An ocelot in the forest of Ecuador

Conservation & Wildlife in Belize

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

£6,435pp(ex. flights)

Designed to appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and keen ornithologists, this itinerary takes in the dense jungles of the north, the wildlife sanctuaries that protect jaguar and the marine diversity of the second largest barrier reef on Earth.

Utilising carefully selected properties as bases for tracking, linger for multiple days in pristine locations to maximise on opportunities for in-depth explorations and memorable sightings.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Lamanai Ruins, Belize 1

Lamanai Outpost

Stay in an outstanding jungle hideaway close to the Lamanai ruins.

Rainbow Toucan 2

Chiquibul Forest

Explore the largest protected area in Belize, that is home to many endangered species.

Jaguar 3

Scout for Jaguar

Hike the world’s first jaguar reserve and scout the landscape for pumas and ocelots.

Manatees in Belize 4

Swim with Manatees

Explore the Caribbean Coast, snorkel in marine reserves and swim with manatees.

Why we like it

Despite its pint-sized stature, Belize is jam-packed with phenomenal wildlife, endangered species and over 600 species of peculiar birds. Owing to the policies that have seen forty percent of the land become designated conservation areas, a trip to the gem of Central America allows nature-loving wayfarers the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of these unique habitats and their inhabitants. Combining the ultimate bragging rights of having stayed at a research station in the heart of the Maya Mountains with paddling in manatee-rich lagoons, this in-depth exploration moves through the classic wildlife landscapes of Belize and allows just enough time for sipping cocktails at sunset.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Belize on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Belize City - Orange Walk District

  • Days 2-3

    Orange Walk District

  • Day 4

    Orange Walk District - Mountain Pine Region

  • Day 5

    Mountain Pine Region - Chiquibul Rainforest

  • Day 6

    Chiquibul Rainforest - Mountain Pine Region

  • Day 7

    Mountain Pine Region - Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Day 8

    Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - Placencia

  • Days 9-10

    Placencia

  • Day 11

    Placencia - Belize City

Day 1

Belize City - Orange Walk District

Days 2-3

Orange Walk District

Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Orange Walk District, Belize

Stay in an outstanding jungle hideaway in the heart of the Orange Walk District.

Day 4

Orange Walk District - Mountain Pine Region

Day 5

Mountain Pine Region - Chiquibul Rainforest

Rainbow Billed Toucan, Belize

Explore the largest protected area in Belize, that is home to many endangered species.

Day 6

Chiquibul Rainforest - Mountain Pine Region

Day 7

Mountain Pine Region - Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaguar

Hike the world’s first jaguar reserve and scout out pumas and ocelots.

Day 8

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - Placencia

Days 9-10

Placencia

Manatees in Belize

Explore the Caribbean Coast, snorkel in marine reserves and swim with manatees.

Day 11

Placencia - Belize City

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Howler Monkeys
Howler Monkeys

Hideaway in a Jungle Lodge

Turn a unique outpost lodge in to your jungle basecamp, venturing out in a dugout canoe on nearby spring-fed lagoons and exploring the ancient Maya ruins that are only a short walk away. Whether hiking through dense forests on medicine trails or watching as nature awakens at dawn, the expert guiding at Lamanai Outpost Lodge is second to none. Sunrise canoe expeditions track manatees and crocodiles, while night walks see the jungle become illuminated by moonlight as troupes of howler monkeys resonate through the canopy. We can also arrange airboat safaris across floodplains, and scientific expeditions to capture and collect data from endangered Morelet’s crocodiles.

Iguana, Belize
Iguana, Belize

Sleep at a Research Station

In a remote and rarely visited corner of the country lies the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, the largest protected area in Belize. Here, Las Cuevas Research Station conducts important biological and archaeological field research – whist hosting the occasional visitor in rustic accommodations! A unique opportunity for would-be naturalists to ramble through surrounding jungles, discover enormous caves and traverse pristine rivers, a stay here is a truly eye-opening experience. As captivating macaws squawk overhead, tree frogs dart through the undergrowth, and jaguars slink beneath trees, guests at Las Cuevas Research Station are able to experience indescribable wildlife encounters without even leaving the confines.

Jaguar, Belize
Jaguar, Belize

Jaguar Tracking Expeditions

Discover Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the first jaguar reserve to be established in the world. Amongst 150 square miles of protected tropical forest, traverse a seemingly endless network of trails and overnight in deep isolation in a cabin that is fully immersed by tropical rainforest. In the company of knowledgeable expeditionary guides, move through vast terrains of tropical forest to track these fleeting big cats, as well as pumas, ocelots, margays and jaguarundis. The jaguar population is thriving, and the reserve holds the country’s largest concentration of wild cat species – in this biologically rich area of jungle, the chances of spotting an elusive jaguar are favourable.

Snorkelling, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Snorkelling, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Swim with Manatees & Snorkel Barrier Reefs

Explore dramatic ocean ecosystems from tranquil Placencia, venturing in to Belize’s barrier reef and discovering little-visited atolls and cayes. Perhaps travel as far as Glover’s Reef to snorkel in this shining example of marine conservation where reef sharks, rays and turtles reside or take to shallow coastal waters to paddle beside nuzzling manatees. The jewel in the stone of the Caribbean Sea, the Great Blue Hole, doubles as the holy grail of diving sites, and we can arrange diving expeditions amongst ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations. Those without diving experience can still experience the majesty of the geological phenomenon by snorkelling or joining a flight-seeing trip.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Lamanai Outpost Lodge £££££

  • Belize
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Lamanai Outpost Lodge is an amazing jungle hideaway, blending adventure, wildlife and culture with rustic charm and comfort. Lamanai oozes class and style with perfect attention to detail. Perched on a hill overlooking the New River Lagoon, the lodge is also within easy access of the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Each of the Outpost’s wooden cabanas has a private bathroom and ceiling fans and has been designed to blend in with the surrounding tropical gardens and lagoon. There is an open-air restaurant serving local cuisine and a bar with panoramic views of the New River Lagoon. The food is exquisite.

View Property

Blancaneaux Lodge £££££

  • Belize
  • Wilderness

Tucked into a remote region of the Maya Mountains and overlooking the gentle rapids of the Privassion River, Blancaneaux Lodge has 20 sophisticated cabanas and villas. Each palm-thatched cabana has an expansive wraparound sun deck, a Mexican-tiled bathroom with a Japanese style bathtub.

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Turtle Inn £££££

  • Belize
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Turtle Inn is a rustic, Indonesian-style beach resort on a narrow stretch of fine pearly white sands. It sits on Belize’s southern coast, just two miles from the sleepy village of Placencia hosting a collection of thatched cottages and villas, including the film director’s, Francis Ford Coppola, own Pavillion House.

View Property

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £6,435 Per person

When to travel

Belize in January

January to March is the driest and coolest time of year in Belize. It is the ideal time to explore the jungle and Mayan architecture, or simply relax on the beach. It is peak season, so it is worth booking in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Belize in February

January to March is the driest and coolest time of year in Belize. It is the ideal time to explore the jungle and Mayan architecture, or simply relax on the beach. It is peak season, so it is worth booking in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Belize in March

January to March is the driest and coolest time of year in Belize. It is the ideal time to explore the jungle and Mayan architecture, or simply relax on the beach. It is peak season, so it is worth booking in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Belize in April

April and May remain a good time to visit Belize, with mainly dry weather across the majority of the country. Heat and humidity increases but there is still very little rainfall. A quieter time to visit, outside of Easter

April and May are a great time to go diving and watch Whale Sharks at Glover’s Reef, part of a protected marine reserve called the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), off Placencia.

Belize in May

April and May remain a good time to visit Belize, with mainly dry weather across the majority of the country. Heat and humidity increases but there is still very little rainfall. A quieter time to visit, outside of Easter.

April and May are a great time to go diving and watch Whale Sharks at Glover’s Reef, part of a protected marine reserve called the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), off Placencia.

Belize in June

June and July bring the start of the rainy season, although showers tend to be short and sharp in the afternoon and evening. The Annual Lobster Festival marks the start of the lobster season, and it is the perfect time to indulge in the wonderful fresh seafood of the country.

Belize in July

June and July bring the start of the rainy season, although showers tend to be short and sharp in the afternoon and evening. The Annual Lobster Festival marks the start of the lobster season, and it is the perfect time to indulge in the wonderful fresh seafood of the country.

Belize in August

August to October is the main rainy season, with the chance of tropical storms and the occasional hurricane. Visitors numbers are low and some lodges close, but if you don’t mind a few showers it’s a quiet time to travel.

Belize in September

August to October is the main rainy season, with the chance of tropical storms and the occasional hurricane. Visitors numbers are low and some lodges close, but if you don’t mind a few showers it’s a quiet time to travel.

Belize in October

August to October is the main rainy season, with the chance of tropical storms and the occasional hurricane. Visitors numbers are low and some lodges close, but if you don’t mind a few showers it’s a quiet time to travel.

Belize in November

November and December see the country dry up, and humidity drops. The country is quiet until Christmas and New Year when accommodation is harder to come by.

Belize in December

November and December see the country dry up, and humidity drops. The country is quiet until Christmas and New Year when accommodation is harder to come by.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

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