A Travel Guide to Belize! Things To Do, Where to Eat, and How to Get Around!

Belize is a beautiful country located in Central America, known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant culture. I spent one week in Belize and explored three different parts of the country: San Pedro, San Ignacio and Hopkins. In this travel guide, I share some of the top things to do, where to eat, how to get around, and finish off with some tips on visiting Belize!

San Pedro, Belize

San Pedro is probably the most visited and touristy destination in Belize, and it’s located on the island of Ambergris Caye. To get to San Pedro Belize from the airport in Belize City, you have a couple options:

1. Take a domestic flight: There are several domestic airlines that operate flights between Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and San Pedro. The flight takes about 15 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of Belize. You can book a flight with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. The cost to fly one way is $100 USD.
2. Take a water taxi: There are water taxi services that operate between Belize City and San Pedro Town. The ride takes about 75 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. You can take the water taxi from the Belize City Marine Terminal to San Pedro. Two popular water taxi companies are San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. The cost of the ferry is about $25 USD. You will also need to get from the airport to the ferry terminal. You can book the transfer to the ferry terminal by clicking here!

I opted to fly one way from the airport in Belize City to San Pedro with Tropic Air so I could enjoy the experience of the aerial views, but then I took the ferry back with the San Pedro Belize Express in order to save some money and have a different experience (I did see a dolphin)!

Things To Do in San Pedro:

1. Go snorkeling or diving in the Belize Barrier Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and/oVisit Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected marine area that is home to a wide variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish. You can snorkel or dive in the reserve to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Most boat tours will also stop at Shark Ray Alley and provide a bucketlist opportunity to swim with nurse sharks! I booked my tour with Tuff E Nuff Tours but many hotels will offer boat tours as well. You can also book this well-reviewed tour through Viator by clicking here!
2. Take a Day Trip to Caye Caulker! You can take the water taxi to get here and it takes about 30 mins. Some of the boat tours and snorkelling trips also stop at Caye Caulker for a few hours, which is enough time to have lunch, walk around and have a cocktail or go for a swim.
3. Visit Secret Beach: Secret Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Belize. Its secluded location, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful scenery make it a true paradise. Here is some information to help you plan your visit:

• How to get there: Secret Beach is located about 4 miles from the town of San Pedro. You can get there by car or via golf cart. I recommending going by golf cart, it’s a lot of fun and the journey takes about 50 mins one-way! Golf cart tips: Make sure you allow enough time to get back before the sun goes down so you aren’t driving in the dark and also make sure you have a full tank of gas!
• Things to do: Secret Beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also several beach bars/restaurants where you can enjoy food and drinks while seated at a table right in the water. Waiters will serve you by walking through the water! I visited the following places and recommend them both: Maruba Beach Klub (for breakfast in the water) and Blue Bayou (for lunch).
• What to bring: Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a swimsuit. You may also want to bring some cash as some of the beach bars and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
• Other things to keep in mind: Secret Beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot. I found it started to get busy by late morning!

Where to Eat in San Pedro:

San Pedro, Belize has a variety of restaurants and eateries that offer a diverse range of cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in San Pedro:

1. Elvi’s Kitchen – This restaurant is a local favorite and serves authentic Belizean cuisine such as stewed chicken, conch fritters, and seafood.
2. Caramba– A popular family owned and operated restaurant that offers a variety of international and Belizean dishes and is known for it’s fresh seafood- you can pick what you want to eat from “the catch of the day” which is an assortment of seafood laid out on ice, and they they will cook it the way you want (blackened, fried, garlic butter..etc)
3. Estel’s Dine by the Sea – This casual spot is known for its hearty breakfasts and offers classic Belizean dishes such as fry jacks, johnny cakes, and huevos rancheros.
4. The Palapa Bar and Grill – This open-air bar and grill is located on a pier and offers a casual atmosphere with live music, seafood, and tropical drinks.

Getting around in San Pedro:

San Pedro is a small island, so the best way to get around is by foot, bike, or golf cart. Golf carts are the most popular mode of transportation on the island, and can be rented through your hotel (which is usually a bit more expensive) or through a local company, just make sure the company is reputable and has good reviews such as this option!

San Ignacio, Belize

San Ignacio is a town located in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala. This area of Belize offers incredible jungle experiences, cave tours, and other adventurous excursions!

Things to do in San Ignacio:

1. Visit the Mayan ruins: San Ignacio is located near several ancient Mayan ruins, including Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. These ruins are some of the best-preserved in Belize and offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization.
2. Explore the caves: There are several caves in the San Ignacio area and many companies provide tours of these caves, including the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, which contains ancient Mayan artifacts and human remains. The ATM cave tour is one of the top rated excursions in Belize, but note it is physically demanding tour and is not appropriate for small children. The Barton Creek Cave tour is another popular choice which involves canoeing through the cave.
3. Wildlife encounters: San Ignacio is home to a wide variety of bird species, including toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds, so birdwatching is a popular activity!. You can also learn about and interact with iguanas up close at the Green Iguana Conservation Project.
4. Macal River: Many hotels in the areas offer tubing and canoeing down the river free of charge. It is a great relaxing activity and you will likely encounter some wildlife along the way!
5. Adventure tours: there are so many options for adventure tours, including waterfall repelling, ATVing, zip lining and more! Click here to see your options!

Where to eat in San Ignacio

I ate all my meals at the hotels I stayed at because they were remotely located in the jungle, and restaurants were far away. But if you are staying in the town of San Ignacio then you will be able to eat in restaurants. Here are some options I was aware of, but please note I did not eat at any of these restaurants:

1. Hode’s Place: Hode’s Place is a local institution, known for its hearty Belizean breakfasts and traditional dishes such as rice and beans and stewed chicken. The restaurant also serves American-style breakfasts, and burgers.
2. Ko-Ox Han Nah: This restaurant serves authentic Maya cuisine, using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Dishes include tamales, chaya soup, and cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish).
3. Guava Limb Café: A popular spot for lunch and dinner, serving a mix of Belizean and international cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio and a cozy indoor dining room, and is known for its creative cocktails.

Getting around in San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a small town, so the best way to get around is by foot or taxi. Taxis are readily available and can be called ahead of time by your hotel. Ideally having a rental car is best to explore the San Ignacio area since a lot of the attractions are a 20-60 min drive away. Car rentals range from around 60 USD$ per day for an economy car and 100 US$ per day for an SUV, but you can find deals if you rent a car for a whole week and the car can be rented and then returned to the airport.

Hopkins, Belize

Hopkins is a small coastal village located in southeastern Belize and is home to the Garifuna people and culture. Here are some things to do in Hopkins:

1. Relax on the beach: Hopkins is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Belize, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
2. Learn about and experience Garifuna Culture. This is a must do experience in Hopkins! The Garifuna people are descendants of the Afro-indigenous population from the Caribbean island of St Vincent that were exiled to Central America in the 18th century. I recommend visiting some local Garifuna restaurants on the beach, such as Queen Bee and doing a cooking and drumming experience during your visit. I enjoyed learning to make a local dish called “hudut”, a soup made with coconut milk and fish. I also loved listening and dancing to the local “punta” music and learning about a Belizian style of Jonkunnu, known as the “Wanaragua”.
3. Visit the Mayflower Bocawina National Park: The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located near Hopkins and is home to several hiking trails, as well as waterfalls and ancient Mayan ruins. You can also do a ziplining and waterfall rappelling tour here!
4. Watch the sunset and have cocktails and ceviche at the Big Dock Bar, a two storey over-the-water bar located at the Lodge at Jaguar Reef.

Where to eat in Hopkins

Hopkins, Belize is known for its diverse cuisine, influenced by the local Garifuna culture and international flavors. Here are some suggestions for where to eat in Hopkins:

1. Ella’s Cool Spot: Ella’s is a well-known bar and restaurant in Hopkins, offering a variety of dishes including seafood, burgers, and traditional Belizean cuisine. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with indoor and outdoor seating available. In addition to food and drinks, Ella’s also offers live music and karaoke on weekends.
2. Queen Bean: Queen Bean is a Garifuna restaurant/bar located on the beach in Hopkins.
3. Thongs Café: This restaurant serves delicious Garifuna dishes such as hudut, a fish stew made with coconut milk and plantains, and cassava bread.
4. Love on the Rocks: This restaurant has a wide range of seafood dishes, as well as options for vegetarians and vegans. Their shrimp curry is a popular dish.
5. Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack: If you’re in the mood for pizza, this beach bar is the place to go. They also serve burgers, salads, and other pub-style food.
6. Chef Rob’s Gourmet Café: This restaurant serves a mix of international and Belizean dishes, including lobster curry and Creole-style fish.

Getting around in Hopkins

Hopkins is a small village, so the best way to get around is by foot or bike. Bikes can be rented from local shops, and there are also taxis available for longer journeys.

Tips for visiting Belize:

1. Plan your trip during the dry season: Belize has two seasons – the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The dry season is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and there is less rainfall.
2. Think about transportation costs: If you are planning to visit a few areas of Belize then you should consider renting a car because arranging multiple private transfers can become expensive.
3. Try the local cuisine: Belizean food is a fusion of various cultures, including African, Mayan, and Caribbean. Make sure to try some of the local dishes, such as rice and beans, fry jacks, hudut, and tamales.
4. Pack appropriate clothing: Belize is a tropical country, so make sure to pack light and breathable clothing. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
5. Language: English is the official language of Belize, so for English speakers it is easy to navigate the country.
6. Be aware of the currency exchange rate: The currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate to avoid any confusion when making purchases.
7. Stay safe: Like any other country, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe when visiting Belize. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, be aware of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit and populated areas at night.
8. Have fun! Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. You can’t do and see everything in a one-week visit. Prioritize what is most important for you to see and do and enjoy your trip!
9. For more help with planning your trip, I found this website to be very helpful: https://belizing.com

If you want to know where I stayed in Belize check out my other blog post: Where to stay in Belize: 4 Luxury Hotels that offer a Unique Experience