Places in Belize

Where to go and stay in Belize will depend on what you want to do and experience during your vacation in Belize. The country has various top destinations and each location offers a different side of Belize, whether it is the Belizean people, unique natural landscapes or amazing activities.

The towns and cities in mainland Belize are great for ecotourism jungle adventures, while the islands/ cayes and coastal villages are perfect for sun, sand and sea activities. Fortunately, the country is very small and you’ll be able to visit both jungle and beach destinations to experience the most of Belize in a short amount of time.

Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and the most popular place to go in Belize. San Pedro is the name of the town on the Caye and it has a lively downtown scene with lots of restaurants and beach bars. The main activity on the island is world-class diving and snorkeling at the barrier reef. The island maintains a low-key, laid-back vibe, earning a devout following of regular travelers who return again and again, and in some cases, just never leave.

Caye Caulker
The tiny island of Caye Caulker is a popular stop for backpackers and budget travelers, and those just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life back home. With vibrant turquoise waters and a hip local vibe, the island is popular with travelers wanting to experience local Belizean culture while still enjoying a tropical vacation. Same as Ambergris Caye, the main activities are snorkeling and diving the reef. Also popular is just relaxing, swimming, and drinking at “The Split”, a narrow channel that splits Caye Caulker into two.

Cayo
The Cayo District is probably the number one stop for travelers looking to spend a few days on Belize’s mainland. It’s wealth of natural attractions, the concentration of Mayan ruins and caves, and its excellent display of local cuisine have earned Cayo, in particular, San Ignacio Town, the distinction of being known as the eco-tourism hub of Belize. Most travelers first visit Cayo and then make their way to the cayes or coastal towns.

Placencia
Placencia is quickly growing and becoming one of the more popular spots for travelers wanting a coastal spot on Belize’s mainland. Once a sleepy village, the peninsula is now home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the country, mainly due to the beautiful sandy beaches and easy access to the Southern part of Belize’s reef. Fortunately, its growth spurt has not affected its quiet charm and Placencia village remains a quiet getaway spot where golf carts are still a popular mode of transportation.

Hopkins
Even though Hopkins has grown from being a small fishing village, the area has retained its seaside charm and resisted over-commercialization. You will feel the Garifuna culture at every turn in the village, along with a gateway to a wealth of water and nature activities. Highlights in Hopkins includes the friendly Garinagu people, incredible diving and snorkeling sites, and exotic nature adventures.

Belize City
With the only international airport in Belize (PGIA), Belize City acts as the main gateway to the country. Most people, however, don’t spend longer than a day or two there. If you do decide to explore the old capital, don’t forget to check out all the historical sites and attractions, including nearby attractions such as the Belize Zoo and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The City of Belize is home to the largest concentration of large hotels, conference facilities, and even the first cruise ship terminal.

Glover’s Reef
Glover’s Reef Atoll is one of Belize’s southernmost islands and atolls and is the prime destination for Caribbean explorers. Since the Southern Barrier Reef is just off its shore, the collection of cayes are popular for those interested in diving and snorkeling. Glovers is also popular for kayaking since a few kayaking expeditions are based there. Although Glovers was first inhabited by the Maya, it is named after two pirate brothers, John and Rodger Glover, who discovered the island in the 1750s.

Orange Walk
Referred to as “Sugah City” throughout the country, Orange Walk is one of the sweetest districts in Belize with the unmistakable aroma of sugarcane filling the air. Much like its other northern neighbor, Corozal, Orange Walk is home to many Mestizos – a cultural blend of Spanish and Yucatec Maya who fled Mexico during the Caste War. Look for Spanish influence in both the architecture and cuisine. The main activities include visiting the Lamanai Maya site and the Rio Bravo Conservation Area.

Toledo
Toledo is the southernmost district of Belize and is sometimes referred to by locals as the “Forgotten Land”. Due to it’s rural and remote location, this district is not heavily visited by people. This, of course, may be good or bad, depending on what someone is looking for in their Belize vacation. The district is home to many Mayas who live in scattered and sparsely populated villages, and the main settlement, Punta Gorda, has a large East Indian population.

Corozal
Corozal is the northernmost district of Belize and similarly to Orange Walk, it is primarily populated by Mestizos. This district is very popular for expats who are seeking a laid-back lifestyle in small coastal villages such as Sarteneja or Consejo Shores but want easy access to nearby Chetumal in Mexico which offers all the modern infrastructures of a major North American city. Attractions in Corozal include visiting Maya sites, exploring the Shipstern Nature Reserve, and experiencing the simple life of small fishing villages.