Belize Districts

Belize is located in Northern Central America with the Caribbean Sea to the East and bounded by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the West and South. It is made up of six districts, each unique in its own right. Here are the districts from north to south!

Corozal

District capital: Corozal Town

The northernmost district of the country it is home to the towns and villages of Chunox, Consejo, Little Belize, Louisville, Patchacan, Progresso, San Joaquin, Xaibeand Sarteneja. Explore the Maya Sites: Santa Rita and Cerros. Known for the beautiful blue waters of its bay, a trip to Sarteneja (a fishing village) is, where you can fish in the shallows and see the many birds and butterflies that flock there.

Orange Walk

District Capital: Orange Walk Town

The northwest district, Orange Walk is also known as “Sugar City” (pronounced Shugacity). Home to other significant towns and villages like Carmelita, Guinea Grass Town, San Estevan, San Jose, San Pablo, Shipyard, Indian Church, San Carlos, and Trial Farm, it is populated by mostly Mestizo people. The Maya ruin of Lamanai, and the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, a large private nature reserve, are worth a visit. Be sure to tour Belize’s largest body of water, The New River Lagoon.

Belize

District Main Hub: Belize City

Even though Belmopan is the capital of the Belize District, Belize City is still its center, a hub of commercial, residential and tourist activity. Most of the Belize District is located in the east-central mainland of Belize; it also includes various offshore islands – Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, St. George’s Caye and Goff’s Caye. Be sure to visit the Crooked Tree and the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuaries, Belize Zoo as well as the ancient Maya temple of Altun Ha.

Cayo

District Capital: San Ignacio

The Western district houses the nation’s capital of Belmopan, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, the villages of San Antonio, Cayo, Valley of Peace, St. Margret’s, Teakettle, Roaring Creek, Albania, Spanish Lookout and also the district capital, San Ignacio. The Cayo District also contains the Maya sites of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol. With two national parks, The Blue Hole (park) and Guanacaste, Cayo is the destination for the adventurous traveler.

Belmopan

The relocated capital of Belize is also known as the garden city. Government buildings, embassies, banks and NGO offices dot the urban landscape. Belmopan’s charm is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the old Capital, Belize City. Find river lodges, Guanacaste national park, a rich market and a more laid-back rhythm of life.

Stann Creek

District Capital: Dangriga

The South East region of Belize, Stann Creek is known for its production of citrus and banana. The Afro-Caribbean heartland includes the port of Big Creek (the main port of Belize’s banana industry), the peninsula and village of Placencia, Hopkins, Independence and Mango Creek and Mullins River. The Stann Creek District is also home to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (The only Jaguar reserve in the world). Victoria Peak, at 1120 meters (3,675 feet) above sea level is a wonder to behold.

Toledo

District Capital: Punta Gorda

Toledo District is the southernmost district of Belize. Important towns like Monkey River Town and Toledo Settlement, the villages of San Pedro Columbia and Silver Creek, Blue Creek as well as the Maya sites of Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, and Uxbenkaare located here.