I just recently got back from a trip to Sarteneja. A friend of mine bought property there and it was about time to go see it. I have now been 3 times in my 13 years in Belize. The first time, I wasn’t too sure if I liked it. The second trip, I loved it. Sarteneja is a small fishing village of about 1800 people in the Corozal District of Belize. It is at the North Eastern Sea point of Belize. The name is derived from the Yucatec Maya “Tzaten‐a‐Ha”, which is thought to translate as “water in the rock”. The community was first established by the Maya, and is thought to have flourished between 600BC and 1200AD, covering the entire Classic period of Maya history. The village is built on the site of a large Maya settlement, and signs of the past Maya culture can be found everywhere. In the late 1980’s an archaeological study carried out in Sarteneja demonstrated that the area was once a prosperous, active, post‐classical seaport.
It is believed that Sarteneja may have held as many as 300‐400 ancient structures, with the site core being located 0.5 to 1.0km from the shoreline*. The architecture shows a strong Yucatec Maya influence, seen in rounded cornerstones, and carved limestone columns. The Maya are thought to have been attracted to the area by the salt pans, and the fisheries, both used as a source of income. The presence of object from non‐local resources ‐ obsidian and flint, jade and metates carved from volcanic rock, also suggest that this was a centre for long distance and regional trading, being an important stop‐over point for merchants and travelers. The area was a cross roads for people traveling between Mexico, the reef, and the Corozal region., suggest trading links with Maya from other areas.”
About forty miles by road from Orange Walk Town and is near the privately owned Shipstern Nature Reserve. You can get to Sarteneja by boat, bus or plane. The Thunderbolt runs every day. Departing San Pedro at 3pm and reaching Sarteneja about 4:30pm before it continues to Corozal. Thunderbolt departs Corozal at 7am and stops in Sarteneja at 7:30am before reaching San Pedro about 9am. The price one way from San Pedro is $45BZD and from Corozal is $30BZD. You must call and confirm pick up and drop off. The quickest way to reach Sarteneja is by plane. At Tsunami Adventures we can book your next flight to Sarteneja for $121.50BZD one way from San Pedro to Sarteneja. Ask us for more details and schedules or check with www.tropicair.com The bus’s is the slowest route and the most popular amongst locals and budget minded travelers. Cost is $10.00BZD one way. Buses leaves Sarteneja depart at 6am and it takes about 2 hours to reach Orange Walk. From there you can connect to Corozal or Belize City. Buses are departing Orange Walk in the early afternoon about 2:30pm. Look for the Baby Blue Blue-Bird Buses.
The village’s economy is based primarily on fishing for lobster and conch, although tourism is becoming increasingly significant as a source of income. There are a few hotels and restaurants.
www.sarteneja.net
www.sartenejatours.com
www.shipstern.org
 sarteneja bus |
 Us in front of the Sarteneja Sign |
When you come to Belize, we want you to stay in Caye Caulker, but of course we know you want to check out different places. So take a couple of days and visit Sarteneja. Especially stop by my friends place, called Complete Circle. Really good food and just a short walk from the water.
