Classic Belize & Tikal
9 Days Belize City to Caye Caulker
Overview
If we had to describe the Belizean pace it would be somewhere between slowly rolling waves and the inquisitive speed of a ruin explorer. Embracing just that mix of curious and chill, this nine-day itinerary will let you tour Mayan ruins, cycle around stunning islands, and enjoy plenty of time to hang out on the beach or dive into the famous Blue Hole. Be speedy, or a bit sloth-like — we’ll help you discover Central America either way.
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Our Price From
A$2,057 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $291 per person
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Belize City
Trip Ends
Caye Caulker
Departures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CBBC
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Accommodation:
Golden Bay Hotel
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Cross the border into Guatemala and continue on to Flores. Notice the difference in culture, with the heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Enter Guatemala at the northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.
Accommodation:
Hotel Petén
Included Experiences
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal archaeological site. Return to Flores and choose to relax or go for a swim in Lake Petén Itzá.
Accommodation:
Hotel Petén
Included Experiences
- Tikal Ruins Guided Tour: Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
Optional Experiences
- Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Cross back into Belize and the town of San Ignacio, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore or choose from optional activities like a visit to the nearby ruins of Xunantunich.
Accommodation:
Midas Resort
Included Experiences
- Border Crossing (Guatemala - Belize): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Free Time: Start exploring with a free afternoon.
Optional Experiences
- Xunantunich Visit: Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
- Horseback Riding: Choose from one of the 45 horses at Hannah's Stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside.
Take a free day to choose from a long list of optional activities from San Ignacio. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, check out Barton Creek Cave, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, or the visit the ancient ruins of Caracol or Xunantunich.
Accommodation:
Midas Resort
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Optional Experiences
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit: The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave has only been open to the public since 1998. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see up to 1400 artifacts, including pottery, tools and vessels used by the Maya for a thousand years. Hike 45 minutes to the cave entrance, wade/swim through deep pools, past calcite formations, to explore this damp, dark place of ritual and sacrifice. With a helmet and headlamp, see the skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden,” a young girl whose bones have calcified over the past 1,100 years, making them appear to sparkle.
- Xunantunich Visit: Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing: Strap on a headlamp, step in the canoe and paddle along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the Barton Creek Cave. Bring your camera to take memorable photos of cathedral rock chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Upon return, opt to swim at Big Rock Falls.
- Horseback Riding: Choose from one of the 45 horses at Hannah's Stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside.
- Caracol Ruins Tour: Set within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, prepare to be wowed by Caracol. It’s the largest known Maya site in Belize and was once home to an estimated 180,000 people. The site was discovered in the 1920's by a logger looking for mahogany. One of its pyramids, Canaa or “Sky Place”, built in 800 AD and standing 43m (143 ft), continues to be the tallest man-made structure in the country. Bring your walking shoes, water and a sunhat because there’s lots to see here. Tombs, temples, altars, carved stelae and other stone monuments – it’s well worth the effort and easy to be impressed.
- Cave Tubing: Hike through the lush subtropical forest to the entrances of remarkable limestone caves within the mountains. Jump into crystal blue waters, tube down stream, enjoy a cool swim in refreshing therapeutic cave waters in a natural pool formed between two cave entrances, float through some rapids, view sparkling cave formations and learn of cave geology and Maya history during the tour.
Travel by bus and boat to beautiful Caye Caulker, where "go slow" is the island's motto. Later, explore the island on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Enjoy tons of optional activities that will keep you busy here for days.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tropical Paradise
Included Experiences
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Taxi: Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
- Belize Bike with Purpose Tour: Take a leisurely bike tour around Caye Caulker with a guide from the G Adventures for Good supported Bike with Purpose project. See the island through the eyes of a local on this two-hour tour, and live the island's motto of 'Go Slow'. Feel the island breeze in you hair while knowing you're supporting a program that helps youth from Caye Caulker build skills for tourism jobs upon graduation from high school.
Optional Experiences
- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour: Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
With free time today, choose to snorkel in the vibrant waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to colorful coral and marine life, or simply unwind and soak up the laid-back Belizean vibe.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tropical Paradise
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take advantage of all Caye Caulker has to offer.
Optional Experiences
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour: Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.
- Fishing: Cast a line and see what you can reel in. Fish for snapper, barracuda, horse-eye jack and more. Bring your catch to any local restaurant and have them gut and grill it just for you. Buy the rest of dinner and some drinks and enjoy! It doesn’t get any fresher than this. (250-450 USD per person)
- Bike with Purpose Rental: Rent a bike from the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose project on Caye Caulker and cycle around the island out to the split and back. It's a great way to get some exercise and see the sights on this laid-back island. Don't forget to bring water and wear lots of sunscreen. (1-30 USD per person)
- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour: Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
Continue to explore Caye Caulker and its water or land-based activities during free time.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tropical Paradise
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Get active or get lazy in this sunny spot—the choice is yours.
Optional Experiences
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour: Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
- Guided Kayak Trip: Follow a guide on a sea kayak tour around the southern portion of Caye Caulker. Paddle around the mangroves and try to spot some of the unique wildlife in the area. (15-20 USD per person)
- Fishing: Cast a line and see what you can reel in. Fish for snapper, barracuda, horse-eye jack and more. Bring your catch to any local restaurant and have them gut and grill it just for you. Buy the rest of dinner and some drinks and enjoy! It doesn’t get any fresher than this. (250-450 USD per person)
- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour: Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
Depart at any time.
This trip finishes on Caye Caulker, which is located 1 hr by water taxi from Belize City (an additional 30 min by taxi to the airport). There are frequent ferry departures between 7:30am and 5pm. You can purchase your return ferry ticket easily once you get to Caye Caulker. If flying out of Belize City today, please ensure to book your departure flight after 11:30am to allow for enough time to reach the airport.
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the jungle-set ruins of Tikal.
- Pedal through Caye Caulker’s sandy streets alongside a local guide.
- Unwind on the beach and embrace Belize’s laid-back rhythm.
- Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
- Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
- Guided tour of Tikal
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Public bus, private vehicle, water taxi, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (8 Nights)
- No meals included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, more giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Saturday
15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 26
Belize City
Sunday
23 Aug 2026
23 Aug 26
Caye Caulker
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,049
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
Belize City
Sunday
06 Sep 2026
06 Sep 26
Caye Caulker
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$2,049
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
