Corozal, Belize

COROZAL, 48km north of Orange Walk along the Northern Highway, is Belize's most northerly town, just twenty minutes from the Mexican border. Its location near the mouth of the New River enabled the ancient Maya to prosper here by controlling river and sea trade, and two archeological sites – Santa Rita and Cerros – are within easy reach. The town was founded in 1849 by refugees hounded south by the Caste Wars of Yucatán, and underwent substantial reconstruction after Hurricane Janet in 1955; today it's an intriguing mix of Mexican and Caribbean culture, with mestizos in the majority. This is a fertile area – the town's name derives from the cohune palm, which the Maya recognized as an indicator of fecundity – and much of the surrounding land is planted with sugarcane.

Until recently, there's been little to do in the area except transit through on the way to or from the Mexican border, but improved roads and local efforts to attract tourism are gaining Corozal more attention. It's an agreeable, hassle-free and relaxed town to spend a few days in and perhaps use as a base for day-trips throughout northern Belize, though the atmosphere is much more lively on Pan American Day (October 12; also known as Columbus Day), an occasion that merges the Mexican fiesta with Caribbean carnival. Palm trees shade Corozal's breezy, shoreline park, and the town hall is worth a look inside for a mural's vivid depiction of local history. The block northwest of Central Park, now containing the post office and police station, was previously the site of Fort Barlee, built in the 1870s to ward off Indian attacks; the brick remains of the fort's corners are preserved as historic landmarks.