Turtle Inn - Beach

Rainforest, Tikal & Southern Coast

Combine the pristine rainforest and barrier reef of Belize with striking Guatemalan ruins

Days: 8 | From: $5,690/per person

  • Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
  • Includes excursions and tours with superb guides

Discover fascinating archeological sites around Belize's Cayo District before exploring the beaches and barrier reef located off the coastal town of Placencia.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Cayo District
    4 nights: discover fascinating archeological sites
  • Placencia
    3 nights: explore the beaches and barrier reef located off this coastal town

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Belize!

Chaa Creek - Nature Preserve

Arrive to Belize City, where you will be met by a local guide for your private transfer to western Belize. Your home for the next few days is a thatched cottage in a boutique jungle lodge, set in a hilly section of the rainforest right along the lovely Macal River. The western part of Belize is the country’s best-kept secret: beautiful rainforest, excellent accommodations, and a variety of extraordinary excursions.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek , 4 nights

Chaa Creek is composed of 23 palm-thatched cottages and offers a unique, luxurious base for adventures in the rainforests of Belize. This private, 365-acre nature reserve sits along the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Explore the nature trails that wind around the property, and get to know the local wildlife: a diversity of exotic jungle dwellers make their home in the area, including peccaries, jaguars, monkeys, and over 300 species of tropical and migratory birds. The lodge offers a restaurant, spa, infinity swimming pool, butterfly exhibit, organic farm, and horse stables.

*Includes: Dinner

Day 2: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Chaa Creek - Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Enjoy an adventurous caving trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal, one of the great archeological caving experiences of the Americas. Here, you can journey far into a winding cave filled with relics from ancient Mayan rituals. Prefer to stay topside? There are plenty of other options for exploring the area as well.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full day trip to the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala

Guatemala - Tikal

Travel over the border into Guatemala to see the ruins of Tikal. One of the most impressive Mayan sites in Central America, Tikal is a sprawling complex of temples and residential structures, with several temples that rise above the jungle canopy, providing sweeping views of the surrounding rainforest environment. The site is also home to a wide variety of jungle wildlife, including monkeys, toucans and many other species. Spend the day exploring the ruins, then return to Belize in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Free day to Explore and Relax

Chaa Creek - Horseback Riding

Enjoy a day to relax and explore the Cayo District and the natural beauty that surrounds your lodge. Options include horseback riding, hiking, canoeing on the Macal River, bike riding, or visiting nearby Mayan ruins. If you would rather have an extra day at the beach, rather than in the Cayo District, an alternative is to add another day to your beach stay rather than here.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to the Beach in Placencia

Belize - Placencia Village

Drive down to the Caribbean coast in the southern part of Belize. Your route takes you down the Hummingbird Highway, one of the most beautiful drives in all of Central America. Journey from highland to lowland rainforest, with sweeping views of the mountain range that runs through the center of Belize. Arrive to your beach hotel, one of the premier boutique hotels in the area.

Accommodations: Naia Resort and Spa , 3 nights

Nestled within a private 224-acre community on Belize's Placencia Peninsula, Naia is an intimate seaside lodge. The lodge sits on a secluded beachfront, extending along nearly a mile of palm-studded beach. 38 beautifully-appointed Beach Houses envelop guests in casual, residential-style luxury, and offer all amenities needed to ensure a comfortable stay. Other lodge amenities include a sprawling spa, fitness center, yoga studio, swimming pool, and two restaurants featuring a rotating Belizean menu created from fresh and seasonal ingredients.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Snorkeling on the Barrier Reef

Belize - Snorkeling Boat

Take a private snorkeling excursion out to the Barrier Reef. You’ll make stops at some of the classic snorkeling spots and also visit one or two of the islands that dot the reef before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodations: Naia Resort and Spa , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Free Day to Relax and Explore

Turtle Inn - Beach Area

Enjoy a leisurely day on the beach, or try one of the area’s many activities: snorkeling, boat trips, excursions to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring local jungle rivers, visits to small local Mayan villages, and more.

Accommodations: Naia Resort and Spa , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Depart for home

Head to the airport in Placencia, where you will take a short flight takes you to Belize City to connect with your international flight home.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add 3 nights at Ambergris Caye, where you can enjoy a variety of activities on the island and the surrounding reef.

  • Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Contact Us +1 (800) 342-1796

Everything went exactly as planned! No problems, amazing service.

Monica Weaver

The trip was really fantastic. It was really a great experience and everything was planned perfectly.

Gary Kaplan

Wonderful. We had a great time.

Daniel Martin

Superb Private Guides

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