Belize's Best Vacation Towns

Belize is a small country with a lot to offer, from stunning beaches and water sports to rich history and diverse culture. The towns and cities in mainland Belize are great for ecotourism and jungle adventures, while the islands and coastal villages are perfect for sun, sand and sea activities.

Belize City, the country's largest city, is a hub of historical, cultural and architectural attractions, as well as great food and vibrant nightlife. Ambergris Caye is the country's largest island and the most popular place to visit. San Pedro, its only town, has a lively downtown area with plenty of restaurants and beach bars. Caye Caulker, a tiny nearby island, is a laid-back destination for travellers seeking a budget-friendly alternative.

Further inland, San Ignacio is a popular stop for eco-tourists looking to explore the Cayo District. It offers easy access to incredible rainforest adventures, cultural attractions, and a lively nightlife scene. Hopkins, a former Garifuna fishing village, is another great seaside destination that has retained its charm and resisted over-commercialisation.

Ambergris Caye: the largest island in Belize, with a lively downtown and world-class diving and snorkelling

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, attracting tourists with its stunning views, beautiful beaches, and lively downtown. The island is vibrant yet laid-back, with a mix of a gritty, authentic, local feel, and a tropical vacation vibe.

The town of San Pedro is the beating heart of Ambergris Caye. It is the island's only town and has a bustling, lively downtown with a central park, shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and endless beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation on the island, and you will see them zipping by all over San Pedro. The downtown area also has a mix of tourists and expats, with many expat-owned establishments.

Ambergris Caye is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, offering some of the easiest access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef is less than a mile away from the island, and world-class snorkelling and diving sites are just minutes away. The Blue Hole, a 400-foot deep circle of limestone teeming with marine life, is about 1.5 hours away by boat.

For those who are not interested in diving or snorkelling, there is still plenty to do on Ambergris Caye. The island has something for everyone, from beach bars and restaurants to ancient Maya history and incredible wildlife. On the west side of the island is Secret Beach, a must-visit spot with calm, crystal-clear waters. The east side, where most of the action is, is home to San Pedro and offers a range of accommodations, luxury resorts, amazing restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Ambergris Caye truly offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a sophisticated, yet casual, lifestyle. It is a place where you can do as much or as little as you want, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.

Caye Caulker: a small, laid-back island with a hip, low-key Caribbean vibe and excellent diving and snorkelling

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize. Measuring just 8.2 kilometres in length, it is home to a laid-back population of 1,300. The island is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with the incredible Blue Hole nearby, where you can swim and dive to explore the marine life, including fish, sharks and coral.

Caye Caulker has a hip, low-key Caribbean vibe and is perfect for those looking to ""go slow"" and enjoy a relaxed island vacation. The island's motto is 'Go Slow', and this is quickly adopted by both residents and tourists. The primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart, or you can wander the sandy streets on foot.

The island is divided by a channel called 'The Split', which is a popular spot for tourists and locals to hang out, with shallow waters to cool off in, and a bar serving food and drinks.

Caye Caulker is an ideal destination for those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. It is a great spot to experience Belizean culture, with a mix of locals and tourists, and a variety of restaurants and street food stalls. The island is busiest from January to April, during the dry season, so expect higher prices during this time.

There is a range of accommodation on the island, from hostels to boutique hotels and Airbnb apartments. The island has resisted commercialisation, so the accommodation is simple and geared towards laid-back travellers who want to spend most of their time outdoors.

As well as diving and snorkelling, there are plenty of other things to do in Caye Caulker. You can go windsurfing or kitesurfing, or try your hand at fishing, and then get your catch cooked at a local restaurant. There are also full-day excursions to see manatees or visit a Mayan temple on the mainland.

San Ignacio: a friendly, relaxed town surrounded by nature and Mayan ruins, with good food and inexpensive hotels

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is a great base for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers, with pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and ancient Mayan ruins. The town is also known for its friendly, local vibe, good food, and inexpensive hotels.

Nature and Mayan Ruins

San Ignacio is surrounded by lush jungle and is home to a variety of wildlife, including iguanas, cougars, jaguars, and exotic birds. The area boasts several well-preserved Mayan ruins, including the impressive Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar sites. These ruins feature temples, plazas, and dwellings, some dating back to 1500 B.C. The nearby Caracol ruin is set within a museum and boasts a gorgeous temple that rises above the jungle canopy.

Food and Accommodations

San Ignacio offers a diverse food scene, with a variety of local restaurants and cafes serving delicious dishes and drinks. The town is also known for its lively bars and nightclubs, where you can enjoy Caribbean music and local spirits like rum. Accommodations in San Ignacio range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, with options like the five-star Rumors Hotel and the eco-friendly Hidden Haven.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to exploring the Mayan ruins, visitors can go cave tubing, horseback riding, and hiking to waterfalls in the surrounding jungle. Popular excursions include visits to the Crystal Cave, the Inland Blue Hole, and the Caracol Archaeological Site. The town also hosts La Ruta Maya, Belize's most popular canoe race, which takes place over four days along the Macal River.

Cultural Experiences

San Ignacio is a melting pot of cultures, including Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, and expats from around the world. The town hosts a weekly Saturday farmer's market, where visitors can find organic produce, local street food, arts, and music. It is also home to the Cahal Pech archaeological site, a ancient palatial estate that offers insights into the area's rich history.

Placencia: a former fishing village with beautiful beaches, top restaurants and high-end resorts

Placencia is a charming fishing village located on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. The peninsula is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, giving it the look and feel of an island. With its tranquil beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Placencia has become one of Belize's top beach destinations.

Once a quiet fishing village, Placencia has transformed into an upscale retreat while retaining its old-world charm. The village is known for its luxurious beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars. The pedestrian-only main street, adorned with colourful murals and artwork, stretches 4,000 feet long. Placencia also offers easy access to the southern barrier reef, cayes, and mainland jungles, making it a great spot for those seeking a beach and jungle vacation.

The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a variety of water sports and activities such as kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and diving. Boat rides to the outer cayes and guided land tours to Mayan ruins are also popular excursions. The nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world's first Jaguar Reserve, offers incredible hiking opportunities just an hour away.

Placencia has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly spots, making it accessible to travellers with different budgets. The village is also known for its great food, including fresh seafood and authentic Italian gelato.

Whether you're looking for a family vacation, a destination wedding, or a romantic honeymoon, Placencia is one of the most beautiful spots in Belize. With its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and variety of attractions, Placencia is a must-visit destination when exploring Belize.

Hopkins: a small, upbeat village with a long beach, known as the cultural centre of the Garifuna population

Hopkins is a small, upbeat village with a long beach, known as the cultural centre of Belize's Garifuna population. It is located on the coast of Stann Creek in Southern Belize and has a high concentration of Garifuna people, who make up 70.2% of the village's population.

Hopkins was established in the 1940s after a nearby area was devastated by a hurricane, and everyone from farmers to fishermen relocated there. The village has retained its seaside charm and is known for its warm hospitality and safe environment.

Hopkins is a great place to learn about Garifuna culture, with its local drum school and hotels offering drumming and dancing lessons. The village also provides easy access to the Southern Barrier Reef for diving and snorkelling, as well as nearby jungle attractions such as the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are several accommodation options in Hopkins, ranging from backpacker-style digs to upscale beachfront resorts. The award-winning Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort offers luxurious beachfront rooms and treehouses, while Buttonwood Guest House provides more modest condo-style accommodations for budget-conscious travellers.

The optimal time to visit Hopkins is during the dry season from January to March, which offers sunny days and calm seawaters. However, this is also the most expensive time, so visiting during the tourism offseason can be a more affordable option.

When it comes to dining in Hopkins, Garifuna food is a must-try. Popular dishes include hudut, cassava bread, and bundiga, made with grated bananas or plantains cooked in coconut milk with fresh snapper. Creole bread, with its subtle sweetness, is another delicious treat. Fresh fruit and seafood are also abundant, and you can even have your catch of the day prepared by a local chef.

Overall, Hopkins is a unique and upbeat village that offers a wealth of cultural, beach, and nature experiences for travellers seeking a quiet and charming coastal base in Belize.

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