Corozal

Corozal

The small, seaside town of Corozal, rests nine miles south of the Mexico border and between two scenic rivers, the Rio Hondo and the New River.  This part of Belize is less visited, as it is off the beaten path and great for archaeological explorations.

The town of Corozal itself is built around a Mayan site that is believed to be the ancient city of Chetumal. Today, Mayans, and Spanish, as well as Mennonite farmers populate northern Belize. Corozal is also well known for its Free Zone and is a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal, Mexico or excursions to the Mayan ruins and beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.
 
Lamanai is considered by many to be the finest of the Mayan archaeological sites in Belize and is located in the Corozal region. It rises from the jungle and overlooks the New River. Lamanai is accessible by road, horseback and plane, but boat tours offer the most incredible views of the archeological and natural splendors of this region. Boat tours of the New River provide the opportunity to see a crocodiles, monkeys, and a large variety of birds, including toucans and Macaw parrots. You might even spot a jaguar or another one of the Northern region's big cats. Local accommodations along the river range from guesthouses to full service jungle lodges.

One of the most popular Belize vacation destinations for scuba divers and snorkelers, Ambergris Caye and its town of San Pedro, is 15 minutes by plane from the Corozal airstrip. When considering destinations that offer the best beach vacations, you may want to consider combining Ambergris Caye with the magic of the Mayan sites and jungle tours in Corozal. As always, when planning a Belize vacation, book tours well in advance.