Belize City to Belmopan:
Fly into Belize City. You can rent a car at the Belize International Airport. We went with Crystal Auto Rental (you might want to put on sunglasses before clicking). If you're not renting a car, catch a bus or shuttle west to Belmopan, Belize's capital city. On your way, be sure to stop by the Belize Zoo! Belmopan itself isn't a notable tourist attraction, but it's near one of Belize's best: cave tubing. The Jaguar Paw Resort offers many other exciting activities, like ziplining and jungle ATV-ing.Belmopan to San Ignacio:
From Belmopan, catch a bus or drive farther west to San Ignacio, the forested crown of Cayo District. Visit the Mayan site of Xunantunich, or trek south to the less-trod Caracol ruins. Hike, kayak the Macal and Mopan rivers cradling the town, or horseback ride through the jungle.San Ignacio to Flores, Guatemala:
San Ignacio serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the El Peten region of Guatemala, including the Tikal ruins. In many cases, you can take your rental car across the border. Otherwise, grab a bus to the Guatemala border at Benque Viejo del Carmen. Once you've passed through customs, find a bus or shuttle to colonial Flores (you might need to climb off at bustling Santa Elena and walk across the bridge), an island village on Lake Peten Itza.Flores and Tikal, Guatemala:
From Flores, it's easy to book an early-morning shuttle to the Tikal ruins. Better yet, spend a night at one of the hotels in the park itself, such as the Jaguar Inn, and greet the sunrise atop Temple IV, Tikal's' highest. One of Central America's most unforgettable experiences, hands down.More Guatemala:
If you've got time to spare, book an overnight bus south from Flores to Guatemala City, and spend a week discovering Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and the Chichicastenango Mayan marketplace.Back to Belize City:
From Flores, bus or shuttle back across the border to Belize City. From there, you can grab a water taxi and enjoy the Belizean islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye; or fly home, if it's time to go.
