Enjoy Mayan and Caribbean cultures, stunning beaches and world-class scuba diving on a tailor-made holiday to Belize with Journey Latin America.
A holiday to Belize is unique. In this tiny English-speaking Central American country, you’ll find a cocktail of Creole, British colonial, Spanish and indigenous cultures. Holidays in Belize allow you to easily experience both wildlife of the jungle and marine life and beaches of the Caribbean within a short distance. Belize is only a little larger than Wales, making it very easy to sample the country’s natural and cultural attractions in a short space of time.
Your bespoke Belize holiday awaits
The coast beyond Belize City is unmistakably Caribbean: silky white sand beaches and coral atolls, swaying palm trees, turquoise seas, laidback people, pulsating reggae rhythms and rum punch on islands such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Belize has the world’s second-largest barrier reef and the underwater world here is a theatre of exotic fish and marine species living among the coral. Scuba-diving highlights include the famous Great Blue Hole, a large marine sinkhole near the centre of Lighthouse Reef.
Beyond the coast in the backcountry, there are forested highlands such as the beautiful Mountain Pine Ridge and verdant jungle around Chaa Creek. Exploring rivers, mysterious caves and riding trails are a must on a holiday to Belize. Wildlife is abundant throughout the country, with hundreds of species of birds and even watchful jaguars inhabiting the rainforest. Belize also has lots of fascinating Mayan archaeological sites, such as Xunantunich and Lamanai, formerly concealed in dense jungle.
Travellers rate our tours 97% on AITO and 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor!
Visit Belize for…
From the world’s second-largest barrier reef to ancient Mayan temples swallowed by jungle, Belize delivers Caribbean warmth with Central American adventure. Here’s what makes it special.
- World-class diving and snorkelling – Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, with the chance to snorkel with whale sharks off Placencia, and dive the iconic Great Blue Hole.
- Ancient Mayan ruins – Climb jungle-cloaked pyramids at Caracol, Xunantunich and Lamanai, or cross the border for a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala.
- Extraordinary cave adventures – Wade through the ceremonial chambers of Actun Tunichil Muknal, float through sacred caves on inner tubes, or canoe into Barton Creek Cave.
- Caribbean island life – Unwind on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, with easy access to the barrier reef, fresh seafood and a pace of life that runs on island time.
- Rich wildlife – Howler monkeys call from the canopy, toucans flash between the trees, and jaguars roam the rainforest, with over 600 bird species across pristine jungle, mangroves and marine reserves.
- A cultural mosaic – Creole, Garifuna, Maya and Mestizo communities give Belize a character all its own – and English is the official language.
Why Belize with Journey Latin America?
We've been planning trips to Latin America since 1980 – and our team have lived, worked and travelled across the region ever since. That firsthand knowledge means we'll help you find the destination that suits you, from the routes worth taking to the places worth staying.
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Belize holidays and tours
At Journey Latin America, we offer a range of tailor-made holidays to Belize, from family holidays to luxury travel and small group tours. A great option is to combine two fascinating countries in Central America on our Signature Guatemala and Belize tour. To book your holiday, just speak to one of our Belize Travel Experts.
Private Journeys
Belize
Active Belize: Jungle and reef adventure
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Classic
Guatemala / Belize
Kinkajou: Best of Guatemala and Belize
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Belize
Luxury Belize: Nature, wildlife and Caribbean cayes
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Guatemala / Belize
Luxury Guatemala and Belize: Tikal and the Caribbean
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Belize
Signature Belize: Rainforest, reef and ruins
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Guatemala / Belize
Signature Guatemala and Belize: Culture and Caribbean
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Classic
Nicaragua / El Salvador / Guatemala / Belize
Tropicbird: Highlights of Central America
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Belize
Value Belize: Mayan mountains and Caribbean caye
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Places to visit in Belize – expert tips and advice
Belize is compact enough to combine jungle, ruins and Caribbean coast in a single trip. Most holidays split time between the interior’s Mayan sites and rainforest lodges and the cayes or Placencia on the coast.
The powdery white sands and inviting turquoise waters of Cuba’s exquisite beaches are ideal for swimming, water sports or simply unwinding on a sun lounger.
The unspoilt interior of Belize harbours some of Central America’s loveliest landscapes and a host of little-visited Mayan sites.
This rugged terrain is carpeted with pristine rainforests whose dense canopies cover caves and creeks, crystal clear swimming holes and waterfalls, and little-visited Mayan ruins.
Places to stay in Belize
Our carefully selected portfolio of Belize accommodation ranges from jungle lodges to Caribbean beach resorts. Jungle lodges like The Lodge at Chaa Creek and Chan Chich Lodge offer comfort deep in the rainforest, with activities including wildlife watching, horse riding and excursions to Mayan sites. Caribbean properties include Victoria House on Ambergris Caye and the private-island Ray Caye Island Resort.
Awasi Iguazú is a first class superior lodge offering exclusive, personalised guided adventures from luxury accommodation.
Welcoming, modern little hotel that offers a good value base for exploring Iguazú Falls.
First-class property of understated elegance on the jungle-lined road to Iguazú Falls with excellent facilities and sophisticated design.
When to visit
Compact and bijou, English-speaking Belize is simultaneously both a lively and laid-back place to visit. The best weather is generally from December-May, when it is mostly dry with temperatures of around 30°C. In the Cayo District and on the cayes, you can expect warm sunny days, while the tropical rainforest areas are hot and sultry all year.
A guide to the seasons
June-November is the rainy season, but until early August, rain falls mostly in the afternoon or evening, meaning that you can still travel fairly comfortably. As the season progresses, humidity increases, and there is a low risk of tropical storms.
For wildlife-watching, you can visit year round, but to snorkel with whale sharks in Placencia, the best time to visit is March-June, while turtle-viewing takes place in May-October. If lobster is your thing, then lobster season runs from July through February, with lively Lobsterfest celebrations in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker marking the opening in early July. For chocolate lovers, Belize’s annual Chocolate Festival takes place in Punta Gorda in May.
Before Lent each year, Belize comes alive for Carnival with vibrant celebrations throughout the country, but particularly in San Pedro. Belize Independence Day is celebrated with gusto on 21 September with parades, processions and parties.
Start planning your Belize holiday today
You can contact our Travel Experts if you feel inspired to book a holiday. We have over 40 years of experience in organising award-winning trips to Central and South America, so you can trust us to book an exciting trip for you.
Things to do in Belize
Whether you’re diving the barrier reef, exploring ancient Mayan caves or hiking to waterfalls in pristine rainforest, Belize offers hands-on adventures across a remarkably compact country.
Take a guided tour of the largest known Mayan site in Belize, occupying a remote rainforest location.
Float along in an inner tube as the Caves Branch River weaves in and out of a spectacular network of caves in Belize.
Try out wild swimming in the clear waters of countryside rivers and sinkholes.
Scuba dive in the Caribbean waters of the Belizean Cayes, which shelter a vast barrier reef, coral atolls and the famous Blue Hole.
FAQs about visiting Belize
Planning your first trip to Belize? From the best time to dive the reef to how long you need for jungle and coast, our experts answer the questions we hear most.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The best weather conditions are during the dry season Dec-May. It can be cool in the highlands in winter, while the jungle areas are hot and humid all year.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
What's the official language of Belize?
The official language of Belize is English but many of the population also speak a creole patois.
How do I get local currency in Belize?
The Belizean dollar is the currency in Belize. Notes can be obtained from money exchanges and also from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card. There are ATMs in Belize City where you can use a UK credit or debit card. You may have to get authorisation from your bank first, and withdrawal amounts may be limited.
What's the time difference between Belize and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Belize is GMT -6 hrs
Do I need a visa to visit Belize?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
What vaccinations do I need in Belize?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
What places combine well with Belize?
A visit to neighbouring Guatemala, with its Latin and Maya cultural heritage, is good to pair with a Belize holiday as there’s a road link to the Mayan ruins at Tikal in the Petén jungle. Southern Mexico is also easy to visit from Belize, as you can cross the land border at Chetumal.
What are the festivals and cultural and sporting events in Belize?
Belize Carnival, (Feb/Mar). Lively celebrations especially in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye.
Belize Independence Day: throughout the country, 21 Sep. Parades, processions and parties.
Garifuna Settlement Day, Dangriga, 19 Nov. Includes parades, live music, drumming, dancing, and prayers in celebration of the first Garifuna Afro-Caribbean settlers.
How long is the flight to Belize from UK?
There are flights via US and European hubs, the journey from London taking around 15.5 hours.
Expert tips on visiting Belize
“If you can, add a few nights in the Cayo District before heading to the coast – the combination of jungle lodges and Caribbean cayes is what makes Belize special. And don’t skip the ATM Cave: it’s one of the most extraordinary experiences in Central America.”
Ready to plan your 2026/27 Belize holiday?
You can contact our Travel Experts if you feel inspired to book a holiday. We have over 40 years of experience in organising award-winning trips to Central and South America, so you can trust us to book an exciting trip for you.
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