Most people who head to Belize stop off at one of the gorgeous Cayes for some incredible diving and snorkelling, and might add in a night in Belize City to explore some of the nightlife and great restaurants before heading north to Mexico or south to Guatemala. Sadly almost everyone who travels to or through Belize misses out on a great little town called Corozal.

Corozal´s 9 miles south of the Mexican border, and about 85 miles north of Belize City. It´s situated on the waterfront (known as Corozal Bay) and between two rivers – New River and Rio Hondo.

Admittedly there´s not a lot to do which is great because it forces you to stop and relax. You can leisurely wander through the streets stopping to chat with the locals (English is widely spoken, and Spanish is present too), browsing the little trinket stores and then reward your efforts with a ice cold (and cheap!) beer from one of the many little restaurants/cafes around. While your there indulge in some of the delicious meals on offer. ´Stew chicken with rice n beans´is so delicious Guy had it for lunch and dinner. The hamburgers are amazing and the barbequed meats are incredible.

Stew Chicken, with rice n beans

If you do want to do something there are the small Santa Rita ruins a couple of kilometres from the town centre – easily accessed via a bike ride. They are very small, and less impressive than the bigger ruins of Palenque or Tikal – but you can walk over and through them, as well as into two burial tombs discovered there. They are located in the middle of a park, smack bang in the middle of a suburban housing division so you cant miss them – just ask any local for directions. You can also catch a ferry to the Cerros ruins for a nice day trip (remember to pack some mosquito repellent the bugs are hideous!), or visit the Lamanai ruins in Orange Walk (you would need to stay the night). The markets next to the bus station are also worth exploring if your craving some healthy food.

Approaching the Santa Rita Ruins

There aren´t any hostels in Corozal – they simply don´t get enough tourist thoroughfare to justify it, but there are several nice hotels. We can highly recommend the Seabreeze Hotel – we got a double room with air conditioning, an ensuite with complimentary towels and a tv with cable for BZ$65 (US$30). It overlooks the water and its just a couple of blocks from the town square. They also have a laundry service. bike hire, a restaurant serving breakfast and a bar.

If your ever are passing through Belize – check out Corozal, you´ll be pleasantly suprised .

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