Belize Small Towns: So Much Fun to Be Had

The Must Visit small towns of Belize

When you're traveling, it can be super easy to get sucked into only visiting the major tourist spots.

Look, we totally get it! We love recommending all the beautiful spots everyone raves about - but it can also be amazing to visit the smaller gems.

Some of our absolute favorite trips have been to the lesser-known cities. They're filled with idiosyncrasies, culture, and hidden treasures.

So, let's have a look at some of the best small towns in Belize to visit, that will undoubtedly rock your trip.

Dangriga

This town is located in southeast Belize on the coast and actually is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations - even though it maybe a modest sized town. It's still pretty amazing!

In the Garifuna language, the name Dangriga means "standing waters," which is a helpful little fact for you to keep hold of while you're out there. Enjoy.

Perhaps you should get there before it changes, too much.

Dangriga is only 90 miles by road from Belize City and 36 miles by sea.  Due to proximity, we think this makes one of the most attractive destinations to visit.

Did you know that Dangriga is widely known as the cultural capital of Belize? This is thanks to its rich combination of music, food, and indigenous culture. Isn’t that reason enough to give it a visit? We believe it will make the most fantastic trip for anybody visiting.

The small town has just over 9,000 inhabitants. We'd safely say that the majority (if not all) are super friendly, and will introduce you warmly to their life and culture.

If you can, November 19th is a special day to visit Dangriga. Every year on this date, this small town celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day, which recognizes the arrival of the Garifuna people, they settled here back in 1823. If you love food, dancing, and music, this is the perfect place to come be and get ready for street fun!

Dangriga is also the hometown of the unique musical style Punta Rock - often described as a cousin to reggae. We suggest this quaint little town to get a feel of Belize and its culture.

Punta Gorda

If you're searching for a town that cannot be described as anything less than remarkable, you need to make your way down to Punta Gorda.

Punta Gorda is a slightly ramshackle town (and I mean that as a beautiful compliment) it is located in the very Southern part of Belize along the coast.  The capital is the Toledo District a great place to soak up culture, sun, and history.

Punta Gorda

Many tourists have begun making their way to Punta Gorda, for its unique vibe, and excellent access points. What more could you want on a trip?
You can partake in great activities like off-shore fishing, caving, river trips, and birding. It is filled with lovely locals who will make sure your trip is fun, relaxed, and unique.

Punta Gorda does not lack in natural beauty, too. It boasts incredible scenery - great for the soul.

If you're planning to take a trip to the southern border, you cannot miss Punta Gorda. The people of Punta Gorda will welcome you with open arms as they are some of the nicest in the country!

P.S there's also a nightclub here if you're into that kind of thing.

Hopkins

Ah, Hopkins - what a beautiful little town, with culture, friendliness, and natural beauty in abundance. It's a coastal village, located south of Dangriga on the beach.  

Garifuna Celebrating

Hopkins is exceptionally traditional; the culture is vibrant and exciting. It is easy to head to the jungle to swim in the waterfalls, or if bird watching is your passion the many species will keep you looking out for more, or if you are the adventurer, then we recommend river tubing.

Hopkins is full of culture such as dancing, cooking, drumming, and language, once there you will feel one step closer to being a local.

As if that's not enough, Hopkins also gives you a chance to snorkel on the longest living coral reef in the Western hemisphere.  Enjoying the beauty of the corals, if you are lucky you may spot dolphins and, of course, the many exotic fish. What could be better?

If hiking is your idea of recreation, from Hopkins you can discover Maya mounds. Because who doesn't want to feel like a true explorer every now and then?

Perhaps the best thing ever is the opportunity to learn how to make your own nummy Maya chocolate. Every time you munch down on the most delicious piece of chocolate, you can be reminded of Hopkin's rich heritage and culture.

That's quite a few things to hit off your bucket list with just three small towns.

Traveling is the most fantastic experience in the world, and sometimes you need to go to smaller parts to really engulf in the rich culture and ancestry of a country.

Small towns, like these listed above, have very often stayed true to their heritage.

We suggest, mix up your trips. Visit substantial tourist destinations, and take a trip to a quiet town filled with culture.  We appreciate and learn to love their customs and traditions, Belize an UnBelizeable country!

Hopkins Beach