Journeys: Explore Belize - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Hotels – 8 nights. Please note that hotels vary greatly throughout Central America and even within Belize depending on the location. We do our best to pick comfortable accommodations, but in remote places, options can be limited. Hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Belize, even in upgraded hotels.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. On some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required for Belize. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, as medical facilities can be remote. Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Yes, an airport tax of USD 39 applies. A departure fee when leaving Belize by land is BZ 40 or USD 20.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please make sure you have access to at least an additional USD 200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• Who will be leading the group?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader (CEO - Chief Experience Officer) will accompany you throughout the trip, and local guides will also be utilized for specific excursions. The CEO provides information, suggestions, and assistance, while local guides offer specific regional knowledge.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage (minimum USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue) has been sighted by your Expedition Leader. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included when there's a choice of eating options to provide flexibility, though food is typically inexpensive.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit and debit cards (Visa widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, though ATMs may not always work in Latin America; check with your bank. A combination of US dollars cash and cards as backup is best. Avoid relying solely on cards. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than USD 100 for easier exchange. Refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include Cave Tubing (USD 95), Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (USD 120), Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (USD 140), Butterfly Gardens (USD 20) in San Ignacio, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve Visit (USD 100) and Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (USD 60) in Caye Caulker.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America (approximately 10% for service providers like waiters) and is an expression of satisfaction. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from USD 5-10 per day. Tipping your National Geographic Expedition Leader is also appreciated, with a guideline of USD 5-7 per person, per day.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Transportation will include private vehicles, water taxis, and walking.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include exploring the jungle-set Mayan ruins of Lamanai, enjoying a traditional Cayo lunch at a women's cooperative in San Antonio, riding a bike to support the G for Good project, and relaxing on the tropical island of Caye Caulker.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  Belize City can be dangerous at night; use taxis. Exercise caution on Caye Caulker and avoid walking alone at night. There have been cases of spiked drinks. Always use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Your Expedition Leader can amend the itinerary for safety and accompanies all included activities. Use good judgment for optional activities and stay in small groups when out at night.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Possessing or using drugs contravenes laws and puts the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium, even if part of local culture, is not acceptable for travelers. The exploitation of prostitutes is contrary to our philosophy. Expedition Leaders can expel group members for these violations.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

• What are the visas and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. All non-Belize nationals entering Belize by air, land, or sea must complete the iDeclare e-form 72 hours before arrival via the Belize Government Website.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times you may need to do your own laundry.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Explore the jungle-set Mayan ruins of Lamanai, enjoy a traditional Cayo lunch at a women's cooperative in San Antonio, ride a bike and help support G for Good, and chill out on the tropical island of Caye Caulker.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is part of the National Geographic Journeys travel style.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 travelers.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What type of accommodation can I expect?

  You will stay in hotels for 8 nights. Accommodations vary in Central America and Belize; while we strive for comfort, options may be limited in remote areas. Hot water shortages and power outages can be common, even in upgraded hotels.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.

• What is the physical activity level for this tour?

  An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• Are there any age restrictions for this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must include a minimum of USD 200,000 for medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency rescue. Proof of insurance will be required by your Expedition Leader.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, water taxis, and walking.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include Cave Tubing (USD 95), Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (USD 120), Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (USD 140), Butterfly Gardens (USD 20), Hol Chan Marine Reserve Visit (USD 100), and Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (USD 60).

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• How much spending money is recommended for this trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveler depending on habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping.

• What are the tipping customs and recommendations?

  Tipping service providers like waiters is customary (approx. 10%). For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from USD 5-10 per day. Tipping your National Geographic Expedition Leader is appreciated, with a guideline of USD 5-7 per person, per day.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange?

  Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful, but a combination of US dollars cash and cards as backup is best. ATMs are available but not guaranteed to work with all cards. Credit card purchases may incur a 5-10% fee. Bring USD notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Belize?

  A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity is required. Non-Belize nationals must also complete the iDeclare e-form 72 hours before arrival, regardless of entry method. It is your responsibility to check the latest visa requirements with your local embassy or consulate.

• Are there any departure taxes?

  Yes, an airport tax of USD 39 applies. If departing Belize by land, a fee of BZ 40 or USD 20 is required.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader will accompany the group throughout the trip, complemented by local guides.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by supporting community-owned businesses. This tour includes visits to Planeterra-supported projects like the San Antonio Women's Cooperative and the Bike with Purpose project on Caye Caulker, ensuring direct positive impact on local economies and empowerment.

• Are there specific safety considerations for this trip?

  Belize City can be dangerous during the night; ensure you use taxis. On Caye Caulker, exercise caution and do not walk around alone at night, as there have been cases of drinks being spiked.

• What general safety and security measures should I take?

  Check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Exercise good judgment for optional activities and avoid wandering alone in cities at night, taking taxis for evening excursions. For water-based activities, only participate when accompanied by a guide.

• What rules should I be aware of before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated, and their possession or use is prohibited. The exploitation of prostitutes is also strictly against our travel philosophy. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the trip without refund.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  Consult your travel doctor for necessary inoculations and up-to-date medical information. Carry a first-aid kit and personal medical requirements. Be aware that medical facilities may be remote, and leaders are prohibited from administering any drugs. You must assess your ability to cope with the physical demands of the trip.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• What should I do if I experience problems upon arrival?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel and leave a message for your Expedition Leader, or refer to the emergency contact details. If a pre-booked airport transfer doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, proceed to the starting hotel via taxi and seek a refund from your travel agent upon your return.