Cerros and Corozal
Cerros Photos
Corozal Town
Information
Corozal Town, a quaint place by the seaside in northernmost Belize, is nestled within the coconut palm fringed shoreline along the milky blue Corozal Bay. It is a quiet, charming and peaceful haven of tranquility just 11 miles to the north of the Cerros Sands community. Quite spread out and boasting a population of better than15,000, Corozal is of great strategic importance to the rest of Belize (most of the country's foodstuffs are distributed from here), although one really couldn't tell that at a casual glance. The town center belies a charming funkiness with a picturesque plaza as its centerpiece, while the town's outskirts embrace a truly laid back, easy-paced country ambience. The Mayan Ruins of Santa Rita, not to be missed, are within minutes of downtown. Historic buildings, river trips, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, fiestas, the museum are a few examples of the things to see and enjoy in the Corozal area. Americans, Canadians and Europeans pepper the area's local inhabitants, which are a multinational blend of friendly residents from the Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, Asian, Mexican, Central and North American cultures and like elsewhere in Belize are, indeed, a delightful mix of outgoing, accepting and easily blended people from this multitude of different cultures. The former group (Americans, Canadians, and Europeans) are the substantial drivers of the region's real estate market, a trend with no immediate end in sight, while the latter are the industrious engine of a very healthy, expanding local economy and emergent new nation..
Two scenic rivers border Corozal Town. There's the New River to the south of town, which flows from the west and empties into Corozal Bay on the northern side of the Cerros Peninsula and further north a few miles is The Rio Hondo, which forms the border between Belize and Mexico. Both of these wonderful waterways are rich in history as well as being vibrant economic and ecological assets to the present day. To the south of the Cerros Sands community and providing our glorious beachfront and sea views is Lowry's Bight, a part of the Corozal bay and the much larger bay of Chetumal. This entire marine and aquatic environment is magnificent for its scenic beauty alone, not to mention the dizzying array of abundant life within and adjoining it. Manatees, dolphins and an occasional crocodile sighting the river may highlight your visit. Then there's the fishing... it's nothing less than spectacular! Giant Tarpon and 20-plus pound Snook abound in the lagoons and mangrove flats just minutes from Cerros Sands. Venture out just a little further and Snapper, Grouper, Permit and much, much more beckon the ardent angler.
From Corozal as you gaze across the Corozal Bay to the Cerros (Mayan for "hills") Peninsula, you will immediately notice its most prominent and outstanding geographic feature, the Cerros Mayan Ruins, which thrust proudly 72 feet above the green gem that is our peninsula, the home to Cerros Sands. dating back approximately 2,500 years ago, Cerro Maya was a vital Mayan trading center. The site is spread over more than 50 acres and is easily explored. Abandoned 1,700 years ago, today it is a serene, majestic jungle site. Of course, this is but one of many amazing ancient archeological sights that are easily within your reach from your Cerros Sands home. For example, take an enchanting two hour long, languid boat ride up the New River in the Orange Walk District, some 45 miles southwest of Corozal Town to Lamanai or "City of the Submerged Crocodile" in the language of the ancients, one of the most preeminent ancient Mayan cities in all of Central America. Howler monkeys will serenade you while they swing from tree to tree and you make your way, lazily, upriver.. Amazingly, Belize was the home to more than 3 million Mayans during the peak of their fascinating and powerful civilization.
The Cerros Peninsula and the adjacent area hosts over 250 species of birds. Just a few minutes south of Cerros Sands is the sleepy village of Copper Bank, home to a newly completed eco-tour B&B. Sarteneja, a bucolic fishing village is approximately one hour east from Cerros. It's worth the ride! Just to its south, at Shipstern Nature Reserve, jaguars, pumas and ocelots roam the hardwood forests and inland lagoons, competing with crocodiles for prey. Tours and overnight arrangements can be made here. The area is considered a botanist's and biologist's paradise. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is another amongst many other amazing wildlife sanctuaries not to be missed in this astonishingly diverse, yet tiny country called Belize.. An enchanting boat ride along the New River will bring you to Lamanai, "City of the Submerged Crocodile" one of the country's major Mayan sites. Oh, and did we mention the myriad of exotic butterflies, the intoxicating array of orchids, low and high rainforests, hardwood forests, the limestone caves region and so on and so forth???
The Corozal area is the perfect hub for access to other outstanding and alluring Belizean destinations with good road, air and boat service and direct access to Mexico. The Belize Free Trade Zone just north of Corozal has three Casinos, overnight accommodations and tons of shopping. Are you looking for still more?
Just several miles offshore to the east lies Ambergris Caye a 26 mile long island with the Bacalar Chico National park and Marine Preserve which encompasses a multitude of small islands and cayes. Easily reached by sail or small powerboat, it offers Cerros Sands residents hidden beaches to explore and an opportunity to observe the fascinating ecology and great diversity of life both above and below water surface on a stretch of the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Down on the southern end of Ambergris prepare yourself for the boisterous stew of humanity that is the former fishing village of San Pedro, the island's only town. "La Isla Bonita" has only recently found itself converted into an extremely upscale resort community replete with naughty nightclubs, every sort of drinking establishment, accommodations to please the palates of either Euro backpackers or the most discriminating jet setters alike and food offerings that run the gamut from delicious street based vendors to fine and elegant dining establishments that will make the practiced gourmand blush with pleasure. Parasailing, SCUBA, snorkeling, fishing, sunset cruises and all other sorts of mainstream and hedonistic tropical resort destination diversions are easily found here, and so, so close to your tranquil base at Cerros Sands.
You can't discuss the Corozal vicinity without mentioning the bustling and burgeoning city of Chetumal, only 8 miles further to the north from Corozal Town. You will find this capital city of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo alive with the beat of its rich culture and history. Here can be found all of the benefits of a metropolis without being assaulted by an overwhelming urban environment. Charming restaurants and eateries, open air markets and plentiful shopping of all varieties cater to nearly anyone's appetite.
Chetumal is considered by many travel experts to be the nicest border city in all of Mexico. Additionally, "Chet", as its called by the locals, may very well be the fastest growing Mexican city. It currently supports a population estimated at 400,000 souls and its growth continues unabated. Perhaps the greatest benefit of your proximity to this wonderful city is the fascinating, beautiful historic riches that are yours to discover in its immediate and more distant outskirts. This attribute is not unlike that which is afforded to the residents of northern and central Belize. The airport here provides easy access to many nearby mega resorts, like Cozumel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen as well as to many other exotic destinations throughout the Americas. Importantly, Chetumal offers advanced and robust medical care and services to its nearby residents.
It would be quite easy to fill the pages of a substantial guide book in order to describe the immense range of diverse activities, nature, culture and people that comprise the Belizean experience, even in our small part of this relatively tiny country. As it is said, "You have to see it to Belize it!" We invite you to come visit with us and learn how and why the Cerros Sands community makes so much sense to become Your Affordable Slice of Paradise.
