Corozal is a town in Belize, located about 84 miles north of Belize City and just 9 miles south of the Mexican border. The town is situated on a bay of the Caribbean Sea, with the Hondo River forming a natural boundary with Mexico.
Corozal is a popular entry point for travellers arriving in Belize from Mexico, with many shuttle services and taxis available to transport visitors from the border to Corozal. The town is also a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal, the capital of Mexico's southern state of Quintana Roo, which is just 9 miles away.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Distance from Belize City | 84 miles or 90 miles |
Distance from Orange Walk Town | 31 miles |
Distance from Mexican border | 9 miles |
What You'll Learn
Corozal Town is located 9 miles from the Mexican border
Corozal Town is a town in Belize, located about 84 miles north of Belize City and just 9 miles from the Mexican border. The town is the capital of the Corozal District and has a population of around 10,000 people.
Corozal Town is a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal, the capital of Mexico's southern state of Quintana Roo. Chetumal is only 9 miles away from Corozal Town, and there are several transportation options available to make the journey. These include shuttle services, private taxis, buses, and even ferries. The journey typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the chosen mode of transport and traffic conditions.
The history of Corozal Town is closely tied to the Caste War of Yucatán, which began as a war against the Spaniards but eventually turned into a conflict against the Mestizos. As a result of this war, thousands of Mestizo refugees crossed the Río Hondo, seeking refuge in northern Belize and settling in Corozal Town. The town was also once an important centre on the early Mayan trading routes, and evidence of this can be found in the ruins of Cerros and Santa Rita, as well as the old English Fort Barlee.
Today, Corozal Town is a sleepy seaside community, known for its laid-back atmosphere and well-maintained streets. It offers a range of attractions for visitors, including seaside parks, local markets, and the Corozal History Museum. The town is also a great base for exploring nearby natural areas, such as the Shipstern Nature Reserve, and for day trips to Mayan ruins and beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Belize's International Status: Exploring the Country's Unique Position
You may want to see also
The town is served by Corozal Hospital
Corozal is a town in Belize, and the capital of the Corozal District. It is located 84 miles north of Belize City, and 9 miles from the Mexican border. The town was founded in 1848 by refugees from the Maya Indian uprising against the Spanish in neighbouring Yucatán. This uprising was known as the Caste War of Yucatán.
Corozal is served by Corozal Hospital. The town's hospital is located near the Santa Rita ruins, which sit atop the remains of a Maya city that dominated the area for over 2000 years. The hospital is also surrounded by the villages of San Andres, San Antonio, and Paraiso.
The Turbulent Times of 1798 in Belize: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Corozal Town is the capital of Corozal District
Corozal Town is the capital of the Corozal District in Belize. It is located on a bay of the Caribbean Sea, 84 miles north of Belize City and 9 miles south of the Mexican border. The town is known for its crystal-clear bay and was once an important centre on the early Mayan trading routes.
Corozal Town was founded in 1848 by refugees from the Caste War of Yucatán, a Maya Indian uprising against the Spanish in neighbouring Yucatán. The Mestizo refugees settled on lands in the Corozal District with the help of a magistrate, Mr James Blake, who also helped them to establish the new crop of sugar cane.
The town was badly damaged by Hurricane Janet in 1955 and had to be substantially rebuilt. Today, Corozal is a laid-back seaside town, home to a growing expatriate community. It is a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal, the capital of Mexico's southern state of Quintana Roo, as well as for excursions to Mayan ruins and beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Corozal Town is also known for its Free Zone at the border crossing with Mexico, a sprawling, duty-free complex that provides casinos, hotels, shopping arcades and wholesale depots. The zone is not open to Belize residents but attracts over one million Mexican visitors each year.
The town has a population of just over 10,000 people and is served by Corozal Hospital. Spanish is the predominant language, but the multinational blend of Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Asian cultures is evident throughout the town.
Swimming in Belize: Where to Dive In
You may want to see also
The population of Corozal Town is over 9,800 people
Corozal Town is located in Belize, around 84 miles north of Belize City and 9 miles from the Mexican border. The town is the capital of the Corozal District and has a population of over 9,800 people.
Corozal Town was founded in the 1840s by refugees fleeing the Caste War of Yucatán. The town was built over an ancient Maya city, sometimes known as Santa Rita. In 1955, Corozal Town was badly damaged by Hurricane Janet and had to be substantially rebuilt.
Today, Corozal Town is a popular retirement destination, known for its laid-back lifestyle and proximity to Mexico. The town has a growing expatriate community, with many retirees from North America and Europe choosing to settle in the area. Corozal Town offers a low cost of living and convenient access to the Mexican city of Chetumal, which offers a wider range of shopping and entertainment options.
In addition to its modern attractions, Corozal Town also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The town is home to several Maya ruins, including Santa Rita and Cerros, which date back to the Pre-Columbian era. Corozal Town also has a diverse population, with a mix of Maya Mestizos, East Indian, Creole, and Mennonite residents, among others. The town's multicultural character is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and languages, with Spanish, English, and Creole commonly spoken.
Corozal Town's convenient location and growing expat community have contributed to its popularity as a retirement and tourist destination. The town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed and affordable lifestyle in Belize.
Corozal, Belize: A Safe Haven or a Tourist Trap?
You may want to see also
Corozal Town is a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal
Corozal is a sleepy seaside town, located just south of the Río Hondo (Hondo River), which forms the border between Mexico and Belize. The town is set on a crystal-clear bay and was once an important centre on the early Mayan trading routes. Today, it is home to a growing expatriate community, mostly concentrated in the northern tip of the town at Consejo Shores, and along the seaside in the Copper Bank and Chunox areas.
Corozal is not part of the traditional tourist circuit, but it makes a good base for fishing excursions in the calm bay, bird- and wildlife-viewing tours into the nearby Shipstern Nature Reserve, and explorations of the Mayan ruins of Cerros and Santa Rita, and the old English Fort Barley.
The town is also a convenient base for excursions to the Maya ruins and beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. San Pedro Ambergris Caye, a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, is only 15 minutes by air from the Corozal airstrip.
Corozal is located between two scenic rivers, the New River in the Orange Walk District and the Rio Hondo, which forms a natural boundary with Mexico. The municipality of Bacalar Quintana Roo, with its famous Cenote Azul, is about an hour’s drive from Corozal.
Corozal Town is the capital of Corozal District and is located about 84 miles north of Belize City. The town was founded in 1848 by refugees from the Maya Indian uprising against the Spanish in neighbouring Yucatán, known as the Caste War of Yucatán.
The town was badly damaged by Hurricane Janet in 1955 and was substantially rebuilt afterward.
Belize Travel Vaccines: What You Need
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Corozal is located about 9 miles from the Mexican border.
Corozal is a sleepy seaside town with a growing expat community. It is a good base for fishing excursions, bird- and wildlife-viewing tours, shopping trips to Chetumal in Mexico, and exploring Mayan ruins.
Given its proximity to Mexico, Mexican/Latino food is abundant and delicious in Corozal. You can also find the standard local fare and Belizean snack foods, as well as fresh fruit juices.
Lodging options in Corozal are limited, but there are a few small family-run properties near the coast or in the southern part of Corozal, such as Casa Royale Apartment, Almond Tree Hotel Resort, and Serenity Sands Bed and Breakfast.
You can fly into the PGIA International Airport in Belize City and take a cab, rent a car, or arrange a shuttle to Corozal. Alternatively, you can cross into Belize overland from Guatemala or Mexico.