VACATION DETAILS

A fast-developing but still ultralow-key beach area on the coast between Dangriga and Placencia, 80 mi/130 km by road south of Belize City, Hopkins maintains the feel of a friendly Garifuna village. It's a great place to learn about the culture.

In addition to the handful of budget options, several upscale hotels have opened in the area.

Primarily inhabited by the Garifuna people, Hopkins is split into two parts by the water: Baila on the northern side and False Sittee on the southern side. The town makes a good base for explorations to the cayes, reefs and islands to the east, and the jungles and the Maya mountains to the west.

Hamanasi Resort has a PADI-certified diving operation on-site. https://www.hamanasi.com/belize-diving.

Cayo spans more than 2,000 square miles across diverse terrain, changing from lush river valleys and savannas, to jungle hillsides and rugged mountain ridges. With an estimated population of around 40,000, one of Cayo Districts most important industries is ecotourism. Besides the country's most extensive number of archeological sites and a growing number of comfortable accommodations, Cayo offers visitors the unique opportunity to encounter its physically diverse flora and fauna, with such natural wonders as cascading waterfalls and limestone caves in an intact and relatively undisturbed environment. In fact over 60% of Cayo District has been set aside as either a Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, or Forest Reserve. To experience Cayo you can hike, canoe, travel by horseback, or tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned van. Whatever your preference, prepare yourself for the ultimate in an "up close and personal" experience you're not likely to forget.