Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles
Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.
Looking for the perfect Belize vacation…
We’re a retired but still fairly active senior couple, and we wanted to see as much as we could of Belize on this 8-day vacation. Claudia helped us put together a great itinerary that allowed us to visit San Ignacio, Ambergris Caye, and Placencia Village.
Activities we love during this trip…
Snorkeling at Mexico Rocks was really fun. Our Guides, Elias and Nick, were absolutely wonderful. We are beginners at snorkeling, and Elias was so helpful to make us feel safe and stay within a few feet of us at all times. They showed us many underwater fish and creatures, as well as the coral reefs there. I'm glad we went there, as Mexico Rocks are only 12 feet deep at the most, so we could see everything clearly. The Xunantunich ruins tour was also very informational. I recommend visiting this with a guide, as they are trained to explain everything. It’s not so hot if you visit early in the day.
For people traveling to Belize, I’d definitely recommend...
Our favorite accommodation from the trip was Pooks Hill Lodge at San Ignacio. I cannot praise this highly enough. Everyone there was friendly, helpful, and many of the activities there are included, free. They have their own guides and can arrange any of the trips you want to take as well. We had a wonderful time and met several interesting guests. You pay for your meals and bar tab when you are ready to leave. There are two trails through the jungle, and one of the guides will be happy to take you, or you can go on your own. It is remote and very ecologically conscious. We loved it. We saw many animals there, especially howler monkeys and birds.
Places you'll stay
San Ignacio
San Ignacio, often referred to as Cayo, is a laid back town in the western foothills of the Mayan Mountains. Located right along the Western Highway, San Ignacio is popular among travelers as it provides modern tourist amenities while retaining its authenticity. The town sits directly on the meandering Macal River and is surrounded by green rolling hills where adventure awaits.
Placencia Village
Beachfront reggae bars, colorful guesthouses, and a spacious expanse of beach attract tourists to Placencia Village. Located at the end of the 16-mile (28-km) Placencia peninsula, it is the most lively destination in the region. It offers restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, and tour services.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and the most well known destination in Belize. Located at the northern end of Belize’s waters, a small channel dug by the Maya separates Ambergris Caye from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The narrow, 25-mile (40-km) long island is surrounded by the Caribbean’s aquamarine waters and consists of mangroves, lagoons, and the laid back town of San Pedro, which sits upon a low sandy plateau near the southern end of the island.
Moments to look forward to
Xunantunich
Home to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary Private Reserve is one of the easiest places in Belize to encounter black howler monkeys in the wild. Established in 1985, this baboon sanctuary was set up as a cooperative agreement among 12 local farmers and landowners in Bermudian Landing who voluntarily agreed to preserve the area’s black howler monkey habitat. They believed that a healthy population of monkeys could help support the local economy by drawing in tourism and creating jobs.
Xunantunich (PH)
Monkey River EcoTours
Snorkel Mexico Rocks
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Hotel Recommendation #3
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Seamless Connections
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
