Belize is where ancient Maya cities hide in rainforest, rivers carve cathedrals underground, and Caribbean rhythms drift in from the coast. Once British Honduras, it became independent in 1981 and today blends Maya, Creole, Mestizo, and Garifuna cultures—with English as the official language and adventure as a way of life.

For late November, you’re arriving right as the dry season begins: trails are lush, cave systems are accessible, and waterfalls are full after the rains. Expect warm days, cooler jungle nights, and the chance of brief showers. Pack quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and closed-toe water shoes for caving.

This 8-day plan bases you in two prime hubs: San Ignacio (Cayo District) for ATM Cave, ruins, caving, and the famed Black Hole Drop rappel; then Hopkins on the coast for rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, and optional ziplining or river tubing. It’s tailored for a group of five who want active days and comfortable jungle-lodge nights.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio sits along the Macal River, the beating heart of inland Belize adventure. From here, you can dive into the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, canoe Barton Creek’s cathedral-like caverns, and cool off at Mountain Pine Ridge’s granite pools and falls.

Top highlights: ATM Cave, Caracol (Belize’s largest Maya city), Xunantunich’s El Castillo, Rio On Pools and Big Rock Falls, Barton Creek Cave, Nohoch Che’en cave tubing, and the legendary Black Hole Drop rappel into Actun Loch Tunich.

• Stay (San Ignacio/Cayo): For a jungle-lodge vibe with room for five, look at riverside cabanas, villas, or boutique hotels near town. Compare options on VRBO San Ignacio and Hotels.com San Ignacio.
• Where to eat and drink: Breakfast at Pop’s Restaurant (beloved for fry jacks, eggs, and pancakes). Lunch or dinner at Ko-Ox Han Nah (“Hannah’s”) for hearty Belizean plates (stew chicken, curry, hibiscus tea). Try Erva’s for escabeche soup and rice-and-beans, Cenaida’s for homestyle specials, and Hode’s Place for casual riverside fare. For a polished evening, book Running W Restaurant (grilled meats, local produce).

Getting in: Fly into Belize City (BZE). Search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. It’s ~2–2.5 hours by shuttle or rental car to San Ignacio (shared shuttle ~$35–45 per person; private for five ~$175–220; SUV rental ~$65–95/day; 4x4 recommended for Mountain Pine Ridge).

Day 1: Arrive in Belize City → San Ignacio, Jungle Evening

Afternoon: Arrive at BZE and transfer to your lodge near San Ignacio. Settle into your cabana and stretch your legs with an easy stroll along Burns Avenue. If time allows, head to Cahal Pech for a golden-hour walk through compact Maya ruins overlooking town.

Evening: Welcome dinner at Running W Restaurant—think grilled snapper, pasture-raised steaks, and tropical cocktails. Turn in early; tomorrow is big.

Day 2: ATM Cave Expedition (Full Day)

Morning: Early pickup (usually ~7:30–8:00 a.m.). After a 45-minute drive and a jungle hike with river crossings, you’ll enter Actun Tunichil Muknal, one of the most extraordinary archaeological caves in the Americas.

Afternoon: Swim, wade, and scramble through chambers to see crystallized pottery and skeletal remains, including the “Crystal Maiden.” No cameras are allowed. Bring socks (for the dry chamber), a change of clothes, and closed-toe water shoes. Expect to return ~3:30–4:30 p.m.

Evening: Casual dinner at Erva’s—try stewed chicken with rice and beans and plantains. Nightcap along the Macal River or an optional guided night walk with your lodge.

Day 3: Caracol Ruins + Rio On Pools + Big Rock Falls

Morning: Depart ~7:00 a.m. on a full-day Mountain Pine Ridge loop. Explore Caracol, Belize’s largest Maya site, crowned by Caana (“Sky Palace”). Your guide will weave astronomy, warfare, and royal life into the stonework.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch, then cool off at Rio On Pools—granite slides and cascade pools—followed by a swim at Big Rock Falls. Roads can be bumpy; 4x4 is best.

Evening: Dinner at Ko-Ox Han Nah. Share plates: curry, grilled pork chops, veggie fajitas, and fresh juices. Rest up.

Day 4: The Black Hole Drop Rappel (Actun Loch Tunich)

Morning: Big adventure day. Hike through broadleaf forest to the rim of a massive sinkhole. After a safety briefing, you’ll descend ~300 feet by rope into the “Black Hole,” surrounded by jungle walls and birdsong.

Afternoon: Scramble and hike out with your guides; late return to San Ignacio. This is strenuous but unforgettable—great for a tight-knit group of friends.

Evening: Comfort food at Cenaida’s (daily specials, fresh fish) or casual wings and burgers at Hode’s Place. Optional soak by the river if your lodge has a deck or plunge pool.

Day 5: Barton Creek Cave Canoe + Xunantunich Sunset

Morning: Head to Barton Creek Cave to canoe beneath cathedral ceilings and dripping stalactites, headlamps illuminating ancient formations. Gentle, scenic, and a nice counterpoint to ATM.

Afternoon: Lunch near San José Succotz (try local tacos or garnaches), then cross by hand-cranked ferry to Xunantunich. Climb El Castillo for panoramic views across the Mopan Valley—magical near sunset.

Evening: Back in town, grab dinner at Pop’s if you want a laid-back diner vibe or try a final Cayo feast at Ko-Ox Han Nah. Pack for tomorrow’s transfer.

Hopkins

Hopkins is a breezy Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast, ideal for rainforest hikes, waterfall rappelling, and river tubing, with drumming rhythms at night. It’s your base for Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Why Hopkins: Access to Antelope Falls’ epic views and rappel routes, some of Belize’s best ziplines, and Cockscomb’s jungle trails and natural lazy rivers—plus beach time and Garifuna culture.

• Stay (Hopkins): Beachfront suites or villas work well for a group of five. Compare options on VRBO Hopkins and Hotels.com Hopkins. Look for properties near the village core for easy dining and tour pickups.
• Where to eat and drink: Morning coffee at Kat’s Coffee (espresso, smoothies, pastries). Casual lunches at Ella’s Cool Spot (fresh fish, coconut rice) or beach pies at Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack. For dinner, try Love on the Rocks (hot stone grill) or the overwater Big Dock Ceviche Bar for sunset ceviche and cocktails.

Getting there: San Ignacio → Hopkins is ~3.5–4 hours by road (private shuttle for five ~$220–260; shared ~$40–55 per person). Alternatively, drive 2.5 hours back to Belize City and take a short domestic flight to Dangriga (15 minutes) plus a 40-minute taxi to Hopkins.

Day 6: Transfer to Hopkins, Coastal Rainforest Walk

Morning: After breakfast, depart San Ignacio for Hopkins. Stop in Belmopan for snacks or fruit stands along Hummingbird Highway—one of the prettiest drives in Central America.

Afternoon: Check in and head to Mayflower Bocawina National Park for a warm-up hike to Bocawina or Lower Bocawina Falls. Swim beneath the cascade and listen for toucans.

Evening: Join a Garifuna drumming lesson at a local center in Hopkins—learn basic rhythms and the story of Garifuna settlement. Dinner at Ella’s Cool Spot (try the whole fried snapper) or beachfront pizzas and rum drinks at Driftwood.

Day 7: Choose Your Adventure — Antelope Falls Rappel or Cockscomb Basin Hike & River Tubing

Option A: Antelope Falls Rappel + Zipline (Full Day): Tackle a steep hike to Antelope Falls for sweeping views over the Caribbean, then clip in for a guided waterfall rappel (common routes are ~250 feet; guides will fit harnesses and helmets). Add Bocawina’s zipline course—long, fast, and rainforest-canopy high.

Option B: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Full Day): Spend the day hiking jungle trails to Ben’s Bluff or Tiger Fern Falls, scanning for birds and big cat tracks. Cool off with a mellow inner-tube float on South Stann Creek. Expect to return by late afternoon, pleasantly tired.

Evening: Celebrate with dinner at Love on the Rocks (cook-your-own on lava stones) or sunset small plates at Big Dock Ceviche Bar. Toast your crew—Belize style.

Day 8: Beach Morning and Departure

Morning: Sunrise swim or kayak from the beach. Coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Kat’s Coffee. Pick up handmade crafts from local vendors.

Afternoon: Transfer to BZE for your flight home (Hopkins → BZE ~2.5–3 hours by road). Search return options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you prefer, fly Dangriga → BZE (15 minutes) and connect.

Practical Notes for Late November

• Weather: Start of dry season; occasional showers; trails and waterfalls are in great shape. ATM can close after heavy rains—book with a licensed guide and keep plans a bit flexible.
• Fitness & gear: ATM and rappelling require good mobility and comfort with heights and water. Bring closed-toe water shoes, socks for ATM’s dry chamber, lightweight long sleeves, and a dry bag.
• Costs (approx, per person): ATM tour $130–170 (incl. lunch/fees), Caracol + falls $110–150, Barton Creek $60–90, Black Hole Drop $180–235, Bocawina rappel + zipline $150–220, Cockscomb hike/tubing $70–110. Group of five can request private rates.
• Money: Belize dollar (BZD) pegged 2:1 to USD; USD cash accepted widely. ATMs in San Ignacio and Dangriga.
• Safety: Use licensed guides for caves/rappels, don’t bring valuables to the water, and drive cautiously on mountain roads.

If your dates are shorter (e.g., Nov 27–30), base entirely in San Ignacio and prioritize Days 2–4 (ATM Cave, Caracol + waterfalls, and Black Hole Drop), with quick sunset visits to Cahal Pech or Xunantunich.

This Belize itinerary blends bucket-list caving with rainforest rappels, cool river swims, and flavorful local dining. With two bases and smart travel days, your group of five gets maximum adventure and zero guesswork.