When I first arrived in Hopkins, I wasn’t expecting to like it so much.
As you enter the village, there’s a sign that reads: “Hopkins is the friendliest village in Belize.”
It sounds like a bold claim, but it’s definitely true.
- Why Hopkins Feels Different
- Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
- Getting to Hopkins from Belize City
- A Quick Stop in Belmopan
- Arriving in Hopkins & Where to Stay
- Day 2: Kayaks, Beach Time, Dangriga
- Visit Dangriga
- Pelican Beach Resort
- Dinner at Hamanasi Resort
- Day 3: Rainforest & Hot Sauce
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park
- Touring Marie Sharp’s Factory
- Why I’d Recommend 3 Days in Hopkins
Why Hopkins Feels Different
Hopkins is a predominantly Garifuna community. The Garifuna people are descendants of West Africans and Indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples, with a history that stretches from St. Vincent to Central America.
Their traditions are still very much alive here: drumming, food, storytelling, language, and hospitality.
People greet you when you walk by. Conversations happen naturally. It doesn’t feel transactional or overly touristic. It feels lived-in and welcoming.
Compared to Belize’s islands, Hopkins feels intimate.
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
Getting to Hopkins from Belize City
I landed at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and rented a car directly from the airport. The drive to Hopkins takes about 2.5 hours and is straightforward.
A Quick Stop in Belmopan
On the way, I stopped in Belmopan, the country’s capital.
Belmopan became the capital in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961. The government relocated inland to reduce hurricane risk. The city is calm and administrative, government buildings, and not much tourist infrastructure. I was very confused why produce was so expensive. $3 USD for 4 brussel sprouts.
Belize is a small country (population under 500,000), and it imports a lot of produce. Imported goods = shipping costs + customs duties + fuel + small distribution networks. Those costs get passed directly to consumers which makes for expensive brussel sprouts.
Arriving in Hopkins
I arrived in Hopkins just as the sun was setting. The streets were quiet with no streetlights. A little disorienting.
As I slowly drove down a dirt road, close to my hotel, but unsure where, a very large man walked right into the middle of the street and approached my car. He leaned down to my window and asked, “Hey there, where are you going?”
For a moment I was startled, and then I remembered: this is Hopkins. “Friendliest village.” The greeting felt sincere, not performative, and it immediately set the tone for good vibes. No tip requested, just “have a good night see ya.”
That night I went to a beachside restaurant and had seafood, rice, beans and plantains.
Where to Stay in Hopkins
I stayed at Jungle Jeanie’s By The Sea, right next door to Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort. While Jungle Jeanie’s has since closed, I still love this area and would wholeheartedly recommend it. Staying here puts you on the beach, and near local restaurants.
Day 2: Kayaks, Beach Time, Dangriga
I kept my first morning simple. I kayaked along the shoreline, played in the ocean and found more beachside restaurants serving fish.
Visit Dangriga
Dangriga is the capital of the Stann Creek District, another vibrant coastal town known as the cultural center of the Garifuna people, much bigger than Hopkins; just 30 minutes north. I stopped at Pelican Beach Resort for a Belizean beer: Belikin.
I always make a point of trying Chinese food around the world, because it’s always different.
Belize has a significant Chinese-Belizean population. Chinese migration began in the 19th century, with larger waves in the 1980s and 1990s. You’ll find Chinese-owned eateries in nearly every town in Belize.
It’s not always incredible, but I love seeing how Chinese food adapts around the world. In Belize, the defining twist is Marie Sharp’s hot sauce, a Belizean staple sauce that you’ll see in every restaurant.
Dinner at Hamanasi Resort
That evening, I went to Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort for dinner.
Even if you’re not staying there, it’s one of the most refined dining experiences in the area. Fresh seafood, beautifully plated dishes, and open-air seating with the sound of waves in the background.
Day 3: Rainforest & Hot Sauce
One of the primary advantages of staying in Hopkins is proximity to jungle landscapes.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
In Belize, the coastline shifts rainforest in under an hour and I love it. I drove inland to Mayflower Bocawina National Park, about 30–40 minutes away. The park is known for rainforest hiking trails, waterfalls, river pools and ziplining.
I hiked to a waterfall and swam in a cool, clear pool surrounded by dense jungle.
Touring Marie Sharp’s Factory
Marie Sharp’s is Belize’s most iconic culinary export: a carrot-based habanero hot sauce made from locally grown peppers.
During the tour, I learned about sourcing and fermentation, saw the production process, and sampled and purchased multiple heat levels.
As a hot sauce lover, this was so fun.
Why I’d Recommend 3 Days in Hopkins
If you’re planning a Belize itinerary, I’d strongly recommend starting on the mainland.
Hopkins offers:
- Authentic Garifuna culture
- Quiet beaches
- Easy access to waterfalls
- A slower introduction to the country
It feels less curated than the islands: more human.
After three days of coastal calm, jungle swims, and cultural immersion, I was ready to shift gears.
Next stop: Ambergris Caye, where golf carts replace cars and reef adventures take center stage. I cover the rest of the trip, including Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio, in my full 9-day Belize itinerary.
