Corozal Town, a seaside community sitting on the Bay of Chetumal just below the Mexican border, has a population of approximately 9,000 people. Refugees fleeing from the civil war between Mestizos and Indians in Mexico built the town in 1849, naming it after the cohune palm, a symbol of fertility.  Long before that however, this area was home to the Mayans, and their ruins can still be visited here. 

Corozal closely resembles a Mexican town with its plaza, Palacio Municipal and large church.  It is very pleasant with wide, tree-lined streets, parks, and an attractive old market building located on the foreshore.  There are the remains of a small fort from the Caste Wars near the main plaza, and a marvelous mural by painter Manuel Villamor Reyes depicting local history can be seen in the Corozal Town Hall.  The Corozal Museum, housed in the beautiful 19^th century customs house, is also worth a visit.  The museum features artefacts, antiques and religious statues that outline Belize's rich history, as well as a new collection from local people that includes Mayan crafts and clothing.

Close-by are two Mayan archaeological sites, both overlooking the sea. On the northern outskirts of the town is the Santa Rita site, which has the ruins of a Mayan ceremonial centre, and across the bay is the Cerros site, which was a major coastal trading centre during the pre-Classic period (350 BC-250 AD). Cerros, abandoned 1,700 years ago, lies serenely in the jungle, only inhabited by jaguars, tapirs, and around 250 species of birds.

attractions

Corozal Museum, which is a replica of an 1800s market

Corozal Town Hall, with mural on town's history

Santa Rita Mayan ruin, 1 mile north of town

Cerros Mayan ruin, across Corozal Bay and reached by 20 minute boat ride (boats can be hired in town)

Fishing for bonefish, tarpon, or deep-sea fishing

Chetumal for day trips to this Mexican border town

Sarteneja, a small fishing village built over Mayan ruin, by 1 hour boat ride

Shipstern Nature Reserve and Butterfly Farm, 3 miles south of Sarteneja, with 22,000 acres (8,800 ha) of coastal savannah, hiking trails, rare trees, and butterflies on a sunny day

visitor info
Many visitors wish they had longer to spend in Corozal, as there are several things to do in the surrounding area. It is right alongside the coast, is just below the Mexican border, is located between two attractive rivers, the New River and Rio Hondo, and has a strong Mayan heritage coupled with the combined culture of Latin America and West Indian. There are a few small hotels and restaurants. Although taxis are available, for maximum mobility and flexibility we recommend a rental car.

getting there
The drive there from Belize City for the 85 miles along the Northern Highway takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours. There are also domestic flights with Tropic Air and Maya Airways, the flight lasting about 30 minutes. There are also several buses a day to Corozal from Belize City.