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Things to See and Do | Dining | Accommodations
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Start in Corozal Town, modern incarnation of a city 4,000 years old, built on the foundations of ancient Santa Rita. Still visible in the Classic-period Maya temple less than a mile north of Central Park, Santa Rita straddled the riverine trade routes for cacao, honey, and vanilla. Important jade and ceramic artifacts have been whisked off to museums elsewhere, but several important frescoes have been destroyed and much of the old city has been paved over by the new.
Corozal Town arrays itself in a classical Hispanic grid - central square with clock tower, town hall, and churches - shaded by deep orange flamboyant trees (royal poincianas). A post office, playground, library, police station, and banks complete the neighborhood.
A beautiful mural at the town hall is the work of Belizean-Mexican artist Manuel Villamor Reyes. It covers local history from early Maya settlement to present-day sugar production. Take a look from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Stop by the Gabriel Hoare Market, rich with the exotic colors and scents of tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, located behind the police station. Two blocks from Central Park, a manicured stretch of beach has picnic tables, rain shelters, and a playground, perfect for swimming, biking, and other fun in the sun.
The waters here offer great fishing for anglers who do not fancy crowds. Giant tarpon and 20-pound snook swim these lagoons, rivers, and mangrove flats. A perfect day is capped by spotting local manatees. Four Mile Lagoon, just south of the Mexican border, is a calm respite for sailing, fishing, and kayaking.
Guides lead explorers through the waterways to the Maya site of Cerros, meaning "hills" in Spanish, which rises 70 feet and affords panoramic views of Corozal Bay. Jaguars, tapirs, and 250 species of birds reside here. A visitor center explains the site.
In the tiny coastal community of Copper Bank, the 500 residents sometimes get lost in the whirl of orchids, hibiscus, and lime, avocado, orange, papaya, banana, and tangerine trees. Set on Laguna Seca, few tourists make it to Copper Bank, but it charms those lucky enough to discover the hidden paradise. Three idyllic lagoons showcase crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, agoutis, tapirs, woodpeckers, toucans, storks, and countless other birds.
Ranchito Lagoon is dotted with hundreds of water lilies and hugged by red mangroves. Progresso Lagoon and Progresso Village attract visitors who enjoy a tranquil picnic. At the village, the Nancy Perry Butterfly Farm displays vibrant flowers and butterflies, including the lustrous blue morpho. Nearby Mennonite settlements include Little Belize, whose people eschew modern machinery, opting instead for hand tools and horse-drawn buggies. A small cenote (sinkhole) opens within the village.
The eastern Sarteneja Peninsula has prospered for thousands of years. Sarteneja's Maya name, "water between the rocks," refers to a massive stone well in the village. Legend claims the well has never run dry.
Archaeologists know of 350 ancient sites on the peninsula, especially near the abandoned village of Shipstern, but only one has been excavated. Today Sarteneja's 1,500 residents earn their income from the sea. Tour the crocodile farm and manatee reserve while in Sarteneja.
South of Sarteneja Village, visit the Shipstern Nature Reserve and its Butterfly Breeding Center for a chance to marvel at more than 200 species. All five of the country's wild cats inhabit the reserve's forests and savannas. Birdwatchers explore by boat in Shipstern Lagoon, with impressive wood-stork nesting sites.
Buses depart daily from Belize City for the three-hour trip to Sarteneja. From Corozal Town, just take the scenic 90-minute ferry ride.
Some tours include diving or snorkeling excursions to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, site of exceptional reef life and one of the best snorkeling spots in the country. Close encounters with rays, parrotfish, and angelfish await.
On the bay, seven miles north of Corozal, find the quaint fishing village of Consejo, a peaceful resort and retirement community, just 10 minutes by water taxi to Chetumal, Mexico. Boat tours from Consejo start around US$35 and leave from Casa Blanca Hotel by the Sea.
At the end of the Northern Highway, a bridge crosses Rio Hondo into Mexico. Taxis and buses take day-trippers into Chetumal for shopping, sightseeing, and authentic Mexican food. Visit Museo de la Cultura Maya, a museum of Maya culture. Ask about several nearby Maya sites, including the significant Kohunlich.
On the Belize side of the river, the Corozal Free Zone lures Mexican shoppers with duty-free merchandise, while deeply discounted liquors and perfumes interest the European and North American bargain hunters who came here.
South of Corozal are other popular excursions. One is the dreamy New River cruise to the major Maya site of Lamanai. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary provides a resting place for migrating and native birds during the dry season.
Things to See and Do | Dining | Accommodations
DINING
Restaurants around Corozal offer menus as varied as the local inhabitants, including Belizean, international, mestizo (Spanish-Maya), Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Caribbean, even French and Jamaican cuisines.
In Corozal Town, the Y-Not Grill & Bar at Tony's Inn & Beach Resort prepares Belizean, Mexican, and international fare, complete with romantic bay views. When dining indoors at Vista del Sol, also at Tony's Inn, expect seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
The thatched poolside lounge at Corozal Bay Inn offers fun drinks, tasty appetizers, and full meals alfresco. The inn's Rainforest Restaurant serves Belizean and international breakfast, lunch, and dinner, on hand-carved antique tables.
Find Belizean cuisine in the food court at Gabriel Hoare Market, in town. Popular Cactus serves Mexican fare, including salbutes and empanadas. Seafront Le Café Kela, by appointment only, treats diners to authentic French cuisine and appetizing pastries. The Hotel Maya serves authentic Belizean breakfast. Try French toast with real maple syrup at Latino Taste Restaurant.
In Consejo Village, dine indoors or under a palapa at Casa Blanca Hotel by the Sea, featuring succulent seafood, whole fresh fish, conch, shrimp, meat, traditional Belizean fare, and several international dishes. Dock the boat out back and dine overlooking the bay, with Mexico off in the distance.
Things to See and Do | Dining | Accommodations
ACCOMMODATIONS
Upscale lodgings enjoy Caribbean breezes and hug the turquoise bay, tempting all to wade in for a swim. Accommodations range from US$20 to $130 per room.
In Corozal Town, rooms at the beautifully landscaped Tony's Inn & Beach Resort overlook tropical vegetation and the sea, only a few feet away. Charming Corozal Bay Inn, with thatched-roofed waterfront cabanas, and the homey Copa Banana guesthouse, with a sea view and easy beach access, make good bases. Also just a coconut's throw from the sea are Hok'ol K'in, Hotel Maya, and Las Palmas Hotel. Beachside Villa Americas features an eclectic mix of tropical, American, and African art.
In Consejo Village, up the bay seven miles, Casa Blanca Hotel by the Sea treats its guests to great views and a serene ambiance.
Coming soon next to the free zone, Las Vegas Hotel & Casino will open in two phases: the first with 120 rooms and suites; the second with 180 rooms and a steakhouse on the top floor. The 54,000-square-foot casino and entertainment center already operates 24/7, featuring 450 slot and video reel machines and 30 table games. More casino action shakes up the Princess Hotel & Casino, offering a chance to meet Lady Luck and see Vegas-style shows, inside the free zone.
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