Hopkins is a charming coastal village that welcomes all visitors. Home to a large Garifuna population, many of their traditions and cultural practices remain.
Visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for an immersive cultural experience in Hopkins. This park provides world-class hiking and offers breathtaking vistas.
1. Visit the Hopkins Garifuna Settlement
The Garifuna Settlement in Hopkins is both a cultural and tourist attraction. Although a quiet coastal village, with only a handful of restaurants, bars, and shops but offering many activities showcasing Garifuna culture – from learning how to cook traditional Garifuna foods through dancing and drumming experiences – visitors are able to immerse themselves into authentic Belizean culture here.
Hopkins Village residents are friendly and welcoming. While most still make their living from fishing and farming, tourism has also become an important source of income. Surrounded by Maya Mountains and Cockscomb Mountain Range, Hopkins is an ideal location for hiking and wildlife observation; additionally it lies nearby to the nation’s second-largest barrier reef, making snorkeling another popular activity here.
Take time during your stay in Hopkins to visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum and gain some insight into its rich history and local culture. Believed to have fled a slave ship and found themselves settling in what is now Belize, visitors will also discover art and craft exhibitions that demonstrate this fascinating group’s contribution.
Participate in a Garifuna festival to become better acquainted with Hopkins. Festivities occur all throughout the year and feature events like reenacting when Garifuna people first arrived on Belizean islands, parades, all-night parties, and live music performances. Pay a visit to a Garifuna settlement during your trip – their people are welcoming and friendly while its natural beauty offers unparalleled vacationing experiences! This can truly provide an unforgettable holiday.
2. Attend a Garifuna Festival in Hopkins
Hopkins is one of Belize’s foremost cultural centers, making it an ideal spot for discovering Garifuna culture. Home to an overwhelming majority of Garifuna residents and featuring many celebrations commemorating history and traditions of this community in various forms – to gain more insight, visit a Garifuna festival or dance performance!
Hopkins is ideal to visit from January to March during its dry season when the beaches and weather are beautiful and less crowded, yet this peak tourist season leads to higher prices for accommodations and tours.
Many locals make their living by fishing and selling their catch to tourists, though other businesses also operate in the village. One popular one is a natural medicine shop that uses local plants as medicine; run by a family of an established Garifuna doctor with over ten years experience practicing medicine in Garifuna.
One of the best times to experience a Garifuna festival is on November 19th, which marks the anniversary of their historic arrival to Belizean coasts in 1802. You’ll join a large crowd who line both beaches and streets for food, drinks and music during these festivities.
Not only can you experience Garifuna music during festivals throughout the year, but you can also experience its music at various locations around Hopkins. One such location is Driftwood Beach Bar where local Garifuna bands perform every Tuesday evening – it’s an excellent opportunity to listen to some of Belize’s most beloved tunes and gain more insight into its rich cultural history and people.
Hopkins offers many activities to enjoy, from exploring its wetlands to lounging on its stunning beach. There are numerous shops and restaurants within Hopkins that offer local foods, with specialty candy like Wandla (made with sugar and sesame seeds), Creole Bread with subtle sweetness from coconut milk or Creole Fish all being must-try delectations.
3. Visit a Local Market
Hopkins Village in Belize is one of its safest and friendliest, providing visitors with an idyllic Caribbean escape. From relaxing on its sandy beachfront to tasting local delicacies to engaging with its vibrant cultural experiences – Hopkins offers everything needed for an authentic Caribbean escape!
Stroll through Hopkins to explore shops, boutiques and markets that showcase its vibrant character and colorful culture. Sample local treats like Wangla (a sugary treat featuring toasted sesame seeds) or Creole bread made even tastier by adding coconut milk – delicious options await! Seafood can also be found in abundance; either catch some to take home with you or enjoy fresh seafood dishes at restaurants around town.
Nature enthusiasts should head out on the water to snorkel or dive the second largest barrier reef. Additionally, kayak along the Sittee River or explore jungles full of creatures at Mayflower National Park and Monkey River; you could also hike at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where jaguar sightings may occur!
Hopkins becomes party central when night falls thanks to Garifuna drumming celebrations that often last into the early hours of morning. Learn the drums or simply admire this unique cultural practice – you’ll find plenty of opportunities here to join in and celebrate with locals!
Accessing Hopkins Belize is both easy and enjoyable, which is one of the main draws for expats choosing this charming coastal village as their home. While not the cheapest place in the region, housing costs here remain affordable for people on all budgets. Utilities such as electricity, water and cable TV services also remain reasonable; sign up for bundle package deals to take advantage of competitive pricing on these services – the US dollar goes far in Hopkins Belize making life comfortable without breaking your budget!
4. Take a Tour of the Village
Hopkins Village is all about its people and taking a tour can be an engaging way to meet locals. From learning authentic Garifuna drumming techniques to witnessing artisans making chocolate or baskets – there are so many opportunities available to get to know this vibrant culture better! Ideally this experience should take place during one of Hopkins Village’s festivals or celebratory events for maximum impact.
Belize is also an ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth, with Hopkins serving as its chocolate capital. Locally produced cocoa can easily be found, and visiting a cacao farm offers even greater insight into its cultivation.
Take advantage of Hopkins’ natural beauty by exploring nearby national parks and preserves that feature hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities, like Mayflower Bocawina National Park or Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary which are only an hour’s drive from Hopkins and provide plenty of jungle adventures!
Hopkins is known as a beach community, so a trip to its beaches should definitely be on the list of must-do activities in town. They’re uncrowded and beautiful – an ideal place for relaxing with a Belikin and watching the waves roll in!
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not paddle boarding or kayaking along the reef? The shallow water gives you the opportunity to discover new views of the coast while providing an exciting way to view local wildlife! Most hotels and shops in Hopkins Village rent gear; alternatively you could inquire with your resort for guidance and recommendations.
Hopkins Village locals are proud of their heritage, and eager to share it with visitors. This laid back yet fun town stands apart from anywhere else in Belizean Dreams’ country-wide offerings; come meet its friendly residents while learning all about its vibrant culture! Book your stay with Belizean Dreams today so you can take part in all its cultural offerings; you may even opt for an all inclusive package which covers accommodations, meals, and more!
