This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hopkins.
Hopkins is a small village with incredibly friendly locals as well as international travelers who fell in love and decided to stay. There are few hostels in Hopkins located on any major hostel portals, but there are plenty of rooms available when you get there. Hopkins is slowly becoming more recognised as a place to visit with Dangriga located close by.
Hopkins hostels are all located a long the one main road of the small village, with many Hopkins hostels offering different services from simple bunk beds to private cabins on the beach. The hostels in Hopkins are incredibly accommodating and usually offer useful information on the surrounding area and what else to experience in the rest of Belize. Hopkins is slightly off the beaten track, which usually involves hitchhiking down the road from the place the local bus will drop you off. Don't attempt to walk this, as you will find yourself walking around five miles minimum on a high speed road. Plenty of locals stop, so just wait in the bus stop for a pick-up to come along and jump in the back.
Hopkins is usually used as a stop-off for those wanting to go into the Cocksacomb Basin to look for jaguars. Hopkins offers all the local supermarkets and utensils you will need to eat and cook in the jungle at the jaguar reserve. The beaches in Hopkins vary throughout the year, from good to poorly looked after, as the ocean dumps a lot of debris that is not cleared regularly. If you are driving Belize, the one road in Hopkins is filled with potholes over the whole road, so there is no avoiding a bumpy ride.
Hopkins hostels are generally available all year round with no need to book in advance. On Settlement Day is the only time a booking is suggested, but many people still turn up with no reservation.
Written by local enthusiast for Hopkins hostels
BenD
