Travel Off the Beaten Path at These Belize Destinations
While Belize may not be as crowded as other travel destinations, some top spots in the country do get their fair share of visitors. If you’re someone who prefers to take the path less traveled, however, the good news is there’s also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Steer clear of the crowds and treat yourself to one-of-a-kind experiences when you travel off the beaten path at these four Belize destinations.
The Toledo District
As underrated a destination as they get, Belize’s Toledo District is teeming with off-the-beaten-path adventures. Sometimes called the “forgotten district”, Toledo has much more to offer than meets the eye, including a captivating blend of culture, nature, and history.
Base yourself in the tiny seaside town of Punta Gorda—accessible by a thirty-minute domestic flight or a long and scenic road trip down the Hummingbird and Southern highways. From there, choose your own adventure. Explore archaeological sites Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. Hike jungle trails and discover secret caves like Blue Creek Cave. Learn how to make chocolate from the experts themselves, Belize’s Maya people. Or, spend your time right in town and experience some good old Peini hospitality.
San Antonio Village
While many are familiar with the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize’s Cayo district, an off-the-beaten-path destination lies just a few minutes away. The village of San Antonio sits right between San Ignacio Town and the Forest Reserve, making it a stop that is as easily accessible as it is memorable.
Here, spend some time immersing yourself in the beauty of Belize’s Maya Culture. At the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, try your hand at everything from tortilla making to clay pottery. Supporting this female-led co-op also means supporting the local Maya community.
Also in San Antonio, Upe Nai (which means a dream come true) offers an immersive cultural experience in the form of cooking classes.
The Belize River Valley
Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, visit the Belize River Valley in the Belize District for a truly unique experience. Made up of a handful of Kriol villages, the Belize River Valley boasts a rich and vibrant heritage. In fact, it is home to some of the oldest Kriol villages in the country.
The area also has a wide variety of activities to offer. That includes birding in Crooked Tree, hiking and howler monkey watching at Bermudian Landing, and history lessons at Flowers Bank. Venture a bit further and you’ll find Rockstone Pond Village, home to Belize’s famous Altun Ha archaeological site.
The Corozal District
For peace, quiet, and budget-friendly seaside views, head to the Corozal District. The country’s northernmost district has been getting a bit more attention from travelers recently, but for now it remains an off-the-beaten-path destination.
Spend a night in Corozal Town, which sits overlooking the turquoise waters of Corozal Bay. From there, the Shipstern Nature Reserve, Cerros Archaeological Site, and Corozal House of Culture are all easily accessible points of interest. For an experience that’s truly special, be sure to make a trip to Sarteneja. The sleepy fishing village is home to some of Belize’s most picturesque overwater sunsets.
