Placencia is the southeast coast’s darling and continues to vie for the title of the most picturesque seaside town in Belize. Thanks to Belize’s small size, you can fit this 16-mile long peninsula anywhere in your itinerary since it’s only about a three-hour drive away from Belize City. The best way to experience the expat haven of Placencia, however, is on a long weekend hitting all the best highlights the region has to offer. Here’s how to spend three days in Placencia.
Day 1: Lunch with a view
After driving the mountainous vista-laden Hummingbird Highway, you’ve earned some delicious grub at the beachfront De’Tatch in Placencia Village. This small, rustic restaurant packs a surprising punch when it comes to its lunch menu; delicious burgers and finger-foods reign supreme, and the added view of the ocean is just the icing on the cake.
Rumfish y Vino offers gastro-forward bites. Image via TripAdvisor (David S.)
De’Tatch is usually convenient for its affordable prices, but if you wish for something a little more upscale we suggest Rumfish y Vino.
Stroll the Tipsy Strip next to Tipsy Tuna’s entrance in Placencia for local goods & services. Image by Dylan Hetelle
Once you’ve strolled along the beach for a few mins after that heavy lunch, check out the legendary “world’s smallest street” a.k.a Placencia’s sidewalk. The infamous “main street” of the town measures only four feet wide and is flanked by many artisans and souvenir stalls.
Spend the afternoon chatting with the local artists and collecting unique pieces of wood art before setting off to your hotel in the Maya Beach area. Check-in at the premier Naia Resort & Spa and be prepared to stay in paradise for the next few days.
Day 2: Sea escapades & more
Snorkel the south with Splash Dive Center. Image via Splash.
You can’t stay in Placencia without visiting its iconic offshore islands, so that’s what you’ll do on your second day. Take a boat out to the Laughing Bird Caye National Park and swim alongside colorful fishes and vibrant corals. Book with a trusted local operator like Splash Dive Center.
Snorkeling Laughing Bird Caye with Splash Dive Center. Image courtesy Splash
You’ll be privy to the greetings of rainbow parrotfish, harmless jellyfish, and even sneaky peacock flounders. (Just keep a lookout for fire corals – they are not your friend!) Have lunch on the post-card-worthy island before heading back to the mainland around 2:30 p.m.
Dine barefoot casual at any one of Turtle Inn's four eateries.
Naia's onsite spa promises transformational wellness experiences.
Seafood soup. Image courtesy Turtle Inn
During your downtime, book a massage at the over-the-water Naia Spa before getting ready for dinner at Francis Ford Coppola’s very own Turtle Inn.
Day 3: Inland adventures
Verdant vistas await at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by Kevin Quischan Photography
For your last day in Placencia, you must visit the unmissable Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Considered the world’s only jaguar preserve, Cockscomb Basin holds myriad nature trails and stunning waterfalls that make all the hiking worth it.
Tiger Fern via IG @natalie_hassana
You can either opt for the challenging hike, or an easier trail so you can take your time admiring the surrounding jungle foliage. Either way, each road leads to the majestic Tiger Fern Double Waterfall. Finish off the adventure by hopping onto a river tube and floating down the South Stann Creek River.
Once you’re back at your Placencia hotel, rest as much as you can because the evening will comprise some friendly competition. For a night out on the town, we suggest trying Sirenian Bay’s Inky’s Mini-Golf Course.
It’s the first course of its kind in Belize and features an 18-hole design for some quick fun with friends. Grab a victory cocktail at Sirenian Bay’s 360-view rooftop bar as the perfect close to a wonderful weekend.
Header image via Turtle Inn.
