Belize's Best Hotels And Resorts

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and amazing water sports. It is a tropical paradise that welcomes travellers with its interesting history, unique culture, marvellous cuisine and incomparable nature.

Belize City is the largest city in the country and is home to a great variety of historical, cultural and architectural attractions, as well as great food and vibrant nightlife.

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize. It is an absolute haven for scuba divers and snorkelers.

San Pedro is the main town in Ambergris Caye. A top destination for tourists, San Pedro offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views and plenty of lively bars and restaurants.

Corozal is on the mainland and situated near the Mexican border. It is a small and friendly town with plenty to see, do and eat.

San Ignacio is a small town in central Belize set near the Guatemalan border. It is a great base for outdoor adventurers and travellers looking to visit the country’s famous Mayan Ruins.

Belize City: The country's largest city, with historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, great food, and vibrant nightlife

Belize City is the country's largest city, located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It is a hub of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as great food and a vibrant nightlife.

Belize City boasts a variety of sights and landmarks, including:

• The Belize Sign Monument: A quick and easy photo opportunity at the southern tip of the city.
• Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve: A popular spot for tubing through caves and exploring the nearby jungle and beaches.
• St. John's Cathedral: A modest yet charming brick cathedral with well-maintained grounds. It is located near the Government House, a beautiful heritage building where Queen Elizabeth once stayed.
• Baron Bliss Lighthouse: Named after Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, one of Belize's greatest benefactors, this lighthouse is a peaceful and easily accessible spot to visit.
• Supreme Court of Belize: An interesting and picturesque colonial-style building in the city centre.
• Swing Bridge: The only manual swing bridge in the world.
• Belize Zoo: An institution dedicated to wildlife conservation, housing over 150 native species and accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.
• Green Iguana Conservation Project: An initiative to conserve and raise awareness about the endangered Green Iguana species, located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.
• The Maya Ruins of Caracol: The largest Mayan ruin in Belize, spanning 30 acres.
• Green Hills Butterfly Ranch: A live butterfly exhibit with thousands of butterflies and a variety of plant species.

Belize City also offers a range of culinary delights and a lively nightlife scene. With its central location and robust network of transportation options, it is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country.

Caye Caulker: A haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with a relaxed atmosphere and relatively cheap prices

Caye Caulker is a small island located 30km off the coast of Belize City. It is a paradise for divers and backpackers, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than its neighbour, Ambergris Key. The island is only 2km long and a few hundred meters wide, but it is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling due to its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef and the famous Great Blue Hole.

There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkelling tour options available in Caye Caulker, with trips to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley being particularly popular. These tours typically include sailing and snorkelling, with the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life, including stingrays, nurse sharks, and coral reefs.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Caveman Snorkeling Tours, Ragga Sailing Adventures, and The Spearfishing Shack are recommended. Scuba Sensations is also a good choice, with reasonable prices and friendly staff.

In addition to its marine life, Caye Caulker also has a lively bar scene, with the Lazy Lizard being a popular spot for sunset happy hour drinks. The island's motto is "go slow," and with no cars and only golf carts and bicycles as transportation, it truly embodies a laid-back vibe.

Accommodation options on the island range from hostels with shared rooms starting at $10-15 per night to guesthouses and Airbnbs offering private rooms for $35 and up.

San Pedro: The main town in Ambergris Caye, offering delicious cuisine, sightseeing, and lively nightlife

San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, is named after the patron saint of fishing, St Peter. It's the perfect place to stay if you're looking for delicious cuisine, sightseeing, and a lively nightlife scene.

San Pedro has the largest concentration of shops, hotels, and restaurants on the island. It's also where you'll first land, either by plane or water taxi, and it's here that you'll find lots of resorts, hotels, and homes enjoying cool sea breezes and gorgeous ocean and reef views.

The town itself has a charming, village-like feel. You'll see bicycle vendors selling Creole buns or ice pops, and dogs lounging in the sun or taking themselves for a swim in the ocean.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in San Pedro, serving up delicious local specialties. Be sure to try the Mayan buffet at Elvi's Kitchen and stop by Estel's By the Sea for one of the best Belizean breakfasts in town. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh ceviche, conch fritters, stone crab, and lobster—and don't leave the island without trying lobster and conch when they're in season!

For sightseeing, San Pedro has plenty to offer. Visit during one of the town's many festivals, such as the San Pedro Lobsterfest or the Holiday-lighted boat parade. Rent a golf cart or bike and explore the island, go bar-hopping, or swim at top Belize snorkeling sites such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. If you're a scuba diver, don't miss the top diving sites near San Pedro, including Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole.

When the sun goes down, San Pedro's nightlife comes alive. The town has an unmatched nightlife scene, with fun over-the-water bars, sports bars, and beach club lounges. You'll find live music almost every night at a different beach bar or hangout spot.

With its delicious cuisine, abundance of sights, and lively nightlife, San Pedro is the perfect place to stay on Ambergris Caye.

Corozal: A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, nature reserves, and culinary delights, popular with expats and retirees

The picturesque town of Corozal, nestled on the Caribbean coastline in northern Belize, offers a tranquil escape from the crowds and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Known for its laid-back vibe, stunning natural sights, and mouthwatering cuisine, Corozal is a beloved destination for expats and retirees seeking a slower pace of life. With its calm waters, lush landscapes, and rich history, Corozal invites you to explore, relax, and indulge in the best that Belize has to offer.

Pristine Beaches and Natural Wonders

Corozal boasts a long, attractive seaside promenade lined with pristine beaches and occasional gazebos, providing the perfect setting for leisurely walks and breathtaking views of Corozal Bay. The calm and inviting waters of the bay are ideal for swimming, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. Just a short distance from the town, you'll find the Santa Rita Mayan Ruins, remnants of the ancient Mayan city of Santa Rita that once stretched to Chetumal. The site includes an impressive large building to explore, along with numerous rooms and passageways.

For nature enthusiasts, the Shipstern Conservation and Management Area is a must-visit destination. This nature reserve is home to an astonishing variety of bird species, including parrots, toucans, egrets, and warblers. You can also spot manatees, crocodiles, and even jaguars! The reserve offers dry and wet tropical forests to explore, along with a large variety of medicinal plants.

Cultural Experiences and Culinary Delights

Corozal's cultural diversity is reflected in its cuisine, with influences from Belize, the Caribbean, and neighboring Mexico. The town's restaurants, mostly family-run, serve a delightful mix of traditional Belizean dishes and international flavors. Start your day with a hearty Belizean breakfast, and later, indulge in stewed chicken and rice cooked with rich coconut milk. For seafood lovers, Corozal's proximity to the coast ensures a fresh daily catch. Don't miss the chance to sample unique local dishes like rice and beans with potato salad and Pibil pork, a Yucatec-Maya-inspired dish with a kick of spices.

The Corozal House of Culture, the town's government-sponsored cultural center, functions as a museum and art gallery. Here, you can explore exhibits that showcase the town's colorful history, including its pirate past! The cultural center also hosts public events and is a great place to start your self-guided historical walking tour of the town.

Accommodations and Convenience

Corozal offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. For a relaxing stay, consider the Almond Tree Hotel Resort just outside of town, or the Sunshine View Hotel and Restaurant, located on the bay. If you're looking for affordable options within walking distance of shops and restaurants, Hotel Maya and Las Palmas Hotel are excellent choices. For those seeking a more active vacation, Corozal is a convenient base for day trips to nearby Chetumal in Mexico and excursions to Mayan ruins and beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

Corozal, with its pristine beaches, lush nature reserves, and cultural delights, offers a unique blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you're an expat seeking a tranquil home or a retiree looking for a peaceful getaway, Corozal welcomes you with open arms and the warmth of its people. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise!

San Ignacio: A small town near the Guatemalan border, known for its proximity to Mayan ruins and outdoor activities

San Ignacio, a small town near the Guatemalan border, is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilisation. The town offers a range of outdoor activities, from exploring pristine rivers and cascading waterfalls to discovering exotic wildlife and ceremonial caves. Here are some highlights of what San Ignacio has to offer:

Mayan Ruins

• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins: Located just west of Cahal Pech, Xunantunich is considered the most prestigious Mayan ruin in Belize. Its main temple, El Castillo, rises 39 meters above the plaza, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Guatemalan town of Melchor.
• Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins: Cahal Pech, one of the finest Mayan ruins in San Ignacio, is dated to 1500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It features stunning temples, plazas, and other ancient structures.
• El Pilar Mayan Ruins: El Pilar is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, spanning over 100 acres with 25 separate plazas. It is believed to have been a central hydration point for the Mayans due to its name, which means "watering basin" in Spanish.
• Caracol: Caracol is a beautifully preserved Mayan site with a temple rising above the jungle canopy. Visitors can climb the temple and explore the on-site museum, which showcases archaeological finds.
• Altun Ha: Located near the town of San Ignacio, Altun Ha was one of the smallest cities in the Maya civilisation but held great importance as a trade hub. The site features tombs, pyramids, and temples.

Outdoor Activities

• Cave Tubing: Explore the underground cave systems of Belize by floating through them on an inner tube. This activity combines adventure and history, as some caves were used by ancient Mayans for rituals and sacrifices.
• Zip Lining: For thrill-seekers, zip lining through the lush rainforest canopy is a must-do activity.
• Horseback Riding: Take a horseback riding tour through the jungle and discover the beauty of the surrounding nature and wildlife.
• Waterfalls and Swimming Holes: The area around San Ignacio boasts picturesque waterfalls and natural swimming holes, offering a refreshing break from exploring the ruins.
• Chocolate-Making: Learn about the traditional art of chocolate-making and sample some delicious treats.

Where to Stay

The Cahal Pech Village Resort, named after the Mayan ruins, offers a complete Maya Vacation Package, including a trip to the ruins and a traditional dinner with a local Maya family. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is another option, featuring luxurious master suites, beautiful jungle views, and an on-site restaurant.

Frequently asked questions