Belize: Reefs, Ruins & Reggae

Head Inland to the Cayo District

Touch down in Belize City and catch the afternoon overland transfer heading west into the Cayo District. San Ignacio is the basecamp for the next two days. Drop your bags at the hotel, grab a cold Belikin beer, and meet up with the crew for a casual dinner at a local spot in town.

DIY Reality Check: There is no public bus service directly from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Independent travelers must pay $25 to $30 USD for an unmetered taxi to Belize City's bus terminal, then board a multi-stop public bus to San Ignacio. Private transfers cost up to $175 USD, while driving yourself means navigating the George Price Highway, which lacks shoulders and features abrupt eight-inch drops. A coordinated overland transfer directly from the arrivals terminal eliminates these transit hurdles entirely.

Caves, Ruins, and River Pools

Today is completely open to tackle the Cayo District's wild backyard. Your best move is to coordinate with the crew to split a ride to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave to swim through caverns filled with Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains. Alternatively, rent a bike to explore the hilltop ruins of Xunantunich or head deeper into the pine forests of Mountain Pine Ridge.

From Jungle Canopy to Caribbean Sand

Trade the jungle canopy for salty air. The morning starts with a two-hour overland drive back to Belize City, where you'll have some free time to grab lunch on your own near the marina. From there, board the public water taxi for a 45-minute ride out to Caye Caulker. This car-free island runs on a strict "go slow" policy, where sandy paths replace paved streets and golf carts are the only traffic. Once you drop your bags, head out to explore the beachfront. Meet up with the rest of the crew for a casual seafood dinner along the main strip as the sun drops below the horizon.