An Above & Beyond Birthday
Photos do not do justice to the grandeur of the ancient Mayan ruins we've seen. This trip really went above and beyond my expectations.
Photos do not do justice to the grandeur of the ancient Mayan ruins we've seen. This trip really went above and beyond my expectations.
We’ll never forget the grandeur of Xunantunich…
Above and beyond! Belize is a beautiful country and the people we met were so kind and generous. Our first tour is a visit to the ruins of Xunantunich. Edgar was a great tour guide — his knowledge of the site's history, as well as the adjacent archaeological network, is outstanding. He gave a good perspective to the how and the why of the site. The site itself is awe-inspiring. Photos do not do justice to its grandeur.
Comfortable and relaxing accommodations throughout the trip…
We have to give five stars to all the great places we stayed at on the trip. San Ignacio Resort is a great hotel with delicious food. We loved the macaw wake-up call and the rainforest view from the veranda. At Placencia Village, we had a lovely spacious suite with patio at the Laru Beya Resort. We were even given a room upgrade for the husband's birthday.
The vacation of our dreams…
We took a whole day's wildlife sanctuary tour at Placencia Village near the end of our trip. It was a long day but well worth it. Guide Cirillo was instrumental in establishing the reserve and his insight and knowledge were appreciated. Rodrigo was our constant contact from Anywhere. His attentiveness throughout made this birthday vacation treat all the more special.
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.
Destination
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.
Destination
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.
Attraction
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Laughing Bird Caye is a 1.4-acre (0.5-ha) deserted tropical island 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Placencia. Surrounded by deep blue water on all sides, this miniature island is nothing more than palm trees, sandy beach, and a few picnic tables. The island is named for the Laughing Gull, a seabird that once lived on the island but has since migrated to other surrounding cayes that have less human disturbance.
Attraction
Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
The main draw of the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, who spend the months of March through June migrating through the reserve’s feeding grounds. Preying mostly on plankton and small fish, these gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 m) and are the largest fish on the planet.
Attraction
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A 9.4/5 guest-rated stay in San Ignacio.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A 9.4/5 guest-rated stay in Placencia.
Curated to you
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.
