Belize City Tours in January 2026

What a great and varied trip this was, much more than I was expecting. This isn’t just a tour of stunning ruins, but also more surprising things like Sumidero canyon. Our tour guide Luis Flores was fantastic - patient, organized, funny and amazing recommendations for food. The tour wasn’t as full on as it appeared in the reviews. Yes there was a lot of driving, but in most locations we stayed 3-4 nights. The hotel in Flores was stunning, with rooms looking directly over the lake.

This was my 22nd Explore trip and one of the best in recent years. This was largely due to the excellent leader (Wilfred) and the group itself. The itinerary sadly had to be altered (and options removed) due to a combination of heavy rain and other factors but what remained was still a full and interesting and varied trip. Shame not to be able to reach Crooked Tree, nor see more animals and birds, but these are not Explore's fault. Kayaking was not on offer, nor tubing which had been highly recommended to me but that may never have been an official option. The accommodation was great except that at Placencia (Sea Spray hotel?) the bathroom was really too tight for me. Wilf in particular deserves a very special mention - not only was he reliable, knowledgable, funny and charming he went out of his way to help on more that one occasion all during a very difficult week for him personally dealing with a family bereavement and his own illness near the end of the holiday. I led the tribute to him on the last night, sung to the tune of 'Mamma Mia': We’ve been travelling with you since I don’t know when Sadly now it is time it must come to an end Where will we go? We dont have a clue What to do now ? - that you’re suddenly not right here Sending menus and choosing beer On day one - you explain everything From then on - we forget everything Whoa Brother Wilfred. Now we’re off again Who knows - where we’ll be without you Brother Wilfred - we’ll be lost again Back home - we’ll be thinking ‘bout you Yes we’ll be broken hearted blue - Now that we have parted Why why did we ever let you go? Brother Wilfred - have a great next trip Bye bye - we will really miss you so

Well-paced trip without being exhausting - excellent Explore leader, Ana: very knowledgeable and professional providing exactly the right level of information. Group was small but very companionable as one might expect from regular Explore travellers. As a suggestion the itinerary might benefit from a stay in Puebla and one less night in Mexico City - which would reduce the travelling time on one of the longer days - but that is an observation rather than a criticism. Elected not to do the Yucatan extension, so cannot comment but would expect that would be as good if one had the time.

The itinerary is a lovely mix or archeological sites, wildlife and snorkelling. Belize has a relaxed Carribean vibe (and they speak English). Our guide, Tarique, clearly loves his country and his enthusiasm for it only added to our group's experience.

They say it’s the tour leader who makes or breaks a trip, and for me, this couldn’t be truer. Luis Flores brought this whirlwind adventure to life with his warmth, kindness, passion for his country, and enduring patience—all matched by his brilliant, boyish sense of humour, which was a bonus. Behind the company logo is a man of immense grace and generosity—a true superstar in countless subtle ways. He’s not just someone who leads you through a place but someone who helps you connect with its soul and its people. This trip was a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking sights, iconic landmarks, and mouthwateringly delicious cuisine (with portions that were often humongous—wear stretchy trousers!). Add to that the genuine, heartwarming hospitality of the people we met, and it was an experience like no other. The long, scenic drives became opportunities to daydream out the window, snooze in readiness for the next adventure (or “meditate,” as Luis fondly called these sleepy and quiet moments), or share conversations that added even more richness to the journey—or, occasionally, for me to ask, “Are we nearly there?” Was it perfect? No. Could some things have been better? Yes, of course. But I came hoping for an authentic, enriching experience—and that’s precisely what I got. If you’re considering this trip, come with an open mind and heart and be ready to let the magic unfold. Drink in the numerous sensorial moments of wonder. There are so many “wow, wow, wow” moments—turning a corner and seeing something genuinely magnificent alongside enchanting flora and fauna (sadly, no jaguars made an appearance). For me, this was a genuinely enriching and transformative journey. In all honesty, I was hesitant to book after a really disappointing experience with an Explore guide earlier this year. It felt like a huge risk to trust you again, especially since this was a 2-week trip and tour leaders are beyond your control. But I’m so glad I did and am deeply grateful for the experience.

The holiday was superb, and a wonderful mix of cultural, historical and wildlife experiences. The tour leader Justin, could not have been better and is an excellent ambassador for Explore.