White sand beaches Diving and Snorkeling Jaguar Conservation Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Placencia Belize
Located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula, this charming coastal village boasts miles of palm-lined beaches with white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. You can find a diverse selection of small hotels and resorts conveniently situated along the beach and leading directly into Placencia, Belize village. A leisurely stroll along the famous Placencia Sidewalk offers delightful insight into the local culture, where you can browse colorful shops, cafes and art galleries. Locals are known for their warmth, friendliness, and pride in their village.
Placencia, Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Creole, Mestizo, Caucasian, Mopan Maya, Garifuna, Ketchi Maya, East Indian, and Asian communities. The primary language spoken is English, but you'll also hear Kriol (Belizean Creole) and Garifuna spoken, especially in casual conversations and cultural events. Fresh seafood is a must-try while visiting. Look for local restaurants serving dishes like grilled lobster and snapper. Each year Placencia hosts its famous Lobster Fest on a weekend in July, a feast filled with local music and charm.
Things to do in Placencia
Water Activities
Placencia, Belize has a location that makes it ideal for water-based adventures. With several smaller cayes nearby, it's perfect for diving, snorkeling and sea kayaking. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world known for diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing. In 1996 it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Day trips are available from Placencia to the reef including destinations like the famous Silk Caye and Laughing Bird Caye. Placencia Lagoon is another great destination for adventurers, home to manatees and saltwater crocodiles you can explore it by kayak. On the other hand, the Placencia, Belize beach is calm with crystal clear waters, making it ideal for swimming. It offers a peaceful retreat while keeping you close to town.
Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is globally recognized as the only Jaguar Preserve in the world. Besides jaguars, the sanctuary is home to pumas, margays, and ocelots. It also features the most extensive trail network of any national park in Belize, inviting exploration. Birdwatching thrives from December to March. Visitors can also engage in hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and swimming within the Cockscomb Basin.
Cultural Visit to Dangriga
Located in Dangriga, the largest town in the Stann Creek District, the Gulisi Garifuna Museum explores the rich heritage of the Garifuna people in food, clothing, medicinal plants, music, and dance. While in town, you can also explore the bustling Dangriga market to find fresh produce, local seafood, handmade crafts, and traditional Garifuna clothing. It's a great place to interact with locals and experience daily life. Dangriga is also an ideal destination for adventure seekers, offering diving, snorkeling, rainforest hiking, kayaking, and tubing.
Placencia Tours to Other Nearby Destinations
Trip to the Mayan Ruins
Placencia, Belize serves as a convenient base for exploring ancient Mayan sites. Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, located in the Toledo District, are just a couple of hours away from Placencia and offer insights into Mayan history and architecture. Lubaantun is famous for its "mortarless" construction and the discovery of a crystal skull. Xunantunich, one of Belize's most impressive and well-excavated Mayan ruins, is often combined with cave tubing or ziplining.
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Location and Map
Placencia is located on the Caribbean coast of Belize. There are two ways of getting to Placencia, Belize. From Belize City you can drive via the scenic coastal road for 2.5 hours, connecting to the Hummingbird Highway and then the Southern Highway. You can also choose to take a 30-minute local flight that provides stunning aerial perspectives of the Caribbean Sea and the lush rainforest.
Placencia, Belize
Caribbean Coast
Population: 3458