Belize: Jungles, Mayans & Manatees

Snorkel with wild manatees, explore the gateway to the Mayan underworld & learn to make hot chocolate the traditional way

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Max 14 travelers per group
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team. Please note that single supplements aren't available for Blu Zen, where guests will share a 2-bedroom apartment but have a private bathroom.

About your trip

Where Central American jungle meets turquoise Caribbean seas; this seven-day adventure across Belize is one for the beach-loving culture-seekers.

So what to expect from your time in paradise? You’ll be hiking through rainforest to reach the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, otherwise known as the gateway to the Mayan underworld. You’ll snorkel in preserves so vibrant they rival that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and swim with wild manatees, learning how to protect their precious mangrove habitat with local legend ‘Mangrove Mama’.

There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy local rum and you’ll have the chance to perfect the art of local cooking (get ready to fall in love with Fry Jacks and traditional hot chocolate). A horseback ride to ancient Mayan ruins, tackling a crank-ferry river crossing en route, will have you feeling like a true local, while your free day in Caye Caulker will cement your love for rich a destination that really does seem to tick all the tropical boxes.

Touch down in paradise

Landing at Belize City Airport, collect your bags and meet your private Flash Pack transfer for the two-hour journey to San Ignacio
Check in at your boutique hotel and get to know your group over refreshing rum cocktails (Belize is known for its punch)
Head to an organic restaurant for dinner, with Caribbean favorites like shrimp ceviche, guava buffalo wings and jerk chicken quesadillas washed down with Belikin beers

Fry Jacks, horse rides & chocolate

Learn how to make fry jacks – Belize’s favorite breakfast food – delicious fried dough eaten either sweet (honey, jam or powdered sugar) or savory (cheese or refried beans)
Travel by horseback to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins and cross a local river on an old hand-crank ferry – a true Central American experience
Learn how to make chocolate with locals by grinding cacao with local spices, and discover why the Mayans called it the ‘food of the gods’

Ruins & waterfalls

Explore the Caracol ruins, the largest excavated Maya city in Belize, with pyramids, royal tombs, dwellings, monuments and temples hidden deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve
Dine alfresco with a picnic lunch of local goodies, against a jaw-dropping panorama of dense jungle
Stop off for a refreshing dip at Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot waterfall on the Privassion River against a backdrop of the Mountain Pine Ridge

Gateway to the underworld

Hike through the jungle to the incredible Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, believed by the Mayans to be the gateway to the underworld
Explore the intricate chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites to the inner sanctum, where ancient Mayan artefacts and skeletal remains are preserved
Journey back to Belize City and take a water taxi to Caye Caulker, a gorgeous sun-soaked Caribbean island

Freedom in Caye Caulker

Relax with a free day on Caye Caulker and choose from the many activities on offer, such as snorkeling, kite-surfing or exploring the island by bike
Visit ‘The Split’, a hangout for locals and in-the-know travelers, with shallow waters perfect to cool off in and a thatched-roof beach bar serving tropical drinks and snacks

Mangroves & manatees

Meet local legend and mangrove preservationist Allie Johnstone, known as the “Mangrove Mama” of Caye Caulker, for an educational talk about marine conservation
Embark on a snorkeling adventure to swim with wild manatees; these gentle creatures are a globally threatened species but Belize has the highest number in the world
Round off your day with dinner and rum-tasting at a local restaurant – a proper, island-style send-off from our Belizean adventure

Farewell, Belize

Take a water taxi back to the mainland, where an airport transfer will pick you up from the marina
Return home feeling relaxed but invigorated after your Belizean adventure, having soaked up lush landscapes teeming with wildlife and formed a whole new group of friends

Our favorite hotels

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.

Cassia Hill Resort, San Ignacio

Nestled among serene grounds, Cassia Hill offers basic but comfortable accommodation in individual cabanas. Spend your downtime relaxing by the pool, lazing on your terrace in a hammock or at the onsite restaurant – all set against a jungle soundtrack of tropical birds by day and howler monkeys by night.

Blu Zen, Caye Caulker

This beachfront resort boasts postcard-perfect views of the Caribbean Sea as it meets vast, electric-blue skies. Bag a sun lounger on the sand or by the pool, where an alfresco restaurant serves snacks and cocktails. The focus here is on seafood, and there’s a Thai-inspired restaurant inside if you’re looking to mix things up.

Important notes

Which airport should I fly into and out of? Plus airport code.

Fly into and out of Belize International Airport (BZE). Please book your flight home after 10am at the earliest (this is due to the time the water taxi leaves Caye Caulker).

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What time should my flight arrive to be in time for the welcome meeting?

Please try to ensure your flight arrives by 3 pm on the first day.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

In terms of departure from Caye Caulker, you will receive a ferry ticket that includes a public shuttle back to Belize airport.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10-13 USD per day
Driver: 3 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip locally. Some Pack Leaders will collect a kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If arriving earlier, where should I stay?

We highly recommend not staying in Belize City. Unfortunately it’s not very safe or walkable, so you’ll be better heading directly to San Ignacio.

What is travelling in Belize like?

Travelers need to be prepared that things might not always go according to plan in Belize: basic itinerary changes will likely happen and the standard of service might fall short of what you are used to. However, those who love the odd surprise and the charm of visiting places a little different to home will absolutely fall in love with beautiful Belize and its laidback culture.

What do I need to know about the cave visit?

The Day 4 visit to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave isn’t suitable if you’re claustrophobic, or if you aren’t able to swim. This is a real adventure, so you need to be confident wading through chest-height water in a dark cave. The tour lasts for around four hours and requires a moderate to high level of fitness. No cameras are allowed in the cave as it’s a sacred burial site.

What are the drive times like?

Please be aware that on this trip there will be some early starts and long transfer times. If you suffer from motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring some anti-nausea pills with you from home.

Will I definitely see manatees?

As with any wildlife sightings, we cannot guarantee that you will see manatees.

If you don’t see manatees on the way to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the captains will look for one on the return trip or search around other parts of the island.

Here are estimates for the chances of seeing a manatee on this trip throughout the year:

April-June: 70-80% likely
July-September: 90% likely
October-February: 50% likely

Will my itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Is there a weight limit for the horseback riding?

Please note there is a weight limit of 111 kg for the horseback riding.

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