'Go Slow' motto. A set of two islands, Caye Caulker is located off mainland Belize, near the diverse Belize Barrier Reef, meaning it has lots of fun activities on land and at sea. With sandy streets, local restaurants, ocean activities, and rasta-Caribbean culture, it is home to lots of fun activities and attractions. From slow-paced sunbathing to thrilling snorkelling and diving, there are plenty of fun things to d...| Thoroughly Travel
A set of two islands off the coast of mainland Belize, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed way of life. Despite being a hugely popular place to visit in Belize, Caye Caulker has managed to avoid most of the overcrowding and mass development that its neighbour, Ambergris Caye, has seen. Its position near the diverse Belize Barrier Reef puts it in a prime position for exploring the underwater world, whether you're swimming with manatees, stingrays, and turtles, sailing to remote cayes (island...| Thoroughly Travel
Often regarded as "sea cows", manatees are ethereal and elusive creatures. Belize, home to one of the largest populations of these gentle giants in the Caribbean, offers a rare and unforgettable chance to swim alongside them in their natural habitat. Whether you're an avid marine enthusiast like us or simply in search of a unique wildlife experience, swimming with manatees in Belize is both humbling and exhilarating. With strict conservation efforts in place, visitors can witness these peacef...| Thoroughly Travel
Swimming with sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley is one of the hottest attractions in Belize. It's a small part of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is situated in the wider and incredibly diverse Belize Barrier Reef. You've probably seen snorkellers surrounded by gentle nurse sharks and giant southern stingrays on social media, but many people don't know it can be unethical. Unfortunately, a lot of tour companies feed the marine life, encouraging visitors to touch the animals, which can ha...| Thoroughly Travel
San Pedro, Belize, is also a top food destination, offering a diverse range of dining options. From bustling cafés and beachside bars to authentic Belizean eateries and upscale restaurants, the town serves up everything from fresh seafood and Caribbean classics to international flavours. We basically ate our way around town, discovering local and further-afield spots perfect for a casual breakfast, quick street food bite, or romantic dinner with ocean views. Here are the top restaurants in S...| Thoroughly Travel
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, offering a fun and flexible way to explore the island's diverse attractions. Whether you simply want a convenient way to get around or to explore lesser-visited parts of the island like Secret Beach, renting and driving a golf cart is one of the best things to do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye. We've covered everything you need to know about renting and driving a golf cart in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, from companies and p...| Thoroughly Travel
Belizean Shores Resort is a locally owned, oceanfront hotel complex that provides a variety of comfortable and spacious suites, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and easy access to the beach.| Thoroughly Travel
Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica is the most freeing way to get around. We loved cruising our way through the volcanic and tropical landscapes of Costa Rica but driving in a new country can be daunting at first. We have compiled everything you need to know about hiring a car in Costa Rica and driving yourself in this thorough guide.| Thoroughly Travel
Camping in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to authentically see the country. Being able to sleep in a different location every night is incredibly freeing and allows you to truly get off the beaten path. Camping is even better if your tent is combined with your transport, like in a 4x4 camper rental, as you have your very own home on wheels. We’ve camped in a camper car in Australia, New Zealand, and now Costa Rica, and can truly say it’s an experience you’re going to want to add to ...| Thoroughly Travel
We've compiled this thorough guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica for the best weather, based on your interests, including surfing, hiking, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving. We've also detailed all the best times for wildlife watching in Costa Rica, including mating, nesting, and migration seasons, as well as where and how to see the country's most exotic and exciting animals.| Thoroughly Travel
Nestled on the southern coast of the rugged Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is a charming beach town that's relatively untouched by mass tourism. If you're looking for empty beaches, remote campsites, hikes through the jungle, secret swimming spots, and native wildlife, you're in the right place. We've compiled this complete travel guide to Montezuma with everything you need to know about visiting the town, from how to get here to the best hotels and restaurants. We've also listed the best things...| Thoroughly Travel
To get to the Nicoya Peninsula from mainland Costa Rica you have two options: take the main road (Paso del Tempisque) around the north of the Gulf of Nicoya (Golfo de Nicoya) or take the Naviera Tambor Ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. Finding out information about the Nicoya Ferry, like times, prices, and how to buy tickets, can be stressful and frustrating. We've put together this thorough guide to taking the Puntarenas-Paqurea ferry based on our own experiences - and mistakes - and included...| Thoroughly Travel
There are so many exciting destinations to explore in Costa Rica and it can be hard to whittle your list down to a manageable route. If you're looking for a mixture of exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, pristine natural areas, volcanic landscapes, and adrenaline activities, you're in the right place. We've compiled this ultimate Costa Rica road trip itinerary based on our own experience, with optional stops and suggested detours depending on the amount of time you have and your interests.| Thoroughly Travel