15 Best Places in Belize: Where to Stay

Discover the most beautiful places in Belize to visit, from tropical islands and beach towns to jungle getaways and nature escapes, and where to stay in this guide.

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Belize may be the second smallest country in Central America, but it’s full of incredible places worth visiting. While most travellers only visit one or two destinations, we spent weeks slow-travelling the country from Mexico to Guatemala, and we found the most beautiful places in Belize, including remote island paradises, laidback beach towns, and relaxing jungle lodges. Discover where to stay in Belize, from the world’s second-largest barrier reef to dense rainforest filled with ancient Mayan ruins, in this complete list.

Where to stay in Belize

When planning a trip to Belize, it can be hard to whittle down the long list of destinations. Choosing where to visit and stay in Belize depends on the kind of adventure you’re looking for. From barefoot-luxury resorts on private islands to budget-friendly eco-lodges tucked deep in the jungle, Belize offers stays that match every style and budget.

You can wake up steps from the Belize Barrier Reef, fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest, or immerse yourself in Garífuna culture in a coastal village. Whether you’re here for diving, hiking, cultural exploration, or just unwinding on the beach, here are our top picks for hotels in Belize:

If you already know where you’re going, here are the top hotels and resorts we’d recommend for each location in Belize.

The best places in Belize

Belize has 6 official districts:

Each area has its own character and highlights, offering access to different attractions. Within this, the country is home to 2 main cities and countless towns and villages.

We’ve listed the best places to visit in Belize below, from islands and beach towns to nature escapes and inland towns.

Best Places in Belize Map

We’ve highlighted the top destinations in Belize on the map below.

1. The Belize Barrier Reef

You simply can’t visit Belize without experiencing the magic that is the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends 625 miles (1000 km), all the way from Mexico to Honduras. The second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this protected stretch of ocean is home to the best SCUBA diving in Belize.

The Belize Barrier Reef is part of this reef system, stretching 180 miles (290 km) along the coast and supporting more than 500 species of fish and 100 types of coral. The reef acts as a natural barrier, protecting the islands and mainland from storms and coastal erosion. It’s also a global hotspot for marine biodiversity.

The Barrier Reef is one of the best places in Belize to visit if you like diving and snorkelling. Popular hotspots include Shark Ray Alley in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where visitors experience close encounters with giant stingrays and gentle nurse sharks. While you can take a tour to Hol Chan from both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, you might wish to base yourself on the latter for the additional experience of swimming with Belize’s manatees.

Many of Belize’s best islands and atolls have direct access to the Barrier Reef, putting you in the heart of the action, with vibrant coral reefs and deep sea walls just steps from the front door of your cabana. Alternatively, you could opt for a multi-day Belize Barrier Reef sailing trip to really immerse in the brilliant blues of the Caribbean Sea, spending your days lounging on the deck of a catamaran and your nights sleeping under the stars on remote paradise islands.

2. The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is Belize’s most iconic natural landmark, and you’ll probably recognise it from the country’s promo shots. For a quintessential Belizean experience, you have to visit this mammoth natural landmark.

A massive marine sinkhole measuring over 300 metres (1000 ft) wide and 124 metres (400 ft) deep, this site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s, when he called it “one of the top 10 dive sites in the world”.

There are two ways to visit Belize’s Blue Hole: by boat or by plane. Advanced-level SCUBA divers can take a long day trip to the hole, descending into its mysterious depths and exploring ancient stalactites and rock formations that formed during the last Ice Age. While it’s a bucket-list dive, it’s a long and bumpy journey, as the Blue Hole is part of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, about 43 miles (70 km) offshore from Belize City. The best base is on a nearby island like Half Moon Caye, which itself has some incredible dive sites. Many dive shops also offer the tour from Ambergris Caye, but some dive shops also visit from Caye Caulker.

Don’t worry if you’re not an advanced SCUBA diver; we personally think the best way to experience the site is to take a scenic flight over the Blue Hole. There are two main companies that run these flights in small passenger planes from San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.  Astrum Helicopters also offers private Blue Hole flights from Placencia, Belize City, and San Pedro.

3. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

One of the most popular places to visit in Belize is San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, which is Belize’s largest island. Known for its classic Caribbean vibes mixed with a well-established tourism sector, San Pedro is a town full of beach bars, seafood restaurants, and boutique resorts.

There are lots of fun things to do in San Pedro, and it’s the perfect base for water-based activities like snorkelling, diving, and sailing. On land, you can also visit the Iguana Eco Sanctuary in San Pedro, take a food tour, or take part in the town’s lively nightlife scene.

Hotels in Ambergris Caye are more upmarket than on other islands, with a range of all-inclusive and luxury options, but you’ll also find a handful of budget-friendly hostels, too. One of the town’s highlights is its abundance of local restaurants in San Pedro, perfect for sampling Belizean cuisine like fry jacks and rice and beans, but you’ll find fancy international establishments here, too.

The main mode of transport is renting a golf cart in San Pedro, which is particularly popular for visiting spots around the island like Secret Beach and Blue Bayou.

With a mix of amenities and infrastructure that blends relaxation with adventure activities, San Pedro is the best place in Belize to visit if you’re seeking a classic vacation island.

4. Caye Caulker

One of our favourite islands in Belize, Caye Caulker is like Ambergris Caye’s laidback and more authentic little sister. With its ‘Go Slow’ motto, sandy streets, and colourful clapboard cabanas, this island is the place to go to disconnect, unwind, and enjoy Belize at its most relaxed.

There are lots of fun things to do in Caye Caulker, from hanging out at the Split (the channel between the two islands) to drinking in beach bars and cycling around the island. Snorkelling in Caye Caulker is a real highlight, with the island offering a range of eco-conscious operators that visit famous sites like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. As well as stingrays and sharks, you might also encounter sea turtles and even manatees.

If you’re an animal lover, you can’t miss popping into the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter, although the island does have a couple of unethical spots to avoid, like Stingray Beach, too.

Hotels in Caye Caulker are less exclusive than in San Pedro, with a wider range of affordable hostels and independently-owned boutique stays. Eating in Caye Caulker’s restaurants is a must-do, as almost all are locally owned, serving some of the best Caribbean cuisine in the country.

It’s hard to choose between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. If you don’t have time to visit both and prefer barefoot beach vibes to chain resorts, Caye Caulker is one of the best places in Belize to stay on to experience that rasta-Caribbean island culture.

5. Tobacco Caye

Located right on the Belize Barrier Reef, Tobacco Caye is a teeny tiny island roughly the size of two football fields. With no cars, nightlife, or big hotel chains, the island feels like a true castaway escape, without the extortionate price of a private island resort.

Set right in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Tobacco Caye offers excellent snorkelling from the shore, but snorkelling and diving trips to more remote locations can be arranged with your lodge. A typical day here consists of swinging in a hammock, swimming in the crystal-clear Caribbean sea, and eating delicious meals of fresh seafood.

The island is home to only a handful of rustic lodges and is unique as it also hosts some of the cheapest overwater bungalows in the world. To reach it, you can arrange transfers to the island from Dangriga, or join Ragga Sailing Adventure’s trip from Caye Caulker. If you’re seeking a paradise island getaway on a budget, Tobaco Caye has to go on your itinerary.

6. Dangriga

This one might surprise you, and it’s true that most travellers skip it. But, if you’re in the region, Dangriga is a must-visit destination in Belize. The capital of the Stann Creek district, Dangriga is heralded as the cultural capital of Belize, as the town is the heart of Belize’s Garífuna culture.

In 2001, UNESCO proclaimed the Garífuna language, dance and music in Belize as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity“. You can experience this unique culture by visiting the Gulisi Garífuna Museum, which offers an in-depth look at its history, language, and traditions. If you’re passing through, Dagriga is one of the best places in Belize to stop off and learn more about local culture.

Dangriga is the gateway to Belize’s Southern Cayes, with direct access to islands like Tobacco and Thatch Caye. The town is also home to Marie Sharp’s Factory, where visitors can tour the production line, learn how local peppers and fruits are transformed into Belize’s most famous hot sauce, and sample everything from mild fruit sauces to extra hot flavours

7. Hummingbird Highway

Winding 55 miles (89 km) through misty mountains, citrus groves, and lush jungle, the Hummingbird Highway connects Belmopan and Dangriga. The route is often called Belize’s prettiest drive, passing pristine national parks, cascading waterfalls, natural swimming holes, sacred caves, roadside stalls, local towns, and charming villages.

Stop off at St Herman’s Inland Blue Hole National Park, take a dip in the turquoise-coloured cenote that is the Inland Blue Hole, and explore St. Herman’s Cave, one of the only caves in Belize you can enter without a guide. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of fun activities en route, from ziplining to cave tubing.

If you’re driving in Belize, you have to add the Hummingbird Highway to your route. While you could drive the road in about 2 hours, it’s best to spend at least a day (preferably a couple) slowly meandering along the route. Stay in a local lodge like the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.). One of the best Belize jungle lodges, there’s nothing like falling asleep in the middle of the rainforest and waking up to the sound of birds and monkeys making a cacophony of sound throughout the canopy.

8. Hopkins

Hopkins is a small coastal village in Southern Belize that rivals Dangriga’s claim as the heart of Garífuna culture. It may be relaxed, but there are still plenty of fun things to do in Hopkins to fill your days. You can experience traditional drumming, dancing, and food on cultural tours or simply spread out on sandy beaches.

Hopkins is also perfectly positioned for both snorkelling and diving, and inland adventures. You can use it as a base to visit popular sites, like kayaking with bioluminescence in Anderson Lagoon, spotting birds and manatees in the Sittee River, or visiting Mayflower Bocawina National Park, which offers hiking, ziplining and waterfall rappelling. Additionally, the nearby Serpon Sugar Mill offers an insight into Belize’s industrial era and makes for an interesting stop.

Choosing between Hopkins and Placencia can be tricky, as they’re both beach towns with access to the same nearby attractions. But Hopkins is one of the best places in Belize if you’re looking for a really laidback little town, where immersing in local culture and getting out in nature is your priority.

9. Placencia

Nestled at the southern tip of a 16-mile (26 km) long peninsula, Placencia is known as the best place in Belize for a beach break. Its main attraction is the long, soft stretch of sand on its east coast that’s often considered one of the best beaches in the country and is much more traditional than the swimming spots you’ll find on most of the islands.

The village itself is full of beach bars, restaurants, and shops, and is home to the Sidewalk, the narrowest main street in the world. There are plenty of fun things to do in Placencia, from snorkelling and SCUBA diving tours to visiting islands like Laughing Bird Caye. While the sightings of whale sharks the area was once known for have all but disappeared, snorkelling and diving in Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve still offers underwater explorers the opportunity to see colourful corals, tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and stingrays.

Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar preserve. While these big cats are elusive, seeing one isn’t impossible, as we proved with a very lucky sighting on our visit!

If you’re looking for a mainland destination that combines access to the reef and rainforest, Placencia is the place for you.

10. San Ignacio

The adventure capital of inland Belize and the actual capital of the Cayo District, San Ignacio is a large town nestled along the Macal River. It’s the gateway to world-class Mayan sites like Xunantunich, and it even has an in-town site, Cahal Pech.

The town is also a base for outdoor adventures, from cave tubing to spelunking in the famous ATM Cave, a cavernous network of chambers, home to dramatic rock formations and preserved Mayan artefacts, including crystallised skeletons of ritual victims.

Beyond its day trips, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Ignacio. The town’s market is one of the best in the country, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and street food like fry jacks and Salvadoran pupusas.

San Ignacio hotels range from budget hostels to more comfortable mid-range stays. The town is a popular transit hub with travellers backpacking Central America, thanks to its easy connection with Flores in Guatemala, which is the base for visiting the majestic Tikal Mayan ruins. But it’s worth spending a few days in the area exploring all the outdoor activities on offer here to truly immerse in the best of Belize’s jungle adventures.

11. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a highland escape that feels worlds away from Belize’s coast, but it’s only a short journey from San Ignacio. Home to pine forests, waterfalls, and caves, this protected area in Belize provides a cooler climate and endless adventure opportunities.

Highlights include Rio Frio Cave,  one of the most accessible and impressive caves in Belize, Rio on Pools, natural swimming holes in the river, and Big Rock Falls, a huge 45-metre (150 ft) tall waterfall. The reserve also offers access to the ancient Mayan site of Caracol, Belize’s largest ruin.

Belize’s wildlife, like ocelots, tapirs, and rare birds, also thrives in the reserve’s varied ecosystems. For nature lovers, Mountain Pine Ridge is a must-visit destination in Belize.

12. Monkey River

Monkey River is both a village and a wildlife-rich river tour destination in southern Belize. Monkey River boat trips take visitors upriver through mangrove estuaries and into rainforest habitats, where you’ll have the chance to spot troops of howler monkeys, manatees, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Most tours go from Placencia and Hopkins and are one of the best things to do in Belize, allowing you to experience a range of diverse wildlife in a single day. The local village also offers a glimpse of traditional Creole life, often paired with a fresh seafood lunch. If you love wildlife, Monkey River is one of the best places in Belize to visit.

13. Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, often referred to as just PG, is the southernmost town in Belize. It’s a gateway to the less-travelled Toledo District, known for its lush jungles and cultural diversity. The town itself has a laidback Caribbean feel, with a strong presence of Garífuna, Maya, and East Indian communities.

Not many travellers make it this far south, and those that do usually only visit on their way to Guatemala, as the water taxi departs from here for Livingston, Río Dulce, and Puerto Barrios. Before crossing the Belize-Guatemala border, you can explore farmers’ markets and small eateries that showcase local ingredients like cacao products from nearby Mayan villages.

14. Orange Walk

Nicknamed ‘Sugar City’, Orange Walk sits in northern Belize and is the capital of the district of the same name. It is most commonly visited as the gateway to the Lamanai Mayan ruins and Altun Ha Mayan ruins. A boat ride along the New River to Lamanai is one of the most memorable archaeological experiences in the country, offering visitors the chance to explore one of the best Mayan ruins in Belize.

The town, which is the fourth-largest town in Belize, has a strong Mestizo influence, reflected in its food, music, and culture. While the surrounding district is home to nature reserves that attract birdwatchers from around the world, like Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Rio Bravo Conservation Area.

15. Corozal

Corozal is Belize’s northernmost town, located just across the Belize-Mexico Border. It’s quieter than most other destinations, with a small expat community and a relaxed coastal vibe.

Visitors use Corozal as a base to explore the nearby Cerros and Santa Rita Mayan sites or to cross to or from Chetumal (Mexico). Corozal Bay offers calm waters for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while the town itself has a mix of budget hotels and small guesthouses, appealing to longer-term travellers.

The town is also a jumping-off point for trips to Sarteneja, a traditional fishing village famous for its wooden boat building and access to the pristine Shipstern Conservation & Management Area, home to rare birds, butterflies, and even the elusive jaguar.

With fewer crowds, Corozal is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, affordable base and is one of the best places to visit in Belize if you’re not fussed about doing any of the more popular activities.

Places that didn’t make the list

Some places serve more as transportation hubs than attractions in themselves, while others are better suited to specific niche interests. A few are more practical than scenic, and some are primarily gateways to other experiences rather than destinations where most travellers choose to spend much time. Not everywhere can make the list of the most beautiful places in Belize, so here are the places that didn’t make the cut.

Belmopan

The capital of Belize, Belmopan was established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City. While it serves as the administrative and political hub of the country, it has little of the cultural energy or tourist infrastructure found in other towns.

Travellers passing through may stop for a meal or to switch buses, but most continue on to nearby attractions towards San Ignacio in the west or travelling back to Belize City in the east.

Belmopan is safe enough and functional, but it’s just not that interesting. If you’re passing through, the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre (more of an ethical sanctuary than a zoo) is a popular spot, housing rescued, native animals that cannot be released back into the wild, while focusing on rehabilitation and education. While Guanacaste National Park sits on the outskirts of the city, offering hiking trails through the rainforest and along the river.

Belize City

Belize City is the country’s largest urban centre and main port, but it is often seen as a transit hub rather than a destination in itself. You might find yourself passing through if you’re flying in or out via the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or visiting San Pedro and Caye Caulker via water taxi.

But the city has a sketchy reputation for crime and poverty, which makes many travellers feel uneasy. Most crime in Belize City is concentrated in the ‘Southside’, the area south of the Haulover Creek Canal. If you stay in the more touristy section north of the river, you’ll probably be fine.

Belize City might also be used as a base to visit islands like Goff’s Caye, a tiny white-sand island perfect for snorkelling in Belize and picnicking and a popular cruise ship excursion. Offshore, the vast Turneffe Atoll, the largest coral atoll in Belize, draws divers from around the world, though it’s best reached on organised tours or through your accommodation.

Where to go in Belize by interest and traveller type

Choosing where to go in Belize is highly personal and will depend on your budget, interests, and preferences. If you’re still unsure, we’ve categorised the places on this list into various interests so you can choose where to go by the type of traveller you are.

Best places in Belize for vacation

For a classic Belize vacation that balances coast, culture, and nature, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are top picks, thanks to their Caribbean and Creole culture and easy access to the Barrier Reef. Placencia is another popular option, offering long sandy beaches and a mix of luxury and budget stays. San Ignacio is a good alternative for those who would rather experience jungle adventures, Mayan ruins, and river trips.

Best places in Belize for beach bums

If beaches are your priority, Placencia and Hopkins stand out with miles of sandy shoreline, swaying palms, and beachfront lodges.

On the islands, Ambergris Caye offers a mix of lively beach clubs and quiet spots, while Caye Caulker is all about barefoot relaxation, but neither has the traditional sandy shores you find on the mainland.

Smaller cayes like Tobacco Caye provide a true castaway vibe, where you can snorkel right from the beach into coral gardens.

Best places in Belize for adventurers

Belize is a playground for outdoor lovers, with San Ignacio serving as the gateway to outdoor activities like cave tubing, the ATM Cave, and Mayan temples. Nearby, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers hiking, waterfalls, and swimming holes in a pine forest landscape, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Wildlife safaris at Monkey River and birdwatching in Orange Walk give adventurers a chance to spot manatees, jaguars, and scarlet macaws with eco-conscious operators in more off-the-beaten-path locations.

For water-based thrills, try SCUBA diving the Great Blue Hole, snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef, or kayaking with bioluminescence near Hopkins.

Best places in Belize for first-timers

First-time visitors often choose Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, as both have easy connections to Belize City and plenty of tours to the reef.

San Ignacio is another popular base, especially for those who want to experience Mayan ruins and jungle adventures without straying too far.

Hopkins offers a friendly mix of beaches and Garífuna culture, while Placencia combines relaxation with upscale stays and is more popular.

Pairing an island with an inland destination gives first-timers the best introduction to Belize’s diversity.

Best places in Belize for couples

For a romantic escape, Ray Caye Resort and Thatch Caye Resort, private island stays near the Belize Barrier Reef, are unbeatable, offering seclusion and luxury.

Placencia’s boutique resorts and quiet beaches create a romantic atmosphere, with options like Naïa Resort and Spa and Prana Maya Island Resort being popular.

In the jungle, Table Rock Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio and eco-lodges in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, like Gaia Riverlodge, provide candlelit dinners by night and outdoor adventures by day.

Best places in Belize for families

Families often gravitate toward Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, where calm waters and reef trips cater to all ages.

Placencia is also family-friendly, with safe beaches and easy access to activities like Monkey River safaris.

Inland, San Ignacio works well for adventurous families, with kid-friendly hikes, caves, and nearby Mayan ruins.

Best places in Belize for solo travellers

Solo travellers often gravitate towards the community feel in Caye Caulker, with its sociable hostels, beach bars, and group tours.

Hopkins is another welcoming spot with plenty of hostels, offering a slower pace and chances to connect with Garífuna culture.

For those keen on adventure, San Ignacio provides endless tours where solo travellers can join groups for caving, tubing, or ruins.

Best Places in Belize FAQs

Now that you know the best places to visit in Belize, we’ll finish this article by answering these frequently asked questions.

What is the most visited place in Belize?

San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the most visited place in Belize. Its popularity comes from its easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef, lively nightlife, and wide range of hotels and resorts. Visitors flock here to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, dive the Blue Hole, or relax on sandy beaches. San Pedro also has the country’s largest tourism infrastructure, making it a convenient base for both first-time travellers and return visitors.

Where do most Americans go in Belize?

Most American visitors head to Ambergris Caye and Placencia, with some also visiting Caye Caulker. These spots are well-connected, tourist-friendly, and have a balance of relaxation and adventure. Many Americans also spend time inland in San Ignacio, which is a gateway to Mayan ruins and jungle activities. If American tourism isn’t your vibe, you can escape it in the smaller cayes and more authentic towns like Dangriga, Hopkins, and along the Hummingbird Highway.

What’s the best part of Belize?

The best part of Belize depends on what you’re looking for. For reef and island life, the northern cayes like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are unbeatable. For adventure and culture, the Cayo District, with San Ignacio and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, offers caves, waterfalls, and Mayan temples. Beach lovers may prefer the southern coast, where Hopkins and Placencia mix Garífuna culture with laidback Caribbean charm.

Where do tourists stay in Belize?

Tourists typically stay in three main areas: the islands, the southern coast (the Stann Creek District), and inland Belize (the Cayo District). The islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the most popular for snorkelling and diving, while on the coast, Hopkins and Placencia draw beach lovers. Inland, San Ignacio is the hub for jungle lodges, eco-resorts, and tours to nearby archaeological sites. We’d personally recommend Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye, Placencia, and San Ignacio as bases.

What is the most beautiful part of Belize?

The prettiest part of Belize is a toss-up between the islands and the jungle. While the islands sit on the sparkling Caribbean sea with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities, inland, the rainforest is full of wildlife, lush vegetation, and thrilling outdoor activities. We’d personally put the Great Blue Hole and the surrounding Belize Barrier Reef up there, as well as the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hummingbird Highway.

What is the safest tourist area in Belize?

Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio are generally considered the safest areas for tourists. These towns rely heavily on tourism and maintain strong security around hotels and attractions. While petty theft can occur, violent crime is rare in tourist hubs compared to Belize City. As always, using common travel precautions, like avoiding dark streets late at night, helps ensure a safe visit.

What is the nicest area to stay in Belize?

For luxury and convenience, Ambergris Caye has the widest range of high-end resorts with reef access just offshore, followed by Placencia. For eco-luxury, lodges around San Ignacio and Mountain Pine Ridge offer romantic, secluded stays in the jungle.

Where should I go for the first time in Belize?

First-timers often choose a mix of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker for reef adventures and San Ignacio for inland exploration. This combination lets you snorkel or dive, then explore Mayan ruins, caves, and waterfalls. We’d also recommend adding Placencia or Hopkins to your Belize itinerary to experience the coast and Garífuna culture, too.

Where not to stay in Belize?

Most travellers are advised to avoid staying in Belize City, as it has higher crime rates and limited tourist attractions compared to other parts of the country. While it’s a necessary transport hub, few visitors linger beyond a night if catching an early flight or water taxi. Belmopan is another location that just doesn’t really have much to do for tourists, so it isn’t really worth visiting.

Is Belize nicer than Costa Rica?

Belize and Costa Rica offer very different experiences. Belize is smaller, with a focus on the reef, islands, and Mayan heritage, making it easier to combine beach and jungle in a short trip. Costa Rica is larger, more developed for tourism, and famous for its volcanoes, rainforests, and incredibly diverse wildlife. Having visited both, we really couldn’t choose between them, but at a push, we’d recommend Belize for the ocean and Costa Rica for the jungle and wildlife.

Is Belize nicer than Mexico?

Belize and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula share the same Caribbean Sea, but the vibe is quite different. Mexico has large-scale tourism in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, which is similar to that in San Pedro, with shopping, nightlife, and modern resorts. But most of Belize is quieter, less commercial, and more focused on small-scale eco-lodges and cultural immersion than these touristy parts of Mexico.

However, there are some beautiful parts of Mexico that are off the beaten path and much quieter than Belize. If you like authentic culture, Bacalar in Yucatán is gorgeous, and Cozumel is a diver’s paradise, with cheaper diving and the same shark and stingray sightings as Belize (it does also sit on the same Mesoamerican Reef after all). Baja California Sur is one of our all-time favourite places in the world, with similar snorkelling and diving opportunities, just with whale sharks, sea lions, and whales instead of manatees and sharks.

Read next:

Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Best of the Reef and Rainforest

Ultimate 1 to 4 Week Belize Itinerary: Ruins, Reefs, Rainforests, & Road Trips

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The Best Time to Visit Belize for Weather, Wildlife, and Water Activities

18 Most Beautiful Atolls and Islands in Belize: Best of the Barrier Reef

16 Best Nature Reserves, Natural Protected Areas, and National Parks in Belize

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