Overview:

Santa Cruz is a small village located in the Corozal District of Belize. It is located near Shipstern Nature Reserve and offers a variety of activities for tourists. From visiting the nearby beaches and cays to snorkeling in the Caribbean, Santa Cruz offers a great destination for outdoor activities. There are also a few restaurants, resorts, and other accommodations to make the experience even more enjoyable. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Santa Cruz is located on the Belizean mainland, a small, beautiful fishing village about a forty-minute drive from the larger coastal city of Dangriga. The village of Santa Cruz is perched on the banks of a secluded lagoon, surrounded by lush jungle, providing a glimpse into the incredible beauty of the country of Belize. Prominent features of Santa Cruz include its spectacular setting, the Caribbean Sea, its crystal clear waters, variety of native tropical fish, and the traditional culture of Belize. There are also ancient Mayan ruins in Santa Cruz, dating as far back as 1000 BC, and they provide a fascinating perspective on the area’s history and its influences. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Santa Cruz is a small village in the northern part of Orange Walk District in the Corozal District in Belize. Santa Cruz was primarily a farming and ranching community of several hundred Maya prior to Columbus' exploration of the area. The Santa Cruz community was established sometime around 1600 when Spanish soldiers arrived in the area. The settlement was initially established as a mission to convert the local Maya to Christianity but it quickly emerged as a trading and supply outpost for the Spanish soldiers who were exploring and mapping the area. Santa Cruz remained relatively stable until 1798 when British forces invaded and occupied Belize and the surrounding regions. After the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, Santa Cruz became an official British district and the first recorded slave traders arrived in the area. The district was used primarily to cultivate cotton, sugar, cocoa and tobacco. In 1883, Santa Cruz became part of the British Honduras Colony and the area began to rapidly develop with the establishment of several trading posts, shops, and churches. The largest industry remained agriculture for the local Maya population primarily engaged in subsistence farming and ranching. In 1884, Canal Bank was constructed as part of an effort to revitalize the economy of Santa Cruz. This was part of a series of canal banks that were built throughout the Corozal District. This canal provided for the transport of goods and resources to the mainland. In 1965, Santa Cruz was declared as a village and the name was officially changed to Santa Cruz Village. In 1994, Santa Cruz was declared as a town and was connected to the electricity grid and water system. Since then, the area has seen rapid development as opportunities for businesses continue to arrive. The village has several restaurants, stores, grocery stores, and other businesses. The area has also evolved into a popular tourist destination, especially for birdwatchers. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Santa Cruz is the oldest known Mayan settlement in Belize. 2. The Santa Cruz area of Belize has some of the oldest known cave paintings in Central America, dating back to 2,000 years ago. 3. Santa Cruz is known for its natural beauty, with waterfalls, ancient ruins, and tropical jungle. 4. Santa Cruz is home to many different species of wildlife, such as howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, and toucans. 5. Santa Cruz is a popular destination for cave tubing, which involves floating down a natural waterway in an inner tube and exploring underground limestone caves. 6. The Santa Cruz River is one of the most beautiful and pristine rivers in Belize, with crystal clear water and abundant wildlife. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.