Top Belize Destinations - Where to Go & Stay in Belize (Photos, Map & Guides) (2024)

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 alternativeto 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 mostpopular 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 andthe 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 theancient Maya, it is named after piratebrothersJohn 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 ofBelizeand similarly to Orange Walk, it is primarilypopulatedby Mestizos. It is very popular with expats who are seeking alaid-backlifestyle 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.

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).

What are the best parts of Belize? Where do most tourists stay?

Most tourists visit Belize for its cayes, coastal villages and mainland jungles. In that order.
The most popular destination in Belize is Ambergris Caye, followed by Caye Caulker. Other popular cayes include Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef.
On Belize’s coast, Hopkins and Placencia are the most visited seaside destinations, both having beautiful beaches and unique cultural attractions.
On Belize’s jungle mainland, San Ignacio serves as the main hub granting access to the many eco-adventures that the Cayo District offers.

How are the beaches in Belize?

Some of Belize’s best beaches are found in Placencia and Hopkins, which are coastal villages in Southern Belize. There you can easily find long stretches of beautiful sugar-like sand beaches.
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are very popular beach destinations but their beaches are smaller. Beaches on the cayes are incredibly vulnerable to erosion, therefore, sea walls are typically built to protect them from the weather.

Is it safe to visit Belize?

As a whole, Belize is a safe destination for tourists to visit. However, it is wise to exercise caution when visiting non-touristy areas such as Belize City, which has a reputation for crime and gang violence. Keep your valuables hidden and don’t walk alone in shady areas (e.g. Southside Belize City). Other than that, the rest of Belize is primarily safe with friendly and welcoming Belizeans at all times.

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