Visit The Nim Li Punit Ruins
More history and culture is on the southern end of Belize. A little less than 2 hours southwest of Placencia is the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit. Its one of the smaller Mayan Cities, but definitely worth visiting.
Known for the large volume of intricately carved stones and monuments , these stones are one of the features that attract visitors. There are also 3 plazas and pyramids you can explore.
Be sure to check out the ball court, which is one of the most preserved on all Mayan cities! There are also these fun artificial hills with flat tops that were created during the citys rich history, which are interesting to see.
If youre renting a car in Belize, you can drive there yourself from Placencia. Guides are typically available near the entrance for hire to provide details that may otherwise be missed!
Best Hotel In San Ignacio: Rumors Hotel
This five-star hotel is ideal for families. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a pool just for kids! Rooms are luxurious and comfortable, well-equipped with modern amenities. There is a delicious on-site restaurant and a stylish lounge bar. All of this combined makes this our recommendation for where to stay in San Ignacio.
Restaurants In Placencia Belize
DeTatch Restaurant has an amazingly fresh breakfast burrito that fills the plate and has eggs, beans, cheese, salsa and bacon inside.
Be sure to try the conch fritters served with a tartar sauce dip and hot sauce.
has a really nice menu too and good drinks. Fish tacos and beer! You can also use the pool with a minimum food purchase.
Its especially relaxing poolside as you look out at the ocean.
Favorite beach bars in Placencia are the Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna. They are side by side and each are a lot of fun!
Different themes every night and specials on drinks and happy hour menus. Music and dancing and Garifuna performances. Very colorful! Always something going on.
Maya Beach Bistro. Swill and Fill is their happy hour menu favorites are the plantain chips with salsa, the curried pumpkin soup and fish cakes. Drinks are a good price too!
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Belize
Belize is a country packed with action and adventure. It has beautiful beaches, incredible snorkelling, delicious food, cheap drinks, and a rich and diverse history. It is, without a doubt, one of the best places to travel in Central America as it has something to offer travellers of all styles and budgets.
Trying to find the right place to stay can be quite tough, however, if you follow the tips in this guide, choosing the perfect location for you should be a breeze!
With lots of different locations come even more accommodation options. If youre still not sure which is right for you, heres a quick recap of our two absolute favourites:
- Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel in Caye Caulker is our favourite hostel. It is within walking distance of the beach and it offers well-stocked rooms and stunning views.
- Tres Cocos Resort in San Pedro gets our vote for the best hotel in Belize. This charming hotel has a seaside location and boasts a swimming pool, a garden, and a relaxing terrace.
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
Not Your Everyday Hotel
Belize is blessed with an overwhelming amount of natural beauty but while there are many resorts that promise you the chance to truly commune with nature, few can boast what Hidden Valley Inn can: a completely private nature reserve that stretches 7,200 acres tucked away in the verdant Maya Mountains. This diverse landscape is home to indigenous species of wild cats and birds. Meanwhile, multiple trails allow you to explore the jungles, ravines, and waterfalls at your own pace. Best of all? You barely have to worry about sharing no matter what you want to do.
The accommodations at Hidden Valley consist of a mere dozen suites in addition to an estate lodge. Its the next best thing to having your own private house in the heart of the Central American jungle. Just know what youre getting into. The bike trails encompass a full 90 miles, with each varying in terms of length and difficulty. And while theres nothing quite like walking along in nature with the person you love, Hidden Valley Inn also offers complimentary 21-speed mountain bikes for more adventurous couples.
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Fun And Unique Things To Do In Placencia Belize
Its one of the most beautiful no magical places in all of Belize. And with so many things to do in Placencia Belize, its a must on every tropical vacation bucket list.
Placencia has the right mix of small-town charm, beautiful beaches and jungles to explore. Its certainly one of the most underrated spots and a bit hidden from tourism at this point too.
Whether youre looking to spend a day on a private island like Laughing Bird Caye, have some of the best food and cocktails in the area, or hit up a local waterfall, it can all be done in a day in Placencia.
This guide covers the best things to do in Placencia Belize, as well as how to get there and places to stay. After reading this guide, youll be ready to pack your bags and hit the beach!
How Do You Get To Placencia
For Canadians wanting to visit Placencia, Westjet offers seasonal direct flights from Toronto and Calgary from October to April, making it an easy Caribbean getaway.
The fastest way to get from Belize City to Placencia is to fly. Fly into Belize city and then take a small plane about 40 minutes to Placencia.
It is possible to rent a vehicle and drive, however, the roads are not in the best shape and it takes about 3-4 hours to drive. Car rentals are expensive and like any developing country not all car rentals offer the best vehicles. Plus, you wont need a vehicle in Placencia or you can always rent one for a day.
So, is Placencia, Belize worth visiting?
If you want the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and water and jungle adventures, then yes, it absolutely is!
If youre interested in the Yucatan Peninsula, you might be interested to read: Off the Beaten Path in Mexico Valladolid to Ek Balam
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San Pedro Ambergris Caye The Best Town For Water Sports
Ambergris Caye is the biggest island in Belize, and San Pedro is the main city in this paradise. San Pedro is located on the east coast and an hours ferry ride from Caye Caulker. If you are into watersports you will have the chance to do many activities here such as diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. So get ready for amazing sea adventures!
In San Pedro, you will be discovering incredible caves, beautiful beaches, and museums where you can learn about the culture of the town. Another highlight of San Pedro is that it has some of the best nightlife in Belize!
You will be able to find numerous seafood restaurants, beach clubs, and lively bars. Also, if you are a luxury traveler San Pedro also has one of the best upscale hotels by the stunning beaches.
Here are the best of the best hotels for every budget that I carefully picked for you.
Things to do in San Pedro
- Explore underground caves of San Pedro with a kayaking tour
- Join a sailing tour to try fishing and discover the best snorkeling spots with amazing marine life and the reef in Ambergris Caye
- Visit the Belizean Melody Art Gallery
- Buy some delicious chocolates from the Belize Chocolate Company
- Join a tour to see reefs at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and swim with sharks
What To Pack For Placencia
Placencia Village is a very laid-back beach destination. Its definitely a place where you can pack shorts, t-shirts, and casual dresses for evenings out. I recommend also bringing a cardigan or light jacket for cooler evenings.
If youre staying at a luxury resort, youll probably want to pack a few more dresses for dinners at the resort. Men might want to bring khakis for cool weather or nicer dinners but the most dressed up I saw guys in Placencia was shorts and a polo or short-sleeve button down.
Youre probably gonna want a packable sun hat and a cute straw bag too
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Caye Caulker The Best Place To Stay In Belize On A Budget
Caye Caulker is an island located on the east coast of Belize that can be reached from Belize city with a 40-minute boat ride by water taxi or 1.5 hour ferry ride. This paradise island offers one of the best diving and snorkeling spots full of amazing marine life and a stunning reef!
The good news is you do not have to pay a lot for accommodation to enjoy the stunning beaches as Caye Caulker is the best place to stay in Belize if you are traveling on a budget!
Caye Caulker is the worlds 2nd-largest barrier reef and a paradise island to discover marine life!
Here you will also find many nice beaches, local seafood restaurants, and cute bars.
This laid-back town has many nice affordable accommodations but before moving to them I would like to remind you, do not forget to make your reservation in advance if you want to get better deals on hotels .
Now lets have a look at the best places to stay in Caulker Caye:
Things to do in Caye Caulker
- Go scuba diving and snorkeling to discover the amazing marine life of the Caye Caulker barrier reef
- Visit the Aria Kat Art Gallery
- Have a delicious meal at Pasta Per Caso Anna & Armando
- Discover white-sand beaches at the Split
- Have mouth-watering local foods at Chef Kareems UnBelizeable Lunch
- Have a lobster in one of many Belizean restaurants
- Go to the Seahorse Reserve Caye Caulker
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Where To Stay In Placencia Belize
The Placencia Peninsula is a narrow, 16-mile stretch of golden beaches ending in the town of Placencia. Between the peninsula and the mainland lies the mangrove-lined Placencia lagoon, home to manatees, marine turtles, and saltwater crocodiles.
The other side of the peninsula faces the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef, a section of the Mesoamerican Barrier reef which begins near Cancun and continues to Guatemala and Honduras.
There are many Placencia accommodation options, from budget stays to mid-range boutique hotels and luxury resorts. Ive got tips on all, including Placencia Airbnb stays.
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Corozal A Hidden Gem To Stay In Belize
Corozal is located in the northernmost part of Belize and is 90 miles from Belize City. This cool city still hasnt been discovered by many travelers yet so you have the chance to explore it before it gets so popular!
In Corozal, you will be able to see many cultural and historical sites such as Santa Rita Archaeological Site, the Cerros Mayan Ruins, and the Corozal House Of Culture. After sightseeing, you can head to Corozal Bay to chill on the beach and swim in the crystal clear water.
Here you will be able to find nice Belizean restaurants, shops as well as great accommodation options. If you want to stay in a less touristy area and experience the local atmosphere here are the best hotels to stay in Corozal.
Maya Beach Hotel And Bistro
This is our favorite spot in the entire area: Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro. It is a small 4-star resort with a lovely staff, a nice beach, comfortable pool, and most of all, excellent restaurant. We ate here for our wedding dinner, as well as two other meals. The chef puts together a creative menu with incredible specials.
Plus, as of early 2019, you can use the pool if youre eating at the restaurant. The chairs are given to hotel guests as a priority, but they were not all used when we went during peak season. It is located about 8 miles north of the village
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Best Place To Stay In San Ignacio
Staying in San Ignacio means adventure, relaxation and an enjoyable holiday but only if you book the right accommodation. Your place can be the make or break of your trip, so choose wisely. Since its a very peaceful area, its incredibly suited for families. Hostels and Hotels often dont have rooms that can accommodate more than 4 people at a time, so if youre travelling with your family, renting a whole Airbnb apartment might be the smartest option.
The Best Places To Stay In Caulker
It doesnt really matter where youre staying in Caulker, paradise and lots of great spots are pretty much guaranteed. If you are happy with laying on a bean bag all day while stepping up your tan game, wed recommend staying as close to the beach as possible. For all those that want to explore Caulker a bit more, you should stick with Hostels to find like-minded travellers that can join you on your adventures!
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Day Trip To Laughing Bird Caye
One of the most natural, pristine beaches in all of Belize is a short boat ride from Placencia. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is a gorgeous island worthy of spending a day.
Its a bird sanctuary and popular snorkeling destination. Located about 45 minutes from Placencia via boat, this island is every bit as perfect as you imagine a tiny island in Belize to be. Its actually one of my favorite things to do in Placencia Belize .
Palm tree lined beaches. Bright white sand. Stunning turquoise water.Its perfection in an island!
By booking a tour to Laughing Bird Caye, youll be able to snorkel or lounge your day away on this tropical paradise. And it will be one of your favorite experiences in Belize!
Book it now: Laughing Bird Caye tour
Best Hotel In Caye Caulker: Tropical Paradise Caye Caulker
Colourful, comfortable and impeccably clean this is without a doubt one of our favourite hotels in Caye Caulker. This great resort is located at the heart of the island. It is close to restaurants, shops, and is just steps from the beach. They offer free wifi, a ticket service and a cosy lounge bar.
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Where To Stay In Placencia
Similar to Hopkins Village, Placencia is a great place to stay in Belize for beach and jungle vacations. Here travelers have the option of staying in town at one of the luxury resorts, several with their own dive centers onsite, or venturing to remote private islands such as Coral Caye, which is owned and operated by Francis Ford Coppolas Turtle Inn.
Despite the trend of more luxury accommodations, Placencia is still home to a number of budget-friendly spots such as Miramar Apartments or Harrys Cozy Cabanas. However, to save money on food, families often prefer renting one of the many upscale vacation villas with kitchens or all-inclusive packages.
Dont Sweat Your Wardrobe
Stay on the go via Laru Beyas eclectic Belize tour schedule. If your itinerary includes jungle hikes, Maya ruin climbing, zip-lining, and other adventures, pack hiking shoes, and dont forget sunblock, aloe, and antiperspirants.
What to pack? Shorts, tees, tanks, swimsuits, sandals, and an outfit for nighttime fun. Oh, and if youre tempted to complain about the heat during your Laru Beya winter getaway, bring a snapshot of your yard covered in snow and youll feel doubly thankful you were clever enough to escape the weather back home!
Local Belize Reservation Desk: Local Belize Front Desk:
Placencias Main Street sidewalk has earned the distinction as the Worlds Narrowest Street in the Guinness Book of World Records!
With fall on the horizon , you may need a vacation that wont wait until the summer of 2022, but try as you might, you cant justify either the time or money it entails to do a proper job of vacation planning. No worries. Weve unearthed a few fall occasions that beg to be celebrated, so pick one that resonates or
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Mayan Ruins In Belize
Maya Ruinsare one of the main Belize attractions and make the country stand out from other destinations that have overcrowded beaches, franchised hotels and fast food joints on every corner.
The area was once the very center of the ancient Maya Civilization and they have left their mark in one of the largest concentrations of temples and underground ritual chambers.
The archeological site offers guest a magnificent repository of art in gold, jade, obsidian, pottery, elaborate stone carvings, and paintings.
This vast civilization that reached its apex when Europe was in the Dark Ages virtually disappeared about a thousand years ago.
Their descendants remain in the indigenous Maya consisting of various sub-ethnic groups including the Yucatec, the Mopan, the Ketchi and the Xol.
Some of the best-known Maya sites include Xunantunich, Caracol, Altun Ha, and Lubaantun.