Explore Two Sides of Southern Belize With This One-Week Itinerary for Hopkins and Placencia

Southern Belize offers travelers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.  Situated between the Caribbean Sea and lush rainforests, the coastal villages of Hopkins and Placencia entice visitors to their golden beaches and vibrant communities with the promise of a diverse array of activities.  The two destinations may be similar in some regards, but they are distinctly different. Each presents incredible opportunities for vacationers to explore the beauty and intrigue of Belize’s nature, history, cultures, cuisine, and attractions.  Get to explore both with this one-week Southern Belize itinerary. 

Day 1-3: Hopkins

Immerse Yourself in Garifuna Culture and Inland Adventures

Begin your trip in Hopkins. This tiny Garifuna village is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and laid-back atmosphere.  Spend a day strolling along the beach, where the rhythm of traditional Garifuna drumming often fills the air.  Educate yourself in the fascinating history of this unique culture with an immersive experience such as a drumming and dancing workshop, a fire hearth cooking class, or a storytelling session with local elders.  Local cuisine that can not be missed includes Cassava Bread, Hudut, and Sere.

For nature lovers, Hopkins offers a plethora of outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.  The vast expanse of wetlands in the area is a haven for many species of birds along with turtles and crocodiles.  The nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s only jaguar reserve and offers miles of hiking trails through the untouched wilderness.  Meanwhile, Mayflower Bocawina National Park has several well-marked hiking trails as well as adrenaline-inducing activities like zip-lining and waterfall rappelling.  For a more sedate nature experience, try a kayak or boat tour of the mangrove forest.  At certain times of the year, a bioluminescent alga can be observed in the lagoon, providing a further ethereal quality to the already impressive natural wonder of the ecosystem. 

Where to Stay: For a taste of all things Belize – from offshore to inland – consider a stay with Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort. This award-winning Hopkins, Belize resort offers the choice of staying in a beachfront suite or a dreamy treehouse. Meanwhile, set just north of the village, Muy’Ono’s Hopkins Bay Resort is perfect for traveling families and groups of friends. One-, Two- and Three-Bedroom Beach Houses make finding the perfect accommodation size a breeze. 

Day 4-7: Placencia

Barefoot Perfect for Beach Bar and Island Hopping

Journey south from Hopkins to the picturesque Placencia Peninsula, popular for its beaches and seaside charm.  Placencia Village offers a distinct blend of Caribbean and Creole cultures reflected in its mish-mash of colorful buildings, eclectic music, and varying cuisine ranging from aromatic curry to banana leaf-wrapped tamales.  Consider Placencia your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef, just offshore.  Dozens of tour operators offer a variety of marine adventures from Placencia.  World-class fishing and diving opportunities await. So do snorkeling, sailing, and simply island-hopping.  Don’t miss the chance to dive in among the colorful coral gardens, vibrant tropical fish, and crystal-clear water.

Indulge in the mouthwatering seafood and stiff rum punch that village eateries like Tipsy Tuna are known for.  Wander the village and its quaint shops between frequent refreshment stops in the many beach bars. To find them just follow the sound of laughter and live music.

Where to Stay: Offering a beach vacation without any of the hassle of planning, the all-inclusive Sirenian Bay on the Placencia Peninsula is perfect for everyone from couples to large multi-gen families. With everything from pickleball and minigolf to three onsite restaurants, it’s the perfect complement to a Belize itinerary in and around Placencia. 

Adventure, Culture, & Relaxation Await With This Southern Belize Itinerary

Both Hopkins and Placencia Peninsula are wonderful coastal communities that make great vacation base camps for both marina and inland excursions, yet it is worth visiting each on their own for several days to appreciate their distinct characteristics.  Either destination will captivate visitors with their relaxed island vibes and rough natural beauty but they both possess a charm that is uniquely their own. 

Similar: Unhurried, Unpretentious, and Undiluted: Discover Southern Belize

Find your perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in Southern Belize.  Go from riding along the tree-lined lanes of Hopkins to listening to the waves on the shores of Placencia.  Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural experiences, throw yourself in to outdoor adventures, or simply sip a tropical cocktail and unwind on a beach, Southern Belize is the place to be.

Featured Photo by the Belize Tourism Board (Hopkins, Belize). Looking for a different Belize itinerary? Find the perfect fit on our blog.