Belize Family Journey: Rainforests, Beaches & Ancient Caves

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

With remarkable marine life, Maya ruins and wildlife-packed jungles, Belize is the ultimate family travel destination—and this eight-day trip will have you immersed in the people, places and customs of this stunning country.

Highlights

Channel your inner adventurer as you climb hike and tube your way through a spectacular ancient cave
Test your culinary skills and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya techniques
Be on the lookout for some of the local wildlife including jaguars parrots black howler monkeys and toucans at the famed Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll learn about their incredible conservation efforts
Set out on a snorkeling expedition keeping your eyes peeled for turtles barracuda and colorful shoals of fish.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, private bus, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Belize City, Belize

Finishes

Belize City, Belize

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Belize City/Caves Branch

Welcome to Belize City–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Day 2: Caves Branch

Dive into the day with a fun, challenging and informative river cave expedition. Begin with a drive to Nohoch Che'en National Park and hike to the starting point of the cave system. As you walk, listen to your guide talk about the plants, trees and wildlife of the surrounding area. At the starting point, take turns jumping from rocks into the water. Then, you and your family will board inner tubes and enter the first part of the cave via small rapids.

Once inside, you'll switch between tubing and swimming underground. During the expedition, learn about ancient Maya ceremonial centers dating back to AD 400. While you float through this underground cathedral, turn your headlamp lights off and listen as your guide narrates the history of the caves and their importance in the Maya world. After exiting the caves, enjoy a riverside picnic for lunch as you soak up the joy of being back in the sun. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. You can swim in the pool or sit in the hot tub before a group dinner, where everyone can swap stories about the day.

Day 3: Caves Branch

This morning, set out on a full-day excursion to tour the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, which were built over 1,000 years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighboring Guatemalan countryside. Along with a local guide, you'll climb the steps of El Castillo and marvel at the panoramic views of the jungle from the site's tallest structure. Wander amid well-preserved temples, palaces and intricately carved stelae.

In the afternoon, travel to the village of San Antonio to visit the San Antonio Women's Cooperative, which was founded as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills and share centuries-old Maya techniques and knowledge. Get your hands dirty as you visit the cooperative's pottery workshop, where you'll attempt to throw clay utilizing traditional methods of making pots. Then, learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya practices. Enjoy the results of the group's efforts with a cup of atole, a local corn drink. Afterwards, sit down with these inspiring women for a sampling of traditional foods of the Cayo region. Travel back to the lodge and enjoy dinner and an evening exploring the grounds on your own.

Day 4: Caves Branch

Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of optional activities in the area or relaxing by the pool at the lodge. You can opt to visit the Baboon Sanctuary, cofounded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich, where you'll learn about their aim to preserve the thick forested habitat for a large population of howler monkeys. Lunch and dinner will be served back at the lodge. After dark, set out on a jungle safari walk with local bushmen as your guides. Creep through the darkness and try to spot elusive nocturnal animals, including howler monkeys, wild boars and even big cats! You'll also learn about interesting plants that grow in the surrounding jungle.

Day 5: Caves Branch/Placencia

Depart Caves Branch area and travel to Placencia. Along the way, enjoy a visit to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in southern Belize, this unique sanctuary covers an area of 150 square miles (241 km) of tropical rainforest and is the world's only jaguar preserve. Explore the trails of tropical, moist rainforest lying in the shadows of the Maya Mountains. Keep your eyes open for birds, amphibians, crocodiles—and maybe you'll even spot a jaguar!

Arrive at Placencia in the afternoon and enjoy time to relax by the hotel pool or walk along the beach. Dinner this evening will be on your own. You can pick one of the many restaurants nearby or ask your guides for a recommendation for some delicious food to enjoy in the soothing coastal atmosphere.

Day 6: Placencia

See what life is all about under the sea on a full-day boat and snorkeling excursion. Make multiple stops to swim in the tranquil, tropical waters and come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish and nurse sharks—to name a few of the fascinating creatures that call this area home. Perhaps spot a manatee or 2 among the vibrant coral formations. Lunch will be served, then you'll have time to relax or explore the island before a second snorkel session to look around the coral reef. How many species will you spot?

After spending the day under the sea, you'll catch a boat back to shore. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be yours to do with as you please. Choose to swim in the hotel's pool or search for seashells on a walk along the beach.

Day 7: Placencia

Following breakfast, head to the beach and get ready for a sandcastle building experience. Pair off into teams and build the best sand creation you can imagine using sand, rocks, shells and fallen leaves from the trees by the water. Design moats, tunnels and bridges as you work against the tide to finish your sand masterpiece. After the judging of the castles—even though it's not a competition—you will have the afternoon to yourself to enjoy the resort grounds. Go for a walk in the nearby jungle, swim in the ocean or make a splash in the pool. This evening, gather together with your fellow Travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate the amazing adventures you shared.

Day 8: Placencia/Belize City

Depart for Belize City via pre-arranged shuttles that will take you directly to the airport to catch your flight home. Flights should depart no earlier than 1:00 PM.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $6499

AUD $5,524

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Feb 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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