Coastal Village Garifuna Culture Mayflower Bocawina Natural Park Adventure Cockscomb Sanctuary
Things To Do In Hopkins
Hopkins is a coastal village in the Stann Creek District that is known as the cultural heart of the Garifuna people in Belize. It's a popular travel destination for visitors who want a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor tours, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. It's a great place for walking, biking, or just unwinding on its quiet, palm-lined beaches.
Hopkins offers many things to do: The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar preserve, is nearby and offers hiking trails and waterfalls; Mayflower Bocawina National Park is another popular travel destination, known for hiking, the longest zipline course in Central America, and waterfall rappelling. For marine adventures, the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short boat ride away, offering tours for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
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Travel Guide for Hopkins Attractions & Activities
Discovering The Village
Hopkins has become a popular travel destination in Belize with plenty of attractions. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Garifuna culture and learn to play the drums. You can also explore local restaurants to try the authentic Garifuna cuisine, a fusion of African and Caribbean flavors. Additionally you can also relax at the beaches which are known for being long, peaceful, and uncrowded.
Garifuna Culture
Hopkins is considered the cultural center of the Garifuna population in Belize. Visitors can experience traditional Garifuna drumming and dancing, and learn about the culture through cooking classes and other activities. Popular Garifuna dishes include Hudut, a coconut milk-based soup with onions, basil, whole snapper, and mashed plantains, and Tapado.
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Best Hopkins Full Day Tours
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing
This is a classic and highly recommended combination tour. You'll spend the morning exploring the impressive Xunantunich ruins, one of Belize's largest Mayan sites, and then cool off in the afternoon with a relaxing cave tubing experience through an underground river system.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
This tour is considered one of the most incredible adventures in Belize. You'll hike, wade, and swim through a cave that was a sacred site for the ancient Maya. Inside, you'll see ancient pottery and the famous "Crystal Maiden," the skeletal remains of a young woman who was a sacrificial victim.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
This park is an adventurer's playground. You can hike to waterfalls like Antelope Falls and go waterfall rappelling. It's also home to the longest zipline course in Central America, a thrilling option for those who want an adrenaline rush.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary in the Maya Mountains for the endangered jaguar. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife trail network that is the most extensive of any other National Parks in Belize. The best time to spot a jaguar is at dusk or dawn; other type of cats you can see are margay, jaguarandi, ocelot and puma. It is also a bird watching heaven with over 300 hundred different species of birds.
Immerse yourself in Belizean Hospitality
This package is a 6 day/5-night adventure and cultural tour of Belize. The itinerary covers two different regions of Belize: the area around Belize City for the initial adventures, and the southern coastal region centered around Hopkins for the wildlife and beach experiences.
Where is Hopkins Located? + Map
Located on the coast of the Stann Creek District, south of Dangriga, Hopkins is a village surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore. Hopkins is divided into the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). It's approximately 2 hours away from Belize City by road. You can also take a flight from Belize City to Dangriga and then take a car transfer to Hopkins.
Hopkins, Belize
Southeast
Population: 1,000
FAQs About Visiting Hopkins
When is the best time to visit Hopkins, Belize?
The dry season, from late November to mid-April, is the most popular time to visit due to warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall. The wet season, from June to October, is less crowded and offers a lush, green landscape, with rainfall often occurring in brief showers, particularly at night.
What is Hopkins known for?
Hopkins is widely considered the cultural center of the Garifuna people in Belize. It is known for its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to its authentic vibe, drumming traditions, and beautiful, uncrowded beaches.
How to get to Hopkins, Belize?
The closest domestic airstrip is in Dangriga (DGA), which is about a 20-minute drive from Hopkins. You can take a short flight from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to Dangriga. The drive from the international airport (BZE) is approximately two hours. The Hummingbird Highway is the primary route for much of the journey and is known for its scenic views.
What are the main things to do in Hopkins?
In Hopkins, you can immerse yourself in the local Garifuna culture. Popular activities include learning to play traditional drums, taking a Garifuna cooking class, and listening to live music. For adventure, visit the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar preserve. You can also hike to waterfalls in Mayflower Bocawina National Park or take a boat tour on the Monkey River to see howler monkeys and other wildlife. Additionally, you can enjoy various marine activities at the Belize Barrier Reef, which is a short boat ride away, such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Bioluminescent tours are another unique option to consider.
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