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Belize

Experience Belize flexibly and independently by rental car!

Welcome to Belize, where every kilometre driven opens a new chapter filled with magic and adventure! With your rental car, you set the pace of your discoveries and can travel freely through the fascinating landscape – past lush jungle and pastel-coloured wooden houses that reflect the vibrant Caribbean spirit. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Maya history, explore mystical caves, cool off with a picnic at hidden waterfalls or experience the jungle up close. Meet descendants of the Maya and discover their traditions – whether through an encounter with a shaman, a cacao farm tour or a visit to a women’s cooperative. The colourful wildlife and warm-hearted people make this journey a truly special experience. Enjoy the freedom to discover Belize at your own pace – whether during action-packed adventures or relaxing moments beneath the palm trees. A small country with big experiences.

Notes

Possible Excursions and Tours (bookable locally, some free of charge):

Possible Excursions and Tours (advance reservation required):

Day 1 – Arrival in Belize City

After a long flight, we arrive in Belize City late in the evening. The warm tropical air welcomes us as soon as we leave the airport. Our English-speaking driver is already waiting for us and takes us directly to our small guesthouse nearby.
Our overnight stay will be at a small guesthouse with pool near Belize City (No meals included)
Drive time: 0h20min, 14km

Day 2 – In the Footsteps of the Maya & Sunset Canoe Tour on Crooked Tree Lagoon

Today, the adventure begins: pick up your rental car and hit the road! The car rental office is just a short drive away, and after a few formalities, you collect your vehicle. Then it’s time for our first highlight: the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve (advance reservation required). Glide by boat for about an hour along the New River, passing lush jungle, exotic birds and perhaps even a crocodile basking on the riverbank. The journey itself is already an experience. Once in Lamanai, explore the impressive Maya ruins hidden deep in the rainforest. Climb the High Temple and enjoy sweeping views across the green canopy. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s former significance and its mysterious past. In the afternoon, drive to a small guesthouse run by a local nature guide. Here, another unforgettable nature experience awaits: a sunset canoe tour on Crooked Tree Lagoon (advance reservation required). In the golden evening light, look out for herons, ibises and perhaps even the rare jabiru stork. The peaceful atmosphere and colourful sky make this a truly memorable moment. Back at the guesthouse, round off the day with a shared dinner (pre-order locally) and a refreshing drink on the veranda.
Our overnight stay will be at a small guesthouse near the Crooked Tree Lagoon (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 1h, 50km

Day 3 – Howler Monkeys & Belize Zoo

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Crooked Tree Lagoon and make our way to the Community Baboon Sanctuary. In this unique protected area, we experience firsthand how people and nature can coexist in harmony. During a guided walk through the reserve, we learn about the lifestyle of the howler monkeys and discover how the local community actively contributes to protecting these fascinating animals. We then visit the Belize Zoo, which is dedicated to the rescue and care of native wildlife. Here, we can encounter tapirs, jaguars, toucans and other animals that we might only spot with great luck in the wild – all in naturalistic enclosures surrounded by jungle. In the afternoon, we continue to Guanacaste National Park, a small but species-rich protected area with dense forests and clear rivers. We take a short hike and enjoy the tranquillity of nature before continuing our journey. In the evening, we reach our small lodge, nestled amidst lush tropical greenery. Once there, we can relax and let the sounds of the jungle accompany us into the night.
Our overnight stay will be at a Nature lodge (booked category) near San Ignacio (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 2h30min, 160km

Day 4 – Old German Mennonites, Iguanas & Living Maya Culture

Today, we immerse ourselves in the cultural diversity of Belize. After breakfast, we set off for an Old German Mennonite community. In this secluded world, time seems to stand still: horse-drawn carriages, traditional clothing and a way of life strongly shaped by simplicity and community. We learn more about their history, their agricultural traditions and their role in Belizean society. We then visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, where we discover how these fascinating reptiles are protected and raised. We can observe the animals up close – a wonderful experience, especially for photography enthusiasts! In the afternoon, we continue to the Maya village of San Antonio, where a very special insight into everyday Maya life awaits us. During a traditional cooking class (advance reservation required), we prepare a typical local dish together with our hosts, using fresh ingredients from the garden. Afterwards, we can try our hand at pottery, a centuries-old craft passed down from generation to generation.
Our overnight stay will be at a Nature lodge (booked category) near San Ignacio (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 1h30min, 90km

Day 5 – Maya Metropolis of Caracol, Butterfly Farm & Natural Wonders in the Jungle

Today, a day full of discoveries awaits us deep in the heart of the Belizean jungle. Early in the morning, we set off for the archaeological site of Caracol, the largest and most important Maya city in Belize. The journey takes us through the dense greenery of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – an adventure in itself. Once in Caracol, we explore the impressive temples, palaces and plazas of this once-powerful metropolis. We climb to the top of Caana (“Sky Palace”), the tallest structure in ancient Belize, and enjoy breathtaking views across the jungle canopy all the way to Guatemala. After a picnic surrounded by nature, we continue to the Rio On Pools – natural rock pools with small waterfalls that invite us to swim and relax. Here, we enjoy a well-deserved refreshing break and simply unwind. On the way back, we make a short stop at a butterfly farm, where we can admire the colourful butterflies up close – a quiet, magical moment to round off this eventful day.
Our overnight stay will be at a Nature lodge (booked category) near San Ignacio (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 4h, 160km

Day 6 – Manatees, Drum Rhythms & Exotic Spices

In the morning, we travel along the Hummingbird Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in Belize, winding through the Maya Mountains. Our destination is Gales Point, a remote village situated on a narrow peninsula between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Here, we embark on a boat tour of the lagoon (advance reservation required), where, with a little luck, we may spot manatees, crocodiles and rare waterbirds. The landscape is peaceful and almost magical – a place where time seems to move a little more slowly. Around lunchtime, we reach the Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Gardens, just in time for lunch. Afterwards, we take a fragrant walk through plantations of cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom. We learn how these spices are grown, harvested and processed – and perhaps discover some entirely new flavours along the way. In the late afternoon, we reach our small jungle lodge and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Garifuna. Here, we take part in a drumming workshop (advance reservation required) and discover the traditional rhythms of this Afro-Caribbean community. Under the guidance of experienced musicians, we learn the basics of Garifuna drumming – and anyone who feels like it can join in the dancing.
Our overnight stay will be at a Jungle lodge (booked category) near Toledo (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 3h30min, 260km

Day 7 – Jungle Trails & the Maya’s Mysterious Drink

After a hearty breakfast, we return to nature. Together with our local guide, we set out on a jungle hike, discovering more about the flora, medicinal plants and wildlife of southern Belize (advance reservation required). Our guide shares their knowledge with enthusiasm – and perhaps along the way we might even spot a toucan or the tracks of a tapir. After lunch, we discover the culinary and cultural side of southern Belize with a visit to a traditional cacao plantation, farmed by a Maya family for three generations (advance reservation required). The owner himself or a member of the family leads us through this Garden of Eden, filled with cacao trees, tropical fruits and medicinal plants. We learn how cacao is grown, fermented and roasted – and, of course, we get to try our hand at making our own chocolate. A truly delicious experience for all the senses!
Our overnight stay will be at a Jungle lodge (booked category) near Toledo (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 3h30min, 260km

Day 8 – Jungle Hike in the Wildlife Sanctuary & Maya Magic

Today begins with a visit to the lesser-known but fascinating Maya site of Lubaantun. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, we explore the beautifully crafted structures and learn about the rulers and rituals of the ancient Maya. The peaceful atmosphere, far from the main tourist trails, allows us to immerse ourselves in the world of the ancient Maya. We then continue to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve. Here, we hike along the Tiger Fern Trail, which leads through dense rainforest to a hidden waterfall. Along the way, we keep an eye out for exotic birds, colourful butterflies and perhaps even fresh tapir tracks. At the waterfall, we can cool off with a refreshing swim in the heart of the jungle! In the late afternoon, we reach our cosy guesthouse near Belize City. Here, we can relax and bring the day to a peaceful close – perhaps with one final dinner together, looking back on two unforgettable weeks filled with adventures, encounters and discoveries.
Our overnight stay will be at a small guesthouse with pool near Belize City (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 4h30min, 300km

Day 9 – Saying Goodbye to Belize

After an intense and unforgettable week, it is time to say goodbye. We enjoy one last breakfast before heading to Belize City’s international airport (Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport). With many wonderful memories in our luggage – and perhaps a few bottles of Marie Sharp’s packed away – we begin our journey home, filled with impressions, encounters and stories that will stay with us for a long time to come.
Breakfast included)
Drive time: 0h20min, 12km