mexico belize tour

The Perfect Two Week Mexico and Belize Travel Itinerary

• Last Updated On: September 20, 2022

Mexico and Belize are the perfect countries to pair for those looking to experience the Caribbean and ancient Mayan architecture. Along the way, you’ll stop by quaint seaside towns and islands, eating some of the most delicious food known to man, diving in some of the world’s best locations, and soaking up ruins all along the way. You can easily spend two weeks in Mexico itself, but if only we all had that time!

Note that this itinerary will have a lot of scuba diving because that is one of my favorite things to do , but there’s no need to do exactly what I did either! I have also added a second itinerary without much emphasis on diving.

Where I went in Mexico and Belize

I have visited Mexico numerous times and Belize once. This itinerary is how I would combine the two into one trip. These places are hot year round but July to November is hurricane season and weather can get volatile during this period.

In total, this itinerary is for anyone that has 14-16 days  to spend in Mexico and Belize. At the end of this post, I have also included how I would craft a trip with around three weeks as Guatemala is next door and also very worthy of your time.  The highlights of this trip are:

• Caye Caulker , Belize
• San Ignacio and surrounding ruins & caves

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Also, Mexico and Belize are the very common starting points for those looking to do the entire Central American route. I met loads of travelers spending months to travel all of Central America. These countries are small, well connected by bus transport, and safe to travel through.

Detailed Posts

• Ultimate Guide to Cozumel, Mexico
• Caye Caulker to Chetumal and Vice Versa Ferry
• Travel and Diving in Caye Caulker, Belize
• The Ultimate Guide To Diving the Blue Hole, Belize

Full Itinerary

This itinerary starts in Cancun as numerous international airlines fly into this airport, and ends in Belize City . Those with more time, Guatemala is the logical next destination before continuing on to Honduras, El Savador and so forth! There are numerous airlines that fly to Cancun from North America and Europe.

Cancun itself is primarily a resort town for all inclusive vacationers and Spring breakers. In fact, the town of Cancun was actually created by the Mexican Government with the sole purpose of attracting tourists from America. I’m not a fan of the place at all so I would recommend just skipping it altogether and taking a bus straight to Playa Del Carmen.

Day 1-4: Cancun to Cozumel

The trip begins in Cancun. Upon arrival, the first thing to do is take the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen. Taxis in Cancun are extremely expensive and will rip off tourists without hesitation. A cab fare from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen is $60-70 USD one way.  There is no Uber here either which is frustrating so the only option is to take a charter bus.

Thankfully, ADO is a highly reputable and reliable Mexican bus company that will take you everywhere you want to go in the country. The cost on the ADO bus is around 200 pesos for a one way transfer.

Buses to Playa Del Carmen pick up right past the Margaritaville kiosk once you exit the airport at Terminal 3 and leave every 30 min. For the most part, I would recommend taking the ADO bus from Cancun down to Chetumal near the Mexico-Belize border. Depending on your guesthouse, they may also offer you group van transfers for a slightly higher price between towns so it’s up to you and your budget.

Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel

From Playa Del Carmen, there are two ferry companies that make the 45 minutes journey to Cozumel. The ferry costs around 150 pesos for a one way journey and runs every hour. I would opt for the yellow Ultramar tourist ferry as it is more comfortable. It is slightly more expensive but worth it for the views. Alternatively, the local ferry is totally fine too and their departure schedules alternate normally.

Spending time in Cozumel

The diving around Cozumel is some of the best in the Caribbean. Home to the Mesoamerican barrier reef, Cozumel is a divers paradise with many species of fish, coral, sharks, and crustaceans. Cozumel itself is a laid back island with tons of great bars and delicious food to offer. Avoid all the touristy chains, and venture straight to the many local taquerias. This is where the best food is at and at the absolute cheapest prices. Tacos can be had for 12-15 pesos each and the Al Pastor is absolutely on point here.

The diving here is also fantastic. It is the perfect place to get certified as the waters are warm, and the conditions are perhaps some of the most effortless in the world. Cozumel is known for its drift diving and I’ve not been anywhere else in the world where the dives are so effortless, as you’re literally drifting the entire dive site.

Day 4: Cozumel to Chitzen Itza to Tulum

From Cozumel, organize a day trip to Chitzen Itza, perhaps Mexico’s most famous and most impressive Mayan ruin. Similar to that of Tikal in Guatemala , Chitzen Itza also features a huge pyramid like temple representative of the Mayan people. Compared to Tikal , the main temple in Chichen Itza is smaller but visually I found it to be more interesting.

From Cozumel, take the ferry back towards Playa Del Carmen with all your belongings. The best way to do this trip with the time constraints is to book a tour. That way you can keep your stuff in their vans without having to lug it around with you. Tours will pick you up from the ferry station and drive you the 2.5 hours to Chitzen Itza.

Once you arrive, you’re usually free to explore on your own. There isn’t a whole lot else to do around the temple besides witness the massive temple. Expect to see a lot of tourists here but I still think it is well worth doing, and is architecturally much more impressive the the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

When you get back from the day trip, take a ride to Tulum.

Getting from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum

The first option is the trusty ADO bus. The bus station is located on 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez. The buses to Tulum depart from Playa del Carmen every day all throughout the day. If you miss one bus, the next one is always less than an hour away. The cost for this ride is roughly 80 pesos and takes 1 hour.

Alternatively, the taxi collectivos used by the locals are even cheaper but it’s likely they’ll deny you entry if you have luggage or make you pay for an extra seat. I would just stick with the ADO bus for this trip.

Finally, a private taxi can also be hired for this journey for the price of 600-800 pesos depending on your bargaining skills.

Day 5-8: Tulum and the Cenotes

The town of Tulum is my favorite town in the Yucatan region. It’s filled with local culture, delicious food, ruins, fantastic beaches, and less all inclusive resort madness of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. If you have to choose only one place to visit in the region, it would be Tulum in my opinion. It has everything.

There are a number of amazing guesthouses and Airbnbs to choose from. The options are much better than Playa in my opinion as it focuses more on rustic, back to nature type accommodations vs the concrete jungle near the beach of Playa. I would recommend something closer to the town center as accommodation near the beach can be far away from all the bars and restaurants of the town. Biking is my preferred method to get around town and many of the guesthouses will have bikes for use.

Cenotes In and Around Tulum

A cenote is a naturally formed sinkhole in the Earth’s surface made up of limestone. Millions of years of rainfalls ate away the limestone, creating underground cave pools. The water that fills the cenotes can be either fresh water, salt water or both. These naturally forming cave pools vary in structure. They can be completely open, similar to a lake, almost completely close with just a small opening at the top or somewhere in between.

No matter where you go during your trip to Tulum, it is an absolute must to visit at least one cenote while in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has about 7,000 cenotes. So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit at least one. Trust me, after going to a cenote, you will never be able to look at beaches or pools the same way again.

Along the way to Tulum from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you will find a large amount of cenotes. Below is a list of the  best cenotes  along the way that we believe are worth the price.

• Cenote Azul   (Entrance fee: $70 pesos)
• Chaak Tun  (Entrance fee: $240 pesos)
• Dos Ojos  (Entrance fee: $150 pesos )
• Gran Cenote  (Entrance fee: $120 pesos)

Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are considered one of the most preserved ruins in Mexico, though not as impressive as Tikal, Chichen Itza or other popular ruins, they are worth a visit. There is also a beautiful beach right by the ruins, so don’t forget your bathing suit. I found the Tulum ruins to be a bit of a let down. Perhaps it’s because it’s completely swarmed by tourists, but I just wasn’t as impressed by the architecture. I will say that the views of the beach are absolutely stunning however!

You can also choose to hire a guide here for 500 pesos or so but I didn’t find it necessary.

Admission fee: $59 pesos

Day 8-9: Bacalar

Continuing south towards Belize, the next stop after Tulum is the town of Bacalar. The lagoon is the village’s main attraction. It is referred to as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors due to the contrasts in its ground soils, its varying depths and intensity with which it absorbs the sun’s rays, all of which cause its waters to reflect seven different shades of blue.

Enjoy the incomparable landscape by boat, kayak, sailboat or jet ski. Admire the contrast of the lush vegetation surrounding the waters and let yourself be lulled by the singing of the birds, making this a magical experience. Bacalar has some of the bluest waters of anywhere I’ve seen in the world. It is incredible that it is actually a lake but has more shades of blue and turquoise than even the Maldives.

I stayed at the Green Monkey Backpackers near the lagoon for a very cheap price. From Tulum, it is a three hour bus ride on the ADO and these buses run all throughout the day.

Bacalar Lagoon is the place to go if you just want to chill out and relax. Rather than write at length, I think these photos should sum up all the fun things to do there – most of which revolve around the lake – be it swimming, snorkelling, boat trips, cliff jumping, kayaking, lazying in hammocks, camping or stand up paddle boarding at sunrise. Perhaps the best move to see a little bit of everything is to take the guided boat tour around the lagoon.

Day 9-12: Caye Caulker, Belize

After Bacalar, make your way down to the southern most port town of the Yucatan in Chetumal. From Chetumal, there is a once a day ferry that goes to Belize, stopping at the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Both options are fantastic. San Pedro is much bigger, more developed, and has all the resorts and restaurants you can think of. Caye Caulker is the much smaller, laid back cousin. Its motto is “Go Slow” after all. I spent 5 days in Caye Caulker and absolutely loved it.

It’s famous for the Great Blue Hole which is the largest cavernous ocean formation in the world. The diving in the area is fantastic, and perhaps the best in the Caribbean after Little Cayman.  A visit to the Blue Hole is a must as this is perhaps Belize’s most famous attraction. One thing to note is that the Blue Hole day trip is not offered every day so make sure to check this beforehand.

The diving in Caye Caulker is not cheap however as there aren’t many shops. The dive trip to the Blue Hole is especially expensive cost around $300 USD.

Aside from the fantastic diving, I absolutely just loved the vibe in Caye Caulker. It was so chilled and relaxing. Many backpackers either start or end their journeys around Caye Caulker and everyone is down to have a good time. There are only a few bars here and it seems like the entire island is visiting certain bars at certain times making it a great place to meet new people and grab a cold one. I actively particited in this and the amount of rum punches I drank at the Split was bordering on alcoholism.

Ferry to Caye Caulker

The ferry ride from Chetumal to Caye Caulker is quite a mission . There is a lot to know about this ferry ride including entry/exit taxes and immigration. The boat ride itself is about 2.5 hours with a stop in San Pedro to drop off passengers and clear immigration. The ferry is on the pricier side costing roughly $55-60 USD one way. Nevertheless, this is the best way to get to the islands of Belize without having to cross the land border between Mexico and Belize, and driving towards Belize City.

Day 13-15: San Ignacio and ATM Caves

From Caye Caulker, I took the ferry to the capital of Belize City via the Belize Water Taxi. This is the same company that does the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico to Caye caulker. This ferry rruns multiple times a day but because of the tight schedule, I would take this ferry in the morning.

From the ferry station, there are multiple buses that will drive towards the town of San Ignacio on the Guatemala-Belize border. This drive is just over 2 hours. The town of San Ignacio is actually very interesting but due to time constraints, this trip is primarily to see the ATM Caves.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most famous archaeological sites containing skeletal remains of Maya human sacrifices. Many of these skeletons are still in tact and they literally sparkle. Yes you heard me right. Something to do with science and aging of the bones but it’s true.

I wouldn’t call myself a cave connoseur but any means, but this is probably the most amazing cave I’ve ever visited. It’s immense size and natural beauty make this a must visit for anyone coming to Belize. It is  not  easy by any means. There is plenty of hiking, swimming, walking in darkness, and everything in between. However, once you’ve overcome your basic fears, this place will for sure go down as one of the more epic things you’ve done. Certainly is for me!

One downside is that you cannot take ANY cameras inside the cave. A few years back, some idiot tourist dropped his camera ON an ancient skeleton and destroyed the remains. It’s always that one person that ruins it for everyone!

This is a day tour and lasts for roughly 8-9 hours leaving from San Ignacio. It’s possible to take the bus back to Belize City when you return into the city around 5pm. Otherwise, I would spend a second night in this town and return to Belize City the following morning. San Ignacio is much cooler than Belize City.

Day by Day breakdown

Day 1: Land in Cancun, transfer to Playa Del Carmen, and ferry to Cozumel Day 2: Diving in Cozumel Day 3: Diving in Cozumel Day 4:  Cozumel to Chitzen Itza Day 5: Tulum Day 6: Tulum Day 7: Tulum Day 8: Bacalar Day 9: Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 10: Caye Caulker Day 11:   Caye Caulker Day 12: Caye Caulker Day 13: Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 14: ATM Cave tour Day 15:  Return to Belize City

Mexico and Belize Itinerary for Non-Divers

Obviously this itinerary has a lot of diving because I’m an avid diver, and well? The area has some fantastic diving. However, I know many people are not divers so if you’re not, this is how I would change the itinerary with more focus on Mayan ruins, and replacing a lot of diving with just a bit of snorkeling. You have to go to the cenotes after all even if you’re just snorkeling!

For non-divers, I would completely skip Cozumel. The island is cool, but if you’re not diving, I think there are better places to go in the area. Caye Caulker will more than provide for the rustic small island experience. For most of Mexico, I will use Tulum as the main hub as I prefer it to Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.

Day 1: Land in Cancun, transfer to Tulum Day 2: Tulum – Explore the ruins Day 3: Tulum – Chichen Itza Day Trip Day 4:  Tulum – Cenotes Snorkeling Day 5: Tulum – Free day to explore Day 6:  Bacalar Day 7: Bacalar Day 8: Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 9: Caye Caulker Day 10: Caye Caulker Day 11:   Caye Caulker Day 12: Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 13 : Explore the Xunantunich Mayan ruins Day 14: ATM Cave tour Day 15:  Return to Belize City

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala make an even better travel itinerary if you can swing the time. Guatemala is the capital of the ancient Mayan civilizations and its picturesque cities and lakes make it a must visit. Belize and Guatemala border each other and is very easy to get from San Ignacio to Tikal via bus.

This is the perfect way to start off a Central America tour. After Guatemala, head to Honduras, El Savador, etc.

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Hi, I am thinking about doing your exact trip in July, this blog has helped me so much. I was just wondering if you could tell me a bit about how you travelled around between each place? I guess on the mainland it is easy to use busses between the towns, but how did you travel between islands, was it easy/difficult/cheap/expensive, did you have to book in advance or just turn up on the day and get on the ferry? Also, what was the crossing into Belize like? How did you do it and was it expensive? I am thinking to start in Cancun, go down to Belize and then return to Cancun again to fly out but I hear the border crossing can be expensive. Any information you could give me about travelling between islands/mainland/border crossings would be so appreciated. Thanks so much for all the info in this blog, it is perfect for me to plan my trip!!

Hi Charlotte, it’s quite easy to travel around Mexico as it is well connected with buses and such. Ferries to places like Cozumel are easy and cheap. Just go to the port at Playa and buy a ticket when you’re ready. The ferries are generally pretty big so I’ve never had issues with tickets. Of course, if you’re traveling during a busy time of the year, maybe book it before hand. Hope that helps!

Hi! Loved your post! How much money did you spend for the whole trip?

Hi Joana, it’s tough to say as I did a lot of extra activities like diving, and copious amounts of drinking on Caye Caulker. I’d say without the flights, I paid about $2,000 or so. Diving was probably half of that. But the buses, accommodations and food were all quite cheap.

Belize Tours & Vacations

This drop-dead beautiful Central American nation with a distinct Caribbean flavor has something for everyone

Stunning reefs for divers, colorful wildlife for bird watchers, rare archaeological finds for history buffs, and vibrant markets for culture vultures. Beautiful Belize’s natural delights and historic highlights will capture your imagination, and steal your heart. 

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Life’s a beach: why are we so drawn to the ocean?

Belize at a glance

Capital city.

Belmopan (population 13,351)

(GMT-06:00) Central America

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Learn more about Belize

Best time to visit belize.

Belize’s subtropical climate sees high temperatures and humidity most of the year, but the fresh sea breezes generally make life more comfortable. The dry season is from December to May, and this is the best time to visit Belize if you’re looking for sunshine and warm temperatures.

The wet season is from June to November when rain is more frequent. Belize can get quite busy during the main holidays of Christmas and Easter so be prepared to share the beaches with other travelers during this time.

Culture and customs

Drawing on Caribbean, Central American, British, and Rastafarian traditions, Belize has a unique culture of its own. In general, Belizean society is quite laidback, casual, and friendly. The prevalence of beaches means that the dress code is relaxed, there is little pressure to get things done in a hurry, and leisure time is valued – hallmarks of coastal living.

With a large percentage of the population being Christian, Easter, and Christmas are important times for Belizeans. Drawing on many different cultural influences, Christmas is celebrated with a range of multi-racial rituals including old European traditions like decorating a Christmas tree and baking fruitcakes, as well as other traditions like Creole cooking and Garifuna dancing. Due to a high level of racial harmony and tolerance, the people of Belize are free to celebrate various religious and ethnic holidays in relative peace.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring cheap eats, or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Things to try in Belize

Belize’s seafood is undisputedly among the best in the world. A steady supply of lobster, crab, mussels, and Creole-style fish stew should keep seafood aficionados happy.

2. Hot sauces

Marie Sharp's famous habanero sauces, jams, and condiments are served almost everywhere - and with everything - in Belize. You can also visit this local success story’s factory in Dangriga if you’re nearby.

3. Fry Jacks & Johnny cakes

Served at breakfast instead of toast, these doughy delights often accompany bacon and eggs. While not good for the diet, they are delicious and you’ll soon get used to a side of fry jacks instead of bread.

4. Fruit shakes

Street carts and cafes make use of the wide variety of tropical fruits that grow in Belize. Ingredients range from the usual suspects (papaya, lime, bananas), to sweet additions (cinnamon), to the darn right weird (seaweed shake anyone?). Either way, choose what you want in your shake for a quick and healthy refreshment.

Geography and environment

Belize is a land of incredible biological diversity, with natural environments rich in plant and animal life. With such impressive jungles, preserves, and national parks, it’s no wonder more than 500 bird species choose to call this place home. 

Boasting one of the most impressive reef systems in the world, Belize also has an abundance of marine life - including nimble reef sharks, colorful clownfish, gentle manatees, and giant whale sharks. 

It's estimated that more than 60% of Belize is covered in forest, and with a recent increase in conservation consciousness, hopefully, Belize will retain much of this precious vegetation that is full of rare and protected flora and fauna. 

Bordered by   Mexico   and   Guatemala   (and the Caribbean Sea), this small nation has the lowest population density in   Central America , and therefore people live with freedom and space. The major cities are quite slow-paced, low-density housing is common and much of the colonial heritage has been preserved in the buildings, churches, and streets.

History and government

Recent history.

Belize enjoyed relative economic prosperity up until the Great Depression of the 1930s, which caused wide-scale unemployment and hardship due to falling timber prices, and the subsequent collapse of the industry. Further to this, a damaging hurricane hit the colony in 1931 causing loss of life and infrastructure.

In 1964, Belize was granted the right to self-govern, with George Price becoming the country’s first Prime Minster. Nine years later, British Honduras was officially renamed Belize and in 1981, Belize was granted its independence. More recently, Belize elected its first black Prime Minister when Dean Barrow was sworn into office in 2008.

Early history

Once part of the great Mayan Empire, Belize was occupied for centuries before the Spanish arrived. The Spanish colonists were largely unsuccessful when first trying to colonize Belize as they were repelled by local inhabitants. 

However, the British arrived in the 17th century and Belize soon became a part of the British Empire under the name of British Honduras (after many battles with Spanish settlers). 

Prior to the abolition of the slave trade in 1838, many African slaves were sent to Belize to work in the timber industry, namely mahogany extraction. Conditions were tough and fraught with danger, but many slaves chose to stay in this line of work after their emancipation due to their inability to receive work elsewhere or own land. Belize’s current population reflects the rich African culture that the slaves brought to the area centuries ago.

Top 10 outdoor experiences in Belize

1. scuba diving.

Experienced divers will jump at the chance to explore Belize’s epic Great Blue Hole. Declared one of the top ten scuba diving spots in the world by scuba-legend Jacques Cousteau, this sinkhole has enough groupers, grey nurses, and reef sharks to astound diving veterans.

2. Sea Kayaking

Caye Caulker is one of the best places in the world to explore the sea in a kayak. Glide over the clear Caribbean waters and spot graceful marine life, stop and rest at sandy beaches, and experience the quiet and beauty of uninhabited islands.

3. Zip Lining

Make like Tarzan and speed through the Belizean jungle with the wind rushing through your hair on a zip line. This exhilarating ride gives you a different perspective of the jungle while you fly freely across the canopy way, from tree to tree, above the forest floor.

Whether you’re seeking fast mountain biking thrills or prefer slow cycling past sleepy villages, farmland, and cornfields, seeing this charismatic country by bike might just be one of the best ways to get to know the brilliance of Belize.

There’s no better way to travel the rivers of San Ignacio than in a tube. For a fun and relaxing ride, just hop in a tube and float through caves, past cascading waterfalls and over gentle rapids - taking in the surrounding jungle landscapes along the way.

6. Birdwatching

With more than 500 species of birds present in the tree-filled jungles of Belize, this is a paradise for ‘bird nerds’ and nature enthusiasts. Have fun spotting magnificent toucans, tiny hummingbirds, glorious eagles and curious woodpeckers.

7. Swimming

Floating in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea is a surefire way to forget your troubles. Cheaper than therapy, daily ocean dips should be mandatory on all holidays. Luckily Belize has enough coastline to ensure that both locals and tourists can share the beaches without it getting too crowded. Phew!

Enjoy brief encounters with some of the world’s most elusive animals while hiking in Belize. Apart from world-famous birds, you can also find howler monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, and tree frogs lurking in Belize’s jungles, forests, and national reserves.

9. Snorkelling

Cool, clear water, golden sunshine, and reefs full of color and life combine to create the perfect conditions for some pretty sensational snorkeling.

Explore a mysterious, subterranean world while caving in some of Belize’s spectacular caves. Some feature underground rivers, sinkholes, and waterfalls, others have mystical Mayan artifacts held within – either way, Belize’s caves are not to be missed!

The nature-lovers playground of Belize is not well known for its shopping – the best action definitely happens on the beaches and in the jungles. Despite this, there are still enough markets and shops to keep most entertained – look hard and you’ll find some genuine finds among the standard (overpriced) touristy trinkets.

It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Belize

1. Traditional drums

Hand-made by the Garifuna, drums are an excellent musical memento. Made from natural materials without the use of machinery, this is a great item to buy if you want to support and celebrate local culture.

2. Hot sauces and condiments

Locally made hot sauces, jams, and seasonings are a great way to take a taste of Belize home with you. Marie Sharp’s Fine Food Store is a one-stop shop for hot condiment lovers.

Vibrant art by local artists can be found in city galleries, shops, and some markets. From traditional ethnic art to more modern pieces, there’s a wide range to choose from.

One of the most popular items bought by visitors to Belize. Before buying, check with customs officials to see how much rum you can legally bring home with you.

Festivals and events

Lobster festivals.

Lobster lovers will be in heaven during lobster season! Several ‘Lobsterfests’ are held at the start of lobster season with the biggest being in San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. Featuring music, dance, block parties, rum, and lobster cooked in hundreds of different ways, this is a chance to savor lobster omelets, tacos, kebabs, and cocktails.

Belize National Day

Starting in the first week of September, Belize National Day kicks off a three-week period of raucous festivities featuring parades, parties, fireworks, and feasts in celebration of Belize’s independence. There are all-night beach parties and dancing all around!

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• National Heroes and Benefactors Holiday
• Baron Bliss Day
• Sovereign's Day
• Saint George's Caye Day
• National Day
• Independence Day
• Pan American Day
• Garifuna Settlement Day

Please note dates of Belize public holidays may vary.

Further reading

Belize travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Belize?

Australia: Not required Belgium: Not required Canada: Not required Germany: Not required Ireland: Not required Netherlands: Not required New Zealand: Not required South Africa: Not required Switzerland: Not required United Kingdom: Not required USA: Not required

Is tipping customary in Belize?

Tipping isn’t expected of you in Belize; however, if you feel the service is good, feel free to round up the bill. Service workers like maids, drivers and wait staff will appreciate the generosity. Some restaurants may include a 10% surcharge in bills, so tipping here isn’t necessary.

What is the internet access like in Belize?

Internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming more prevalent in Belize. Be aware that accessing the internet can be quite costly in Belize and probably slower than what you’re used to.

Can I use my cell phone while in Belize?

Belize has a reliable cell phone network so using your cell phone while traveling in most areas of Belize shouldn’t be problematic. Ensure you have global roaming enabled before leaving your home country.

What are the toilets like in Belize?

Most tourist sites and restaurants have modern flushable toilets. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and soap as these aren’t always provided.

Can I drink the water in Belize?

Drinking tap water is not recommended in Belize. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Belize?

Credit cards can be used at most top-end hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments. Expect to pay cash when dealing with smaller vendors, family-run restaurants and market stalls.

What is ATM access like in Belize?

Internationally compatible ATMs can be found in most of Belize’s major cities. ATMs are far less common in rural areas, islands, and small villages so have enough cash to cover purchases when traveling away from the larger cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

The Ultimate Mexico Belize Guatemala Itinerary

Written by Maartje

Combining Mexico, Belize and Guatemala to create the ultimate Central America itinerary was the best idea we had last winter. We traveled all three countries, visiting Mayan temples, Caribean beaches, colorful cities and exotic jungle. We would make a few changes if we’d ever do this trip again, so we know exactly what would be the ultimate Mexico Belize Guatemala itinerary and will tell you everything about it in a day-by-day breakdown.

• All our Mexico blogs
• All our Belize blogs
• All our Guatemala blogs

Why combine Mexico, Guatemala and Belize?

The geographical location makes up one big reason to combine the three in one trip. Belize is squeezed right between southern Mexico and Guatemala. And the three are very much connected as well. Did you know the border between Belize and Guatemala isn’t even recognized by Guatemala, as Guatemala claims Belize is part of the country? That’s why most maps use a dotted border.

Belize, Mexico and Guatemala are also the three countries that used to hold the entire Mayan population. The Mayan culture wasn’t a big centrally organised group of people, but they had smaller city-state empires like Tikal (now Guatemala) and Calakmul (Mexico) dotted around Central America. The borders nowadays are just man-made divisions between otherwise closely related areas, all filled with jungle, Mayan pyramids, charming towns and beaches.

How to plan a Mexico Belize Guatemala trip

First of all: decide how much travel time you want to spend on your trip. You could spend half a year exploring Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, but we reckon that’s not your plan.

Three weeks would be the minimum for such a trip, but you could also choose to spend those three weeks in either Mexico or in Guatemala and Belize. Two months would be the best in our experience. That’s why we won’t just give one Mexico Belize Guatemala itinerary, but two: a 3-week itinerary and an extended 2-month version.

A 2-month itinerary for Guatemala Mexico Belize

If you have 2 months for this trip, we’d choose a round trip flying and out of the same airport. Those kind of tickets are usually cheaper than one with a different point to start and end. And the geographical shape of the countries will also make this fairly easy. Choose either Guatemala City or Cancun in Mexico your starting point, as those have the biggest airports and thus the most choices for tickets. We’ll start our 2-month itinerary with Guatemala City.

You can do this trip by public transport or by rental car. As your trips starts and end in the same place, you can drop off your rental vehicle right where you picked it up.

Day 1: Guatemala City

After arriving in Guatemala City, consider spending a day here. Most travelers continue their trip straight away, considering the Guatemala capital too dangerous to visit. We decided to do otherwise and stayed for one day. We recommend you to do the same, as we think Guatemala City has plenty to offer to entertain you at least a day, while we didn’t feel safe at all. Read more about safety and the best things to do in Guatemala City .

Day 2-3: Rio Dulce and Livingston

Take the bus on day 2 to Rio Dulce in Guatemala and spend both that day and the next in the Rio Dulce area. We’d recommend you exploring the river jungle from the water and stay at a jungle boutique hotel or hostel .

Day 4-5: Punta Gorda in Belize

You’ll cross your first border early in the morning of day 4. Take the boat taxi from Livingston to Punta Gorda, or drive your rental car from Rio Dulce across the border. You’ll already leave Guatemala, but you’ll come back here the last weeks. You have day 4 and 5 to enjoy the Punta Gorda area with its waterfalls, jungle and small Mayan temples.

Day 6-8: Placencia or Hopkins

Time to hit the beach. Choose either Placencia or Hopkins for a few days at the beach. Not just for relaxing and lazing at the beach, because you don’t want to miss out on snorkeling or diving at the Great Belizean Reef. Read more about the best things to do in Hopkins , including hiking at the nearby Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve .

Day 9-13: San Ignacio

San Ignacio was our favorite destination in Belize. This jungle town combines the laidback Belize city vibe with jungle and the ancient Mayan culture. San Ignacio is your base for the famous guided tour Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM tour) visiting an ancient Mayan cave, but also for exploring the ruins of nearby Xunantunich and Cahal Pech and the remote Caracol. San Ignacio has quite some budget accommodations, but if you have the travel budget, make sure to book a bucket list stay at Ka’ana Resor t.

We’d also recommend you to join a day trip tour to Tikal in Guatemala to visit one of the most famous Mayan ruins in Central America. If you have enough time and energy, you might want to make a stop along the way at the Yaxha ruins for the most magical sunset from the top of an ancient pyramid.

Day 14-17: Caye Caulker or San Pedro, Ambergris

Head to Belize City for the ferries to Caye Caulker of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, depending on your budget. Caye Caulker is the more budget-friendly island destination of Belize, but Ambergris offers the most beautiful luxury resorts which come with a price tag. Both islands are great for snorkeling and diving. Divers are highly recommended to dive in the famous Blue Hole, one of the bucket list diving trips around the world. If you’re not really a diver, you can also opt for an amazing fly-over of the Blue Hole . Read more about Caye Caulker in our blog about the best things to do on Caye Caulker , including the best spots for sunset.

Day 18-22: Bacalar and Calakmul

Take the fast ferry from either Caye Caulker or Ambergris to Mexico – or head back to Belize for your rental car and drive yourself towards the border – and head for Laguna Bacalar. This lake known as the lake with seven shades of blue is an idyllic destination in Yucatán, Mexico, known for its magical sunrises, great food in the town of Bacalar and canoeing or boat trips on the lake. Read our Bacalar guide to learn more about this bucket list Mexico destination.

Bacalar is also the perfect base for a day trip to the lost Calakmul Mayan empire . Or even better: head there late afternoon, stay close to the entrance and visit Calakmul in the early morning as we did. Calakmul has the highest pyramids in Mexico and you can actually climb them, unlike the one at Chichen Itza.

Day 23-25: Tulum

Head further up north for the famous beach town Tulum. This extremely popular Mexico destination has two faces: the resort-dotted and instagrammable Tulum beachside and downtown Tulum Pueblo with more budget-friendly accommodation and great restaurants. Both are popular with tourists and are filled with hotels, restaurants and shops. You can visit both by renting a bike, which is affordable and the best way to get around Tulum. Read more about this must-visit destination in our Tulum city guide .

Tulum will be your first chance to visit a cenote in Mexico, but there will be more stops on this itinerary close to the best cenotes in Yucatán. The Tulum cenotes are very popular, as they’re close to town and you can easily reach them with a rented bike. Another popular attraction in Tulum is the Tulum Mayan ruins, located at the coast, or make a day trip to the lesser-visited Coba temples .

Day 26-29: Cozumel, Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres

Add one of the Yucatán islands to your Mexico Belize Guatemala Itinerary and choose either Cozumel, Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres. All are very popular with tourists. We ourselves choose Isla Cozumel , as it’s the only island you can bring your rental car to, and conveniently located close to Tulum and extremely popular Playa del Carmen. This destination and Cancun aren’t on this itinerary, as we feel there are less crowded beach destinations in both Belize and Mexico that are much more worth visiting.

Day 30-33: Valladolid and Chichen Itza

Head to Valladolid, one of the most colorful cities in Yucatán. It’s a great base to explore the area, visiting the most beautiful cenotes and the pink lakes at the northern Mexican coast , but also the famous Mayan city Chichen Itza. You can easily organize your own trip and buy tickets in advance . Another great thing to do around Valladolid is visiting its nearby cenotes. Read our city guide on Valladolid to learn more about this charming town in Yucatán and check out our map of all cenotes in Mexico including tips on how to find one all for yourself.

Day 34-36: Mérida

One of the bigger cities in the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico is Mérida. It is one of our favorite destinations in Mexico because of its brightly colored streets with Volkswagen beetles, the equally colorful street life, free museums, the local culture and all those amazing places to eat. Stay here a few days and explore the many nearby cenotes as well. We wrote a detailed city guide about Mérida in Mexico with the best things to do and see.

Day 37-39: Campeche

Valladolid, Mérida and Campeche are all three mentioned as the most beautiful cities in the Yucatán peninsula , so make sure to add Campeche as your next stop to your itinerary. The old walled center is much smaller than the other two cities on your route, but it’s even more colorful and charming. Stay for a few days to enjoy sunsets from the Malecon, walk the old city walls, visit the botanical garden and count the many vintage Volkswagen cars in the street. Read more in our blog about the best things to do in Campeche .

Day 40-42: Palenque

It’s time to leave the Yucatán peninsula for Mexico’s jungle state Chiapas. The city of Palenque is your first stop. It’s known for the many waterfalls in the area and its ancient Mayan ruins. We wrote a blog about where to stay in Palenque and how to find the best waterfalls and one about how we were impressed by the Palenque ruins after already visiting dozens of other ruins in the week before, including many practical tips for your visit.

Day 43-45: San Cristobal

San Cristobal de las Casas is your next stop on this Belize Guatemala Mexico itinerary. It’s one of the few Mexican cities without any traffic in its city center, making the charming streets even more pleasant to explore. Strolling around the old town is one of the highlights of your visit, but you’ll want to see the cathedral and Maya markets and to book a tour to the stunning Canon del Sumidero .

Day 46-48: Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

We’re heading back to Guatemala for the last weeks of this itinerary, starting in Quetzaltenango , also known as Xela. It’s the second-largest city of Guatemala, yet few visitors add it to their trip making it a less-touristy stop on your itinerary. Xela is famous for its great hikes in the area, including one hiking to the active Santiaguito volcano or to the Tujimal, the highest volcano in Central America. You could choose a multi-day hike to your next stop, Lake Atitlan.

Day 49-51: Laguna Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and charming villages. Though the villages at Atitlan are small, they are very well discovered by tourists. They all attract a very different type of visitors though: San Pedro is popular with young partying backpackers, San Marcos is known for its yoga and hippy vibe and Panajachel is the biggest and busiest town. We loved staying in small, laidback San Marcos, visiting the other villages during the day by water taxi. Check out our San Marcos de Laguna guide for the best places to stay and eat.

Day 55-59: Antigua

We saved one of the best Central America destinations for the last days of your trip: visiting Antigua de Guatemala. It’s one of the most popular places in Guatemala, yet not overcrowded at all. The colorful cobble-stoned streets, the amazing restaurants and climbing the nearby volcanoes are the best way to end your trip.

We stayed in Antigua for over a week, enjoying the Antigua city life and camping on two Antigua volcanoes. Read our city guide for Antigua and our blogs about the volcano views and tree cabins of Earth Lodge , climbing the Acatenango volcano and camping at the active Pacaya volcano .

Day 60: Guatemala City

Head back to Guatemala City to fly back home. This is the end of your trip.

A 3-week itinerary for Mexico Belize Guatemala

If you spend three weeks exploring these countries, you’ll have to make choices. We visited many places in the two months we’ve been to Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, so we think we can make the perfect selection of destinations for you. We’d recommend you to make a route from Guatemala City to Cancun – or the other way round – to make the most of your travel time in the area.

Day 1-3: Guatemala City and Antigua

When arriving in Guatemala City, pick a public bus, taxi or Uber straight to Antigua. Go volcano hiking and stroll down the cobble-stoned streets. Read our city guide for Antigua and our blogs about the volcano views and tree cabins of Earth Lodge , climbing the Acatenango volcano and camping at the active Pacaya volcano .

Day 4-5: Laguna Atitlan

Stay at one of the Atitlan villages to enjoy Guatemala’s most beautiful lake. This popular destination is the perfect spot for luxury boutique hotels, a yoga retreat or souvenir shopping at local markets. Check out our San Marcos de Laguna guide to learn more about our favorite village at the Atitlan lake.

Dag 6-8: Flores and Tikal

Prepare yourself for a long bus drive straight to Isla de Flores , a charming small peninsula town at the Lago Petén Itzá lake. The most popular thing to do is visiting the famous Tikal pyramids on a day trip, though we’d recommend you to visit the less-visited Yaxha ruins as well.

Day 9-11: San Ignacio in Belize

San Ignacio was our favorite destination in Belize. This jungle town combines the laidback Belize city vibe with jungle and the ancient Mayan culture. Most popular is visiting an ancient Maya cave with the ATM tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal), but you can visit nearby Xunantunich and Cahal Pech and the remote Caracol as well.

Day 12-15: Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye

Choose either luxury Ambergris Caye or budget-friendly Caye Caulker for some beach days in the Caribbean. Snorkeling in the Great Belizean Reef or diving at the famous Blue Hole should be on your wish list. Read more about Caye Caulker in our blog about the best things to do on Caye Caulker .

Day 16: Laguna Bacalar

Take the speed ferry from the Belize islands to Mexico and make a first stop in Bacalar. This lake known as the lake with seven shades of blue is an idyllic destination in Yucatán, Mexico, known for its magical sunrises, great food in the town of Bacalar and canoeing or boat trips on the lake. Read our Bacalar guide to learn more about this bucket list Mexico destination.

Day 17-18: Tulum

Popular Tulum is a must-visit on any Mexico Belize Guatemala itinerary. Enjoy the tourist hotspots, white-sand beaches, magical cenotes and Tulum Mayan ruins. Read more about this must-visit destination in our Tulum city guide .

Day 19-20: Valladolid en Chichen Itza

Head to the nearby colorful Valladolid to enjoy one of Mexico’s most charming cities. It’s a great base to visit the famous Mayan city Chichen Itza and its nearby cenotes. Read our city guide on Valladolid and check out our map of all cenotes in Mexico .

Day 21: Cancún

End your stay in Cancún to fly home from its international airport. We wouldn’t recommend this touristy and over-priced destination, so don’t spend to much time here.

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Related Entries

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3 Weeks in Mexico and Belize: Your ultimate Itinerary

Between Mayan History and Caribbean Dream Beaches…

My 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize positively surprised me in many ways: the friendly people, the tasty food, the whole culture, and the atmosphere! Especially Belize appears to be a country that is way too unknown and underrated! Even though it’s a small country, it offers a variety of nature gems – the    Belize Barrier Reef in particular .

I decided to discover the South-East tip of the Mexican country, including the provinces of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche as well as the north and some islands of Mexico’s neighboring country Belize. 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize have been the perfect combination of culture, adventure & relaxation and I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Mexico & Belize

Route for 3 weeks in mexico and belize.

• Pisté/ Chichén Itzá
• Belize City
• Caye Caulker

How to get around

Traveling on a budget, we decided to use the Bus as our only mode of transport. Did we regret it? Definitely no! The Bus provider ADO , Mexico’s leader in the bus industry, was super reliable – always on time and very convenient, offering large seats and AC. I can recommend getting around with the bus as it is not only cheap but also safe and comfortable. Even in Belize, we have chosen the bus option and have not had any negative experiences. We always booked our bus tickets online via the platform Busbud .

Itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize

Day 1: arrival in cancún.

After almost 11 hours on the plane (coming from Frankfurt), we finally arrived in Cancún and headed straight to our hotel. Except for a dinner in the downtown area , we wanted to spare our energies for the following 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize.

Day 2-3: Valladolid

Valladolid is a rather small town, about two hours from Cancún, which is known for its beautiful cenotes. Even though the town has become increasingly popular in recent years, it still belongs to the hidden gems in Mexico ! The town itself emits a special charm, which perfectly welcomes you to Mexican life. I recommend taking a walk through the streets and letting yourself drift away together with the locals around you. If you want to learn more about this charming town, make sure to check out my post about the best things to do in Valladolid . For me, Cenote Zaci has been my highlight in Valladolid. It is a beautiful outdoor cenote, in which you can go swimming as well. Cenote Suytun (photo below), which can be found near Valladolid, is one of the best cenotes in Mexico !

Day 4: Pisté

Pisté is a tiny village that is mostly known for being located next to Chichén Itzá , one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Chichén Itzá was formerly one of the largest Maya cities. Nowadays, the ruins, including the popular temple El Castillo, are one of the most visited archaeological sites around the world. Tourists have to pay 250 Mexican Pesos for entry. As always, being early not only has the advantage of avoiding the burning sun in the middle of the day but also avoiding the tourist masses.

You can buy your tickets here: Skip the line tickets for Chichén Itzá

Day 5-6: Mérida

Old colonial architecture and historic buildings, local markets and shops, Mayan culture – a colorful hustle and bustle. This is Mérida – the beautiful capital of the Mexican state Yucatán and one of the best cities in Mexico according to many visitors. A must-see in Mérida is the city’s cathedral and the Plaza Grande in the city center as well as the impressive Jose Peon Contreras theatre and the city’s most popular market named Lucas de Galvez Market . Traveling in this city doesn’t get boring easily as there are so many options for things to do in and around Mérida . Another great thing about Mérida: your pesos are worth more compared to other popular and more tourist Mexican cities like Cancún or Tulum.

Day 7-8: Campeche

When walking through the streets of Campeche you will easily understand why this place is called the rainbow city of Mexico . All the houses are painted in different colors and give the city a cheerful and dreamy atmosphere. I especially liked the marketplace with the San Francisco church in the middle of Campeche. Other recommended activities include strolling around the waterfront or visiting Fort San Miguel .  

Day 9: Chetumal

Chetumal is located right at the border to Belize and thus serves as a transfer point for most tourists. We only stayed in Chetumal for one night to rest from the long drive from Campeche as well as to get prepared for the upcoming journey to Belize City. As far as we noticed, there are not a lot of attractions or things to do in Chetumal itself.

Day 10: Belize City

Before our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize, we read a lot on the internet about the difficulties that might occur on the Belizean border, such as long waiting times or unnecessary fines. However, the border crossing was quite an easy and uncomplicated process. We had to exit the bus twice, once a passport control on the Mexican side, followed by a second passport control and a completion of a form as we entered Belize. We didn’t see much of Belize City – however, we got the impression that it is not the prettiest and safest city. That’s why we only went to have dinner nearby and decided to return to our hotel early that night.

Day 11: Caye Caulker

The small island Caye Caulker is a short water taxi drive from Belize City. In case you are not already in the vacation mood when entering the small island Caye Caulker, you will get into the Caribbean vibes when stepping the first foot on the island. There are a few things to know before visiting Caye Caulker such as how to get to the ferry terminal in Belize City and where to stay on the island. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, so that you do not have to care about anything when arriving. “Go slow” is the well-known motto of the tiny island paradise – and you can feel it! Grab a cocktail, relax in one of the many beach bars on Caye Caulker, and enjoy life to the fullest!

Day 12: San Pedro

San Pedro is only a one-hour water taxi drive away from Caye Caulker. However, the islands differ very much. San Pedro is much bigger than Caye Caulker – more infrastructure, more people, more opportunities – but less calm, less relaxing, and less clean. So, we decided to explore the beautiful underwater world – one of the things Belize is famous for . The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest reef in the world and home to thousands of beautiful species. The snorkeling tour was one of the highlights of the entire trip! Swimming in the crystal clear and turquoise water, there is a high chance of not only seeing colorful fishes and corals but also sea turtles or little sharks.

Day 13-15: Tulum

Tulum, a formerly small fisherman village, has undergone a drastic change into a popular tourist destination within the past 20 years. The vibrant charm of Tulum is noticeable all around the town and the opportunities in terms of what to eat and where to stay are countless. We decided to stay in a lovely apartment downtown. There are numerous beautiful boutique hotels in the Riviera Maya and Tulum has some of the best! As Tulum is a rather small town, you can easily get around by bike (they can be found for rent at every corner).

The famous archaeological ruins , located directly on the Caribbean coast, are a must-see when visiting Tulum. Again, make sure to go early and take a lot of water as well as a sun hat with you. There is almost no shadow and the sun during the daytime is burning! Once in the area make sure to not miss the opportunity to visit some of the best cenotes in Tulum ! Every single one of them is fascinating in its own way.

Day 16-18: Cozumel

Without a doubt: Cozumel is a paradise on Earth! The island has everything you can ask for. Beautiful beaches, clear water, nice bars, great restaurants , preserved nature, countless leisure activities, you name it. One of the best activities in Cozumel is renting a scooter and exploring the island on your own. Take the route leading all the way south to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park , a national reserve with white beaches, lagoons, and beautiful flora and fauna. The dreamy white lighthouse, Faro Celarain, at the island’s most southern point, is the perfect stop to explore this area. Unfortunately, compared to other places in Mexico, Cozumel is rather expensive. Make sure to book your accommodation early in advance and try to get around by scooter or bike instead of taking a taxi.

Day 19-20: Playa del Carmen

Besides all the fun things to do in Playa del Carmen , this place will always remind me to be the starting point of one of the greatest adventures I have experienced so far: swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean Sea! If you are planning your trip to Mexico between June and September, you will have the chance to meet the so-called gentle giants in their natural habitat. During this season, they are swimming relatively close to the coast as they can find a lot of seaweed, their main nutrition, over there. There are numerous options for organizations offering the whale shark encounter. We have chosen Eco-Tours and can absolutely recommend their work. Visit their website for more detailed information about the tour.

Day 21: Back Home

After the whale shark experience and before flying back, we spent the last day of our impressive trip relaxing at the pool, seeking in all the sunshine, and reflecting on the amazing memories we have made during our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize . There’s no doubt that I want to come back to this outstanding country one day. There are so many things to do in Mexico City and the rest of the country that I can’t wait to pack my bags again and start exploring!

To wrap it up, I hope I could inspire and convince you to book a trip to Mexico and Belize! Please let me know in the comments down below if you have any further questions about our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize or if you want to know more details .

Save this post on how to spend 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize for later!

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Discovering the Best Adventure Travel Destinations Around the World

Toronto bucket list – the 20 best activities for every time of the year, 4-day dubrovnik itinerary: exploring croatia’s medieval city, solo travel to germany: travel tips for your first visit, discover more from happy when abroad.

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Mexico & Belize: Tropical Adventure

Pick your vibe: rest and rum punch? Non-stop doing stuff? Geeking out over ancient ruins? From beach days to jungle action, this trip’s got it all. Pack your SPF, your sneakers, and your spontaneity—you’re in for one gran aventura .

Picture yourself

Sunning like a mermaid on white-sand beaches

Marveling at the majesty of ancient Maya ruins

Snorkeling at the world’s second largest barrier reef

Canoeing through soaring underground caves

Gorging on tamales, fry jacks, and ceviche

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

9 nights in handpicked accommodations

9 breakfasts

An expert Tour Director

24/7 support

Entrance to Tikal National Park

¡Bienvenido a México! Paradise—sorry, Playa del Carmen—is a coastal Caribbean haven on the Yucatán Peninsula dripping with palm-lined beaches, ancient Maya ruins, nightlife for days, and traditional Mexican culture.

Today's highlights:

• Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
• Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot.

Stroll through Playa (as the locals call it) with your Tour Director. Then bask in el sol on one of the area’s beautiful beaches for the afternoon.

• Join your Tour Director for a local tour of Playa del Carmen.
• Check out the shops, bars, street vendors, and performers on La Quinta Avenida, the city’s pedestrian-only main street.
• Laze the rest of the day away on the sand—and slather on the SPF, pls!

Rise and shine, time to ruin the day! If you’re up for it, you’ll set out for a full day tour to Chichén Itzá, where some of Mexico’s most well-preserved Maya ruins date back well over 1,500 years. If you wanna hang back, you’ve got yourself a free day in Playa del Carmen.

Experience the grandeur of Chichen Itza, home to many Maya temples including the iconic El Castillo.

Put on your adventure pants (i.e. bathing suit) for a morning visit to El Cenote Abierto, a beautiful natural swimming hole near Playa del Carmen. Then it’s on to Tulum’s Mayan ruins before finishing the day in the southern Quintana Roo region.

• Snorkel and swim your heart out at El Cenote Abierto.
• Marvel at one of the most famous archaeological zones in Mexico.
• Continue on to the southern Quintana Roo region for an overnight.

Remember the lazy water-park rivers of your childhood? Yeah, this is not that. Spend the AM floating through the turquoise waters of Los Rapidos. Then cross another country off your bucket list—you’re headed to Belize, a.k.a the Jewel.

• Laze the morning away at Los Rapidos, a narrow freshwater channel of Bacalar Lagoon that’s flanked by rare mangroves.
• Wave goodbye to Mexico as you board a water taxi bound for the isle of Caye Caulker off the coast of Belize.
• Breathe in the salty air as you approach the island’s brightly painted buildings. Tomorrow, we snorkel.
• Enjoy an included dinner with your group.

Make an expedition to the warm waters of Hol Chan off Ambergris Caye for an AM snorkel sesh with a local guide. And don’t worry, everyone looks funny in goggles.

• Glide by the colorful coral formations Belize is known for as you snorkel through the world’s second largest barrier reef.
• See turtles, nurse sharks, sting rays, jacks, tarpon, and many other marine species you've prob only seen on the Discovery Channel.

Free time suggestions

The Split: Formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, this quirky geological accident is a popular spot to people watch, paddleboard, or play cornhole at the Lazy Lizard.

Beach it: “Ugh, more beaches” said no one ever. Grab a book, download a podcast, order a rum punch, and plop yourself down on the golden sand.

Trade easy, breezy island life for the inner-Belize region of Cayo, the country’s largest district, known for wildlife, national parks, and—oh look, more spectacular Maya ruins!

• Get one last look at Caye Caulker from your ferry to Belize City, where you’ll board a westbound bus.
• Watch from the window as the landscape shifts from coast to rainforest. Welcome to the jungle.

Belizean cuisine: The food in Belize is kinda like Mexican, with a unique twist from Mayan, Garifuna, Kriol, and other cultures. Try ceviche, conch fritters, fry jacks, whatever looks tasty!

Tikal, Guatemala, once rivaled ancient Rome in size and splendor. Today you’ll explore its impressive Maya temples, ball courts, and the many excavated buildings that housed over 100,000 people.

• Wake up to the sounds of the Belizean rainforest.
• Collect another passport stamp as you enter Guatemala.
• Join a local guide for a tour of Tikal’s six magnificent ancient pyramids.
• Fuel up with an included lunch—much needed after climbing 221 feet to the top of Temple IV.

Your last day in Belize is an epic one. If exploring the cathedral-esque splendor of Barton Creek Cave isn’t enough, you’ll also hike to a massive waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Casual.

• Catch a power nap on a quick bus ride to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
• Canoe through Barton Creek Cave, a subterranean wonder once used for ceremonial Maya rituals.
• After an included lunch, hike through the rainforest to the magnificent 150-foot flume of Big Rock Falls.
• Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner with your group.

¡Adiós amigos! Translation: Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

A hidden Gem. Book this trip!

An un-Belize-able Adventure!

This trip was amazing! Getting to check off 3 countries and a World Wonder was incredible. The local guides were all fantastic and our tour director, Dinziel, was phenomenal. This trip included snorkeling with sharks, ziplining through the jungle, climbing Mayan temples, going tubing in a cave, and swimming in several cenote's. I will never forget this exper... See more

Very Outstanding and Mesmerizing!

It was my first tropical vacation and I got to say I was not disappointed. There is a lot of nature to be discovered and very active! If you like nature’s beauty and very active, this one is definitely worth it. I loved the caves and beaches and the jungle altogether. Something to get away from the city. Our Tour director Roberto was so nice and outgoing! He... See more

Best trip ever!

This trip was amazing!! Our tour director Roberto was the best ever! He made this trip the best trip I’ve ever taking. Mexico and Belize was just so much fun! You get the eat and drink so many yummy things!!! The activities are so much fun!! Like the cenotes and caves!!! You should definitely do this tour! You won’t regret it!

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Guatemala, Belize and Mexico Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. We've got 47 tours going to Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, starting from just 8 days in length, and the longest tour is 47 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the highest number of tour departures.

47 Guatemala, Belize and Mexico tour packages with 358 reviews

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Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

Itinerary was good, with appropriate stay time at each destination. Chris was an amazing guide who managed the group well. Homestay experience was average, would recommend changing for a lunch only, with more time at Panajachel or Casa del Mundo. Very basic accommodation at San Ignacio - uncomfortable beds.

Mayan Encounter

3 countries in 10 days. Full of culture, history and a fun group

Maya Encounter

• Walking Adventure

Real Central America (12 destinations)

Start in Antigua end in Cancun (A)

Hello all, I really enjoyed the tour overall. There a few points here and there which could/should be improved but generally speaking this is a great adventure/tour. Olivia from the customer service and Daniel were both really supportive and helpful. I recommend this tour to those who are looking for challenges !

• Coach / Bus

Contrasts of Mexico

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mayan Heart Trip

A great tour around the Yukon region taking in many of the Mayan sites, I had excellent instructions & guidance from Marvellous travel all requests met & questions answered helpful & flexible very enjoyable experience, recommended.

Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Experience (13 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula

Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass

Guatemala, Belize & Mexico Adventure 14D/13N (from Guatemala City)

Mayan Discovery

Great guide. The accommodations were at bit too basic for the price of the tour.

Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Great trip! Pity about the private transport as it broke down twice but hey, you go with the flow when you're in Latin America. We had an experienced guide who looked after everyone. Everyone had a great time. Do many activities. I try to help other travellers on wateringhole website of G Adventure.

• Kayak & Canoe

Central America Encompassed (16 destinations)

A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal

What people love about guatemala, belize and mexico tours.

Great trip with memorable moments.

The organization, communication and information are very good. There would have been a good choice of accommodation, even for a surcharge. The last one is particularly substandard. It was a great experience.

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Nelson Maya Adventures

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Belize Tours and Transfers

Travel and Explore the Wildlife, Caves and Mayan Sites of our Beautiful Country. Get Transfer in Belize or Mexico or Guatemala Border

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Awesome things to do in Belize!

Tour the many Mayan Ruins and Temples, Caves and Rivers in the Belizean Jungle. Experience the Wildlife first-hand and a Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn of Belize’s rich history when you take on Belize City Tour.

Nelson Maya Adventures selected the best tours for you to do. If you are staying in Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio many other destinations in the country. We provide all-inclusive excursions, so you have to best time when visiting. Transfer with assisted border crossing either Mexico Border or Guatemala Border .

Book a trip for a day or a couple of days and you will be in contact with some of the most outstanding guides. Their knowledge extends beyond the text.

100% Belizean Owned Company

Knowledgeable guides & experienced drivers.

People from all over the world travel to our tiny country in Central America to explore the wonders it has to offer. Yet our country is one of the few places you will find less crowded. Book any of the Belize Tours or Activities we offer as Things to do in Belize and you will note our guide are speaking English and has a vast knowledge of the site you are visiting.

• Belize Blue Hole
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Get Transferred from just about anywhere in Belize, especially when you are arriving via the Phillip Goldson International Airport. Travel from Belize City to San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Placencia or Hopkins Village with ease.  Travelling either Mexico or Guatemala Border , we offer a shuttle to and from Belize Land Borders. Book private or shared tours and transfers with us and get picked up and drop off at your hotel or resort

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Mexico To Belize: Crossing By Bus, Ferry & Plane [2024]

About Author

Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.

Three ways of crossing from Mexico 🇲🇽 to Belize 🇧🇿 are by bus, ferry and plane. As of July 2023 ☝️, the ADO bus is running between Cancun and Belize City.

The ADO bus is now the most stress-free method of traveling between Mexico & Belize - no more complicated taxis or shuttle connections.

Here is a map showing Mexico to Belize crossing options.

• ADO bus tickets are sold at the Belize City Bus Terminal
• Buses leave Cancun at 7:00AM and reaches Belize at 5:30PM (Belize Time)
• Buses leave Belize City at 7:00PM and reaches Cancun Airport at 7:00AM
• Children get half price (Below 10 years of age)
• Credit cards accepted in Cancun and Chetumal
• Contact ADO Belize Facebook Page
• ADO Bus contact number: +501 625-5900 (They don't answer Whatsapp sadly)

ADO Bus Cost

Mexico to belize.

With covid restrictions lifted, there are several ways of getting to Belize now. To simplify things, I included the three most popular routes.

Cancun to Belize City

Route 1: By Bus

Chetumal to San Pedro

Route 2: By Ferry

Go By Ferry

Route 3: By Plane

Go By Plane

Cancun to Belize

The ADO bus from Cancun to Belize City has resumed service as of July 24th, 2023. This is by far the safest and most cost-efficient way to travel.

Chetumal To San Pedro

There are many ways of doing this trip but the easiest is taking a direct ferry with Water Jets International. The cost is $74.50 USD, it lasts 1hr 30 mins, and it travels four times weekly.

Water Jets International runs between Chetumal & San Pedro. It also goes to Caye Caulker for an additional $5.00 USD. This ferry only runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and leaves Chetumal at 10AM.

Cancun To Belize City By Plane

One way of getting from Cancun directly to Belize at the moment is by flying. Tropic Air is a Belize airline that runs between Cancun & Belize City daily and only takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Direct flight from Cancun to Belize City

Official Belize Borders

There are two official crossings between Mexico & Belize:

The New Border is used for official crossings but the Old Border can only be used to exit Belize at the moment according to Belize Tourism Board . But some travelers have entered through this route recently.

Belize To Chetumal

There are three ways of exiting Belize to Chetumal via land:

• By bus : Belize to Chetumal Buses now run around five times daily.
• By foot : if you're on a tight budget, the cheapest way of exiting Belize is by foot. Exit via the Old Border and then take a Mexican bus from the Santa Elena Taxi Station to the center of Chetumal for 20 MXN Pesos.
• By taxi : starting from the Corozal bus station , take a shared van (colectivo) to the Belize Border. These small vans take employees to the Free Zone for $2.00 USD per person. A private taxi will cost around $12.50 USD per person.

Mexico / Belize Border Fees

There are two fees to be wary of when entering and exiting Belize:

Mexican Tourism Tax

Belize Exit Tax

Mexico Tourism Tax (DNI)

If you were in Mexico for more than 7 days, you will be required to pay a DNI Fee (Derecho de No Inmigrante) of $30.00 USD (600+ MXN Pesos).

DNI is an entry fee that must be paid to the Mexican Government by all foreign nationals, including Belizeans who enter Mexico by air, road or sea, in the following cases:

• Tourists staying in Mexico more than seven (7) consecutive days.
• Transit travelers with destination to a third country regardless the time need for their transit. This includes those who enter Subteniente Lopez, Chetumal, by road and whose purpose is to board a flight in Cancun to travel to another country, as well as those arriving to Cancun towards Belize.
• Holders of the border card FMVL (Forma Migratoria de Visitante Local) that remain more that 3 (three) consecutive days in Mexico. This fee is payable in addition of a sanction for violating the permitted period allowed under the FMVL status. FMVL holders are reminded that they can only stay in Quintana Roo for no more than 3 (three) consecutive days.

Frequent Questions

There are two main border fees, the DNI Mexican tourism tax and the Belize exit fee. Covid tests and travel insurance are no longer a requirement.

The ADO bus service has resumed as of July 24th, 2023.

A direct 1.5 hour plane ride with Tropic Air is the fastest way of getting to Belize from Mexico.

The cheapest way of getting to Belize is by taking a Belizean bus from Chetumal to Belize.

Belize to Mexico Border Crossing: The Complete Guide (2024)

Do you need to get from Belize to Mexico? This article has absolutely everything you need to know about the Belize to Mexico border crossing. It’s possible to cross this border by either water taxi or public bus, and I have instructions for both options below.

I recently traveled from Caye Caulker, Belize to Bacalar, Mexico, as part of my year backpacking Latin America. I’m sharing all of my on-the-ground research and experience in this article.

Before we go further, there are some important things you should know that differentiate the Belize Mexico border from other borders in Central America:

1. High fees: There are really high border fees and taxes, that you need to budget for (details below!).

2. Boat vs. bus: You can cross from Belize to Mexico by either water taxi or bus, but keep in mind that the water taxi does NOT leave daily.

3. Taxi across no man’s land: It is not allowed to walk across no man’s land at this border. You MUST take a taxi.

If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry! I explain everything you need to know in detail below. Read on for my complete guide to the Belize to Mexico border crossing.

NOTE |   I did this border crossing in 2023 and this post is updated for 2024. I will do my best to keep this article updated. If you find this guide helpful, please comment below with any changes or updates! Together, we can help future travelers navigate the Belize to Mexico border safely.

Check out my other border crossing guides…

Guatemala to Belize Border Crossing Guide

Honduras to Guatemala Border Crossing Guide

El Salvador to Guatemala Border Crossing Guide

Nicaragua to El Salvador Border Crossing Guide

Costa Rica to Nicaragua Border Crossing Guide

Panama to Costa Rica Border Crossing Guide

Ecuador to Colombia Border Crossing Guide

Peru to Ecuador Border Crossing Guide

Sailing the San Blas Islands to Cross From Colombia to Panama (Coming Soon!)

Belize to Mexico Border Crossing Location

Belize’s northern border shares the southern border of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state. There is only one land border crossing between Belize and Mexico, however it’s also possible to do this journey by boat.

The main Belize to Mexico border crossing locations are:

• Subteniente Lopez international bridge (by bus/vehicle):  This bridge marks the only land border crossing between Belize and Mexico. The closest towns on either side are Santa Elena (Belize) and Subteniente Lopez (Mexico). Bigger towns that are transportation hubs on either side are Corozol (Belize) and Chetumal (Mexico).
• Chetumal ferry terminal (by boat):  There are several water taxis running from Caye Caulker and San Pedro islands in Belize to Chetumal, Mexico. You will go through immigration at the ferry terminal in Chetumal.

Keep reading for more information on both of those options!

Travel Requirements at the Belize to Mexico Border Crossing

Before you complete this border crossing, you should also be prepared with some important items or details.

These travel requirements include:

• Cash: There are high fees at this border, unfortunately, so you should plan to have cash on hand in both BZD and USD. Read more about the fees in the next section.
• Pre-booked accommodation:  At Mexico immigration, we were asked to report where we were staying that night. We stayed at Yak Lake House in Bacalar for 5 nights. It’s a great place to stay directly on the lagoon on a backpacker budget (although we did have to stay in a dorm as the privates are $$$).
• Printed Mexico departure flight itemized receipt: Unfortunately, there is a scam at this border (I’ll explain more further down this post). If you’ve already bought a flight out of Mexico, then you’ve already paid the border tax and you shouldn’t have to pay it again. I’ve heard that if you print your flight’s itemized receipt you can prove you already paid the tax… however this may not be successful so read the next section for details.
• Six-months passport validity:  It’s best to have minimum six months passport validity and at least two empty pages in your passport, before you cross any border. Some countries will deny you entry without this.
• Check entry requirements:  It’s different for every nationality, so check your government website.
• Check health requirements:  As you probably know, things are constantly changing regarding COVID-19 travel rules. When we crossed this border, we had no health checks at all. However, you should check your country’s embassy page for the most reliable information.

You should always double check about travel requirements before attempting a border crossing. We didn’t need to come prepared with much, but keep in mind that things can change and rules may be different for different nationalities (I’m a US citizen and Dan’s a UK citizen, so this is written from that perspective).

Border Fees for the Belize to Mexico Border Crossing

The Belize to Mexico border crossing was far and away the most expensive of any of the 11 border crossings I did in Latin America.

Why? Well, it all comes down to the high border fees both when exiting Belize and entering Mexico.

Unfortunately, neither of them are really avoidable (some people argue you can avoid the Mexican one, although I’ve never heard a success story – I’ll explain below). So, this is something you’re going to have to build into your budget.

Belize Exit Fee

There is no fee to enter Belize, however there is a fee to exit. Currently, the Belize exit fee is 40 BZD / 20 USD per person.

You must pay in cash, but it can either be in BZD or USD.

This fee is totally legit; it’s not a scam. There’s no way to avoid it. Just think of it as a relatively small price to pay to have witnessed the incredible country that is Belize!

Total cost: 40 BZD / $20 USD

Mexico Entrance Fee

There is a fee to enter Mexico but this one is a bit more of a gray area. In fact, it largely seems like a scam. Let me explain.

Legally, you can enter Mexico for up to seven days without paying a tax. However, chances are that you will be in Mexico for more than seven days and in that case you do need to pay a tax.

The trick is that all flights out of Mexico include this tax, by law. So, if you’ve already booked a flight departing Mexico then you’ve already paid this tax.

How to Prove You Already Paid the Exit Tax

I’ve read articles like this one that state that if you print your itemized receipt from your departure flight, which shows the tax is already paid, and show it to the immigration agent, then you should not have to pay the tax.

Will This Work? (Probably Not – Get Ready to Pay)

However, I’ve spoken to MANY travelers who crossed the border from Belize to Mexico with their flight receipts, and every one of them still had to pay before they were let through.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to test this for myself because while Dan and I were attempting to print our departure flight’s receipt, we discovered that our flight had actually been CANCELED without anyone notifying us! That’s a whole other story… but basically we just had to suck it up and pay the fee.

In summary, the tax is legitimate. But if you’ve already paid it (via a departure flight) and they insist you pay it again, it’s a scam. A scam that there’s not really a way out of…

Total cost: 687 MXN / $37.15 USD (I believe this amount may change based on the number of days you have in Mexico – we had 30 days)

Time Change Between Belize and Mexico

One more thing that you need to be aware of when traveling from Belize to Mexico? The two countries are in different time zones.

In 2015, the Mexican state Quinatana Roo switched to Eastern Standard Time Zone and does not observe daylight savings time.

Belize is in Central Time Zone and no longer observes daylight savings time.

This means that the area of Mexico you’ll be entering is one hour ahead of Belize, all year round. For example, when we crossed the Belize Mexico border, it was 2pm in Belize, which suddenly became 3pm in Mexico!

So, when you cross the Belize to Mexico border at Chetumal you essentially lose an hour, and you should factor this into your travel plans (ie, get an early start in Belize so you’re not traveling at night!).

Belize to Mexico Border Crossing: The Complete Guide

As I mentioned, there are two methods for crossing the Belize Mexico border: boat or bus.

I explain all the details for both options below. You can also scroll down to read my thoughts on the pros and cons of each method, and which one you should choose.

Belize to Mexico By Boat

The most popular option is to take a ferry/water taxi from Caye Caulker or San Pedro to Chetumal, Mexico. Alternatively, there is also one boat that goes to Corozol, Belize (close to the border, but you’ll have to complete the land border crossing from there).

The complication is that currently, not all water taxi companies are operating at full capacity. Some have even stopped running the route to Chetumal completely.

Below are your options for taking a boat to Mexico, based on my on-the-ground research on Caye Caulker talking to the companies in person.

Water Jets International (To Chetumal, Mexico)

Currently, Water Jets International is the only boat company that offers the route from Caye Caulker and San Pedro to Chetumal, Mexico. AKA, this is your best option.

The downside is they do not operate every day (this is why we had to go by bus!).

From Caye Caulker: 12:45pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday only. Costs $148 BZD / $74 USD. Takes 3 hours 15 minutes (including 1 hour wait at San Pedro).

From San Pedro/Ambergis Caye: 2:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday only. Costs $138 BZD / $69 USD. Takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

You can purchase tickets online here , or at EZ-BOYZ on Caye Caulker or San Pedro International Ferry Terminal on Ambergis Caye.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi (Not Currently Operating – 2024)

San Pedro Belize Express is the other main water taxi service you’ll see on Caye Caulker. They used to run a daily service from Caye Caulker to Chetumal that departed at 7am.

However, this route is NO LONGER IN SERVICE.

We asked all around the island and it was confirmed multiple times that they no longer do this route. I’m not sure if/when it will be reinstated.

I’ll try to keep this post updated, but if you hear any news please leave me a comment so I can update this post accordingly!

Thunderbolt Water Taxi (To Corozol, Belize)

Your only other option for traveling from Belize to Mexico by boat is to go with Thunderbolt Water Taxi .

Note that Thunderbolt offers a daily route from San Pedro to Corozol, Belize … not Chetumal, Mexico. Once at Corozol, you will still have to cross the border by land (you can read my directions below).

If you are staying on Caye Caulker, you will also have to get a separate water taxi to San Pedro first.

This boat leaves at 3pm daily from San Pedro and costs $104 BZD / $52 USD.

For me personally, this option seemed a bit expensive and convoluted, and it also left a little too late in the day for my liking. I don’t recommend going through any international land border at night, and this cuts it close (especially considering Mexico is one hour ahead).

Belize to Mexico By Bus

Most people (who’ve never done this journey) shudder at the idea of traveling to the Belize Mexico border by chicken bus. However, having been on many chicken buses throughout my time in Latin America, I can say that this one isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s one of my better chicken bus experiences.

And if you’re reading this and you don’t know what a chicken bus is, it’s basically an old reconverted American school bus, that’s used for public transportation throughout Belize and all of Central America!

In order to complete the Belize to Mexico border crossing by bus, you’ll need to follow this route:

• Ferry to Belize City (if you’re staying on Caye Caulker or San Pedro)
• Walk/taxi to Novelo Bus Station
• Chicken bus to Corozol/border
• Exit Belize
• Taxi across no man’s land
• Enter Mexico
• Taxi to Chetumal
• ADO bus to Bacalar, Tulum, Cancun, or any onward travel

Keep reading this article for detailed directions to the public transport route, including location pins, times, and costs, based on my experience.

Boat vs. Bus: Which Should You Choose?

Overall, I would say that the boat crossing from Belize to Mexico is more popular, faster, and more convenient. However, it’s also more expensive and currently, the boats don’t run every day.

Personally, Dan and I were planning to do the Belize to Mexico border crossing by boat, until we discovered that the boats don’t run on Thursdays, the day we were planning to leave Belize.

Our plans weren’t very flexible. We were meeting a friend in Bacalar, Mexico who was flying all the way from Chicago, so we didn’t want to stand her up by waiting for the Friday boat.

Instead, we decided to ferry back to Belize City, and attempt this border crossing by bus. Overall, this journey was long but it was pretty easy and I share all the details from our experience below!

Overall, I wouldn’t say one option is necessarily better than the other. It depends what you’re looking for. Below are the basic pros and cons of each option.

Pros: More direct, more convenient, less transfers.

Cons: More expensive, doesn’t leave every day, possible sea sickness, apparently seats are uncomfortable with the bouncing of the boat (according to travelers we met).

Pros: Less expensive, daily departures.

Cons: Takes longer, requires an early wakeup call if you’re staying on the cayes.

How to Complete the Belize to Mexico Border Crossing by Bus

Below is a play-by-play of my experience crossing the Belize to Mexico border by bus! It was a long journey but surprisingly smooth.

The worst part was that when we did this journey, there was no article written about crossing from Belize to Mexico by public bus. So we felt a bit like we were winging it. That’s why I’m writing this article – so you don’t have to feel lost!

1. Water Taxi to Belize City

Our day started with an early wakeup call at our Airbnb on Caye Caulker. We packed up our backpacks, checked out, and headed to Errolyn’s Fry Jacks for Dan’s breakfast and Ice and Beans for my mandatory morning cappuccino (best coffee on the island, for sure!).

Both businesses open at 6am, strategic for all the early morning boats…

By 7:15am, cutting it a bit close, we were at the Belize Express Water Taxi terminal/dock, and bought our tickets for the 7:30am boat to Belize City. The ticket is only 33 BZD / $16.50 USD when bought in person (cheaper than online).

However, you might want to buy tickets earlier than we did because some people showed up after us and the boat was filled!

It’s a long day so I recommend getting the 7:30am boat if you can. They also have departures at 6:30am, 9am (already too late, I think, if you don’t want to cross the border in darkness), 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm.

The whole boat ride was smooth as can be and lasted the promised 45 minutes. We even saw dolphins on the way! I just love Belize!

Cost:  33 BZD / $16.50 USD

Time:  1 hour

2. Walk or Taxi to Novelo Bus Station

Once at the ferry terminal in Belize City, we had to wait a bit for our luggage to get released.

Then, our next step was getting to the Novelo Bus Station (location pin).

This is an easy (but sweltering hot) 15 minute walk, which we’d already done prior to our week on Caye Caulker after we took the chicken bus from San Ignacio.

Alternatively, you could take a taxi. There are a few taxi people drumming up business inside the ferry terminal. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how much a taxi costs so if someone finds out, leave me a comment below!

Cost:  0

Time:  35 minutes

3. Buy Tickets to Corozol / Border

By 8:50am, we had reached the Novelo Bus Station which honestly, is not the most charming bus station in Central America…

We approached the gray ticket kiosk, and bought two tickets for the bus to the border.

You should ask for either “Corozol” (the city in Belize close to the border) or “border.”

The next departure was at 9:30am, and we got lucky that this bus was going all the way to the border. Some buses only go to Corozol, at which point you’d have to get a separate collectivo or taxi to the border.

The tickets cost 15 BZD / $7.50 USD per person and we spent the next half an hour or so chilling on the floor of the bus station with ice cold water bottles pressed to our foreheads!

Cost:  15 BZD / $7.50 USD

Time:  40 minutes

4. Chicken Bus to Border

At 9:30am, the bus station attendant called out “Corozol!” and we got in line with the other passengers. We were led out to a bright green chicken bus, and thankfully got to put our big backpacks in the hold underneath the bus.

The bus left right on time around 9:35am, but that’s about the only thing about this journey that was timely!

If you look up the drive from Belize City to the Belize Mexico border on Google Maps, the journey is just over two hours. Our chicken bus took about twice as long… it took just under 4 hours! It wasn’t picking up tons or people nor driving a weird route, just slowwww.

After a brief stop in Corozol to let off every passenger except Dan and I, we arrived to the Belize Mexico border around 1:20pm.

Time:  3 hours 50 minutes

5. Exit Belize and Pay Exit Tax

Our first step at the border was to exit Belize. This was easy and quick.

The chicken bus dropped us off directly in front of the Belize immigration building. We walked inside and up to the first desk, where we paid the 40 BZD / 20 USD exit tax in cash.

Then, we had to fill out a departure form.

After that, we walked to the next desk where we handed in our departure form, receipt for the exit tax, and had our passports stamped.

Like I said – easy!

Cost:  40 BZD / 20 USD

Time:  5 minutes

6. Taxi Across No Man’s Land / To Chetumal

The next part was a little confusing. Like many other border crossings, there is a “no man’s land” between Belize immigration and Mexico immigration.

However, unlike all 11 other border crossings we did in Latin America, where you just walked between the two buildings, this is not allowed at the Belize Mexico border. The no man’s land here is about 3km and it is mandatory to take a vehicle – no walking allowed.

So… what do you do if you arrived to the border by bus, without a car? We walked out of the Belize immigration office and were met with a completely deserted parking lot. “Uhhhh… what now?” I said to Dan. We’d been expecting a big stand of taxis ready to take us across no man’s land!

We saw a sign in the distance and to the right, that said “check point”. Not knowing what else to do, we walked over to it. Luckily along the way, a white taxi came driving by outside the fence and asked us if we needed a ride. We said “YES!” and he waited for us on the other side of the fence. Phew!

We spent a while talking through the price and agreed on 50 BZD / 25 USD (total, not per person). Note that this was the price for him to drive us to Mexico immigration, wait for us there, and then drive us onward to Chetumal, Mexico.

Ugh, that felt like an annoyingly high fee, but what else can you do? Having spoken to other travelers, I know that’s the normal price. You’ll save money if you can group together with a few other people.

Cost:  50 BZD / 25 USD total or 25 BZD / 12.5 USD per person

Time:  15 minutes

7. Enter Mexico and Pay Tax

Our taxi driver dropped us off at the Mexican immigration after about a 10 minute drive. Lo and behold, there was a girl standing there trying to hail a taxi onward to Chetumal. And coincidentally, we’d met her the week prior at our hostel in San Ignacio , Belize!

We decided to group together, and while Dan and I went into Mexican immigration, she stayed in the taxi with our driver and our backpacks.

We got lucky having her watch our bags, but if I were you, I’d bring your backpacks into the immigration building with you. I’m sure most taxi drivers are trustworthy but it’s not worth the risk to leave all your possessions in the car of a stranger you just met!

Once inside the Mexican immigration building, we had to go up to the desk closest to the door where we spoke to the immigration officer and were granted 30 days in Mexico. Then, we had to go to the other back-left desk, where we paid our Mexican tax. Like I mentioned earlier in this article, this tax is somewhat of a scam, because if you already have a departure flight then you’ve already paid it.

Since our departure flight had been canceled, we just sucked it up and paid the tax. It was higher than we expected (687 MXN or roughly $38 USD per person), but what can you do, honestly? The only good thing was it was possible to pay by credit card.

We got our receipts, and went back to the first desk. Here, they checked the receipt as well as a form we filled out, and stamped our passports.

The whole thing was a bunch of disorganized back-and-forth, and unclear justification behind the fees we paid, but overall we didn’t put up much of a fight and just did what they told us. If you have more energy (and a printed out, itemized receipt of your departure flight) then you could possibly argue the fees.

Cost:  687 MXN / $38 USD per person

Time:  20 minutes

8. Taxi Onward to Chetumal

By 2pm, which (with the time difference) was actually 3pm, we had officially entered Mexico!

We jumped back in our same taxi, and drove to the ADO bus station in Chetumal, Mexico. The drive took about 10 minutes.

I should note that our taxi driver had offered to drive us straight to Bacalar, but there was confusion about the prices so we just went to Chetumal. Potentially, it’s the same cost but I’m unsure so you should check.

And, it worked out for us because our friend wanted to go to Chetumal anyway, and she gave us 10 BZD for the taxi. We were going to take the taxi anyway so it was just a nice bonus and meant our taxi journey ended up being only 40 BZD / 20 USD total.

Cost:  subtract 10 BZD / $5 USD

Time:  10 minutes

9. ADO Bus to Bacalar

At the ADO bus station in Chetumal, we had to buy our tickets to Bacalar. The Bacalar stop is on the same route that goes onward to Cancun, and based on their current timetables it leaves every hour.

You have to buy the tickets in CASH! Luckily, there is a Santander ATM inside the ADO bus station so we could get Mexican pesos out to pay.

We took the 3:30pm bus to Bacalar which cost 102 MXN (~$5.50 USD) per person.

The bus itself was super nice with comfy seats and air conditioning. Our journey to Bacalar took about 30 minutes!

A note on money exchange: Usually we exchange our leftover currency at the border, but we didn’t see any money exchange people at the Belize Mexico border. We ended up just exchanging BZD for MXN with some people we met at our hostel in Bacalar , who were traveling onward to Belize!

Cost:  102 MXN / ~$5.50 USD per person

10. Walk to Hostel in Bacalar

Once in Bacalar, it was a pretty quick walk from the ADO bus station to Yak Lake House , our hostel. This hostel is directly on the super-blue lagoon, and I highly recommend staying here or at the very least, at any accommodation that has direct lake access.

We spent the next five days lounging in the sun, gorging on Mexican food, sailing and paddle boarding the lake, and learning to make margaritas!

Overall it was a great time and I highly recommend spending at least a couple days in Bacalar if you’re doing the Belize to Mexico border crossing. It’s the perfect place to get your bearings in Mexico.

Onward Travel in Mexico

You do have a few other options for onward travel within Mexico after you complete the Belize to Mexico border crossing.

Personally, I think Bacalar is the best choice because it’s quite close to the border, yet a destination in its own rite. However, don’t limit yourself to my preferences! Below are a few other options.

Other options for onward travel from the Belize Mexico border include:

• Chetumal:  You could stay overnight in Chetumal, the biggest town by the border. To be honest, there’s not as much to do here but it’s a good transportation hub. In addition to the ADO bus station, there is also an airport in Chetumal. We flew from Chetumal to Oaxaca City after our 5 days in Bacalar.
• Tulum:  I don’t think Tulum needs an introduction but here’s one anyway – bougie American travelers, mega-trendy and touristy, incredibly inflated prices, beautiful cafes, beaches, and cenotes. You can reach Tulum via the ADO bus in about 3 hours.
• Cancun: Another city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that doesn’t need an introduction. Think huge all-inclusive resorts and overpriced everything, but beautiful beaches. Cancun is a big transportation hub with a lot of cheap international flights. You can reach Cancun via the ADO bus in about 6 hours.

Belize to Mexico Border Crossing Overview

Everyone’s border crossing experience will be different. My experience crossing the Belize to Mexico border is based on going from Caye Caulker to Bacalar by public bus, traveling in a couple (we split taxi costs), and luckily meeting another person at the border to split taxi costs to Chetumal with.

Total time:  7 hours

Total cost:  $97.50 USD per person

Eeeeek, that’s a high border crossing cost! Note that the majority of that number comes from the unavoidable border taxes ($20 USD to exit Belize + $38 USD to enter Mexico = $58 USD in fees).

The Belize to Mexico border crossing was BY FAR the most expensive of any border crossing I did in Latin America, so be sure you budget for it!

Final Thoughts on the Belize to Mexico Border Crossing

I truly hope that this guide was helpful for any fellow travelers who are planning to do the Belize to Mexico border crossing, whether by boat or bus.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be fine! Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time due to losing an hour in time differences at the border. And also be sure to bring extra cash and budget for the high fees.

If this border crossing guide is helpful for your own journey, please leave me a comment below! Let me know any updates or changes from what I’ve written here, and how your journey went.

I will try to keep this article as updated as possible so it remains useful, and your help in that is appreciated!

Pin it for later…

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14 comments.

Just wanted to comment as we found this post really helpful – thank you! We did this route today, but just wanted to add that a local on the bus prior to the border crossing told us to use the old border rather than the new one as he said we could then catch a collectivo to Chetumal for around 20 pesos rather than being charged a lot more by the taxis at the new border crossing. Another local at the border confirmed this and said we could walk 5/10 mins there (it’s marked as subteniente Lopez on Google maps) and get our passports stamped there, so we thought we would try it and see. Quite a few taxi drivers drove alongside us whilst we walked telling us we were going the wrong way and one even told us this border was closed and we had to use the other one but we kept going, past the casinos and over the bridge and at the Mexican immigration got our entry stamp from that border all fine! A local then kindly offered us a lift to Bacalar but there is a collectivo bus to Chetumal from there (20 pesos each) and there were also lots of tuk tuk drivers too. Hope that is helpful for anyone reading! Also the bus from Belize city to the border we caught went at but 10 but maybe because it was a Sunday?

Ooh nice find! Sounds like you saved a good amount of money this way. So did the bus drop you off at the main border (from this post) and then you walked toward the other border from there?

So there is only one office on the Belize side, the bus drops you there. The walk between the Belize and old Mexico offices 1.1km per maps.me. Shorter than the new Mexico border route (which curves away from the free zone) the old route passes through the free zone which contains stores (like most borders) and casino. You can walk it but taxi drivers will harass you as expected. Only told one I was going to the other border when he said the border is the other way. Didn’t get any pushback, maybe because I’m a guy, or perhaps its been more traveled now since covid. After that, the rest just asked if I wanted a ride. It doesn’t have shade cover in the midday, but it’s only 10-15 min walk.

A money changer came directly to the “chicken” bus I got off of when I arrived from Belize City. Think there was a permanent sign about money exchange there as well. This is right outside the Belize office. Also arrived around 130p from a 930a departure in BC. I arrived at the BC bus station at 820a and that was still the next available bus.

I didn’t have to pay a fee for entering Mexico, nor was it even mentioned. Perhaps this was because my stay is under 7 days which the immigration officer wrote on my slip rather than the 30 days on yours.

Once you pass through customs the colectivo is at the street corner. Not sure the wait because I arrived just before it took off and it wasn’t full. I paid 20 mxn for it and rode from its start to finish in Chetumal. It’s destination is just a minute walk to the ado bus station to the east of the airport. Not the one on the main road to the north of the airport.

This ado station is quoted as 2nd class whereas the first class is the other station. I guess the station is second class because it’s open to the air but there is shade cover and I found an outlet in the back row of seats. They took a US visa card. The attendant just needed 10 mxn first for the debit tap card you get for boarding that she needed to load (not sure this needs to be in cash, I just had some on me). I paid 10 for the card, 400 for the ticket to Cancún, and 60 in tax. Not sure if the price was more than if I paid cash, but she mentioned 400 before I asked if they accept card. The bus has AC, curtains, and reclining cushioned seats so not sure if only the station is 2nd class(?) but I was expecting another public bus haha!

Very useful information, thank you for sharing!!

Hola! We tried this route and unfortunately for us, it didn’t work. When we arrived at the old border at Subteniente Lopez, the border agent asked how long we were staying (26 days) and if we had an exit ticket (which we did and had it printed). However, then she requested all our ho(s)tel bookings for this period, also in print, which we (of course) didn’t have. She offered to print them for us, but there is no internet there, so we had no way of sending those over to her. We asked some locals if they would hotspot us but they told us there is no reception there, so… We had to go to the new border, where we unfortunately had to pay the exit tax (again…) even though we had our flight + cost overview printed. They just say it’s something else and if you don’t pay again, they just don’t give you a stamp.

Once we found a taxi that would take us to the newer border, he mentioned something about the 7 day stamp you get at the old border, which is probably why it wasn’t an issue for Andrew who posted earlier. If you’re planning on staying in Mexico for longer than 7 days, for sure you’d have to have EVERYTHING printed (flight + hotel bookings), but as we didn’t get further than that, I’m not sure if they require anything besides this.

Would be interesting to find out for how many days Hannah got a stamp for, as she didn’t mention this in her original post, in case she sees this 😛

Have to say this border was highly annoying lol, and by far one of the worst (read: expensive) in Latin America.

Ugh sorry it was such a nightmare for you. Agree, it’s by far the most expensive border crossing in LATAM.

ADO buses from Chetumal to Cancún at Terminal ADO Centero are scheduled for: 0545–0830–1145–1445–1645–2045

Thanks for the post!

Thanks so much for giving me and Other more light on this travel from Belize to Mexico…am from Ghana and planning this journey as I can now travel visa free to Belize Extend my greetings to your wife and Everyone Kind Regards Benjamin

We just had a shocker at this border. Upon being asked to pay the Mexican entry fee we showed our departure flights from Mexico City to dispute this. A very bullish senior border official was called over who disregarded our flights and stated that we must pay the tax. We asked why and he immediately changed our time to 7 days. We were told that if we asked any more questions we would not be let in. We then decided we would pay the tax and tried to change our time to 21 days. This was denied, our forms were taken and we are now back in Belize city. We were even told that we are not allowed back in Mexico ever and are currently trying to assess the validity of that.

So yea, even if it is a scam just pay the fees. We sure wish we did…

Benjamin, Sarah is a US citizen and doesn’t require a visa to enter Mexico on a short stay. I’m not to sure as a Ghanaian you shall be allowed to enter through this border since Ghanaians need a visa to enter Mexico although Belize is visa free to Ghanaians. I stand to be corrected though, this opinion is just personal others who have successfully gone through the route can he give guidance….

We did this crossing today too. Can confirm you can walk across – ignore the taxi drivers who say you can’t. You need to turn right at the roundabout once you’ve been stamped out of Belize and head into the “free zone”, past the casinos and over the bridge. On Google you can search for Princess Hotel and head that way.

$40BZ fee to exit Belize, the bus drops you right at the office. There’s some guys changing money there who we were told do the best rate. They were offering 7.7pesos to the Belize$.

Very easy entry into Mexico too, we’re staying for 7 days and didn’t have to pay anything. Bags were searched pretty thoroughly though. We just got a stamp with today’s date.

There are taxi and colectivos that leave from just on the corner. We paid 130 pesos for a taxi to our hotel in Chetumal, about 20/25min drive.

We just did this trip about three days ago. We had spent the night in Orange Walk to break up the northward journey and were told by one of the staff at our hotel that there are early morning buses (she thought departing at 7, 8, and 9 am; these may commence in Belize City) that take workers directly to Chetumal and that wait for you at the border crossing. We arrived at the bus station – NB. there is a “new” bus station in Orange Walk that is not very new, but both still show up on Google maps so make sure you’re going to the right one – shortly before 8 am, and nearly missed the bus as it leaves from the street outside, rather than from inside the bus station compound. This was one of the Tillett chicken buses, and had “Chetumal” as the destination on the front window. However, when the conductor came to take money for our ticket he told us they were only going to the border today. We didn’t find out which days they cross.

At the border, a Belizean official told us we could walk to the old border and cross there rather than taking a taxi to the new crossing (much too far to walk). Outside, taxi drivers tried to tell us that we couldn’t do this, but once we walked up to the end of the fence in no-man’s-land there were tuk-tuks telling us they’d take us to the old border crossing for just a few pesos. Until that point we hadn’t decided whether to head for Chetumal or Bacalar, but we ended up opting to take a taxi directly to Bacalar. This was 500 pesos, negotiated through the fence outside the Belize exit point with a Belizean, who then called a taxi for us. (We had already walked up the road by this point to check out options, and taxi drivers were offering to take us to Bacalar for 600 pesos.) The driver then drove us to and waited for us at Mexican immigration, and drove us straight to our hotel in Bacalar, 30-40 minutes away. More expensive than an ADO, but we were ready for a break from buses. We didn’t pay an entry tax as we will be in Mexico 7 days or less; the border official checked our plane tickets before waiving the fee, and put our departure date on our entry papers (i.e., no changing our flight to extend our stay now without another trip to immigration somewhere).

Note about the Mexican entry/exit tax: it really seems like it’s not worth arguing with officials about this, given Olly’s experience above and one we witnessed crossing into Belize in early Feb. One of the passengers on our ADO from Cancun to Belize City disputed this payment, aggressively telling the Mexican border official that he was not obliged to pay the exit tax. She eventually waved him onward without it, but when our bus got the the Belize entry point, he and his girlfriend were denied entry to Belize because they had no Mexican exit stamp in their passports. Our bus left them behind in no-man’s-land, having to find a ride back to the Mexican side of the border, and facing the situation of trying to cross back into Mexico without a Belizean exit stamp. Perhaps it worked out fine for them, but at best they lost a lot of time and their bus tickets into Belize City.

Planning to cross this border in June, and wow this was extremely clear and helpful. Couldn’t find anything like it anywhere else. Thank you for your time !

You’re very welcome – and good luck!!

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Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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Mexico Rocks

Top ways to experience Mexico Rocks and nearby attractions

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Mexico Rocks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Mexico Rocks Belize Snorkeling Tour

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At Mexico Rocks Belize, Six miles north of San Pedro Town in North Ambergris Caye, you will find one of the most beautiful snorkel sites known as Mexico Rocks. Unlike many of the snorkeling spots in Belize that are right on the barrier reef, Mexico Rocks is a star coral patch that is located in the shallow waters midway between the great barrier reef and the island of Ambergris Caye. Mexico Rocks is known for many conch, banded shrimps, arrow crab, grunts, yellow tail snappers, and an assortment of Butterfly and Angelfish. The reef here gets as shallow as four feet. Here you will find the most beautiful corals, colorful species of both large and small fishes, shrimp, parrot fish, fairy basslet, sea urchins, spider crabs, lobster and many other small critters of the sea. You will also see magnificent elk horns, sea whips and sea rods that make good protection for the juvenile fishes. The highlights of this trip are the mountains of brain coral, which grow up to 20 feet. On the sandy seabed, you might even see stingrays, eagle rays, and peacock flounder. Nurse shark are common sites as well. Mexico Rocks is protected from ocean swells and currents, so it makes for easier snorkeling, perfect for beginners. Depth is only about 6 to 12 feet, so you can see everything up close. Water visibility in this area of the crystal clear Caribbean Sea is about 50 feet or more.

You’re going to enjoy the service at Neptune’s Cove! We appreciate the opportunity to help you design your Belizean Adventure! You are going to have such an amazing time here in Ambergris Caye!  Neptune’s Cove is a full service PADI Dive Shop specializing in daily diving, SCUBA instruction, snorkeling, fishing and inland tours. We offer many services for our guests to make their stay a lot easier and smoother. We also help with reservations, flights, golf carts rentals and choosing the best local restaurants in town.

We prefer merely small groups for all of our tours. Our diving is done on the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, the beauty of our reef is unrivaled. For the local dives we take groups of 6 or less and 4 max for instruction. This gives us the lowest ratios on the island.

After a half day of fishing our guests are eager to eat what they have caught, so our team has a list of local restaurants that can cook the catch of day for small fees.

In the mainland you can go on adventures like exploring the Maya temples, cave tubing, and hiking our jungles. The jungles in the mainland are full of flora and fauna which are waiting to be explored.

On our site are some of the resorts we recommend, ranging from hostels to 5 stars. Some are within walking distance from the shop and some aren’t.  We offer complimentary transportation to and from our shop for guests staying within town limits. For guests staying far away from us, we have golf carts available for renting to make their transportation easier.

We have also received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017 and 2018. Click here to have the time of your life !

See Our Trip Advisor Reviews!

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Blue Hole Belize Diving Tour

Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour, Belize

Turneffe Atoll Belize Diving Tours

Hol Chan Shark Ray Belize Snorkeling Tour

Hol Chan Shark Ray Belize Diving Tour

Belize Two-Tank Diving Tour

Belize Three Tank Diving Tour

Belize Night Diving Snorkeling Tour

Belize 3-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 4-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 5-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 2-day 2-tank Blue Hole Diving Tour

Belize 3-day 2-tank Blue Hole Diving Tour

Belize local reef half-day fishing tour

Belize Cave-Tube Zipline Tour

Belize Cave-Tube Xunantunich Tour

Belize Zipline Xunantunich Tour

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Mexico Rocks Snorkelling Tour – Half Day 2pm

Mexico Rocks Snorkeling Tour is a half day of fun snorkeling in Belize. Great for people that would like to have a fun packed day full of activities.

Mexico Rocks is a superb Patch Reef, which lies half way between the reef and shore. The charm of the site will further be enhanced by the amiable and professional attention by our Snorkel Guides as they not only assist in your comfort and safety, but are also happy to share about the sights making your experience informative, and relaxing.

Mexico Rocks 12ft depth offers excellent visibility of the opulent collection of Boulder Coral dotted by Star, Elk Horn and Stag Horn Coral. The large Boulder Coral rise 10-12 ft high nearly touching the surface and providing refuge to a variety of marine life, including lame scallops, anemones, tube worm shrimp, and eels sheltered in the coral’s nooks and crannies. Sea fans, azure vase sponges, and butterfly fish add life and color as well.  Giant Brain Coral formations create miniature under sea habitats and islands for Spiny Lobster and Yellow Tail.

Mexico Rocks is now part of Belize’s newest Marine Protected Area, and as such its marine life and coral formations will continue to flourish.

trip departure at 2:00pm

Just a 20 minute ride from Ambergris Divers and up the coast of North Ambergris Caye.

Departs from Ambergris Divers pier at 2:00pm Check-in by 1:30pm (Duration: 3hrs)

Quoted in USD. Price Includes:

Not included.

• Park Fee of $10.00 USD per person due upon check-in
• Scuba Diving
• Scuba Dive Packages
• Scuba Dive Certification
• Adventure Tours

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Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley and Mexico Rocks Snorkelling Package

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10 Best Places To Visit In Belize In 2024

B elize is a magnificent country tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, with a long stretch of coastline along the Caribbean Sea. We spent a week in Belize during our Central America backpacking trip and could’ve easily stayed much longer! 

I was blown away by the kindness of the local people and their vibrant energy. Not to mention the stunning beaches and relaxed island lifestyles. I loved nature and wildlife and just how welcoming Belize felt.

Belize is not only a perfect destination to visit on its own and spend a week or two exploring but you could also easily combine it with a longer trip from Mexico to Guatemala for example, thanks to its relatively small size. 

With so many incredible places to visit in Belize, this list will give you all of the best options to choose the perfect destinations for you.

Best Places To Visit In Belize

Belize may be a small country but there are so many great places in this beautiful country.

Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Belize.

1 – Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island with a very relaxed and laid-back vibe . In fact, it is more correct to describe it as 2 islands since it was hit by a hurricane in 1961 and torn in two. Naturally, the locals took this in their stride and this narrow channel of sea between the 2 islands is now named ‘The Split’.

The Split is a popular place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful clear waters. There is a great beach bar by the split called the Lazy Lizard, where I highly recommend spending an afternoon. 

Caye Caulker is well known for being a backpacker hub , especially around the main town. You will find plenty of hostels and bars to meet fellow travelers. We loved the beachside coffee shack called Ice & Beans. They do great coffee and have hammocks on the beach so you can swing while you sip.

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, on the other side of The Split you will find more resor t s and hotels that are geared more toward families visiting Belize with kids .

2 – Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is one of the best Caribbean islands for families . The largest of the Belizean islands, and one of the most popular places to visit in Belize, Ambergris Caye is around 25 miles long but no wider than 1 mile .

The main town is San Pedro, towards the south of the island. There are a lot of things to do in San Pedro , as it is a bustling hub with a much more authentic feel than Caye Caulker. 

In this town, you will find more local people going about their day-to-day lives than you will tourists.

We stayed at the Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and this was one of the best hostels we found in Central America . Located right on the beach they have a private pier over the water, a great pool and the restaurant makes the best pizzas!

If you head further north along Ambergris Caye you will find many quiet and stunning beaches with breathtaking turquoise waters. From the shores of the island, you can even see the Barrier Reef that runs alongside Belize.

3 – San Ignacio

Found just a short drive from the Belize-Guatemala border is the town of San Ignacio. Located in far western Belize , it is often used as a stopover by travelers heading from one country to the other. But the town of San Ignacio actually has an awful lot to offer.

San Ignacio is a small town and can be explored on foot , you can take a stroll along the river or head to the big local market for some fresh fruit or homemade local delicacies. 

San Ignacio has a lot to do , and is a great place to base yourself if you want to visit the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave) or explore some of the other places mentioned on this list such as Caracol or Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

San Ignacio is also home to its very own Mayan Ruins site called Cahal Pech .

Cahal Pech is only $5 USD to enter and when we visited we had the entire site to ourselves for hours! You are even allowed to climb the Pyramids still at this site.

If you are heading from Belize to Guatemala, it is worth spending a couple of days in San Ignacio before moving on to Guatemala .

ALSO READ: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING GUATEMALA WITH KIDS

4 – Hopkins

Hopkins is a quiet and peaceful beach village located in the south of the country. It is steadily growing in popularity among travelers but this south Belize gem still maintains its authentic nature, food and culture . This is what visitors love most about Hopkins. 

You can enjoy the quiet, pristine beaches in peace and get a real experience of the way of life in this area. One of the most special things to do while in Hopkins is experience the Garifuna drumming . An art that is only practiced in a handful of places still, so it is not to be missed. 

The Garifuna people are of mixed Afro-Caribbean descent. They immigrated from the island of Saint Vincent to Belize, settling primarily in the coastal areas, like Hopkins, where Garifuna culture is a celebrated part of the visitor experience.

Hopkins is also the best place to stay if you want to explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve . This is one of the only Jaguar reserves in the world.

You can join a tour to hike through the reserve , swimming in beautiful waterfalls as you keep your eyes peeled for a rare glimpse of a Jaguar.

5 – Belize City

If you are flying directly to Belize then you will be landing in Belize City as this is the only international airport in the country . It then makes sense that you may want to spend a day or two exploring the country’s capital city. 

There is a surprising amount of colonial history and architecture to be found throughout the city and the best way to experience it all is on a guided tour of the city . This way you will have a local guide who can explain more about what you are seeing as well as advising on the safe areas to stick to around the city.

Some more great spots to have on your itinerary in Belize City are the government buildings, St John’s Cathedral and the Museum of Belize.

Spend a day exploring these sites before you head out to the Cayes and you will really be able to appreciate the contrast between city and island life.

6 – The Blue Hole

Perhaps one of the most iconic and well-known places to visit in Belize is the magnificent Blue Hole . This incredibly unique sinkhole is a natural wonder that is located around 43 miles off the coast of Belize.

It is possible to experience the Blue Hole by boat or from above in a helicopter or small plane. Boat trips are best from Ambergris Caye as this is closer to the hole and the journey will be 3-4 hours each way.

Flights also leave from the small airstrip in San Pedro each day to take tourists on an hour-long flight over the hole .

It is also known to be one of the most sought-after dive sites in the world , drawing experienced divers from far and wide to experience its mysterious depths.

7 – Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Belize is located right next to the second-largest barrier reef in the world . If you are an ocean lover then no trip to Belize should be complete without taking a diving or snorkeling trip out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef.

The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising seven protected areas, including the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and stretching as far south as the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, located off the shores of Placencia. 

We did a combination of snorkeling and diving and were blown away. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to hundreds of colorful fish, rays and sea turtles and the water visibility is great.

Shark Ray Alley is an incredible spot that is now home to hundreds of friendly nurse sharks and rays. You can jump right in and swim amongst them. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These waters are also home to Manatees .

We were lucky enough to see one and they are much larger than we expected.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve can be accessed by boat from either Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker .

8 – Caracol Mayan Ruins

Belize is known for its impressive Mayan ruins. The ancient Mayan archeological site of Caracol is pretty special.

It’s no secret that there are hundreds of Maya sites in Belize , as well as sprinkled across Mexico and Guatemala. While there are a few more famous than Caracol, like Tikal in Guatemala and Chichén Itzá in Mexico, Caracol is seriously underrated.

This impressive site is buried deep within the Belize jungles, 2 hours from the nearest town and no public transport goes there. Making this one of the most off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Belize.

You will need to join a tour or rent a 4×4 to get there as there is an hour of driving off road before you reach the site.

Caracol was once one of the major Maya hubs, covering an area of 55 square miles. Now the main pyramids have been uncovered and tower over the jungle.

9 – Placencia

Placencia is the most southern beach destination on this list, located a little further south along the coast from Hopkins. 

This sleepy fishing village is slowly becoming a favorite among travelers thanks to its small and charming main street, lack of traffic and incredible beaches.

Placencia is the name of the village that sits at the end of the 16 mile-long Placencia Peninsula. The narrow strip of land is only half a mile wide at its widest point making it very much feel like a remote caye.

Luckily for us, it has all the vibes of a gorgeous caye but we can drive there. It is still largely undeveloped and mostly inhabited by locals. You will find no high rises here.

Each morning the local fishermen still head out in their boats around the peninsula and during the summer months, this is an ideal spot to head out on a snorkeling tour find Whale sharks.

10 – Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a unique landscape in Belize. You won’t find the iconic pine trees in the other jungles across the country.

This entrance to the reserve is around a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio . It is possible to drive yourself however the roads inside the reserve can get treacherous after rainfall. The best way to visit the pine forest reserve is on a guided tour . 

A tour can take you to multiple spots in a day so you make the most out of your time there. The reserve is home to beautiful towering waterfalls as well as smaller rock pools like Rio On Pools which are perfect for swimming. 

It is also where you can find the impressive Rio Frio cave . An enormous cave that leads to a huge underground river system. It is well worth a trip to this wonderful nature spot if you enjoy time in the great outdoors.

BOOK A TOUR TO RIO ON POOLS, RIO FRIO CAVE, AND THE CARACOL MAYAN RUINS

Best Places To Visit In Belize FAQs

If you’re planning a trip to any of the best places to visit in Belize, you likely have some other questions about this Central American destination.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Belize.

What part of Belize is best to stay in?

If you are looking for beautiful beaches and to meet lots of fellow travelers then you should stay on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The water around the cayes is shallow and calm, which is ideal if visiting on a Belize family vacation . 

If you want beaches but peace and quiet then you should stay along the beaches in the south of the country. If you are looking to experience the jungles and Mayan ruins then you should stay in San Ignacio.

The jungles around San Ignacio are also home to some beautiful eco-lodges that are great for a peaceful escape.

How long do you need in Belize?

I would recommend spending no less than one week in Belize to get the most out of your time there.

Ten days or more would be the ideal amount of time if you want to experience the islands and the coastal area along the mainland, as well as see the Mayan ruins and the jungles in western Belize.

If you have less than a week then I recommend spending your time on the Cayes and not moving around too much.

When is the best time of year to visit Belize?

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season from January to May. This is when you will have the best temperatures and the least rainfall.

From August to December there is a low risk of hurricanes so always check before you travel.

Is Belize safe to visit?

Belize is generally known to be a safe country for tourists to visit. Belize City has a bit of a reputation for being unsafe in certain areas but crime is rarely directed towards tourists. If in doubt there are plenty of great group tours you can join to explore the city with a local who knows the area.

Regardless of where you visit, it is always best to leave your valuables at home and not wander around alone at night time.

Is Belize cheap or expensive?

Belize is not typically a budget travel destination. It is possible to find cheaper hostel beds, take public buses and eat street food. However, there are far more luxury resorts and activities in Belize which are usually pretty expensive.

A Summary of the Best Places to Visit in Belize

So, this concludes our list of the best places to visit in Belize and hopefully, you now have all the information you need to decide which places to visit on your next trip to Belize. 

From the beautiful Cayes to the lush jungles, Belize is home to some of the best places to visit in Central America for families , couples, or even solo travelers. It is such a wonderful country that it feels like visiting a true gem, hidden in plain sight.

Like it? Pin this list of the best places to visit in Belize to save it for later!

Do you have a question or comment about any of these best places to visit in Belize? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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• The Caribbean

9 Best Islands in the Caribbean to Retire

Beautiful weather, an affordable cost of living, and a relaxed vibe await retirees on these Caribbean islands.

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When retirement approaches , many begin to consider where they want to spend their golden years. While some retirees are most comfortable in the familiar surroundings of their hometowns, others envision themselves in an idyllic location — one that might offer beaches, sunshine, delicious food, palm trees, and a laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps they fell in love with a place they visited, and, for many, that place might be one of the islands in the Caribbean .

For some retirees, the goal is to reduce their living expenses and live comfortably on a limited fixed income. Others, meanwhile, prioritize luxury and amenities, ideal weather, and beautiful scenery. Living costs, ease of obtaining residency, tax benefits, financial requirements, expat communities, residential developments, and lifestyles vary among the islands, so a solid amount of research should go into making this important decision.

So, before you go out and buy your “I Live Where You Vacation” T-shirt, an extended visit with input from locals and expats is highly recommended. The U.S. State Department also offers advice about what to consider before retiring abroad. With insight from experts on the subject, we’ve selected some of the best Caribbean islands for retirement.

Puerto Rico

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As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers many advantages for retirees seeking a tropical climate without relocating abroad.

Health care is widely available, and Medicare is accepted. Retirees can own property in Puerto Rico , too, with no restrictions or visas. For qualified retirees, the Individual Investors Act waives island and federal income taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains for residents who live in Puerto Rico for at least half the year.

The cost of living is around 11 percent lower than on the mainland, and rents are about 53 percent less. In the major cities, like San Juan and Ponce, English is widely spoken, but it’s helpful to know at least some Spanish. The weather is warm , although humid at times, and hurricane season comes each year from June through November, peaking in August and September.

A number of established retiree communities, as well as assisted living facilities, are available. “Retirees will have no trouble settling into life in Puerto Rico,” according to an article by U.S. News & World Report . “The island is a retirement haven, home to big, active, and well-established retiree communities from the U.S. mainland. Most retirees settle around San Juan and the beach neighborhoods east of the city, though pockets of expats can be found around the island.”

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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Located in the Caribbean about eight miles from the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres was once a fishing village. The atmosphere is still laid-back, and the cost of living is affordable. The small island offers beaches, clear and warm waters for snorkeling and diving, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Apartments, condos, and hotels are available, and rents and overall cost of living are relatively low. Most residents get around on motor bikes or golf carts, saving the expense of an automobile.

Retirees can apply for a temporary residency visa or permanent visa (after four years) at their local Mexican consulate, with financial qualifications. Those with legal residency can enroll in public health insurance for a small premium. Many purchase private insurance to cover medical expenses or pay out of pocket. Medicare is not accepted, though it is advisable for U.S. citizens to maintain coverage in the event they need to return to the U.S. for treatment.

U.S. Virgin Islands

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The main islands of St. Thomas , St. Croix , and St. John are attractive places to retire for those seeking mild weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and access to restaurants and nightlife. As a U.S. territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands require no visas or passports for relocating. Medicare is accepted, and medical facilities are available on all the islands. The U.S. dollar is the currency, there’s no sales tax, and English is widely spoken.

The overall cost of living is higher than in the U.S., and rents are about six percent higher. A look at recent listings showed a wide range of rental costs, and like in most places, location, views, and amenities make a difference. Purchasing real estate on the islands works similarly to the mainland U.S., with attorneys representing both the buyer and seller. Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Margie Hand said, “When I was in the U.S. Virgin Islands this past June, I was shocked at all the people I met who had retired there. Some were working at stores in town, and one was an artist who sold pieces to local stores.”

Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos is a British overseas territory consisting of eight main islands and more than 300 small ones. Average temperatures range from a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July to 81 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and the climate is relatively dry . English is the official language, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. “These islands are some of my favorites in the Caribbean,” Hand told T+L. “However the cost of living may be high for some retirees.” In Providenciales, the most populous island that's also home to the international airport, monthly rents range from abut $1,500 to $3,660 in the city center. Condos, town houses, residences, and vacant land are available to purchase at a range of prices, plus there are no restrictions on property ownership by foreigners.

The government grants temporary residency permits with annual applications and offers investors permanent residency if they purchase property to use as a home. The investment must be $300,000 or $1 million, depending on the island, and the funds can be used for new construction or renovation of an older property. There are no taxes on real estate, income, inheritance, or estates. And the new Health City Medical Centre on Grand Cayman provides a range of high-quality, affordable health care,

On Anguilla , the northernmost of the Leeward Islands, the lifestyle is casual, and fishing, snorkeling, golf, tennis, and sailing are popular activities for visitors and residents. The cost of living here is on the high side, but apartments are available starting between $1,000 and $2,000 monthly. However, there are no income taxes, VAT taxes, or taxes on capital gains or inheritance.

Steve Haines, a longtime resident of Anguilla and a real estate broker at Trophy Properties , represents Four Seasons Anguilla Residences. He told T+L, “Some of the greatest things about the island are the wonderful people, perfect weather, and unbelievable food.” He added, “I’m seeing retirees who buy residences for year-round [living], as well as others who spend half the year here. It’s a combination of both.” Haines also noted that the island’s new airport — in progress — will make it easier to reach the destination in the future — perfect for visitors and residents.

Retirees are able to purchase property with an Alien Landholders license and additional fees. Those who own property are able to obtain permanent residency. With one hospital on the island, residents may need to travel to nearby St. Maarten for medical care or to one of the other islands — something to consider when retirement planning. Private insurance that includes transportation to the U.S. or a nearby large city is advisable.

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Dominica , nicknamed the “Nature Island,” is considered one of the most affordable Caribbean islands for retirees. There's an income tax based on residency status and income sources, but the destination offers tax incentives for retirees, including a reduced rate for those over age 65. “Navigating the landscape of Dominica taxes can be a crucial factor for individuals and businesses considering the island nation as a destination for investment and residency,” according to a recent article by Rihab Saad , managing director at Next Generation Equity.

For retirees who decide to make Dominica their permanent home, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program enables foreigners to establish permanent residency by making an investment of at least $100,000 in a government fund or real estate.

Both public and private health care services are available, and private insurance is recommended. Haines, who often spends time with friends who live in Dominica, said, “The island reminds me of Hawaii — very lush with fruit trees and gorgeous scenery. [It's a] beautiful place to live.”

Dominican Republic

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Located on the island of Hispaniola (along with Haiti), the Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean for retirement. The cost of living here is about 47 percent lower than in the U.S., and rents are about 75 percent lower. The tropical climate, convenient location (it's about two hours from Miami), outdoor activities, and entertainment at resorts and hotels also make the destination an attractive option for retirees. Most expats and retirees live in Santo Domingo, Santiago, or Punta Cana.

The Dominican Republic offers a retirement visa for long-term residency with modest financial requirements, and those who decide to spend their golden years here can start with a standard tourist visa while the retirement visa is in process. Social security and pension benefits are not taxable, but all residents must pay taxes on income from financial investments such as stocks and bonds, certificates of deposit, and more.

According to a September 2023 article by Ashley Kilroy, an investment and insurance expert at SmartAsset, “Expats will need to purchase private health care insurance. Although this is an additional expense, it costs less to see a doctor and receive treatment in a private hospital in the Dominican Republic than in the U.S. International health insurance may cost up to $200 per month, and it covers most procedures and emergencies, and even some prescriptions.”

This small island in the southern Caribbean offers a stable political climate, warm weather, and a location outside the hurricane belt. Resorts, museums, shops, and towns provide plenty of activities and entertainment. While the overall cost of living in Aruba is slightly higher than in the U.S., rents are about 57 percent lower. There's an income tax, and retirees are eligible for exemptions on foreign pensions and annuities.

Quality health care — both public and private — is available, too. Foreign tourists can stay in Aruba for up to 90 days (180 days for citizens of the U.S. and the Netherlands). To stay longer, an application must be made to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services for a residence permit. A guaranteed annual income of at least $50,000 may qualify applicants age 55 and over for the status of “retired with guaranteed income.” According to luxury Caribbean property specialist 7th Heaven Properties , “The Government of Aruba welcomes foreign investment and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers buying property on the island with a view to moving to Aruba.”

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize

Located on Central America’s northeastern coast, just south of Mexico, Belize (formerly called British Honduras) consists of a mainland area and about 450 islands. Two of the islands (called cays) are popular retirement destinations: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Both are a short flight or boat trip from the mainland. On a trip to Ambergris Caye a few years ago, I met retirees from the U.S. and Europe, happily adapting to the slower pace of life, living without cars (just about everyone drives a golf cart), and spending less than they did at home.

Belize correspondent for International Living, Shane Kenny, who moved his family to the country in 2019, noted in a recent article , “With Ambergris Caye being such a hot tourist destination, it’s also one of the more expensive places to live in Belize.” Of Caye Caulker , about a 30-minute ferry ride from Ambergris Caye, Kenny said, “Many consider Caye Caulker to be the laid-back, smaller version of Ambergris Caye. Be prepared to walk everywhere, as the streets are unpaved and there are no cars on the island — just a few golf carts.”

The government of Belize explains how to acquire residency or retirement status through the Visitor's Permit Extension, Qualified Retired Person Program, and permanent residency. Also making Belize an attractive retirement spot, the official language is English and the currency is U.S. dollars along with Belizean dollars.

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From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

At a glance.

Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).

Requirements for all dogs

Requirements for dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the united states.

• Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.

This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.

• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

Specific requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies  in the past 6 months.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:  

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies  within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
• Please note, during the transition period, the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.)

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:

• A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
• Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Important information about the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form

The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:

• Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
• Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
• Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels. If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
• Your dog’s first rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before travel.
• Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
• Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.

During the transition period, U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.

The export health certificate must document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
• Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
• Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
• The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
• The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
• The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
• Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory . If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
• Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
• If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
• Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
• The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
• Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
• If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
• Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
• Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
• This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
• Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
• SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA : Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.

Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies  are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.
• Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
• Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.

*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Dog Importations  

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Port Health
• Division of Global Migration Health

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