Corozal (original) (raw)

Corozal Town is located on a bay of the Caribbean Sea, its waters are often a milky green blue shade especially in the rainy season,

Location

88 miles) N of Belize City; 31 miles N of Orange Walk Town; S of the Mexican border

Corozal is a sleepy seaside town, located just south of the Río Hondo (Hondo River), which forms the border between Mexico and Belize. Set on a crystal-clear bay, Corozal was an important center on the early Mayan trading routes, and the evidence remains in the ruins of Cerros and Santa Rita, and the old English Fort Barley. During the mid-1800s the modern town was settled with a large population of refugees from Mexico’s Caste War.

Today, Corozal is home to a growing expatriate community, mostly concentrated in the northern tip of the town at Consejo Shores, and along the seaside in the Copper Bank and Chunox areas. While not part of the traditional tourist circuit, Corozal Town makes a good base for fishing excursions in the calm bay; bird- and wildlife-viewing tours into nearby Shipstern Nature Reserve; shopping trips to neighboring Chetumal, Mexico; and explorations of the aforementioned Mayan ruins.

Early morning in Corozal Town looking towards Mother’s Park to 1st Avenue on the Corozal Bay.

Getting To Corozal

It is easy to get to Corozal. If you are flying in to the PGIA International Airport in Belize city, you can catch a cab at the airport to wherever you want to go in Corozal. Or you can rent a car at the airport or arrange to be picked up by a shuttle. The trip by road is about two hours on a relatively good highway and a good way to see the towns, villages and countryside of northern Belize.

If you cross into Belize overland from Guatemala in western Belize, the trip is about half a day if using public transport as you will need to change buses in Belize city. Driving your own vehicle or a rental from the western border, the trip is about four hours. If you arrive overland at the Corozal border with Mexico, well you are already there! Depending on what method of transport you arrived in, the trip from the border is about 30 minutes what with clearing immigration and customs but can be longer if on a weekend when traffic builds up.

The Town Of Corozal

Arriving into the country by road through Mexico gives the first-time visitor as first taste of Belize – the northernmost district of Corozal. The district capital is Corozal Town. Traditionally the heart of the country’s sugar growing and processing industry, Corozal today is more well-known for its Free Zone at the border crossing with Mexico, sprawling housing development favored by expats and low cost of living.

Corozal Town is a convenient base for day trips to Chetumal, the capital of Mexico’s southern state of Quintana Roo which is nine miles away, or for excursions to the Maya ruins and beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. San Pedro Ambergris Caye, the most popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, is only 15 minutes by air from the Corozal airstrip. It is 90 miles from Belize City to Corozal by road and buses run daily. Corozal is located between two scenic rivers, the New River in the Orange Walk District and the Rio Hondo that forms a natural boundary with Mexico. The district has its fair share of Maya ruins, boating, nature trails, swimming and fly fishing attractions. The municipality of Bacalar Quintana Roo with its famous Cenote Azul is about one hour’s drive from Corozal.

Aerial view of Corozal Town and the bay looking north. Fourth Avenue (lower left) runs all the way to the north of the town and is the main street.

Corozal Town proper is definitely go slow and easy going. Eclipsed by the bustling neighbor of Chetumal City, Corozal has devolved into a sedentary town that is well maintained and well laid out. Most of the town was destroyed by a hurricane in 1955, and before being rebuilt, streets and avenues were properly laid out making it one of only two municipal centers in Belize (the other is the City of Belmopan) with reasonably wide streets and good drainage.

Ambling its quiet streets you will find three banks, a library, a small museum, three churches, two primary schools, a run down gas station (most everyone goes across the border to fill up the car), several Chinese greasy spoons, a few shops and a small produce market. All this within 10 minutes walking distance from each other.

There is not much to do here and most of the activity takes place downtown on 4th Avenue around the Central Park on weekdays when folks come into town to do banking, collect salaries or buy essentials. Weekends are quiet as Corozalenos take their weekend rest or decamp for the Mexican City of Chetumal where everything is more reasonably priced and the variety available at Sam’s Club and Walmart is irresistible. Once a month the culture ministry sponsors a Culture In The Park event where artists and artisans come together to sell their products and mingle.

Living In Corozal Town

Central Park in Corozal Town is a family gathering spot on Saturdays and Sundays.

Corozal is the country’s fourth largest populated district, with 20,335 residents. and home to a growing community of North American and European retirees.

In 2015 the American Association of Retired Persons, the AARP, ranked Corozal a top retirement destination. The article describes Corozal: “The Corozal district, a few miles’ drive from the Mexican border, is far more affordable. Corozal expats live a laid-back life, with year-round outdoor play (boating, hiking, swimming, diving), but are still only minutes from the malls and cineplexes of Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.” Check out our Top Ten Reasons To Live or Retire in Belize page.

Another interesting view of Corozal comes from an American retiree in Corozal.

He writes: “When we first visited Corozal in May 1998, Charlotte decided that she wanted to live here. It was hot and dry in May, and the town was in the economic doldrums, but we still loved it. The bay front reminded me of Santa Monica.”

The Santa Rita Maya Site at the west end of Corozal was recently renovated to make for a better tourism experience.

Today, even with the Corozal Free Zone business, the district and town are still laid back and easy going- especially the town with its quaint seaside feel. Indeed, if you go jogging along the road that winds around the Bay, don’t be surprised at the numerous greetings of “Good Morning” or “Buenos Dias” you’ll hear. Corozal Town sits on the Bay of Corozal; its population is 10,888. The town was built by refugees fleeing civil war between Mestizos and Indians in Mexico. Spanish is the predominant language here. Yet, like everywhere else in Belize, the multinational blend is evident everywhere: Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Asian all claim this rather tranquil seaside community as their home.

Amidst the squalor of the Corozal Free Zone, casino action is available round the clock.

The Corozal Free Zone is a major source of employment and business for area residents. The Zone is not open to Belize residents and caters to the large population in Quintana Roo. A sprawling and some would say ramshackle complex, it sits right on the border crossing into Mexico at Santa Elena village in Belize, going into the well populated and booming town of Alvaro Obregon on the Mexican side. Chetumal City with a population larger than that of the entire country of Belize is a 20 minute drive down the road or a 5 minute boat ride from Consejo village near to Corozal Town.

The Corozal Free Zone operates as a minimal tax area providing casinos, hotels, shopping arcades and wholesale depots for many consumer items. Over one million Mexican visitors come across every year looking for bargains that may be difficult to find in their country. The zone employs over 3,000 Belizeans. As of 2024 the Corozal Free Zone has has revived with a new 1.6 kilometre highway to handle traffic from Mexican visitors under construction.

Attractions In Corozal

Annual Corozal Town Marching Band Competition is one the few public events that brings out the crowds.

A visit to market located just two streets from the the bay area is a wonderful experience of exotic fruits and friendly faces. On the seaside is a renovated 19th century Customs house, with a distinctive steeple that serves as a makeshift museum. It displays, among other things, Mayan artifacts, a pictorial history of the sugarcane industry and the district.

The history of Corozal, including a graphic depiction of the Yucatan Caste War and the impact of colonial rule on the Mayan people, are sketched in a strikingly beautiful mural on the wall of Corozal’s Town Hall. The Corozal Town Hall Mural, painted by artist Manuel Villamor Reyes, was restored in 1986 and updated to depict the exploitation of immigrant workers during the 1850’s and 1860’s. The mural can be viewed through the windows on the ground floor if the town hall is closed.

Corozal has two main Maya sites, Santa Rita, located on the northern outskirts of the town, and Cerros which is across the bay. Several resorts dot the picturesque bay and the Shipstern Protected area is nearby. But most residents would argue that the best attraction is Chetumal City with its distinct culture, malls, entertainment – all within an easy drive just down the road.

Where To Stay In Corozal

As Corozal does not have much tourism traffic, lodging options are somewhat limited. In town Tony’s Hotel on the seaside is one of the better places to stay. Mirador Hotel in the town itself is a good option for budget travellers. Out of town you can find a few resorts such as Serenity Sands and Almond Tree Resort.

What To Eat In Corozal

Given its proximity to Mexico, Mexican / Latino food is abundant and delicious in the Corozal area. Much like other districts in Belize, you will find the standard local fare and Belizean snack foods that are so beloved around the country. Food stands abound in the southside Miami Beach area, especially on weekends. Corozal also has excellent markets offering some of the freshest produce, especially the downtown market near the bus station. Be sure to stop at one of stands in town and try fresh fruit juices, another local specialty that is even better in Corozal.

Popular snacks include chamoyadas and smoothies made with fresh local fruit, tamales made with chicken, beans, chaya and pork. Fish empanadas, paletas, ice cream and the ubiquitous barbecue.

A sample menu of what to eat in Corozal. Burritos, salbutes,quesadillas, enchiladas and more.

Retirement In Corozal

A retirement development at Consejo residential community 7 miles north of Corozal Town.

The proximity of Corozal to Mexico and its splendid big city attractions makes the district a favorite for retirees. Several expat communities can be found in Corozal, the largest one at Consejo which is a 20 minute drive on a bumpy road north of the town. Consejo is the northernmost population centre of Belize, at the very tip of Belize facing Chetumal city. If you stand on the shore at Consejo you can actually see Chetumal city with the naked eye about a mile across the water. Once a fishing and cane farming community, the area is now taken up with sprawling residential communities. A fair number of resorts and hotels are spread out over the Corozal district. See our Where To Stay In Belize page.

Most home owners are from North America and Europe and the properties are well developed with manicured lawns and prosperous looking homes. There are always lots of land available for development (remember this is a retirement community) but seafront properties like everywhere else fetch a premium. Although Chetumal city is so close, access by motor boat is easiest – about an 15 minute ride. Driving from Consejo to Chetumal involves a circuitous route – first back south to Corozal Town, then driving up north to the border – about a 30 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic.

Sarteneja

A pier and boats at Sarteneja Village Corozal.

The Sarteneja peninsula, jutting out towards the Yucatán in the northeast of Belize, is covered with dense forests, swamps and lagoons that support an amazing array of wildlife. Though the area is largely unpopulated and could once be reached only by boat, the lobster-fishing village of Sarteneja, the peninsula’s main settlement, is has now attracted tourism and retirees. The northeast corner of Belize includes Copper Bank and Chunox once primarily fishing and farming communities. Sarteneja and the shoreline are pretty enough, but one of the region’s main attraction is Shipstern Nature Reserve, on the road three miles before the village.
The Sarteneja peninsula, jutting out towards the Yucatán in the northeast of Belize, is covered with dense forests, swamps and lagoons that support an amazing array of wildlife. Though the area is largely unpopulated and could once be reached only by boat, the lobster-fishing village of Sarteneja, the peninsula’s main settlement, is has now attracted tourism and retirees. The northeast corner of Belize includes Copper Bank and Chunox once primarily fishing and farming communities. Sarteneja and the shoreline are pretty enough, but one of the region’s main attraction is Shipstern Nature Reserve, on the road three miles before the village.

Sartneja, from Tzaten-a-ha (meaning “water among the rocks”), was largely settled in 1854 by refugees from the Caste Wars of Yucatán. Due to its historic isolation from the rest of Belize, it retains close ties to Mexico and its inhabitants are primarily Spanish-speaking mestizos This beautiful village across the Corozal Bay has gorgeous seaside views and living, even better that Corozal town. Due to its unique location on the Corozal Bay and the the ocean, it is the only place in Belize where you can see the sun set over the Caribbean Sea. The area is perfect for swimming, birdwatching, fishing and and simply lounging in the sun. A village famous for artisan sailing boat building and fishermen, it is seeing rapid development and settlement by expats. Once difficult to access due to poor roads and the need to cross the Laguna Seca and Pueblo Viejo rivers by hand-cranked ferry, the area now has modern infrastructure thanks to a US$50 million financial assistance package from the government of Taiwan. The Corozal Sarteneja Road Upgrading project includes paving the 27 miles between Corozal Town and Sarteneja and two new bridges to replace the old ferries.

Shipstern Nature Reserve

White-necked Puffbirds thrive in northern Belize and seem like bizarre birds not immediately relatable to any group of birds and that’s because they have their own family. They live in dense forests, and are sometimes observed along forested roads, waiting for food. Their technique for obtaining food is called “sit-and-wait” Yes, seriously. That massive bill also gives them an edge as to which insects they can consume. Cicadas, Grasshoppers and even the larger insects with a tough exoskeleton, no problem. Anoles and small snakes, sure.

Established in 1981, the unique Shipstern Nature Reserve (daily 8am–4pm) named for an unexcavated Maya centre in its forested depths – crosses two bio-geographical regions and is home to numerous species, some found only in Belize. Its approximately 27,000 acres, dotted with small mangrove islands, saline swamps and wetlands, contain much of Shipstern Lagoon. Roughly a third of the reserve is tropical moist forest, which includes over a hundred plant species, though the effects of Hurricane Janet, which whipped through in 1955, still show in the absence of mature growth. Elsewhere are wide belts of savannah, covered in coarse grasses, palms and broadleaf trees. Several guided trails invite exploration, occasionally in one of the reserve’s safari-type vehicles, and it’s possible to arrange after-dark tours, as well as overnights in the guesthouse or further afield. Simply by spending an hour on the superb botanical trail from the visitor centre (off the main road, served by all Sarteneja buses), you’ll encounter more recorded plant species than on any other trail in Belize.

Shipstern is a nature-lover’s paradise. The lagoon system supports blue-winged teal, American coot, thirteen species of egret and huge flocks of American wood stork, while the forest is home to flycatchers, warblers, keel-billed toucans, collared aracari and at least five species of parrot. In addition to birds, there are crocodiles, manatees, coatis, jaguars, peccaries, deer, raccoons, pumas (though the tracks of larger animals are more commonly seen than the animals themselves) and an abundance of insects, particularly butterflies, which you can view at the butterfly farm. Camouflaged treehouses throughout the reserve enable you to get good views of wildlife without disturbing the animals, though you’ll need a guide to find them, and the Xo-Pol Ponds offer an unparalleled chance to see Morelet’s crocodiles and waterfowl throughout much of the year.