What is authentic Belize? If you're vacationing in Belize and don't want to spend your entire holiday at top tourist destinations, then going off the beaten path is a great way to discover lesser-known areas and connect with locals. Culturally authentic coastal cities like Seine Bight, the scenic diving destination of Glover's Reef Atoll, and mellow mainland towns such as Corozal lack pretension — they also tend to have simpler accommodation options than some of the country's more popular spots.
You won't find big crowds in off the beaten path locations, so you'll get an accurate view of what life is like in Belize. These destinations provide you with a good home base for hiking, snorkeling, sport fishing, and visiting ruins. Most importantly, they're great for discovering the local haunts, activities, and culinary choices favored by native Belizeans — it doesn't get more authentic than that.
#1: Punta Gorda
Get to know life in one of Belize’s seaside towns — Punta Gorda. Because it’s set apart from Belize’s main tourist attractions, it’s easier to meet people and learn about the area’s Garífuna, West Indies, and Mayan culture — an experience many tourists miss.
Visit outdoor markets to explore local shops, or satisfy your sweet tooth at the chocolate factory. Staying near Punta Gorda, you'll be a short trip from the ruins of Lubaantun, which was a busy Mayan city over 1,000 years ago. See more of the coast on a fishing trip to one of the region's many biodiverse cayes.
#2: Corozal
Corozal is right on the edge of a bay with clear water. Experience Latin culture and stay at accommodations that embrace the beauty of their tropical surroundings.
You'll feel like you're truly on a getaway. There isn't much tourist infrastructure, but you can still plan excursions like kayaking and fishing. This town is very near the border with Guatemala, making it a popular stopover for people continuing on to archeological sites like Chichen-Itza.
