Belize's Best Staycation Areas

Belize is a small country with stunning beaches, amazing water sports, a rich history, and a diverse culture. It is divided into six districts, which are further subdivided into 31 constituencies.

Belize City is the largest city in the country and a hub for culinary, dining, and nightlife entertainment. It is also a great starting point for those visiting Belize for the first time, as it is well-connected and offers easy access to the rest of the country.

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. It is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, with the Belize Barrier Reef located less than two kilometres away.

San Pedro, the main town in Ambergris Caye, offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and lively bars and restaurants. It is a top destination for tourists seeking water sports and is known for its vibrant nightlife.

Corozal, located on the mainland near the Mexican border, is a small and friendly town with plenty of attractions, including Mayan Ruins and golden sand beaches.

San Ignacio, a small town in central Belize near the Guatemalan border, is a great base for outdoor adventurers and those interested in exploring Mayan Ruins. It offers a rich history and a diverse blend of cultures.

Belize City: The largest city in Belize, with a lively mix of cultures, colonial architecture, and great food

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of 61,461 people as of the 2010 census. It is a lively hub of culture, food, and architecture, situated on a small peninsula in the Caribbean Sea.

Culture

Belize City is home to a diverse range of cultures, reflecting its history as a British colony and its location in Central America. The city's population includes Creoles, Garifuna, Mestizos, Mayans, and other ethnic groups, each contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape. The official language is English, but Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also widely spoken.

Food

Belize City offers a variety of culinary delights, with influences from its diverse population. The diet can be both modern and traditional, with no set rules. Breakfast options include bread, flour tortillas, or fry jacks, often accompanied by various cheeses, beans, eggs, or cereal. Midday meals, known as "dinner," vary from rice and beans to tamales, panades, meat pies, and garnaches. The city's restaurants and fast food establishments cater to a range of tastes and budgets.

Architecture

Belize City boasts a mix of architectural styles, including colonial-era buildings and modern structures. Notable areas include the Fort George neighbourhood, which is considered the most colonial area in the city. It is home to Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Grave and Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize. The city also features the St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Church in Central America, constructed with orange bricks that arrived in Belize as ballast on British ships.

Belize City, with its mix of cultures, delicious food, and architectural wonders, offers a captivating experience for visitors seeking to explore the largest city in Belize.

Caye Caulker: A budget-friendly island with a laid-back vibe, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving

Caye Caulker is a budget-friendly island in Belize, located just off the coast and easily accessible by water taxi or small plane. The island is known for its laid-back vibe, with sandy paths and golf carts, and the local motto, "Go Slow". It is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, with the Belize Barrier Reef just a stone's throw away.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize's oldest marine reserve, is a protected area off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. It is home to more than 160 species of fish, vibrant coral species, sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. Nurse sharks and rays can also be spotted here, and snorkelling with these gentle creatures is a popular activity.

For those seeking a more adventurous underwater experience, the Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole, awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers divers the chance to explore its unique geological formations and abundant marine life, including Caribbean reef sharks and giant groupers.

Caye Caulker is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the sun. The Split, a channel that divides the island in two, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. It is also home to The Lazy Lizard, a vibrant bar and hangout spot that embodies the island's laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeller, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. With its budget-friendly options and laid-back charm, it's the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical paradise.

San Pedro: A lively town on Ambergris Caye, known for its water sports, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beaches

San Pedro is the vibrant heart of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. Located in the southern part of the island, San Pedro is the only town on Ambergris Caye and is known for its lively atmosphere, colourful buildings, and cultural diversity. With a population of about 16,444, it is the second-largest town in the Belize District. The town's inhabitants, known as "San Pedranos", mostly speak both Spanish and English fluently, with some also speaking an intermediate form between the two languages called "Kitchen Spanish". The cultural mix of Mestizo, Creole, and Maya influences is reflected in the town's food, music, and festivals.

San Pedro offers easy access to a range of water sports and activities, including reef diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a mile offshore, making San Pedro a top spot for diving and snorkelling. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve are also nearby, offering some of the best snorkelling in Belize. For those who prefer scuba diving, top sites near San Pedro include Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole.

In addition to its water sports, San Pedro is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and live music venues. The town is also a culinary destination, featuring delicious Belizean cuisine and fresh seafood. Ceviche is a popular dish, and visitors can also enjoy a Mayan buffet at Elvi's Kitchen and a Belizean breakfast at Estel's By the Sea. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the famous El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which has its roots in the 1870s, and the San Pedro Lobsterfest.

San Pedro offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts like the Phoenix to budget-friendly hostels. The town is easily navigable on foot or by golf cart, the principal mode of transportation on the island. San Pedro is also a shopping destination, with local crafts and artwork available for purchase.

With its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and incredible coral reefs, San Pedro and Ambergris Caye offer the perfect blend of lively atmosphere and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for those seeking water sports, vibrant nightlife, and a cultural experience.

Corozal: A northern district with a focus on eco-tourism, offering a glimpse into traditional Belizean life

Corozal is the northernmost district in Belize, located about 84 miles north of Belize City and 9 miles from the Mexican border. It is a tropical paradise that was once one of Belize's best-kept secrets. Now, it is a popular destination for expats and retirees, offering a laid-back lifestyle and a glimpse into traditional Belizean culture and way of life.

Corozal was originally a private estate before becoming a town in the 1840s. The town was settled by Maya Mestizo refugees fleeing the Caste War of Yucatán. The Mestizo refugees brought with them their culture, language, religion, and way of life, creating a unique blend of Spanish and Yucatec Maya influences within the town.

Corozal has a pretty main square and a green parkland along the bay-front malecón, with beautiful water views. The town is located on the Bay of Chetumal, which is often referred to locally as Corozal Bay. The water in the bay is a darker green than the turquoise of the Caribbean, giving it a distinct character.

Corozal Town was built on the foundations of a Mayan ceremonial centre, now known as Santa Rita. Santa Rita is a 14th-century Maya ruin located within Corozal itself. It sits atop the remains of a Maya city that dominated the area for over 2000 years, and burial sites rich in jewellery and artefacts have been discovered there.

Across the bay from Corozal Town are the mounds of Cerros, a Maya coastal trading centre. Cerros is considered one of the most important late preclassic Maya sites due to its representation of the first experiment with kingship in the Maya world.

Agriculture has historically been an important business in the district, but with the rise in tourism, there is now a greater emphasis on eco-tourism. Fishing villages like Consejo and Sarteneja are attracting travellers seeking an "authentic" Belizean experience.

Corozal also offers a range of outdoor activities, including sailing, fishing, swimming, and visiting historic Mayan sites. The district is home to the Shipstern Nature Reserve, which spans over 27,000 acres and is home to Belize's five cat species and the endangered Baird's Tapir. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the almost 300 catalogued species of birds in the region.

In terms of accommodation, Corozal offers a range of options, from small family-run properties near the coast to more luxurious resorts. The Almond Tree Hotel Resort and Serenity Sands Bed and Breakfast are popular choices for travellers.

Corozal provides a unique opportunity to explore Belize's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism offerings, all while experiencing the traditional way of life of its friendly locals.

San Ignacio: A hub for eco-tourists, with easy access to Mayan ruins, rainforest adventures, and a vibrant nightlife scene

San Ignacio, a small town in the Cayo region of Belize, is an ideal base for eco-tourists seeking outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and immersion in the country's rich history. Located near the Guatemalan border, San Ignacio offers convenient access to renowned Mayan ruins, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse range of natural attractions.

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, San Ignacio provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. The town boasts the Mayan archaeological site of Cahal Pech, an ancient palatial estate that once belonged to an elite Mayan family. Additionally, the nearby Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Mayan ruins and discover more about their rituals and way of life. San Ignacio's cultural village tour also provides insights into the local culture and history, including the cacao farming and chocolate-making process.

Eco-tourists will relish the opportunity to explore the lush jungles and natural wonders surrounding San Ignacio. The town serves as a gateway to incredible rainforest adventures, including canoeing on jungle rivers, hiking to waterfalls, and birdwatching at scenic spots like the Inland Blue Hole and Mountain Pine Ridge. The area is also known for its diverse ecosystems, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, home to impressive caves and archaeological sites.

San Ignacio also offers a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Visitors can enjoy delicious Belizean cuisine, listen to live Caribbean music, and experience the vibrant energy of this western Belizean town. The town's diverse cultural influences, including Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, and expats, contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.

For accommodation, San Ignacio has options ranging from hotels and hostels to eco-resorts and Airbnbs. Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a more luxurious stay, there are choices to suit different preferences and budgets.

With its convenient location, cultural richness, natural wonders, and vibrant nightlife, San Ignacio is a captivating destination for eco-tourists exploring the best that Belize has to offer.

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