Belizean Travellers: Put These Places on Your 2026 Travel List
If you’re an avid Belizean Traveller, you’ll know that’s there’s plenty to do and see across the country year-round. Still, there are always those hidden gems and off the beaten path destinations that can fall off even the most intrepid traveler’s radar. As the year quickly comes to an end, you might already be dreaming up the places you’ll go and the things you’ll do come 2026. If that includes traveling more, be sure to put these locations on your 2026 travel list.
Hopkins Village
Ditch the crowds and enjoy a quiet escape to Hopkins. There’s tons to do in nearby areas (like ziplining at Bocawina National Park). Meanwhile, the village itself is small enough to enjoy on a quick two or three-day weekend. Home to some of the country’s prettiest stretches of beach, Hopkins is as dreamy as it is quaint. It’s far more than just another beachside destination, though. Alongside Dangriga, it’s one of the best places to experience Garifuna culture and heritage. And beyond that, it’s a great place to unwind and embrace go slow living for a while.
Places of Interest
- Palmento Grove Grove Garifuna Eco Cultural & Fishing Institute on Kalipuna Island was named Cultural Experience of the Year at the 2025 Tourism Awards.
- Kenima’s Garifuna Cooking Class, also a Tourism Awards finalist, is perfect for immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. Sitting on the north end of the village, Kenima’s shares a yard space with the Lebeha Drumming Center. This makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking for hands on experiences.
- For the foodies, be sure to check out Tugucina Garifuna, Ella’s Cool Spot, Driftwood Beach Bar and Nice Cream Hopkins. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, hearty hudut, or beloved classics like pizza and ice cream, the options, while not endless, are diverse.
Elijio Panti National Park
Named Belize’s Site of the Year for 2025 at the National Tourism Awards, the Elijio Panti National Park is every nature lover’s dream come true. Flanked by the villages of San Antonio, Cristo Rey and El Progresso, the park has lots to offer in terms of unique experiences. Embark on a hiking trip with the Belize Hiking Group to discover the breathtaking (although somewhat challenging) Offering Cave. Take a dip in the refreshing pool that sits beneath Sapodilla Falls. Or explore what the surrounding communities have to offer, from pottery lessons and tortilla making classes, to one-of-a-kind Mayan cuisine.
Punta Gorda Town
Pay a visit to Belize’s “forgotten south” for a truly relaxing escape. Though it may come as a surprise to some, the sleepy town of Punta Gorda serves as the ideal base for some real off-the-beaten path travel. Just outside of town, award winning luxury resort Copal Tree Lodge (Belize’s Hotel of the Year) has no shortage of culinary tours. Take your pick from chocolate making, coffee cupping, rum tasting, mixology lessons, and even a full farm tour. Sites like Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, Blue Creek Cave, the Belize Spice Farm, Ixcacao Chocolate, and the idyllic Snake Cayes are also just a stone’s throw away.
Inside the village itself, discover a handful of eateries, like Grace’s Restaurant. Visit town landmarks, like We Art Gallery. Or, simply kick back and enjoy PG’s unmistakable laidback vibe.
Gales Point Manatee (“Malanti”)
A tiny sliver of land in the middle of the Belize District’s Southern Lagoon, the village of Gales Point Manatee (or “Malanti”) is brimming with Kriol culture. And having just received inscription onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for it’s Bram and Sambai traditions, the village is sure to be lively this coming year. Their momentous achievement will surely add to the already usually festive air that exists during special occasions like the Sambai.
Where Will You Be Headed in 2026?
Although small in comparison to other countries, Belize still offers a vast array of things to do, places to see, and new experiences to encounter. At Belizean Traveller, we make it our mission to encourage Belizeans both at home and across the diaspora to explore the beautiful country we get to call ours. If you’re resolving to travel more this coming New Year, be sure to join the Belizean Traveller movement by following us on social media and tagging us in your best travel snapshots.