Day 6 Bacalar
Today it’s around a 4.5 hour drive to Bacalar, on Mexico’s east coast. En route, you can stop off to explore Uxmal ruins (if you haven’t already visited them), or continue on to the charming ruins at Chacchoben. Although these are quite small, they are usually deserted and there is a pleasant cafe, so this is a good place to stop and stretch the legs.

Bacalar itself is on the edge of the spectacular Lagoon of Seven Colours with picture perfect views.

Day 7 Bacalar
A full day to enjoy the lake at Bacalar. The depth of the water varies widely as you move across the lake; where it is shallow the colour of the lake is a beautiful pure turquoise whereas elsewhere the depth drops hundreds of metres and the water turns black. You can take a boat ride out onto the lake, stopping to swim in some of the most picturesque spots, or alternatively explore the lake by kayak or SUP (stand-up paddle board).

Day 8 Bacalar – Caye Caulker beach
After breakfast, drive to Chetumal to take the ferry to Caye Caulker. Just eight kilometres from end to end, this is an idyllic island with weathered clapboard houses, makeshift souvenir stands, small art galleries, and a ‘shoes optional’ policy. Streets are sandy and car-free (the locals get around by bike, golf cart, or on foot), and simple local eateries offer home-cooked lunches of spiny lobster, conch, and red snapper.

Days 9-10 Caye Caulker beach
Two days to find a hammock and relax, enjoying the gorgeous Caribbean views.

On one day we can arrange an excursion to the Belize Barrier Reef which offers world-class snorkelling. The visibility is usually superb and it is very common to see turtles, rays, nurse sharks and a multitude of brightly coloured fish.

Day 11 Caye Caulker – San Ignacio
This morning return to the mainland and continue to San Ignacio in the Cayo district where you will stay in a fabulous lodge set in lush rainforest. This afternoon perhaps follow a short hiking trail through the jungle or enjoy a canoe trip down the Macal river.

Days 12 – 13 San Ignacio
You have two days to explore the area.

Families with older children will love the thrilling trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. This starts with a 45-minute jungle hike into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, crossing streams and then swimming across a short section of river to enter the cave itself. You then hike across a maze of rocks and wade through a tunnel with waist high water as you head deeper into the cave system. Here you will find the remains of a Maya Princess laid to rest centuries ago. Not suitable for under 8s – or those of a nervous disposition.

If this does not appeal you can take a canoe trip on the slow moving Macal River, passing by Mayan villages and tropical rainforest. Watch out for giant iguanas sunbathing high above in the branches and take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the jungle river.

Alternatively you can visit the fabulous ruins of Xunantunich, pop over the border to Guatemala to visit Tikal, go tubing on the Macal River or enjoy a horse ride through the rainforest.

Day 14  San Ignacio – Belize City
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back towards Belize City, stopping to visit Belize Zoo en route. This is home to more than 48 species all native to the country and is a wonderful place for children to visit. Considerable effort has been made to leave Belize’s natural environment intact here, and the animals are dispersed amongst the dense, natural vegetation, separated only by gravel trails.

End the day at a hotel near the airport, ready for your flight home tomorrow.

Day 15 Belize City
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.