| Corozal district | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Belize |
|---|---|
| Capital | Corozal Town |
| Surface | 1,860 km² |
| Inhabitants | 32.708 (2000 census) |
| Institutional website | |
Corozal district is a region of Belize, bordering on Mexico.
To know
In the northwest, the Northern Highway is surrounded by farmland and large cities. In the southeast you will find unspoiled nature in the form of mangroves and lagoons. In general, this district together with that of Toledo district they are little frequented by mass tourism. Most tourists simply stop there before continuing on to Orange Walk, Belize City or San Ignacio. But the transition of passage from the mangrove swamps and lagoons to the picturesque landscape Caribbean, offers many attractions such as undiscovered Mayan ruins, unique flora and fauna, and fantastic swimming and diving opportunities on your doorstep. The small villages also provide the infrastructure for a while ecotourism. The lack of mass tourism means that we cannot expect everything to be perfectly organized, so we must concentrate on what is beautiful to discover.
Geographical notes
The island of Ambergris Caye, although administered by Belize District it is geographically closer to the distracted of Corozal.
Spoken languages
L'English this district is the most widely spoken language (80%) followed by Spanish (60%).
The villages of Corozal are divided by color and language:
- Corozal Town, the district's main hub, is populated by a mix of Belizean races and cultures, particularly mestizos. Spanish and English are the main languages spoken.
- Calcutta, Estrella Village, Libertad, Ranchito, and San Antonio are populated by East Indian people and speak both English and Spanish very well.
- Chan Chen, Chunox, Cristo Rey, Louisville, Patchakan, San Pedro, San Victor Village, Xaibe and Yo Chen are populated by Maya and speak both Spanish and the Mayan Yucatan language very well, along with some English.
- Buena Vista, Caledonia, Conception, San Narciso, San Roman, and Santa Clara are populated by Mayan-mixed people who speak Spanish and English. They are not obliged to learn English, because at school they teach in Spanish but write in English and because in the workplace the main language is Spanish, so villagers are not exposed to the English language on a daily basis.
- Progresso, San Andres, and Sarteneja Village are populated by Creole and Hispanic people who share their cultures and languages in English and Spanish.
- Little Belize is populated by the speaking Mennonites German.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
Most of the villages have far fewer than 10,000 inhabitants and are directly on or near the Northern Highway.
- Corozal Town - Capital of the district built largely on the ruins of a Mayan city. It is the first center in Belize that meets those coming from the state Mexican of Quintana Roo. In fact, it is only 17 km from the border and 135 km from Belize City.
- Consejo - The northernmost place in the Belize.
- Copper Bank - Dreamy fishing village overlooking the Seca lagoon.
- Louisville - Small town with Mayan ruins.
- Sarteneja - Pretty and isolated fishing village near the Shipstern Nature Reserve with infrastructure forecotourism. Also reachable by sea from Corozal Town.
Other destinations
- Cerros - Archaeological site of the Maya civilization which reached its maximum splendor during the Late Preclassic period.
- Shipstern Nature Reserve (Shipstern Nature Reserve) - Just outside the town of Sarteneja in a north-easterly direction it includes portions of jungle interspersed with numerous marshes and mangrove forests along the coast that offer shelter to numerous species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as 200 species of butterflies.
- Saint Rita Corozal - Archaeological site of Mayan ruins in the suburbs of Corozal Town.
How to get
By plane
Corozal Town it has a small airport for domestic flights. There are numerous connections with the international airport of Chetumal.
By car
With your own car you can drive from the Northern Highway from the north or south into the district in order to reach the goals in the northwest.
By bus
Corozal Town it can also be reached by bus from Chetumal (Mexico) but there are also land connections with Orange Walk Town is Belize City.
How to get around
By car
The district's main thoroughfare is the Northern Highway.
What see
- Nature - Here the climatic variation ranges from the rather dry one of the Yucatán to the humid rainforest typical of Central America. This is the best foundation for a great variety of fauna and flora, all framed in a long forgotten lagoon landscape.
- Caribbean - Secluded swimming beaches and coral reefs for diving and snorkeling within easy reach give no room for more. Fishing enthusiasts will also be able to satisfy their needs here.
- Mayan ruins - Not as spectacular as in Tikal is Calakmul. But at least beautifully positioned as the tourist magnet of Tulum is Lamanai. The main pre-Columbian Mayan ruins in the Corozal district are those of Santa Rita (or Chetumal) at the gates of Corozal Town and those of Cerros on a peninsula at the mouth of the New River.
- Caves - There are, but compared to those of the Cayo District or to those of Toledo district, are less spectacular.
What to do
- Naturalistic observations - In the bay of Corozal Town manatees can often be observed. Furthermore, the Shipstern Nature Reserve is the ideal environment for almost all species in Belize. Remarkable are of course the orchid forests. If that's not enough, there is also the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve right in front.
- Discoveries - Several Mayan trade routes meet here. So it's no surprise that numerous small Mayan ruins are found here. The ruins Cerros and Santa Rita are certainly the most famous and historic.
- Diving - Belize is a diving paradise. Numerous destinations "at home" or in the vicinity make every diver's heart beat faster.
- Boat excursion - Boat trips in the Caribbean and the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve or in the lagoons and in the Shipstern Nature Reserve, there is certainly a lot to see and discover, but there are also those who simply want to enjoy the journey.
- Hiking - The Shipstern Nature Reserve has some small rainforest treks.
- Fishing - Of course, thanks to the numerous fishing villages, the possibilities for practicing this activity are very good.
At the table
Restaurants are usually simple with fish, chicken or meat dishes. The courses are served at good prices, especially in small towns. Marie Sharp's habanero sauce is always present on any table. Fish is highly recommended.
Safety
The crime rate is negligible, particularly in the smaller towns. However, you should keep your eyes peeled especially at Corozal Town for scammers of various kinds.
These regions are populated by poisonous crocodiles and snakes, but considering that humans are not on these animals' menu, prudent behavior and appropriate clothing should ensure sufficient protection within the rainforest. The greatest danger here are mosquitoes, so you should protect yourself with specific repellent. Mosquitoes sporadically transmit dengue for which there is no specific vaccine. However, other potential diseases can be prevented.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Corozal district
Commons contains images or other files on Corozal district
