From the Belize Tourism Org - Press Kit

Wind surf and fish in the emerald waters off little known bays and hidden lagoons. Climb to the top of centuries-old Maya Temples, watch rare wood storks, parrots and monkeys in their lush undisturbed habitat: enjoy a picnic on an empty beach, cheer on skippers at a local sailing regatta. It all awaits you in the tranquil haven of Corozal, the northernmost District of Belize.

Tucked along the arm of the Caribbean that reaches beyond Belize into Mexico, quiet Corozal is known for its friendly people, unusually rich soil and temperate climate, warmed year round by gentle trade winds. The ridge's name is derived from the Spanish word for the Cohune palm tree, which the ancient Maya reveled as a sample of fertility. Today that fertility is evident in the astonishing area of colorful plants that thrive here.

HISTORY OF COROZAL AND ACTIVITIES IN COROZAL

History of Corozal...

The Maya civilization flourished here for centuries and most current residents have at least some indigenous ancestry. In the district capital of Corozal Town -- located less than 10 miles south of the Mexican border -- visitors can still explore the ruins of Santa Rita, a settlement that was more than 3,000 years old when Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1531. Because of its strategic location on important Maya trade routes, Santa Rita and nearby communities were prosperous and powerful. A glimpse of this golden age can be seen during a tour of Santa Rita's main temple and burial tombs. Maya can be seen at the Corozal Museum, ensconced in a restored 19th-century Customs House on the shore of Chetumal Bay. Other historical attractions include a 16th-century Spanish colonial church, the ruins of Ft. Barkley (used to defend Corozal Town against a Maya uprising in the 1870's), and a famous mural painted by artist Manual Villamor inside the city hall.

Maya Attractions...

Corozal Town has a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, priced for every pocketbook. It is a perfect jumping-off point for the 20-minute boat ride to the ruins of Cerros -- a cluster of long-abandoned pyramids, plazas and ball courts that once served Maya seafarers. Some of the buildings display painted masks, up to 13 feet high, depicting humans, animals, and celestial objects. Jaguars regularly pass through Cerros on their nighttime patrols and during the day, visitors may see tapirs, pacas and other exotic wildlife.

Students of the Maya may want to make a side trip to Caye Coco; a nearby island where a ruin discovered in 1996 is currently being excavated. On the return trip to Corozal Town, watch for the dolphins, manatees and crocodiles that frequent the coves and wetlands of the bay.

Activities in Corozal...

A must-see destination for travelers with an interest in nature is Shipstern Nature Reserve, a private wilderness sanctuary about 45 minutes by boat from Town that is showcase for four main ecosystems: savanna, lagoon, river and canopy hardwood forest. Adventurous visitors will want to hike Shipstern's well-marked trails, take part in guided night tours are available which allow visitors to see nocturnal animals that would otherwise be missed, or visit the natural history museum and Butterfly Breeding Farm, where numerous butterflies are raised for research and export.

For a description of the Jungle Night Walk tour through the Jungle go to http://www.thecityofbelize.com/junglenightwalk.html.

Sport fishing enthusiasts have much to choose from in the district. The rich waters of Chetumal Bay, which separate Belize's northern mainland from the country's 185-mile long barrier reef, are teeming with tarpon, snook, cubera, snapper, and crevalle jack.