In Hopkins Belize, you can reconnect with nature on an exciting jungle river canoe trip or a tropical birding excursion. Spot endangered jaguars in Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve and admire breathtaking vistas, tropical forests, and cascading waterfalls on your journey.
Learn the culture of Garifuna on a guided tour that includes drumming and dance classes. Or visit a local herbalist to gain knowledge on making natural remedies yourself.
Discovering Hopkins’ Eco-Tourism Gems
Hopkins, a cozy Garifuna village on the edge of Belize’s Caribbean Sea, is where nature and culture take center stage. Located in the heart of this friendly, hospitable culture, Hopkins offers visitors a wide array of eco-friendly and cultural experiences that are not available elsewhere in Belize.
Whether it’s the sincere hospitality of the locals or the rhythmic beats of drumming lessons, this is an authentic destination for learning about a new culture. It’s also a great place to try a variety of Garifuna dishes and beverages, which are not available anywhere else in the country.
The pristine beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing, while the nearby reef is a premier snorkeling spot. For those interested in exploring the rainforest, there are numerous jungle trails that lead to waterfalls and ancient Mayan ruins. Those interested in wildlife will have plenty to see, with a number of tours departing from Hopkins that allow guests to drink in the natural beauty of the Caribbean rainforest. For example, one of the most popular tours offered by The Lodge at Jaguar Reef takes guests on a kayaking trip along the Sittee River. They can take in the sights and sounds of the jungle, spotting vibrantly colored birds flitting from tree to tree. Another popular activity in the area is hiking, with various trails crisscrossing the county.
A more adventurous tour can be found at the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves, where guests can float through the waist-deep waters of this sacred and mysterious underground chamber on a guided cavern tour. It’s an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are also easily accessible from Hopkins. This ancient site sits in western Belize, across the border from Guatemala, but a full-day tour from Hopkins makes it easy for travelers to explore the ruins and learn about this fascinating civilization.
During the high season from December to May, many of the resorts in Hopkins offer a range of activities to keep guests busy. During this time, it is recommended that you book your trip well in advance to ensure accommodations are available.
Sustainable Adventures in Hopkins Belize
Hopkins’ natural environment and residents provide a warm welcome for visitors. This charming coastal village acts as a gateway to Belize, with locals dedicated to upholding culture and nature for future generations. Hopkins offers eco-adventurers and foodies an incredible starting point on their Belize journeys.
Hopkins would not be complete without experiencing its culture and cuisine. Hopkins is home to the Garifuna, descendants of Caribbean Native Tribes and African slaves who intermarried over time, creating their distinctive music and cuisine. Be sure to sample some delicious local dishes like bundiga and cassava bread during your time there!
Hopkins offers beautiful natural scenery to be explored on foot or bike. Stroll along its beaches or opt for one of its top tours, or enjoy a day on the water kayaking, snorkeling, or river tubing along South Stann Creek River.
Outdoor activities and tours that bring nature close are abundant. One such activity is visiting Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a day trip; you’ll find lush rainforest trails filled with exotic fauna like birds, mammals, reptiles, and more! Meanwhile, take a cruise on Monkey River to spot iguanas and howler monkeys as you cruise along its idyllic waterway.
If you prefer an active adventure, take a half-day horseback riding excursion at a nearby ranch. Trained horses will lead you through orange groves and rainforest terrain before stopping at the river for a refreshing swim. Or hike the Victoria Peak trail up to its breathtaking summit!
Preserving Nature: Top Eco-Activities at Hopkins
Hopkins is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for their next Belize experience. This charming village stands apart from Ambergris Caye and other popular spots by being more rustic, authentic, and less developed; yet still providing plenty of activities. Many locals consider Hopkins one of the friendliest villages in Belize!
To preserve the Village’s character, take steps such as recycling your water bottles and not throwing away paper. Furthermore, support wildlife preservation by helping the community grow food or visiting places such as crocodile sanctuaries or organic gardens that offer meals to local families.
Participate in an environmental education program and expand your knowledge about conservation, sustainability, and protecting biodiversity. Taught by experienced teachers and field guides, these courses aim to equip participants with knowledge of ecosystem theory while applying it directly in everyday interactions with the environment.
Hopkins offers many ecotourism activities for visitors, such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and walking. But for something truly memorable and thrilling take a horseback riding tour at one of Hopkins’ private ranches – you will experience timeless freedom as you ride carefully trained horses through orange groves, rainforest, and river waters while learning about local flora and fauna with your guide!
Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, the world’s first jaguar preserve, can also be visited. Situated among lush jungle landscapes and home to pumas, margays and ocelots as well as over 290 species of birds – Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve makes an excellent excursion option!
As well as protecting wildlife, the staff at the reserve also helps communities benefit from sustainable tourism through sustainable tourism practices. Women employed at the sanctuary for example receive a steady income that allows them to support their families. Visitors will be able to see howler monkeys and other native wildlife in their natural environments as well as learn more about its history and culture through guided tours.
Are you interested in ecotourism initiatives? Join the Reef Watch Institute as a volunteer and help scientifically monitor Belize’s coral reef system! Your work here is essential in understanding its health as a marine resource and the significance it holds to surrounding communities.
Best Eco-Friendly Travel Experiences
Hopkins offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure, with several upscale resorts featuring rooms and villas overlooking the sea that provides access to beach and jungle attractions nearby. Hopkins’ coastal location within Belize makes it a popular choice among visitors seeking both beach and rainforest experiences in one place.
Hopkins’ warm hospitality and safe environment attract eco-travelers looking for an unhurried Caribbean escape. Additionally, Hopkins makes an ideal base from which to explore southern barrier reef attractions as well as top jungle attractions.
While Hopkins offers plenty of ways to live comfortably on a tight budget, investing a few extra dollars will go far toward helping local communities flourish. One way you can contribute is by supporting local businesses such as Ella’s Cool Spot and Maxims Restaurant for great meals or purchasing locally made goods like honey, coconut oil and pottery at Hopkins Crafters and Farmers Market.
Travelers looking to do their part in protecting the natural world can get involved by joining a conservation volunteer project in one of the area’s wildlife reserves, like Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve. Not only will you have an opportunity to see rare wildcats such as jaguars on land and water but you will also help conserve its habitat by volunteering.
Other wildlife tours near Hopkins include the Sittee River Wildlife and Bird Kayak Tour, which takes you into a protected mangrove area full of colorful feathered friends. Botanists will gain knowledge on the medicinal qualities of local plants found there as well as how best to harvest and use their medicinal applications.
Assimilate nature while experiencing freedom and exhilaration. Experienced guides will take you through citrus orchards, rainforests, and Mayan ruins like Xunantunich on horseback. Zipline enthusiasts and rappelling fans will delight at Bocawina National Park where there is world-class hiking with breathtaking vistas and waterfall pools for unparalleled thrills and spills!
