Belize's Best Vacation Stays

Belize is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, snorkelling, scuba diving, rich history and diverse culture. It is a small country with beautiful beaches and amazing water sports. Belize City is the largest city in the country, located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It is home to a variety of historical, cultural and architectural attractions, as well as great food and a vibrant nightlife.

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning views and lively bars and restaurants. San Pedro, the main town in Ambergris Caye, offers a similar experience with its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and lively bars and restaurants.

For those interested in exploring Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is a great option. It is a small town in central Belize, close to the Guatemalan border, and known for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins. Corozal, located near the Mexican border, is another great option for exploring Mayan ruins and offers a small, friendly town with plenty of attractions.

With its mix of beaches, water sports, culture and history, Belize has something for everyone.

Belize City: The largest city in Belize, known for its colonial architecture, museums, and restaurants

Belize City, the largest city in Belize, is a bustling hub of activity and a great place to base yourself during your trip to Belize. With its colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, and vibrant culture, it offers a unique blend of history and modern attractions. Here's a guide to help you navigate your stay in Belize City:

Where to Stay

While Belize City has a limited number of hotels compared to other tourist destinations, there are still some great options to choose from. The Fort George Hotel and Spa is a new addition to the historic Fort George neighbourhood, offering leisure and business amenities. The Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City is another popular choice, featuring an outdoor pool, a spa, and a convenient location near local bars and restaurants. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, The Red Hut Inn provides simple accommodations with free Wi-Fi, just a short walk from the beach.

Colonial Architecture and Museums

Belize City boasts impressive colonial architecture, reflecting its past as a former British colony. Notable buildings include the former government house, now the House of Culture Museum, the Museum of Belize (housed in a former prison), the brick-built St. John's Cathedral, and the Swing Bridge, one of the oldest manually operated bridges in Central America. Fort George, known for its colonial-era buildings, is also home to Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize.

Restaurants and Dining

Belize City offers a diverse range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From seafood and beachside bars in San Pedro to the eclectic dining scene in the city centre, you'll find plenty of choices. Don't miss the chance to sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy the lively yet laid-back Caribbean culture.

Other Attractions

In addition to its architectural and cultural offerings, Belize City provides easy access to nearby natural wonders. Just outside the city, you can explore archaeological sites, go cave tubing at Jaguar Paw, or snorkel over The Great Blue Hole. The Belize Zoo and the Community Baboon Sanctuary are also popular attractions, offering unique wildlife encounters.

Caye Caulker: A paradise island with amazing marine life, white-sand beaches, and affordable accommodations

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, offering a laid-back vibe and an array of budget-friendly options for travellers seeking a slice of paradise. With its vibrant turquoise waters and hip, low-key Caribbean atmosphere, Caye Caulker is the perfect spot to experience Belizean culture and enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.

Marine Life and Watersports

The island is a haven for divers and snorkelers, set less than two kilometres from the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. The rich marine life includes sharks, rays, parrotfish, manatees, stingrays, and turtles. A variety of tour companies offer snorkelling and diving trips to explore the vibrant reef and its inhabitants. In springtime, it's even possible to spot and swim with whale sharks. For fishing enthusiasts, Caye Caulker provides excellent opportunities to catch your own dinner, which can then be cooked at one of the local restaurants.

White-Sand Beaches and The Split

Caye Caulker boasts white-sand beaches and a unique channel known as 'The Split', which divides the island into two. The north shore of The Split features a picturesque white-sand beach and a lively bar. The calm, shallow waters here create the perfect spot to unwind and socialise, while the Lazy Lizard bar serves up tasty food and drinks, including their infamous 'lizard juice'.

Accommodation and Amenities

Caye Caulker offers a range of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels to boutique properties with modern amenities. Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages, Bella's Backpackers, and Jan's Hotel are among the recommended places to stay. The island has resisted major commercialisation, so accommodation is geared towards travellers seeking a simple and affordable beach getaway.

Food and Drinks

Caye Caulker has plenty of restaurants and street stalls serving up a variety of cuisines, including barbeque and fresh seafood. Be sure to try the local specialities like lobster and conch, which are in season during certain times of the year. For a truly authentic experience, sample the barbeque dishes prepared by the guys who set up their grills on the beach—you won't find a better meal anywhere else in Belize!

San Pedro: A town on Ambergris Caye, famous for water sports, nightlife, and seafood

San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, is a bustling hub of activity and the perfect destination for those seeking a lively Belizean getaway. With its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, it's no wonder that San Pedro has earned its reputation as the country's top tourist spot.

The town boasts a diverse range of culinary delights, with plenty of opportunities to sample delicious seafood at beachside bars and restaurants. For those seeking an early start to their evening, the Truck Stop, located a mile north of San Pedro, offers a variety of fun events, including trivia and family feud nights. Another great option for pre-drinks is Red Ginger, which features an upstairs bar with half-price wine specials on select days.

When it comes to beach bars, Wayo's 2.0 is the place to be. Located on the dock, it offers a perfect mix of locals, expats, and tourists, with TVs for sports fans and live music on Sunday nights. For a family-friendly atmosphere, head to Sandy Toes, just south of Wayo's, where you can dip your toes in the sand while enjoying drinks and bar food. Crazy Canucks, known for its hermit crab racing and reggae nights, is another popular spot, attracting mostly expats and tourists.

If you're a sports enthusiast, San Pedro has you covered. Lola's Pub, a cosy Chicago-style pub, is a favourite among locals and expats. Croc's Sunset Bar and Grill, located just north of the town's bridge, is another great spot to catch sporting events while enjoying a wide selection of drinks. Sidelines Sports Bar, a new and upcoming spot, is the place to be for those who want to stay out late, as it is one of the few places that can remain open past midnight.

For a more exclusive and fancy vibe, Intro Lounge is your go-to destination. With its private tables and sectionals, it's perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a group night out. Nook Restaurant & Cocktail Bartique, located on Front Street, is another unique spot to grab a drink, and they even offer late-night bites!

When it comes to nightclubs, Jaguar's is the most popular spot in San Pedro. Open after midnight, it's usually free for ladies on Fridays, with a cover charge of $10 BZD on other nights. Pedro's Club Inferno, located south of downtown, is highly recommended for a local party experience, especially on Wednesday nights for Ladies Night. Daddy Rock's Night Club, right in the centre of town, is the place to go when everything else is closed.

With its beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, and vibrant nightlife, San Pedro is a Belizean destination that truly has it all!

San Ignacio: A great place to learn about Mayan culture and explore nearby archaeological sites

San Ignacio is a great place to learn about Mayan culture and explore nearby archaeological sites. It is the second-largest town in Belize, located in the Cayo District in the west of the country, bordering Guatemala. San Ignacio is a small but culturally rich town, with a lively local atmosphere. Burns Avenue, the town's main thoroughfare, is a great place to start exploring, with its bars and restaurants.

The town is famous for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins, making it a popular destination for those interested in Mayan history and culture. The ancient Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech, located nearby, are an impressive site, inexplicably abandoned in the 9th century AD. Another must-see site is the magnificent ruins of Xunantunich, left by its population around 750 AD. Both sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of the Maya and their advanced architecture and rituals.

In addition to these sites, there are many other archaeological sites and nature-based activities in the area. San Ignacio is a hub for outdoor adventurers, with hiking, caving, and exploring the surrounding rainforest being popular activities.

When it comes to accommodation, San Ignacio offers a range of options, from budget-friendly to more luxurious resorts. Hotels in the town are generally affordable, with a mix of budget and mid-range options, while there are also some more secluded, retreat-style 4 and 5-star hotels located just outside the town.

For those interested in exploring Mayan ruins and learning about Mayan culture, San Ignacio is an ideal base, offering easy access to these ancient sites and a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Placencia: A beautiful peninsula with white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and family-friendly hotels

Placencia is a beautiful peninsula in southern Belize, with a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. It is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering the perfect setting for a range of water activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving.

The peninsula is home to several villages, including Placencia, Seine Bight, Maya Beach, and Riversdale, each with its own unique charm. Placencia Village, with its colourful murals and artwork, is a great place to stroll along the pedestrian-only 4,000-foot "main street", browse local shops, and enjoy charming cafes and seafood restaurants.

For accommodation, Placencia offers a variety of options, from luxury beachfront hotels and resorts to budget-friendly spots. Chabil Mar Villas, located in Placencia Village, provides villa-style, all-inclusive accommodations with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. Roberts Grove Beach Resort, one of the oldest beach resorts in Belize, offers a tranquil and serene environment just minutes away from the village. For those on a tighter budget, Miramar Apartments and Harry's Cozy Cabanas provide more affordable options.

In addition to its natural beauty and water activities, Placencia also serves as a gateway to nearby mainland attractions. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park offer incredible hiking opportunities just an hour away by car. Red Bank Village is known for its magnificent scarlet macaws, while Monkey River provides a wonderful boat tour followed by a jungle hike to spot howler monkeys.

Placencia is also a great place to indulge in delicious seafood, including fresh lobster, which is celebrated annually during the Placencia Lobster Fest in July. For a unique treat, visitors can enjoy authentic Italian gelato at Tutti-Fruitti, one of the most popular spots in town.

With its combination of stunning beaches, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to cultural and natural attractions, Placencia is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and memorable tropical getaway.

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