Belize And Beyond: Where To Next?

Belize is a small country, but it has a lot to offer. If you're looking for ideas on where to go after Belize, there are plenty of options to consider. Here's an introduction to get you started:

Belize is located in Central America, with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country offers a unique blend of natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse activities. After exploring Belize, you might want to venture to neighbouring countries or other regions within Central America and the Caribbean.

One popular option is to explore more of Central America. Countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica offer a wealth of natural and cultural experiences. Guatemala, in particular, is known for its rich history and ancient Mayan sites. Honduras boasts beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, while Costa Rica is famous for its eco-tourism and biodiversity.

If you're looking for more island adventures, the Caribbean Sea is a stone's throw away. Countries like Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic offer sunny beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. You can explore historic sites, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy a range of water sports and outdoor activities.

Alternatively, you could head north to the United States. The southern states, such as Florida, Texas, and California, offer a mix of vibrant cities, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even venture further north to Canada and explore the great outdoors.

Of course, these are just a few suggestions, and there are endless possibilities for where to go after Belize. The country's proximity to Central America, the Caribbean, and North America provides a range of options to suit every traveller's interests and preferences.

Ambergris Caye: The largest island in Belize, with world-class diving and snorkelling

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, hovering in a sweet spot between being exciting and not being overdeveloped. It is a mangrove swamp with golf carts as the main form of transportation.

The island is about 25 miles long but is never more than a few miles wide. It is home to San Pedro, the island's only town, which has a lively downtown with nice restaurants and beach bars.

Ambergris Caye's main draw is world-class diving and snorkelling. The Belize Barrier Reef is less than a mile away, and the Blue Hole is a 400-foot-deep limestone sinkhole with crystalline waters, coral, fish, and stalactite-filled caves. The reef is also home to a variety of marine life, including angelfish, elkhorn coral, cleaner shrimp, and nurse sharks.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular snorkelling spot, with two stops: Hol Chan, where you can see tons of fish, rays, eels, and sometimes even a manatee, and Shark Ray Alley, where you can jump in and swim with a school of nurse sharks.

Ambergris Caye has something for everyone, from the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve in the far north to Secret Beach on the west side, with its calm, crystal-clear waters and beach bars. The east side of the island is where most of the action happens, with resorts, hotels, and homes enjoying cool sea breezes and gorgeous ocean and reef views.

San Pedro, named after the patron saint of fishing, is the traditional hub of the island. Despite the growth in tourism, it still retains the charm of a tiny fishing village. You can buy fresh fish from a local fishmonger on the beach, and there are paved streets downtown and leading north towards the major tourist resorts.

Ambergris Caye has a range of accommodation options, from smaller cabanas far from town to gorgeous, modern condos, fantastic resorts, and private rental homes.

The island also offers a variety of dining options, from fresh ceviche and conch fritters to stone crab and lobster.

With its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and abundant marine life, Ambergris Caye is a must-visit destination in Belize.

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

Caye Caulker is a tiny island that makes for an excellent budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. It has a hip, low-key Caribbean vibe that is perfect for tourists looking to "go slow" and enjoy a relaxed island vacation.

The island is mostly known for its nearby reef, with diving and snorkelling trips being popular activities. The island is also split in two, with a narrow channel of water dividing the north and south islands. This channel, known as 'The Split', is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and parasailing. It is also home to the island's favourite beach bar, The Lazy Lizard, which has incredible seaside views.

Caye Caulker is also a great option for accommodation, with a good range of hostels, guesthouses, and self-contained cabanas. It is worth noting, however, that a swimming pool is a rare find. But, with the Caribbean Sea just steps away, do you really need one?

The island is also a foodie's paradise, with an abundance of fresh seafood. You can find hole-in-the-wall places serving cheap local snacks like fry jacks, salbutes, and panuchos. Kareem's Unbelizable BBQ is a popular spot for fresh lobster grilling on beachfront barbecues.

Caye Caulker is also a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed nightlife scene. You can find a party if you want one, but you're more likely to be at a local sports bar wearing flip-flops than at a pretentious club. The Lazy Lizard and Sip 'n' Dip are great spots to grab a cocktail during the day, but they tend to quiet down once the sun goes down.

So, if you're looking for a super-chilled backpacker vibe and a relaxed pace of life, Caye Caulker is the place for you.

San Ignacio: The number one stop for eco-tourists, with easy access to rainforest adventures

San Ignacio, located in the Cayo District of Western Belize, is the number one stop for ecotourists. With its easy access to incredible rainforest adventures, top cultural attractions, excellent local restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife scene, it is the third most popular destination in Belize.

San Ignacio is the perfect place to explore the Cayo District's lush rainforests and experience the country's unique natural landscapes. The town is known for its eco-tourism jungle adventures, with easy access to nearby rainforest reserves and nature parks. Visitors can explore the diverse wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and other exotic animals. The area also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cave tubing, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins.

One of the highlights of a visit to San Ignacio is the opportunity to visit the ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich, located just 15 minutes from the town. To get to Xunantunich, visitors take a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River and then hike or ride horseback to the site. Xunantunich boasts six major plazas and the tallest structure, "El Castillo," offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to its natural attractions, San Ignacio also offers a vibrant cultural experience. The town is known for its welcoming people and creative talents, often displayed at the bustling Saturday market. Visitors can explore the historic landmarks, such as the Cahal Pech and Xunantunich Maya sites, and enjoy the local cuisine at affordable prices.

San Ignacio is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of eco-tourism adventures and cultural exploration. With its easy access to both rainforest adventures and cultural attractions, it is a popular choice for those looking to experience the best of Belize.

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

Placencia is a popular coastal resort town in Belize, boasting beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts. Located on the tip of a 16-mile-long peninsula, Placencia offers a range of nature reserves and underwater sanctuaries, along with stunning vistas. It is known for being the only place on the Belize mainland with golden sands.

The town has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly spots, making it accessible to travellers with different budgets. Placencia's growth has not affected its charm, and it remains a laid-back destination with a Caribbean vibe. The narrow main street is lined with bars and restaurants, and golf carts are a popular mode of transportation.

The southern reef is easily accessible from Placencia, making it a great spot for diving and snorkelling. The area is known for its annual visit from whale sharks, usually between March and June. Other popular activities include fishing, sailing, and exploring Mayan ruins.

Placencia also serves as a gateway to mainland tours and attractions. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park offer incredible hiking opportunities just an hour away. Red Bank Village is home to magnificent scarlet macaws from December to March, and Monkey River offers a boat tour and jungle hike in search of howler monkeys.

The best time to visit Placencia is during the dry season from December to April, which coincides with the peak tourism season. However, the offseason from June to August offers lower hotel prices.

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 Stann Creek in southern Belize. It is known as an eco-cultural destination, ideal for travellers seeking a quiet coastal base to learn about the local Garifuna culture and explore the Southern Barrier Reef and nearby jungle attractions.

Hopkins is a great place to stay for a combined beach and jungle vacation in Belize. The village is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore. Hopkins has retained its seaside charm and offers a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.

A major draw for travellers to Hopkins is the accessibility to diving or snorkelling the beautiful Southern Barrier Reef. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve is an excellent spot, but there are also many other cayes and marine reserves to explore. Fishing is another popular activity in Hopkins, with local guides offering reef fishing and deep-sea big game trips.

For those interested in cultural tourism, Hopkins is a great place to learn about Garifuna drumming and dancing. There is a local drum school, and many hotels can arrange for guests to partake in a session. Garifuna food is also a highlight of a visit to Hopkins, with dishes like hudut, cassava bread, and bundiga.

There are plenty of opportunities for Belize jungle adventures, with nearby national parks and nature reserves offering hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary are both easily accessible from Hopkins.

Hopkins is one of the most accessible places to stay in Belize and is located near several major tourist attractions. It is also home to some of the best beaches in the country. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or take part in activities such as diving, fishing, and snorkelling.

The optimal time to visit Hopkins is from January to March, during Belize's dry season. However, this is also the most popular time, so rooms and tours are more expensive. For cheaper prices, consider visiting during the tourism offseason.

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