Here’s my quick, curated guide to where to go and stay in Belize. As you can imagine, even tough the country is small, each destination offers something incredibly unique, whether it’s experiencing a specific Belizean culture, exploring breathtaking marine reserves, visiting ancient Maya sites, or embarking on exotic jungle adventures.
See also: 10-step Belize Travel Guide and Top things to do in Belize
Mainland towns and cities are ideal for nature-based ecotourism, offering lush rainforests and wildlife encounters. In contrast, the islands and coastal villages are perfect for relaxing beach days, water sports, and marine exploration. And since Belize is not a large country, you can easily experience both jungle and beach adventures without spending much time on travel. Below are the best places to visit in Belize.
Where to Go & Stay in Belize – Top 10 Destinations
1. Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and the most popular place to go in Belize. San Pedro is the name of its only town and it has a lively downtown with lots of nice restaurants and beach bars. Ambergris Caye’s main draw is world-class diving and snorkeling since the barrier reef is less than 1 mile away. The island is vibrant but laid-back, earning a devout following of travelers who keep returning, and in some cases, just never leave.
2. Caye Caulker
The tiny island of Caye Caulker is excellent for travelers seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. It has a hip low-key Caribbean vibe that is sought after by tourists looking to “go slow” and enjoy a relaxed island vacation. Like its neighbour, Ambergris Caye, the main draw to Caye Caulker is the nearby reef. Diving and snorkeling trips are popular, along with simply swimming, drinking and relaxing on the beach of a narrow channel that splits the island.
3. San Ignacio
San Ignacio Town is the number one stop for eco-tourists looking to spend a few days exploring the Cayo District of Western Belize. Easy access to incredible rainforest adventures, top cultural attractions, premier jungle lodges, excellent local restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife scene, make San Ignacio the third most popular destination in Belize. Most people typically visit Belize’s cayes or coastal towns before making their way inland.
4. Placencia
Placencia is one of the most popular spots for travelers looking for a coastal resort town on Belize’s mainland. Located on the tip of a 16-mile-long peninsula, the seaside village is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Belize, mainly due to its beautiful sandy beaches and easy access to the Southern Cayes and Reef. Fortunately, Placencia’s growth spurt has not affected its charm and the village remains a laidback spot with plenty of things to do.
5. Hopkins
Even though Hopkins is no longer a small Garifuna fishing village, the area has retained its seaside charm and resisted over-commercialization. It is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a quiet coastal base from where they can learn about the local culture and experience a variety of eco-tourism activities. Highlights include the friendly Garinagu people, incredible nearby diving and snorkeling sites, and easy access to exotic jungle adventures.
6. Belize City
With the only international airport in Belize (BZE), Belize City acts as the main gateway to the country. Most people, however, don’t spend longer than a day or two there. If you do decide to explore the old capital, don’t forget to check out all the historical sites, including nearby popular attractions such as the Belize Zoo, Altun Ha, and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Interestingly, Belize City is home to most hotel chains in Belize, and even the first cruise terminal.
7. Glover’s Reef
The remote atoll of Glover’s Reef is a prime destination in Southern Belize for Caribbean explorers. With the reef just off its shore, it’s a great spot for those interested in underwater adventures such as diving and snorkeling. Glovers is also popular for watersports since a few kayaking expeditions are based there. Although the atoll was first inhabited by the ancient Maya, it is named after pirate brothers John and Rodger Glover, who “discovered” it in the 1750s.
8. Orange Walk
Referred to as “Sugah City” throughout the country, Orange Walk is one of the sweetest districts in Belize with the unmistakable aroma of sugarcane filling the air. Much like its other northern neighbour, Corozal, Orange Walk is home to many Mestizos – a cultural blend of Spanish and Yucatec Maya. Look for Spanish influence in both architecture and cuisine. The main activities include visiting the Maya site of Lamanai and the Rio Bravo Conservation Area.
9. Toledo
Toledo is the southernmost district of Belize and is sometimes referred to by locals as the “Forgotten Land”. Due to its rural and remote location, this district is not heavily visited by tourists. This, of course, may be good or bad, depending on what someone is looking for in their Belize vacation. The district is home to many Mayas who live in scattered and sparsely populated villages, and the main settlement, Punta Gorda, has a large East Indian population.
10. Corozal
Corozal is the northernmost district of Belize and similarly to Orange Walk, it is primarily populated by Mestizos. It is very popular with expats who are seeking a laid-back lifestyle in small coastal villages such as Sarteneja and Consejo Shores but want easy access to nearby Chetumal in Mexico, which offers modern city amenities. Attractions in Corozal include visiting Maya sites, exploring the Shipstern Nature Reserve, and experiencing the simple life of small fishing villages.
Best Places to Stay in Belize
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, solo trip, or family vacation, choosing the best place to stay in Belize is key to experiencing the best of Belize. I recommend spending a minimum of one week in Belize or a maximum of two weeks, with half of your time visiting the Cayes or Coastal Towns and the rest of your vacation in mainland Belize.
Curated list of hotels across Belize
FAQ
1. What is the best time of the year to go to Belize?
The best time to visit Belize is from December to April. This is during Belize’s dry season when sunny days with clear blue skies are typical. It doesn’t rain a lot during this time and the average temperature is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26° Celsius).
2. What are the best parts of Belize? Where do most tourists stay?
3. How are Belize’s beaches?
4. Is it safe to visit Belize?
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