Belize's Best Vacation Spots: Where To Stay?

Belize is a tropical paradise, boasting stunning beaches, amazing water sports, rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food. The country is divided into six districts, each with its own unique attractions.

Belize City, the largest city, is a hub for culinary, dining, and nightlife entertainment. It offers a robust network of transportation, making it easy to explore the country. Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast, is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with its proximity to the incredible Blue Hole. San Pedro, the main town in Ambergris Caye, offers lively bars, restaurants, and unbeatable nightlife. Corozal, a small town near the Mexican border, offers a glimpse into the traditional Belizean way of life. San Ignacio, close to the Guatemalan border, is known for its proximity to Mayan ruins and outdoor adventures.

When it comes to accommodation, Belize offers a variety of options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb rentals. Belize has something for every type of traveller, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both.

Ambergris Caye: The largest island in Belize, with the most popular place to visit being San Pedro

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and a top destination for tourists. It is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) long and 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) wide, and is located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the north coast of Belize. The island is known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and unbeatable snorkelling and scuba diving.

The main town on Ambergris Caye is San Pedro, which is also the largest settlement and the only town on the island. San Pedro is a small but bustling village that offers delicious cuisine and sightseeing experiences. It is also where you'll find the best and brightest nightlife in Belize, with a range of relaxed pubs and lively clubs.

There are plenty of accommodation options in San Pedro, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. The town has a broad range of lodging to choose from, including smaller cabanas away from the town, gorgeous modern condos, fantastic resorts, and private rental homes.

When it comes to food, San Pedro offers a variety of dining options, from fresh ceviche and conch fritters to stone crab and lobster. You can also find simple yet delicious local dishes such as stewed chicken with rice and beans.

In terms of activities, Ambergris Caye offers something for everyone. For nature lovers, the island is home to the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a protected area with incredible wildlife and ancient Maya history. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, is easily accessible from Ambergris Caye, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The island also offers golf cart rentals, allowing visitors to explore the island at their own pace.

Whether you're looking for stunning natural beauty, exciting water sports, or a vibrant nightlife, Ambergris Caye and San Pedro have something to offer for everyone.

Caye Caulker: A budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye, with a relaxed vibe

Caye Caulker is a budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye, with a more relaxed and slower-paced vibe. It is a tiny, peaceful island getaway that feels like a true escape from the rest of the world. The island is only 5 miles long and can be explored on foot in about 10 minutes. It has a backpacker reputation and attracts many youngsters.

Caye Caulker has a "Go Slow" motto and a super-chilled vibe, with zero traffic and sandy streets. It is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back vacation to recharge their batteries away from the crowds. The island is best explored on foot, with most places reachable by walking. There are also bicycles and a few golf carts available for rent.

Accommodation in Caye Caulker is more budget-friendly than Ambergris Caye, with prices for hotels averaging around $60 per night, compared to $100 per night in Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker caters mainly to backpackers, with hostels, guesthouses, and small hotels. There are also a few mid-price hotels and luxury beach bungalows and waterside villas.

Caye Caulker has a small village with barely any cars and a few golf carts. It is a great place to hike or ride a bicycle along the beaches and among the palm and coconut trees. The island is known for its proximity to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Great Blue Hole, making it a popular diving and snorkelling destination.

The main swimming spot in Caye Caulker is "The Split", where the island was split by a hurricane a few decades ago. This area has crystal clear and beautiful water, with a popular beach bar called The Lazy Lizard.

Caye Caulker has a variety of dining options, including street-side BBQs, western food, and vegetarian and veggie food. There are also some great cafes and bars on the island.

In terms of safety, Caye Caulker feels safer at night due to its smaller size and fewer drunk people. However, Ambergris Caye is still considered safe, and common sense and caution should be used in any city.

San Ignacio: The third most popular destination in Belize, with easy access to rainforest adventures and cultural attractions

San Ignacio is the third most popular destination in Belize, with easy access to rainforest adventures and cultural attractions. It is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is a hub for eco-friendly travellers interested in the top jungle and cultural attractions of western Belize. The town is known for its rich history and diverse blend of cultures, making it one of the most unique parts of the country.

Rainforest Adventures

San Ignacio is home to several nature reserves, including the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which was established in 1944 to protect the native Belizean pine forest. The landscape features rolling pine forests spread over smooth, granite hillsides. The park offers excellent hiking and attractions such as the Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, Big Rock Falls, and the Caracol Maya Temple.

Another popular attraction is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a sacred site used by the ancient Mayans for ceremonies. Visitors can swim through a partially submerged cave system, climb through tight crevices, and view ancient Mayan artefacts and skeletal remains.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is another nature reserve located near San Ignacio, featuring beautiful hiking trails and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys and exotic birds.

Cultural Attractions

San Ignacio also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including several Mayan archaeological sites. In addition to the Caracol Maya Ruins, visitors can explore the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve and the Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve, the oldest Mayan site in Belize.

The town itself boasts vibrant street art, with captivating murals that tell stories of Belize's heritage, culture, and history. Visitors can also learn about Mayan history and the art of chocolate-making at the AJAW Chocolate & Crafts store in downtown San Ignacio.

The San Ignacio Market is a great place to mingle with locals and sample delicious tropical fruits. It is also a vibrant community event, with artisans from around the country selling their handmade treasures, such as eco-friendly jewellery and woven tote bags.

For those interested in wildlife conservation, the Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers a chance to learn about and support the protection of the endangered Green Iguana species.

With its mix of rainforest adventures and cultural attractions, San Ignacio is a fantastic destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in Belize.

Placencia: A coastal resort town with luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches

Placencia is a coastal resort town located on a peninsula in Belize's Stann Creek region. It is a popular choice for travellers seeking a laid-back vibe and offers beautiful beaches, fishing, snorkelling, and diving spots. The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil, white, palm-fringed sand beaches with turquoise waters, a lagoon to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Placencia Village is known for its excellent local seafood restaurants, cafes, and family-friendly hotels catering to all budgets. The village's narrowest street, the Main Street, is one of the narrowest in the world, measuring just four feet wide.

The beaches in Placencia are public and free, although there may be a charge for using beach amenities. Maya Beach, with its incredible turquoise waters, is a must-visit.

For accommodation, Umaya Resort Adventures, a centrally-located, all-inclusive resort, offers a unique beach stay with a tropical vibe. Mariposa Belize Beach Resort is another charming option, nestled among beautiful grounds and a soft beach. It offers a bar, pool, loungers, and spacious treehouse rooms with spectacular ocean views.

Placencia is also a great base for outdoor adventure. The Stann Creek region offers activities such as hiking through mountainous rainforests, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and exploring Mayan ruins. Tour guides and dive centres can arrange boat rides to the outer cayes and guided land tours to Mayan ruins.

Hopkins: A quiet coastal base, ideal for learning about local culture and eco-tourism activities

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize, known as the “coast with the most”. The village is a cultural hotspot for Garifuna culture and a cultural centre for travellers. It is also considered by some Belizeans to be the cultural centre of the Garifuna population in Belize. Hopkins is one of the most accessible places to stay in Belize and is a great place to experience local culture and enjoy a unique vacation.

Local Culture

Hopkins is the perfect place to learn about the fascinating Garifuna culture. The village is home to the world's oldest Maya and Garifuna community and is the only Garifuna community in the country. There is a local drum school and many hotels can arrange for you to take part in a drumming or dancing session. You can also learn about the history and culture of the Garifuna people at the National Museum of Garifuna Culture in the city.

Eco-tourism Activities

Hopkins is an eco-cultural destination with a laidback Caribbean vibe. It offers access to diving and snorkelling at the Southern Barrier Reef, with the South Water Caye Marine Reserve being a popular spot. There are also nearby national parks and nature reserves, including the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, offering plenty of hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Travel Information

Hopkins doesn't have an international airport, so you'll need to fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City and then take a local flight or catch a taxi/shuttle. The village is separated into two main transects: the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). It is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore.

Where to Stay

Despite being a small region, Hopkins has a number of great lodging options, from backpacker-style digs to sprawling upscale beachfront resorts. The award-winning Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort offers luxurious beachfront rooms and treehouses, while Buttonwood Guest House offers more modest condo-style accommodations for those on a budget.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Hopkins is from January to March, during Belize’s dry season. You can expect beautiful sunny days, clear blue skies and calm seawaters. However, rooms and tours are more expensive during this time.

Events

There are several events held in Hopkins throughout the year, including Mango Fest (dates vary), Lobster Season (June 15 - February 15), Belize Independence Day (September 21), Conch Season (October 1 - June 30), and Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19).

Frequently asked questions