If you’re looking for a very unique place to escape for your next vacation, Belize is worth considering. It offers visitors a bit of everything that’s beautiful and magical about Central America, from the lush jungles that hide Mayan ruins to the luscious Caribbean Sea, with its incredible biodiversity. It’s the perfect destination for adventure and nature lovers, couples seeking beauty and romance, and families seeking eco-conscious travel experiences.
Let’s discover one of Central America’s lesser-known countries and learn about the best places to stay in Belize!
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Why choose Belize?
Let’s talk a bit about Belize first, so you get a better idea. It’s a place where you can relax, there is no stress and no crowds like you’ll find in similar destinations. And it is rich; don’t think otherwise. Its mixed culture is fascinating, and there are a lot of natural wonders to explore. Like the Great Blue Hole with the incredible corals, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and ATM Cave with authentic Mayan bones.
There’s more, of course. Some travelers go there looking for authenticity. The whole country makes a great effort to preserve its biodiversity and local businesses. For example, you won’t find McDonald’s, Starbucks, or KFC there, since chains are banned. And why would you want to try a generic burger when you can try authentic Belize food?
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When is the best time to visit Belize?
Like any country in Central America, Belize is a tropical paradise year-round. Belize doesn’t experience the 4 “traditional seasons”, since temperatures rarely go below 20°C; instead, it has a distinct wet and dry season.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from mid-November to May, with the peak tourist season from December to April. The weather is almost always sunny and warm, and the humidity is high, but manageable. Most people prefer it since it’s the best time to explore the jungles and lounge on the beach all day long.
The rainy season, or green season, on the other hand, is known for its sunny mornings and rainy afternoons. You can get better prices if you decide to travel during it, and enjoy the fewer crowds and lush landscapes. Just keep in mind that hurricanes are common from August to October, and that can disrupt your plans.
Belize’s Districts: A Quick Overview
Belize District
The best district to stay in Belize is if you’re looking to visit more of the cayes, like Caye Caulker. It includes Belize City, so you can enjoy the nightlife there and do short visits to Old Belize.
- Perfect for: First-timers, cultural travelers, and couples.
Cayo District
In Western Belize, you’ll find the Cayo District, with plenty of adventure waiting for you. You can stay in a jungle lodge, explore Maya ruins, and caves. You can even take a day trip to Guatemala from there!
- Perfect for: Adventurers that can’t stay quiet.
Stann Creek District
Stann Creek District covers the south and central coast of Belize, so you can enjoy the coastal life and Garifuna culture while still having access to the jungle. It’s a great option to balance adventure and relaxation.
- Perfect for: Culture travelers and families.
Toledo District
Toledo District is a hidden gem that most travelers miss; it’s both the least visited and the most culturally rich of the districts. Perfect if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path and authentic experience.
- Perfect for: Cultural and authenticity seekers.
Corozal District
Corozal District is in the north of Belize, bordering Mexico. It’s perfect if you plan to go from
one country to the next, but also quiet and affordable.
- Perfect for: Budget travelers and those heading to Mexico.
Orange Walk District
Now, if you’re looking for eco-tourism and birdwatching, you won’t find a better area than the Rio Bravo Conservation Area in Orange Walk District. It also has Lamanai, the most scenic Mayan ruins in Belize.
- Perfect for: Nature Lovers and birdwatchers.
Belize District
Belize District is one of the most popular areas to stay in the country, and for a good reason. First of all, it’s pretty central and it has the biggest city, full of historical landmarks like St. John’s Cathedral and the Museum of Belize. Second, you can visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Great Blue Hole and swim with sharks, rays, and even sea turtles.
Some people do feel a bit unsafe in the city, and recommend you only do a short visit. As for the cayes, Ambergris Caye is the most visited, but some people don’t like the touristic feeling and prefer Caye Caulker.
Where to stay in Belize District:
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Ramon’s Village Resort: Great for couples looking for a luxurious stay and families that prefer comfort over budget. It’s as tropical as it can be, with beachfront cabanas and a private beach.
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Sea Dreams Hotel: A cozy guesthouse with rooftop views and bikes. Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash
Cayo District
If you’re looking for a unique adventure, you have to stay in the Cayo District and visit ATM Cave. And no, it doesn’t have anything to do with a regular ATM; the name comes from its indigenous name, Actun Tunichil Muknal, and it ends in a sacred Mayan burial site. But there’s also the Majestic Maya ruins of Xunantunich. To reach them, you’ll have to embark on a hand-cracked ferry, but the views are worth it.
There is limited luxury infrastructure, though, if that’s what you’re looking for, as the area leans more on eco-tourism. Additionally, the activities can be physically demanding, making them inaccessible to some individuals.
Where to stay in Cayo District:
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The Lodge at Chaa Creek: One of the few luxury stays that you’ll find. It has river views, a spa, and a private nature reserve. It even offers horseback riding!
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Martz Farm Treehouses & Cabanas: A unique experience if you want an off-grid stay. Not everywhere can you sleep in a treehouse and wake up to take a long hike through the jungle.
Photo by Wouter Naert on Unsplash
Stann Creek District
Stann Creek has a more chill and cultural vibe than other districts. It’s definitely less touristy than the cayes, but it does have beautiful Caribbean beaches and many Afro-Caribbean traditions. The most well-known town is Placencia, a relaxed beach town and an excellent base for taking day trips to the Silk Cayes or Laughing Bird Caye. There’s also Hopkins, a small Garifuna fishing village where you can join a drum workshop and learn the local rhythms.
You’ll have to rent a car if you’re staying in Stann Creek, though, as the public transport is limited. Also, keep in mind that Placencia is growing in popularity, so choose Hopkins if you’re looking for a quiet stay.
Where to stay in Stann Creek District:
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Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: You can get reef and jungle adventure packages there, and of course, beachfront rooms.
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The Lodge at Jaguar Reef: A mid-range option for the budget travelers, really cozy and laid-back. It’s also great for families, and it has beachfront lodges and kayaks.
Toledo District
If you prefer to stay far from the resorts and party islands, then Toledo is the right district for you. Once you set foot there, you’ll notice how it feels like stepping into a slower, earthier Belize, and you’ll discover many fascinating traditions alive. Like the cacao villages! You can tour an organic chocolate farm and even make your own chocolate there. There’s also Blue Creek, a cave with turquoise water in the middle of the jungle. Swimming there is almost a magical experience, and really relaxing.
But the area is remote and less developed, so roads are rough and the internet is slow. There are also a few upscale hotels, so it’s a terrible stay if you prefer comfort, and the activities have to be coordinated with local guides.
Where to stay in the Toledo District:
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Cotton Tree Lodge: An eco-lodge in the Moho River, ideal for couples and nature lovers. From there, you can take chocolate tours and rainforest hikes.
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Hickatee Cottages: It offers more comfort and personal attention, without losing the authenticity. It’s located just outside Punta Gorda, and there’s a lot of wildlife to see there.
Corozal District
Corozal District is known for its tranquility and affordability. It’s really tied to Mexico, being so close to it, and many travelers stay there if they’re hopping from one country to the other. You can find Mayan pyramids there, just by the bay. You can also swim in said bay, as Corozal Bay is ideal for sunbathing, kayaking, and sunset watching.
The district is very quiet, though, and some people don’t like not having nightlife or upscale amenities. Also, the beaches are not Caribbean-style white sand, but the usual rocks you find in bayfronts.
Where to stay in Corozal District:
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Almond Hotel: It’s an affordable boutique hotel with tropical gardens and a pool, right next to the bay. It’s perfect whether you go with a partner or solo.
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Mirador Hotel: If you prefer a central hotel, this one is right for you. It has a rooftop view of the bay, simple rooms, and it’s close to everything.
Orange Walk District
In Orange Walk, you’ll find Lamanai Ruins, one of the most dramatic Maya sites in all of Belize. To reach them, you’ll have to take a riverboat through wildlife-rich jungle, which in itself is quite the panoramic adventure. Another place worth visiting is Honey Camp Lagoon, a hidden gem that’s visited mostly by locals. There you can swim and spend a nice afternoon, or even have a picnic.
This is another destination where you’ll need a car, as public transport is minimal. The tourism infrastructure is quite limited, and you’ll need to coordinate with a guide if you want to participate in any activities.
Where to stay in Orange Walk District:
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Lamanai Riverside Retreat: It’s a charming lodge with cabins along the river, great if you’re on a budget and prefer a rural experience. You can even have local cuisine on site.
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Hotel de la Fuente: Another locally owned hotel, with clean and comfortable rooms. It offers guided tours to Lamanai, and it’s great if you’re looking for a community feeling.
Photo by Alisa Matthews on Unsplash
Final Words
Belize has plenty of adventure and great places waiting for you all year round. You can be exploring the lush jungles with their hidden Mayan ruins, or snorkeling among colorful fish in the tropical waters. What are you waiting for?