Corozal | Belize

Corozal Town is the northernmost urban center in Belize, located approximately 14 km south of the Mexican border on the shores of Corozal Bay. It serves as a quiet, retirement-friendly alternative to the high-traffic tourist hubs of the south, known for its Mestizo culture and proximity to the Chetumal commercial district.

Historical Timeline

Pre-Columbian: Site of the ancient Maya city of Chactemal, an important trading center for salt and cacao.

1848: Founded by Mestizo refugees fleeing the Caste War of Yucatán. It essentially became a garrison town to protect against Maya incursions.

1870: Fort Barlee was constructed to defend the settlement; remains of the brick turrets are still visible.

1955: Almost entirely leveled by Hurricane Janet. The town was subsequently rebuilt with a modern, wide-street grid system.

Geography & Environment

Corozal Bay: A calm, shallow extension of the Chetumal Bay characterized by iridescent turquoise water. It lacks a beach in many areas, featuring a limestone seawall and small piers.

Topography: Very flat, unlike the mountainous Cayo District. The area is dominated by former sugar cane fields and tropical dry forest.

Proximity: Strategically located between the New River (to the south) and the Río Hondo (to the north), which serves as the natural border with Mexico.

Top Landmarks & Attractions

Santa Rita Archaeological Site: Located on the outskirts of town; believed to be the ancient Chactemal. It is historically significant as the site where the first Mestizo children were born following the marriage of Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Guerrero and Maya princess Tzazil-Ha.

Cerros Maya Ruins: Accessible via a short boat ride across the bay. It is one of the few Maya sites located directly on the coast, featuring a 21m pyramid with a panoramic view of the Caribbean.

Corozal Town Hall Mural: A detailed painting by artist Manuel Villamor Reyes depicting the district’s history, from Maya origins to the sugar cane industry.

Corozal House of Culture: Housed in the old market building near the seafront, it serves as a museum and community space for local history and art.

Corozal Free Zone: A tax-free commercial district at the Mexican border containing casinos (Princess, Las Vegas) and duty-free shopping.

Transportation & Logistics

Road: Situated on the Philip Goldson Highway, about 135 km (2.5 hours) from Belize City and 20 minutes from the Mexican border.

Air: Served by Corozal Airstrip (CZH) (Ranchito Airstrip), with daily flights to San Pedro and Belize City via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Sea: Daily water taxi services connect Corozal to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Sarteneja.

Border Crossings: The Subteniente López bridge provides 24-hour access to Chetumal, Mexico, for shopping and medical services.

Safety & Health (January 2026)

Security: Considered one of the safest districts in Belize. Violent crime rates are significantly lower than in Belize City. Standard precautions against petty theft are advised, especially near the Free Zone.

Health: The Corozal Community Hospital is the primary facility. Many residents cross into Chetumal for advanced medical care and private specialists.

Insects: Due to the surrounding mangroves and sugar fields, mosquitoes and sandflies are prevalent; repellent is essential.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

4G and 5G coverage is consistent throughout the town. High-speed fiber-optic internet is widely available, supporting a growing community of digital nomads and expats. Major banks (Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank) are located around the central park with reliable ATMs. The exchange rate is fixed at $2.00 BZD = $1.00 USD.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: ~$5.00 BZD ($2.50 USD)

1 Belikin Beer (Local Bar): ~$4.50 BZD ($2.25 USD)

1 Month Internet Service: ~$112.50 BZD ($56.25 USD)

1 Entry to Santa Rita: ~$10.00 BZD ($5.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

A verified geographical fact is that Corozal is the only town in Belize laid out on a strict grid system, a result of the systematic reconstruction after Hurricane Janet. Local legend speaks of the "Golden Maya Treasure" supposedly hidden at the bottom of Corozal Bay; while many have searched the shallow, silt-heavy waters, the only "gold" ever recovered has been small ceremonial artifacts from the Cerros site.