It’s the beginning of February and there are still two more months of winter ahead of you. As you look out your window to your snow-covered driveway, you wish you were someplace sunny and warm. Lucky for you, a tropical destination is only hours away from the United States. Placencia, Belize, located in Central America, is your winter getaway.
The village of Placencia is located in southeastern Belize at the southern end of the Placencia Peninsula. Measuring 19 miles long and one-half mile wide, the peninsula is bordered by a lagoon to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west. Its location means you can expect year-round day time temperatures around 80 degrees and warm and tranquil water.
Placencia has 16 miles of some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the country. With the second-longest reef system in the world located off the coast, there are numerous sites ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. A day trip to nearby Laughing Bird Caye offers a protected area for water activities, hammocks for cooling off under palm trees, and even camping for kayakers.
Its location also makes it easy to reach. Placencia is a 35-minute flight from Belize City. You’ll find a large variety of restaurants, serving anything from the fresh catch of the day from the local fishermen to a local dish of chicken stew with coconut rice and beans. You can wash down your meal with a cold Belikin, the local beer of Belize.
Your trip to Placencia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival. Every February, local artists and musicians fill the main street sidewalk with their photographs, wood carvings, handmade jewelry, sculptures, and other handicrafts. This popular festival is family-friendly and showcases art and culture from all over the country.
Placencia is a good jumping-off point for visiting many of the country’s attractions. The nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s only jaguar preserve and is home to ocelots, deer, and howler monkeys. The Maya Ruins of Num Li Punit and Lubantuum are a day trip from Placencia and provide a glimpse into the region’s past.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia now offers a wide selection in lodging from hostels to high-end luxury resorts. Mariposa Beach Resort, located right on the beach, offers unique accommodations for couples looking for a romantic getaway or treehouse rooms for families needing extra space for kids. The friendly staff at Mariposa Beach Resort can help you plan your stay in Placencia.