The Eco-Museum Belize – A Unique North Ambergris Caye Experience with Something for Everyone
If you’ve visited Ambergris Caye in the past or if you’re planning a first-time trip, there’s a relatively new spot about 7 miles north of San Pedro Town that TOTALLY deserves a place on your must-visit list: the Eco-Museum Belize.
You may have heard me talk about it before…
It opened about a year ago, and I’ve visited a bunch of times. Not just because it’s right down the road from me…but because my friend Mito built it from scratch and because I LOVE museums and Belize history. Now that I’ve visited with different groups, different ages (tiny kids to adults), locals and visitors… I’ve got the full scoop to share.
You might be asking: Is it a quick stop for tourists? It can be…but, ideally, I’d allot at least an hour to your visit. A field trip spot for local school kids? YES! Something only museum-lovers (aka nerds) will like?
It turns out it’s all those things and more, in the best way. It’s a thoughtfully put-together, hands-on, super-informative spot that offers something for everyone. All built and curated and hosted by Mito – the MASTER of San Pedro history, the maestro of our local landscape and environment, and just a fantastic guy.
Quick(ish) sidebar: Mr. Mito Paz knows his stuff. He was born in San Pedro in 1959, when the island was still a tiny fishing village. He was a kid as the industry started and grew – much of it started by his family members. He founded Green Reef, which managed our Bacalar Chico national reserve (see this article from the late 90s for more). He co-authored an INCREDIBLE comprehensive field guide about that area in 2008 – from plants, to animals, to history…it’s one you want to get your hands on. (We call it “THE BOOK” in our house) He was a member of the Town Council and Deputy Mayor in 2013. He founded and ran the San Pedro House of Culture (which has so sadly closed). He ran an amazing kids camp, bringing children from all over Belize to experience our reef and ocean. He wrote another great book filled with photos about the History of Tourism in San Pedro. If I have a question about Belize, Mito is definitely who I ask…
Back to his new venture – the Eco Museum.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, you love trivia, information, and asking questions, or you just want to learn a bit more about the island beyond the beach, this spot is totally worth the drive up north.
Plus, our “far north” is growing…I’ll give you some other spots you can link together with your museum visit to make a day of it…or at least a long afternoon.
What is the Belize Eco Museum?
The Eco Museum was created as a space to celebrate and educate about the natural and cultural heritage of Ambergris Caye and Belize. You might arrive on the island and think that things are relatively new here…
Sure…tourism just started about 60 years ago – San Pedro’s first lodging, the Holiday Hotel opened in 1965. But this island has an incredibly cool lengthy history. The fishing and lobster industry, the coconut industry (nope…not for the coconut meat), the Maya producing salt on North Ambergris Caye…I find it fascinating!
Bonus: Mito’s shady yard is also alive with birds, and is the most reliable spot I know of to see one of the most beautiful on the island, and one that can only be seen in Northern Belize and the Yucatan. The bright blue winged Yucatan jay. (I didn’t get a good picture so I share with you these guys instead)
But here’s what you’ll actually experience when you visit…
What You Can Do And See at the Eco-Museum
First and foremost, you are going to want to contact Mito ahead of time. Sure, he might be there when you drive by, but it’s best to message or call him ahead of time so he can walk you through the exhibits and answer questions. AND, if you are lucky, help you make some of his amazing iced, lightly sweetened, all-natural coconut milk. It. Is. AMAZING.
The museum itself is outdoors and relatively compact, but as you walk through it with Mito, you’ll find it’s filled with information and some very cool stuff. It’s laid out in sections that walk you through…taking you from early Mayan settlements to European pirates to the days of coconut plantations and the growth of San Pedro Town.
For kids (and really everyone), touch-and-feel, interactive displays make it easy to keep them occupied.
The museum has some additional options. A Family Fun Education Day which includes a guided tour of the museum followed by Mito’s homemade coconut treats, fruit salsa and making cool arts and crafts from coconut shells, seabeans, drift wood and more. ($15US for kids and $30US for adults)
You can take a Traditional Mayan Cuisine Cooking Class for $60US per person. You can take a walking tour…there’s plenty to do.
I tagged along with a group from Wyoming visit last week (adults and special needs late teens/young adults) who visited for a museum tour and an AMAZING Mayan lunch. (I conveniently arrived just as lunch was being finished)
I’d never tried tortitas de chaya before…sooo good.
I love how the museum highlights what makes this island unique (so many things) – and why it’s really really worth protecting.
And if you have visitors in town, this is a great spot to take them, especially if you’re looking for something different from the usual bar-hop or a break from all that sun! You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the island and probably a few new facts to share over dinner.
Location, Contacts, Details and Spots Nearby I Recommend:
- Where: About 7 miles north of San Pedro Town (that’s measured from the clock in the center of town), after the Secret Beach junction – just a bit past Portofino Resort and Moon Bar, just off the main road (watch for signs) – it will take about 30-35 minutes driving from the town center
- How to reach Mito to set up a time! You can reach him on WhatsApp 501-650-6601 or email [email protected] – the museum also has a website
I mentioned some spots you can combine your museum visit with. Here are some suggestions that I love:
- Portofino Resort – just about 5 mins south of the museum has fantastic food and a gorgeous view. If you are craving a burger, theirs is fantastic. Also order the Cracked Conch (a huge plate of fried flavorful conch)…yum.
- Moon Bar at Mangata Villas – just a few lots north of Portofino, this beach club/pizza spot is a great place to lounge, have a few cocktails and enjoy the afternoon.
- Up North: A bar & restaurant, driving range (yes! on Ambergris Caye), axe throwing and more. It’s just north of the museum.
I’m soooo happy to see a spot on the island – it’s educational, engaging, and accessible. I’ve visited a few times now, and each time I’ve learned something new. Put it on your list for your next trip but especially if you live here…Ambergris Caye, quietly, has an incredible history. Did you know there are about a dozen Maya sites on the island? Did you know there used to be TWO towns on Ambergris Caye? Did you know that when lobster (formerly “trash fish”) first became an industry in San Pedro, fishermen received as low as 1 CENT a lb for their catch?
Crazy interesting…but don’t just take my word for it. Visit Mito’s Belize Eco Museum.
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The Eco Museum was an incredible cultural and educational experience. The staff were very knowledgeable and very willing to share their love for San Pedro. The cooking class was lots of fun and the food we made incorporated many Mayan and Island traditions. The food was absolutely delicious!