Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
This is the third time I have used Anywhere for a trip, and it was the same seamless experience, everything flowed perfectly as usual.
The best Mother’s Day gift…
This Mother's Day, I planned this vacation to Belize as a treat for my son (21) and I (51). We wanted to explore interesting ruins, enjoy some snorkeling, and maybe experience the famous ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) tour. We started from San Ignacio to Ambergris Caye and ended the journey at relaxing Caye Caulker.
The gems of Belize…
The transportation was timely and well organized. In San Ignacio, my son and I walked around town from the hotel with ease. We really enjoyed the local vibe and the plentiful restaurants and shops! Although the heat from the weather may have driven the wildlife to midday naps, the excursions were all awesome. The ATM tour was an excellent tour. The knowledgeable guide made it a great experience despite it being a physically challenging excursion. I think it is well worth the effort!
A complicated trip made simple…
This is the third time I have used Anywhere for a trip. Seamless experience — everything flowed perfectly as usual. The excursions were all great. Rodrigo made the entire process simple, fun, and flawless. If you want to plan and have a terrific, worry-free trip, please let him plan; you will not be disappointed! Anytime we plan a Central American trip I use Anywhere and would highly recommend it to all.
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
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.
Destination
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a sleepy, 5-mile (8-mile) long island with 1,300 residents. It’s just 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Belize City and is directly south of Ambergris Caye. With no cars or paved roads, the quiet sandy streets on Caye Caulker are only occupied by golf carts, beach cruisers, and pedestrians. Travelers come here to relax and enjoy the slow pace of island life, whether that be swaying in an ocean-front hammock, kayaking around the island’s calm waters and mangroves, or sunbathing at the popular hangout called the Split, a channel that separates the northern and southern half of the island. Like Ambergris Caye, the island sits just one mile west of the Belize Barrier Reef, offering easy access to the area’s best snorkeling and scuba activities.
Destination
Moments to look forward to
Tikal National Park
Set within the northern reaches of Guatemala’s Petén department is the incredible Mayan site of Tikal. With its massive Mayan temples, steep limestone pyramids and thick green jungles, Tikal is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Guatemala. The ruins and surrounding forest are located within the Tikal National Park.
Attraction
Actun Tunichil Muknal
Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave that the Mayans used for ceremonial purposes, dating back to around 900 AD. According to Maya lore, Actun Tunichil Muknal (known locally as “ATM”) connects the world of the living to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave served as the site of human sacrifice – archeologists have uncovered the remains of 6 children and several adults inside the cave. Historians speculate that the Maya intended these sacrifices to appease the gods of the underworld.
Attraction
Hol Chan
The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.
Attraction
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A 8.2/5 guest-rated stay in San Ignacio.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A 9.2/5 guest-rated stay in Ambergris Caye.
Hotel Recommendation #3
A 9/5 guest-rated stay in Caye Caulker.
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.
