Everything you need to know about Placencia, Belize.
Hey Sunshines! We just got back from a great week in Belize. It was my third time in this amazing and surprising country.
Our first stop? Placencia!
Placencia is a tropical 16-mile-long peninsula, which means it is Belize’s best beach that is drivable unlike the islands. (It is also lot less touristy.) If you are still craving the crystal-clear waters of the islands, Snake Caye, Silk Caye and Laughing Bird Caye are all options for day or half-day trips from Placencia.
Me on the Sidewalk
A little background…
Placencia is famed for having the world’s most narrow sidewalk, aptly named “The Sidewalk,” which was the village's only road until 1984. Legend has it that the sidewalk was created for a bishop who disliked walking on the beachy terrain. The quirky “Sidewalk” is actually in the Guiness book. Fun fact, lol!
Where to stay
Treehouse Mariposa Beach Resort
We love staying in a Treehouse at the small, boutique hotel Mariposa Beach Resort. This is an amazing option for families, as some of the treehouses have bunk beds and it is small and safe, making it very easy with kids. We totally felt safe having our boys come and go at the Mariposa. If luxury is more your style, the Turtle Inn is right down the road. If you don’t have a car and want a walkable option to The Sidewalk, check out Ellysian.
At the Mariposa
Don’t miss!
Food tour with Taste Belize.
Don’t miss fry jacks on your trip.
Food Tour with Taste Belize: My sister and I took a food tour with the founder of Taste Belize, Lyra when I was in Placencia previously and it was one of our favorite things. Lyra is an American expat who was raised in the jungle of Belize and has a fascinating story in addition to speaking Creole. I loved the lunch tour in the village, but they also offer Garifuna and chocolate tours that are highly recommended.
Snorkeling at Silk Caye: The waters at the small cayes are like bath water they are so clear! Experience the gorgeous waters with a snorkeling trip through Splash Belize. Great for kids and first time snorkelers too.
Fishing Adventures: Start with a tour from Placencia Fishing Charters or connect with a local guide for spear fishing. Bring any fresh seafood back to Mariposa Beach Resort and they will cook it up for you. (I have a guide if you are interested in going spear fishing or a combination of spear fishing and fishing.)The best meals in Belize involve conch or lobster ceviche and fresh fish from the Mariposa. Local tip: There is a gym at the end of the Sidewalk that sells fresh lobster almost daily called Evolution Beach Gym.
Rent a Golf Cart: It’s fun to rent a golf cart and explore the peninsula or Maya beach, especially if you don’t have a car.
Brew Barge/Hobbs Brewing: Don’t miss stopping here for the best fish sandwich of your life (I am serious!), beer flights, and live music. I love some merch from there too!
I am dying to try Nadü at th Itz’ana Resort. It is supposed to be a very cool dining experience with four courses, cooked over a wood fire in front of the water. Next time.
Silk Caye Snorkeling
Brew Barge Beer Flight
Jungle & Wildlife
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Do not go to Placencia and miss Cockscomb Basin. 128,000 acres and the only jaguar sanctuary in the world. If you have a car you can drive there and then check in with the ranger. Stay on the recommended paths only! There is also a super cool night hike. You definitely need a guide for the night hike. Maddy, my sister and I did the night hike and it was so exciting. No jaguars spotted unfortunately, so I need to keep seeing one on my bucket list.
Monkey River Tour: This is a great little tour that gets you on the water. Expect to see crocodiles and hopefully manatees too. You also stop in a small town for a great traditional lunch and a small hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Day time hiking Cocksomb Basin
Island day!
King Lewey Resort: King Lewey’s takes up an entire little island with a tropical bar, restaurant, water slide, and outdoor activities like giant Jenga, cornhole, and more. The water surrounding the area makes it very easy to spot sharks, fish, and stingrays. This is such a fun, surprising stop.
Lunch at King Lewey’s
Coffee Shops & Restaurants
Coffee Shops: Tropical Beaches and Cream right on the sidewalk is adorable and all the beachy vibes or check out modern and sophisticated Chill Point, which also offers wine, food, and ice cream.
Restaurants: The best restaurant in Placencia is hands down Rum Fish. Definitely make a reservation.
The Placencia Beach Club is another cool spot, offering a pool and restaurant access for a small fee.
Don Tonitos: Ocean front, delicious wood-fired pizza can be found at this outdoor restaurant located at the Umaya Resorts. (Reachable by golf cart.)
Smoqiz BBQ: This lively BBQ place right on The Sidewalk is good.
Don Tonito’s wood-fired pizza
Treats & Experiences
Chocolate Making/Tour: Mayan chocolate making and waterfall swimming are available on this tour I want to try sometime.
The Shak, Beach Cafe: Try breadfruit fries for the first time while sipping tropical cocktails on beachside swings at this quintessentially beachy spot. (At the very end of The Sidewalk)
Tutti Frutti Gelato: Don’t miss this Placencia favor.
Barefoot Beach Bar: Keep your eye out at Barefoot Beach Bar for Garifuna drumming on the schedule. They often have djs and live music too. More adult than family friendly. https://www.facebook.com/BarefootBarPlacenciaBelize/
Beach Shak
Latest and Greatest
To stay up on the latest restaurants and happenings in Placencia, check out Real Life Recess. Megan, the writer behind Real Life Recess and her husband quit their jobs in the U.S. and moved to Placencia in 2017. I had the pleasure on meeting her on a food tour in 2023 and no one has more of a pulse on what’s happenging in the village than her.
If you go to Placencia, will you let me know? I want to hear all the sunny details!
Xo, Bree
Look at that water!