When most people think of Belize, they picture the turquoise waters and bustling streets of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. While San Pedro has long been a top destination, it’s not the only—or even the best—option for visitors and expats looking for an authentic Belizean experience. Just a short drive down the coast, the small village of Hopkins offers a quieter, more affordable, and culturally rich alternative that is quickly gaining attention.
Unlike the tourist-heavy streets of San Pedro, Hopkins is a laid-back Garifuna fishing village where locals still live and work as they have for generations. Visitors and expats who settle here find themselves immersed in real Belizean culture, with friendly neighbors, authentic food, and a strong sense of community. Instead of dodging golf carts and packed beaches, you’ll enjoy peaceful shoreline walks, fresh seafood, and local drumming that brings the village to life at night.
Beyond culture, Hopkins offers a better cost of living, with lower real estate prices and affordable everyday expenses. Expats looking to buy property will find that their money goes much further here than in San Pedro, where high demand has driven up costs significantly.
For those who love adventure, Hopkins is ideally located. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and lush rainforest, it provides easy access to both marine and jungle activities. Whether you want to snorkel the barrier reef, explore ancient Mayan ruins, or hike through the rainforest, it’s all within reach—without the constant noise and congestion that can make San Pedro feel overwhelming.
If you’re considering Belize for a visit or a long-term stay, Hopkins offers a more relaxed, authentic, and budget-friendly experience. Keep reading to discover why this hidden gem may just be the perfect place for you.
Authentic Belizean Culture vs. Tourist Overload
One of the biggest differences between Hopkins and San Pedro is the atmosphere. San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, has become the go-to tourist hotspot in Belize. Its streets are lined with bars, luxury resorts, and golf carts zipping around at all hours. While this may be appealing to some, it has led to a loss of the town’s original charm. The influx of tourism has transformed San Pedro into a commercial hub, where prices are high, the beaches are crowded, and the pace of life is much faster than what many expats and visitors seek when coming to Belize.
Hopkins, on the other hand, remains a true reflection of Belizean culture. As a Garifuna fishing village, it has preserved its traditional roots while still welcoming visitors. The Garifuna people, descendants of African and indigenous Arawak communities, have a rich cultural heritage that is alive and well in Hopkins. You’ll find drumming circles on the beach, local restaurants serving traditional dishes like hudut (fish in coconut broth), and friendly residents who are eager to share their way of life. Unlike San Pedro, where many businesses cater almost exclusively to tourists, Hopkins offers a genuine experience where visitors can interact with locals in a meaningful way.
Another advantage of Hopkins is the peaceful environment. There are no traffic jams of golf carts, no loud bars competing for attention, and no vendors aggressively pushing their products. Instead, you get quiet, pristine beaches, warm hospitality, and a slow-paced, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to unwind for a few weeks or settle down for the long term, Hopkins provides an authentic slice of Belizean life without the overwhelming crowds of San Pedro.
Cost of Living and Real Estate: More for Your Money
One of the biggest factors that sets Hopkins apart from San Pedro is affordability. While San Pedro remains the most well-known expat hub in Belize, its popularity has driven up the cost of living significantly. Property prices in San Pedro have skyrocketed, with beachfront homes and even small condos demanding premium prices. Rental costs have followed suit, making it difficult for long-term residents to find affordable housing. Daily expenses such as groceries, dining out, and even basic utilities are also much higher in San Pedro due to its reliance on imported goods and its isolated island location.
In contrast, Hopkins offers a much more budget-friendly lifestyle. Real estate here is still relatively affordable, with beachfront and inland properties available at a fraction of the cost of those in San Pedro. Whether you’re looking for a lot to build on, a cozy beachfront home, or a rental property, your money goes much further in Hopkins. Unlike Ambergris Caye, which has become heavily developed, Hopkins still has plenty of room for growth, making it a great option for those looking to invest in Belizean real estate before prices inevitably rise.
Beyond housing, the overall cost of living in Hopkins is lower. Because the village is located on the mainland, there’s better access to fresh produce, seafood, and other essentials at reasonable prices. Dining out is also far more affordable, with delicious local meals available at small, family-run restaurants that don’t charge the tourist premiums you often find in San Pedro.
For expats and retirees looking to stretch their budgets while enjoying a high quality of life, Hopkins provides a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to the increasingly expensive San Pedro.
Nature, Adventure, and Serenity at Your Doorstep
For those who love outdoor adventure and natural beauty, Hopkins is a far better choice than San Pedro. While Ambergris Caye is known for its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, it lacks the diverse landscapes and range of activities that Hopkins offers.
Hopkins is ideally situated between the Caribbean Sea and the lush rainforest, making it the perfect base for both ocean and jungle adventures. Within minutes, you can snorkel or dive along the barrier reef, take a boat ride to nearby cayes, or explore the Sittee River by kayak. Unlike San Pedro’s busy waters filled with boats and tourists, Hopkins provides a quieter, more intimate marine experience. The beaches here are also less crowded, allowing visitors to truly relax and enjoy the beauty of the coastline without competing for space.
Beyond the beach, Hopkins offers easy access to some of Belize’s most stunning inland attractions. Just a short drive away, you can hike through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguars, waterfalls, and incredible birdwatching opportunities. You can also visit nearby Mayan ruins, explore caves, or go zip-lining through the jungle—all activities that aren’t possible on an island like Ambergris Caye.
Another major advantage of Hopkins is its peaceful atmosphere. San Pedro, with its constant hum of golf carts, nightlife, and tourist crowds, can feel overwhelming. Hopkins, on the other hand, offers serenity. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the ocean, enjoying a quiet beachside meal, or listening to the sounds of nature at night, Hopkins provides a slower pace of life that allows visitors and expats to truly unwind.
For those seeking both adventure and tranquility, Hopkins delivers a perfect balance that San Pedro simply can’t match.
Conclusion: Hopkins – The Better Alternative to San Pedro
While San Pedro may be Belize’s most famous destination, it’s not necessarily the best choice for visitors or expats looking for an authentic, affordable, and peaceful lifestyle. Hopkins, a charming Garifuna village on the mainland, offers a far richer experience with its deep cultural roots, lower cost of living, and unparalleled access to both jungle and ocean adventures.
Unlike the crowded, tourist-heavy streets of San Pedro, Hopkins retains its small-town charm. Here, you can experience Belizean culture firsthand—whether it’s through the rhythmic drumming of the Garifuna people, fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, or the welcoming atmosphere of a community that embraces both visitors and expats alike. Instead of overpriced tourist restaurants and bars, you’ll find family-run eateries serving delicious, authentic meals at reasonable prices.
Financially, Hopkins makes even more sense. San Pedro’s real estate prices have soared due to high demand, making it difficult for many expats to afford property there. In contrast, Hopkins still offers reasonably priced beachfront and inland homes, allowing you to invest in your dream lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, everyday expenses are more affordable, thanks to easy access to fresh food, local markets, and mainland resources.
For nature lovers and adventurers, Hopkins is unmatched. Whether you want to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, kayak along the Sittee River, or hike in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, everything is within reach—without the noise and congestion of island life.
If you’re looking for a place where you can truly relax, immerse yourself in Belizean culture, and get more value for your money, Hopkins is the clear winner over San Pedro. Whether you’re visiting or planning a permanent move, Hopkins offers a lifestyle that is both enriching and sustainable.
