Dangriga: A Cultural And Natural Escape

Dangriga is the largest town in southern Belize, with a population of around 10,000 people. Dubbed the cultural capital of Belize, it is known for its music, art, traditions, and cuisine.

- Explore the local market and riverside attractions, including the popular spot for shopping, eating, and socialising at the mouth of the Stann Creek River.

- Visit the Studio Gallery Cayetano to discover the work of renowned punta-rock artist and musician, Pen Cayetano.

- Learn about the history of the Garifuna people at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum.

- Take a tour of the Marie Sharp Factory, home to one of Belize's most famous hot sauces.

- Hike through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to spot jaguars, admire waterfalls, and enjoy stunning mountain views.

- Go ziplining at Bocawina National Park, home to one of Central America's longest ziplines.

- Visit the Austin Rodriquez Drum Shop to learn about traditional drum-making and Garifuna culture.

- Explore the local art and crafts at the Garinagu Craft and Art Gallery.

- Take a day trip to the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins or the Blue Hole National Park.

Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Stann Creek District of south-central Belize. Established in 1986, it was the first protected area for the preservation of the jaguar (Panthera onca) and is considered a top site for jaguar preservation globally. The sanctuary spans over 128,000 acres, making it one of the largest protected areas in Belize. It is estimated that around 200 jaguars inhabit the preserve, but they are elusive creatures, so the chances of spotting one during a hike are slim.

The name 'Cockscomb' is derived from the appearance of the Cockscomb Mountain ridge, which resembles a rooster's comb and is situated at the northern edge of the reserve. The sanctuary is composed of two adjacent geographic basins: the West Basin and the East Basin. The West Basin is more challenging to access due to its distance from trailheads and denser forest cover, making it relatively unexplored.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a network of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, from easy to strenuous. Visitors can choose from well-maintained trails such as the Rubber Tree Trail, the Wari Loop Trail, and the Green Knowledge Trail. The Ben's Bluff Trail is a rewarding but challenging hike that leads to spectacular views of the Cockscomb Basin and a secluded jungle swim spot. The Tiger Fern Trail, with an elevation gain of 964 feet, is another popular option, offering a well-marked and maintained trail through the diverse landscape.

The sanctuary is also home to a variety of plant and animal life beyond the jaguar, including margays, deer, ocelots, pumas, howler monkeys, tapirs, and approximately 330 species of native and migratory birds. The best time to visit for birdwatching is during the bird migration season from September to March.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible via a drive on the Southern Highway from either Hopkins or Dangriga. The village of Maya Centre, located near the turnoff point to the sanctuary, serves as the entrance and offers a glimpse into traditional Mayan arts and crafts. Visitors can opt for guided tours, such as those offered by Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, or explore the trails independently. The visitor centre provides insights into the history and ecosystems of the park before embarking on the deep jungle hike.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a hiking adventurer, or simply seeking an immersive experience in Belize's rich biodiversity, a visit to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a memorable and enriching experience.

Visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum

The Gulisi Garifuna Museum is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the Garifuna people and their culture. The museum is named after a Garifuna woman who migrated to Belize with her 13 children and founded the Punta Negra region. It is also located within the Gulisi Primary School, where children are encouraged to explore their Garifuna heritage.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the Garifuna people's migration from Africa to Belize, their customs, food and drink, music, and dance. Visitors can also listen to the beating of the drums, which are a staple of Garifuna culture, and view a garden of traditional plants and herbs. On special occasions, visitors may even witness traditional dancing.

The museum is highly rated by visitors, who describe it as "informative" and "thoughtful", with "interesting things to see". It is also noted that the staff are very knowledgeable. The museum is located on George Price Boulevard in Dangriga, and a taxi is recommended if you are travelling from out of town.

Try local cuisine at the Fresh Market

Dangriga is a great place to try local Belizean cuisine. A popular spot for eating, socialising and shopping is the Fresh Market, nestled on the Caribbean coast at the mouth of the Stann Creek River. Here, you can ignite your taste buds with an abundance of local fresh fruits and fresh fish brought in daily. Chat with local vendors who arrive as early as 4 am and pack up to leave around 6 pm. Be sure to take a look at the hammocks, clothes and shoes on offer, too.

If you're looking for a restaurant, head to King Burger, a local favourite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as fresh juices and the traditional Belizean "Sunday Dinner" (coconut rice and beans, chicken/beef/gibnut, potato salad and fried plantains).

For a more upscale dining experience, head to the Riverside Café, where you can get a burger for $4 BZE, a cheeseburger for $5 BZE, and add fries for $8 BZE. However, be aware that a "hamburger" in Dangriga means a ham sandwich, so be sure to order a cheeseburger if you want an American-style beef patty.

For a more budget-friendly option, head to Ponce's Panades Shop, where you can get giant burritos for only $2.50 BZE, or fill up on Sallutes (similar to pupusas) or tacos. You'll still have plenty of cash left over to enjoy a beer or two.

If you're looking for fresh fish, head to the fish market alongside the river, where friendly fishermen offer the fresh catch of the day. Or, go to the fish cleaning station along the river, where local fishermen offer their freshest catches for $5 BZE per pound.

For an authentic and economic lunch, head to the Dangriga market. Go right after crossing the main bridge, and you won't miss it. Here, you can either get supplies to fix your own meals or eat at one of the food stalls set up inside.

Take a tour of the Marie Sharp Factory

Belize is known for its rich culinary culture, and one of its most famous exports is Marie Sharp's hot sauce. A tour of the Marie Sharp Factory is a must-see for any spicy food lover visiting Belize. It is an informative and fun way to learn about the process of making hot sauce, and you will leave with a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into it.

The factory is located 8 miles from the town of Dangriga, in Hope Creek Village, and it is a small and friendly workshop with just two dozen employees. The tour starts with a visit to the pepper fields, where you will see rows upon rows of fiery habanero peppers growing under the Belizean sun. These peppers are the key ingredient in Marie Sharp's sauces, and they are hand-picked to ensure maximum flavour and heat.

You will then head inside the factory and see the peppers being washed, chopped, and mixed with other ingredients to create the perfect blend of flavours. You will also get to see the huge vats of sauce bubbling away and even get to taste-test some of the different varieties. One of the highlights of the tour is seeing the bottling process in action. You will watch as the hot sauce is poured into bottles, sealed, and labelled, all by hand.

The tour also includes a trip to the gift shop, where you can taste all of the different hot sauces, as well as other Belizean products like jams, jellies, and chocolate. You can stock up on souvenirs or buy a few bottles of hot sauce to spice up your meals.

The tour is open from Monday to Saturday and typically lasts 40-50 minutes. It is a good idea to call ahead to arrange a tour, especially if you want to meet Marie Sharp herself. The factory runs Monday through Friday, except for holidays. The phone number for tours is (501) 532-2087, and they can also be contacted via email at [email protected].

Go ziplining at Bocawina National Park

Dangriga, the "cultural capital" of Belize, is a great place to visit for an authentic experience of the country's history, culture, cuisine, and traditions. One of the most thrilling activities in Dangriga is ziplining at Bocawina National Park.

Bocawina National Park is a 7,000-acre park located in the heart of the Maya Mountains in the Stann Creek District. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild cats, and is part of the Belize Jaguar Corridor, a protected habitat for big cats and endemic species. With over 300 bird species identified, it is a great destination for birdwatchers.

Ziplining at Bocawina National Park is an extreme adventure that takes you high into the rainforest canopy. The zipline course is approximately 2.5 miles long, with 12 platforms and 3 zipline courses over 2000 feet, the longest being over 2,300 feet. The minimum weight restriction is 80 lbs, and the maximum waist size is 42". The total travel time, including the drive, is approximately 2.5 hours, and the level of difficulty is moderate.

In addition to ziplining, Bocawina National Park also offers the opportunity to rappel down waterfalls. There are two different rappelling options: Antelope Falls and Big Drop Falls, which are 1,000 feet tall, and Bocawina Falls, which is 100 feet tall. The minimum weight restriction for Antelope and Big Drop Falls is 100 lbs, while the minimum for Bocawina Falls is 50 lbs.

The park also has a variety of other activities, including ropes courses, trails leading to hidden jungle pools, and high ridgetops with views of the Caribbean Sea. The Wild Fig Restaurant and Bar offer a special dining experience with local Creole and Mayan flavors.

Bocawina National Park is a great place to visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, offering a unique and authentic natural rainforest experience.

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