Belize is a charming Central American country that is also a Caribbean nation. It’s a place with so many things to do, you could easily spend a month here and still find new experiences. What if you want to get your exploring out the way in 3 days? Or just have a long weekend? What is the best way to spend 3 days and 2 nights in beautiful Belize? It depends on what you most enjoy. Eco-tourists will prefer to visit the many nature preserves and sanctuaries while history buffs will want to focus on ancient Maya cities and ceremonial sacred caves. For foodies, there are many unique local treats.

Castaway on a Caye

Many North Americans, however, dream of a tropical island getaway, and for them, the perfect vacation would be in San Pedro on “La Isla Bonita,” Ambergris Caye. It’s easy to plan a long weekend here. Belize City is less than 3 hours from the US mainland and San Pedro is only another 20-minute puddle jumper flight after that. If you get up early, you can be here in time to check in to your beach hotel and have a nice lunch in town. You’ll be amazed at how inexpensive, yet delicious, the food is! In the evening, you can head back into town to enjoy the nightlife. Or, catch a taxi to check out some of the swanky restaurants nearby.

Get up close and personal with Belize’s locals, like the Queen Angelfish. © Chris Taylor

The next day, book a day trip. If you’re a scuba diver, you should visit the Great Blue Hole or Esmeralda Canyon for a day of snorkeling or diving. You will marvel at the vibrant sea creatures. Sportsmen might want to spend a day deep-sea fishing. Others might want to visit the Altun Ha Maya ruins on the mainland, followed by an exhilarating zip-line tour of the rainforest canopy. Other options include a guided tour of underground caverns while floating on an inner tube, or taking a guided tour of The Belize Zoo.  

Photo Courtesy: Grand Caribe Belize

You’ll be back in San Pedro in time to do a little shopping and enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Finally, on your last day, visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with gentle nurse sharks and huge manta rays. In the afternoon, schedule a beachfront massage and have a final cocktail before you board your plane. After just a few days in Belize, you’ll return home thoroughly relaxed and refreshed. 

Header photo courtesy of Matachica Resort Belize