Top 5 things to do in Hopkins, Belize before you die

It goes without saying that life is short, and we all have things we want to achieve, dreams we want to fulfill and life experiences we desire to experience before we die.

Thinking of things to do before you die– we’ve created an ultimate and absolutely unforgettable list of top 5 list of things to do on a trip to Hopkins, Belize before you die because we want you to make the most of your time on earth.

Trust us when we say this is the mother lode of bucket lists to-dos of Hopkins travel. These are experiences you’ll rush to tell your friends and family about, and will cherish for years to come. Add them to your bucket list and get some, if not all, of these amazing experiences checked off while you can!

1. Explore a new way of life

While many people travel to Belize in search of crystal clear waters and our untouched rainforest, the chance to experience Belize’s Afro-Caribbean culture provides for a life changing vacation.

Their way of life was internationally recognized by UNESCO when they declared the Garifuna people and culture an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Garifuna language belongs to the Arawakan group of languages and has survived centuries of discrimination and linguistic domination.

Hopkins is traditionally a Garifuna village, and today the culture is rich and descendants of the original settlers still reside in the village. Bike ride into the village like the locals, or book a cultural tour of your choice gaining traditional knowledge of the Garifuna, such as cooking, drumming, dancing and language.

Feel open to ask locals about the culture, the people are warm and friendly and will happily tell you about their heritage from their ancestors. You will rave to your friends about how friendly the people are. Trust us- It is the smiling faces and picturesque scenery that will make your trip to Belize a fulfilling experience.

*Distance: 8 minutes by golf cart, 15 Minutes by bike and 5 minutes by shuttle

2. Snorkel the longest living coral reef in the western hemisphere

With about 185 miles of coral formations, you will snorkel your way pass exotic coral formations and encounter eagle rays, sea turtles, a wide variety of exotic fish, and even dolphins or friendly nurse sharks nesting in this underwater ecosystem. Yes, you read right- Dolphins and sharks! This is truly a remarkable sight and certainly one to remember.

*Distance: 30 minutes by boat

3. Hike to discover a breath-taking waterfall amidst Maya artifacts

Discover the beauty of unexcavated ceremonial Maya mounds with temples and ancient ball courts hidden beneath its surface as you hike to the top of the 1,000ft falls. The view of the waterfall’s emerald pool is breathtaking and can only truly be commemorated through a long pause of admiration and then a refreshing swim in the oasis, that brings you to realize – it isn’t just a dream.

*Distance: 20 minutes by motor vehicle

4. Learn to make your own Maya chocolate

I’m sure you’ve heard about all the famous Maya temples or pyramids, like Xuntantunich, Lubaan Tun. Well, for many people the Maya’s greatest achievement is something loved all over the world today- chocolate. The Mayas of Central America are believed to be the first to discover cocoa as early as 900 AD. They learned that the beans inside the cocoa pods could be harvested and made into a liquid that would become a treasured Maya treat or the Maya food of the Gods. So every time you savor a bit of “the food of the Gods’ you are enjoying a link to Belize’s rich Maya heritage.

This is your chance to learn hands-on from the indigenous Mayas! Go back in time and experience the early methods of making chocolates passed down from one generation to the next. As a sweet aphrodisiac, it’s sure to make you fall in love. Share a bar with someone you love- after all, who doesn’t like chocolates!

5. Meet the largest fish in the world!

The whale sharks are the “gentle giants” of the sea, growing as long as 30 feet. During the spring months of March, April, May, and June, Belize is lucky enough to be home to the enormous whale sharks along the Gladden Split. Their curious nature makes for a very interesting and captivating experience.