Belize offers an incredible mix of Caribbean beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. From diving the Great Blue Hole to exploring jungle temples, this small Central American nation packs adventure, culture, and natural beauty into every corner.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Maya Ceremonial Masks
Hand-carved wooden masks depicting Maya deities and calendar figures, crafted by Belizean artisans in Cayo District. Each piece is unique and represents authentic Maya artistic traditions passed down through generations.
Price: $20-150
Where: Benque Viejo del Carmen Market, San Ignacio artisan stalls
Garifuna Woven Baskets
Tightly woven baskets made from local palms and grasses by Garifuna artisans in Hopkins and Dangriga. Natural dyes create bold geometric patterns specific to the Garifuna people.
Price: $15-60
Where: Hopkins Village craft stalls, Dangriga market
Belizean Cacao Chocolate
Single-origin chocolate made from Toledo District cacao, often combined with local flavors like habanero, sea salt, or coconut. Belize grows some of the finest Criollo cacao in the world.
Price: $6-25
Where: Kakaw Chocolate (San Ignacio), Cacao Hill Farm (Toledo), airport shops
Black Coral Jewelry
Earrings, pendants, and bracelets crafted from sustainably harvested black coral found in Belize's reef. Look for certified sustainable pieces — illegal coral products are confiscated at customs.
Price: $25-200
Where: San Pedro jewelry shops along Barrier Reef Drive
One Barrel Rum
Belize's signature rum aged in American oak barrels, with a smooth vanilla-caramel flavor. Produced by Travellers Liquors in Belize City and beloved across the country.
Price: $12-20
Where: Travellers Liquors shop (Belize City), supermarkets, duty-free at airport
Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce
World-famous Belizean habanero hot sauce made with fresh carrots and habanero peppers in Dangriga. Comes in mild through fiery variants and is Belize's most beloved condiment.
Price: $4-12
Where: Any supermarket, Marie Sharp's factory (Dangriga), airport shops
Slate Carvings
Intricate Maya glyphs and scenes carved into slate stone by artisans in Benque Viejo and Santa Elena. A traditional craft using the same techniques as ancient Maya stone cutters.
Price: $10-80
Where: Benque House of Culture, San Ignacio Market
Handmade Embroidered Shirts
Lightweight cotton shirts with hand-embroidered Maya and nature motifs, sewn by women's cooperatives in Cayo and Toledo Districts. Comfortable and vibrant souvenirs.
Price: $20-45
Where: San Ignacio Market, Toledo Market, craft fairs
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
San Ignacio Market
Belize's most vibrant market held on Saturday mornings attracting vendors from across Cayo District. Fresh produce, local crafts, spices, herbal medicines, and cheap street food fill stalls under covered areas and along the street.
Where: Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Cayo District
Hours: Sat 6AM-3PM (main market), Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
Belize City Market
Busy urban market near the Swing Bridge offering fresh fish, produce, local street food, and everyday goods. Authentic local experience despite the city surroundings. Try the fresh conch fritters nearby.
Where: Market Square, Commercial District, Belize City
Hours: Mon-Sat 6AM-4PM
Dangriga Market
Garifuna-influenced market selling fresh cassava, plantains, breadfruit, and local produce alongside crafts. A great place to find authentic Garifuna food ingredients and small handmade items.
Where: Commerce Bight Road, Dangriga
Hours: Tue, Sat 7AM-2PM
Orange Walk Market
Northern Belize market town serving the sugarcane farming community. Find fresh produce, cheap street food, and local goods. A true off-the-beaten-track Belizean market experience.
Where: Main Street, Orange Walk Town
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-4PM
San Pedro Craft Market
Tourist-friendly open-air craft market on Ambergris Caye with souvenir shops, jewelry vendors, and local artisans. Good selection of Belizean chocolate, hot sauce, and beach wear alongside carvings and crafts.
Where: Central Park area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Hours: Daily 9AM-6PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro
San Pedro's main commercial strip running through town with souvenir shops, dive gear rental, clothing boutiques, and convenience stores. The heart of island shopping with dozens of small shops and artisan galleries.
Best for: Souvenirs, dive gear, beachwear, jewelry
Burns Avenue, San Ignacio
San Ignacio's main street lined with tour operators, restaurants, craft shops, and convenience stores. Good for picking up travel supplies, local snacks, and small souvenirs before jungle and ruins tours.
Best for: Tour bookings, supplies, local crafts, restaurants
Placencia Sidewalk
The world's narrowest main street (according to Guinness) runs 26 blocks through Placencia Village with beach bars, boutique shops, gelato stands, and craft vendors. Relaxed, pedestrian-only atmosphere.
Best for: Artisan crafts, beach boutiques, casual browsing
Albert Street, Belize City
Belize City's main shopping street with local department stores, pharmacies, clothing shops, and grocery stores. Practical shopping for everyday goods, electronics, and local brands. Exercise street awareness.
Best for: Everyday goods, electronics, local brands
Hopkins Village Craft Lane
Informal cluster of artisan stalls along Hopkins Village's main road selling Garifuna drums, woven crafts, art, and cultural items. Meet the makers and learn about Garifuna traditions.
Best for: Garifuna drums, authentic crafts, cultural items
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Save U Family Superstore
Belize City's largest retail store with a supermarket, clothing section, electronics, and household goods under one roof. Not a mall by global standards but the closest thing in Belize. Good for stocking up on supplies.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 9AM-5PM
Brodies Department Store
Established Belize City retailer with clothing, gifts, electronics, alcohol, and groceries. A reliable stop for essentials and a small souvenir section. Multiple locations including Belize City waterfront.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-7PM, Sun 10AM-4PM
Lords Bank Shopping Center
Suburban commercial center near Belize City airport road with a mix of local retailers, pharmacies, and food stalls. Convenient for last-minute shopping before departing through Philip Goldson Airport.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at outdoor craft markets and informal stalls but not in fixed-price shops or supermarkets
Vendors in tourist areas on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are accustomed to negotiation — start at 70% of asking price
Buying multiple items gives you leverage — bundle purchases before asking for a discount
Early morning visits to San Ignacio Saturday Market can yield better prices before crowds arrive
Never bargain aggressively or disrespectfully — a friendly attitude gets better results than pressure
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of black coral, turtle shells, jaguar parts, and pre-Columbian artifacts is strictly prohibited. Antiquities Law prevents taking any Maya artifact out of the country — severe penalties apply.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund scheme for tourists in Belize currently. General Sales Tax (GST) of 12.5% is included in most prices.
Duty Free: Arriving travelers may bring in 1 liter of spirits, 200 cigarettes, and gifts up to $200 BZD value duty-free.
Shipping: DHL and FedEx operate in Belize City for international shipping. San Pedro and Placencia have limited courier services. Rates are high — $50-150 USD for a small package to North America.