We had a great time!! Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact, If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, wed be happy to help. best hikes in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Ultimate Guide to Belize: 20 Things to Do for an Epic Vacation, How to Visit Belize on a Budget: Money Saving Tips & Tricks, Laughing Bird Caye: Ultimate Guide to Belizes Secret Island. This combination tour offers several thrilling adventures. To read more about day trips to Lamanai out of Belize City, visit our Things to Do in Belize page. Arrive at Xunantunich, an archaeological site featuring "El Castillo," one of the largest Maya temples in the country, following a scenic drive through the hills of Belize. I hope youve had fun checking out all the best activities in and around Placencia. One of my favorite ways to snorkel is by bringing my own snorkel gear to beachy destinations. Perched on a small delta in Northern Belize, Cerros was abandoned early and never re-occupied. This is very helpful for our upcoming trip in November to Placencia, especially booking a rental car! He didn't talk your ear off either. Punta Gorda and The Toledo District in Belize Glide through a mangrove forest on a boat before trekking on foot through wild, undeveloped terrain with an expert guide. It gets its name because of the proximity to the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar. Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Not recommended for travelers with back problems, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, This experience requires good weather. Belize caves are also known for the Mayan treasures that have been found deep within the earth. With 9 zips, its almost 2 hours of zip lining fun! Its a bird sanctuary and popular snorkeling destination. The whole area is beautiful and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Placencia Belize. Private Xunantunich Mayan Ruins & Inland Blue Hole Tour from Placencia is hosted by Royal Belizean Adventures. One of my favorite breakfast spots is Wendys Creole Restaurant and Bar. Thought so! Belize ruins are easily reached; organize your own tour of ruins in Belize using this complete list of all Belize pyramids with locations, photos and descriptions. If youre from the US, its a relatively affordable destination, too. These artifacts are evidence of the extremely early contact between the Belize Maya and Teotihuacan. I love the less touristy areas, they are usually more beautiful! However, if you go to the EU, youve got to try Belgian chocolate, its one of the things Belgium is famous for. If youre staying in Placencia, Belize on your vacation, its really easy to visit Tikal, one of the most amazing historical sites on the planet. To learn all about Belize, visit this page on our site. Hope you have a fantastic time :). It was like traveling with another family member. Xunantunich, Cayo - Tripadvisor Its a fun way to spend an hour (or more) enjoying the water right off the coast of Belize. Its a laid-back beach town about an hour north of Placencia Village. He picked up right from our motel and drove us literally ALL OVER Belize. Wild Belize has the BEST SERVICE! 13 Apr Visiting Tikal Maya Ruins from Placencia Belize Want to Visit Tikal Maya Ruins? The knowledge and love are on poin, Highly recommend using Percy as your guide, Owner switched tours on me without warning or consent, Tour cancelled with three hours notice (at 5:30 am), Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Related Blog Post: How do I get to Tikal from Belize? Inflation and recession, strife and peace, prosperity and starvation all of these played a part in the Mayan world, which peaked between 600 900 AD. A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Located near San Ignacio, this is a day trip from Placencia. The two easily accessible sites in Toledo are very interesting. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins & Inland Blue Hole Tours From Placencia The blocks use no mortar but are carved with particular precision so that the stones stay together easily. The only really rough road I encountered in Belize was from Placencia to Belize City, when I took an unpaved road as a 'short cut . We had already been there for two hours, so we didnt miss anything. Only your group will participate, Temperature checks for tour participants upon arrival, Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff, Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized, Face masks required for guides in public areas, Face masks required for travelers in public areas, Social distancing enforced throughout experience, Absolutely by far the best tour weve had ever. Xunantunich is pretty cool in its own right. I stopped twice during my time in Placencia! This is my favorite all-natural bug spray I travel with and it actually works great! You'll have a great time in Placencia! Lubaantun was first discovered and explored by archaeologists in 1905, one of the few southern maya ruins in Belize. Stann Creek, Belize. No matter what random question we tossed at him, he was able to answer it. The Placencia Beach on the Placencia Peninsula is the longest stretch beach in the entire country of Belize. Cerros is a small site located right on the Belize coast. Think of them as similar to beignets in New Orleans an sopaipillas in Mexico. Climb to the heights of a sacred stone pyramid at the Xunantunich ruins, and then descend into the fabled Mayan underworld on a cave tubing adventure. Tour guide was great! Plus, enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic to cap off your experience. Today, Tikal is located in the middle of Tikal National Park. Cerros contains five temples, several plazas, ball courts and a system of water-ways. The Caribbean blues are strong in Belize. Placencia, Belize. View Our Brochure. 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. Climb to the top of the temple and take in panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala. . Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel.. You'll know you're arriving when you spot the little falls of the Mopan River winding alongside the road through the village of San Jose Succotz. The visitor center here has a display of a complete model of the site, along with murals showing Cahal Pech in its heyday, and an interpretive film. Now iff youre wondering where to stay in Placencia, this is the list for you! First you will need a map of Belize that includes the major Mayan ruins in the country, you can order one from us (free). During peak season (Dec Feb) youll want to book property as early as possible for the best rates and to get your preferred spot! The information provided on the Things to Do in Belize page will help with Belize trip . Visit a cacao farm and discover the old-fashioned method of making chocolatethen enjoy the memorable experience of making your own. Learn more 9 hours (approx.) If you want to book these super affordable cabanas in a perfect location, check the availability here. Santa Rita 6. I can't wait to come back to such a beautiful area. Very knowledgeable about the places we were touring and other general questions, Excellent tours! Youll even get a Tarzan-style swing rope into the cool pool of water! Lamanai is about 40 miles upstream from Cerros on the New River lagoon; the two cities traded extensively. The cane tubing was really cool as well and it was the perfect activity after the physical exertion at the ruins. Youll also find a few shops in the main street downtown in the Village. Maya Beach, Belize. We had a great day with him exploring the ruins and cave tubing. Not to mention the food is fantastic! True caretaker. Save it for later or share it on social media! Described by locals are "barefoot perfect", Placencia is a small 16-mile long narrow peninsula in southeastern Belize with gorgeous beaches on the Caribbean side and a lovely mangrove-lined lagoons on the western side. barefootservicesbelize@gmail.com. The Mayan nation was broken up into many kingdoms and principalities. Culinary water was supplied by man-made reservoirs. Placencia Tourism From curious clownfish to majestic coral reefs, you wont be disappointed. Agreed, Sue! After enjoying this natural playground, enjoy a picnic lunch and spot a variety of Belizean wildlife in the surrounding nature reserve that's home to the country's largest number of jaguars. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Belize: What to Know Before You Go (with Photos), 33 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama You Cant Miss. And with so many things to do in Placencia Belize, its a must on every tropical vacation bucket list. Love all 19 of these fun and unique things to do in Placencia Belize. They were buried along with their treasures of pottery, stingray spines, and carved jade figures. We visit this ruin on our Belize Adventure Week package. 10. Seeing the stunning Antelope Falls is a reward after a steep, challenging hike. Which would you suggest, are they worth seeing, which tour company does a good job? This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. For nature lovers, this is a must! It truly felt like we got to experience all of Belize city within 4 hours. Tour a chocolate factory and have a go making your own chocolate the traditional way, with grinding stones. Anyway, if youre looking for an informative immersion into local culture, take a chocolate making class. Complete the online portion of your courses from the comfort of your home. Large Ruins near San Ignacio -. Its rounded corners and simple shapes are like no other Maya site. I. The most impressive stelae depicts a ruler wearing a diadem or big hat, after which the site is named. Explorers have discovered seven ancient roads leading to Caracol. Perfection! Ideal for history buffs and travelers with limited time, this tour promises the undivided attention of your guide and offers historical insight that youre unlikely to find in the guidebooks. He was very knowledgeable about the sights and had an endless stream of dad jokes. The onsite museum displays many of the stellae, and the others are in place at the ruin. Caves were held sacred by the Mayans, and many contain ceremonial altars, religious carvings, and the remains of sacrificial victims. You ready for a fantastic vacation full of adventure? Mayan King Water Fall, Belize 24 Waterfalls Pumpkin Caye 26 Islands Then you need to decide which ruins you wish to visit. THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, SLICKROCK ADVENTURES HAS GROWN INTO A LEADER IN ADVENTURE SPORT ECOTOURISM. (1) Experience the thrill of cave tubing and zip lining in the beautiful country of Belize with a trip to Xunantunich from Placencia. 6 Maya Ruins & Caves That Can Be Explored Easily From Placencia - Laru Beya Xunantunich - Located near San Ignacio, after crossing a river via a hand-cranked ferry, lush jungle surrounds this site. If youre looking to snorkel the incredible reef system right off the coast of Belize, youll need to book a tour and get there via boat. Another tomb contained the remains of at least 6 people. Placencia. Starting in Placencia you'll first enjoy a cruise through mangroves to the mouth of the Monkey River. Explore Belize's ancient Mayan legends and its captivating natural wonders all in one day on this triple combo tour from Placencia. Inside the crypt a ruler had been laid to rest with the everything necessary for the afterlife: shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade artifacts, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask. There are also these fun artificial hills with flat tops that were created during the citys rich history, which are interesting to see. For more info, see mydisclosures. If youre staying in Placencia, Barefoot also organizes tours to other popular ancient Maya sites like Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, and Nim Li Punit. With a small group, sail out to the island and then choose how you want to spend your day in this tropical paradise. IN 1977 WE BEGAN TEACHING KAYAKING ALONG THE RIVERS NEAR OUR HOME IN MOAB, UTAH (US). The core structures have been extensively restored, and a magnificent tomb was discovered beneath one of these structures. The best tours in Placencia according to Viator travelers are: These Placencia experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: These hidden gems in Placencia may have limited interaction with crowds: What tours in Placencia are taking additional safety precautions? This Mayan ruins map is essential if you are planning a self-guided tour of the Mayan ruins in Belize.. One of my very favorite afternoons while visiting Belize was spent in Hopkins. What a fun list, right?! Plus, hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The largest city near Xunantunich is San Ignacio, and is about 30 minutes drive. Bright white sand. BOX 1652 +1 (800) 390-5715 Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the majesty of remote Mayan ruins during a private half-day trip to Xunatunich from Belize. Hotel pickup is offered. This experience requires good weather. Belize Ruins Map - Map of Mayan Ruins in Belize - Slickrock Adventures Zoom in and scroll to find more detail about specific activities on the map. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tikal is located just a few miles across Belize's western border with Guatemala. Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here. Its a fantastic spots for couples, friends trips and even families, too. Placencia has the right mix of small-town charm, beautiful beaches and jungles to explore. Oh, and theyre delicious! The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area for the jaguar. This oversized chair and boardwalk is at the tip of the island near the marina. WE PIONEERED THE CONCEPT OF USING A MULTI-SPORT FORMAT TO EXPLORE THE MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS IN BELIZE, RESULTING IN THE MOST DISTINCTIVE ACTIVE TOURS AVAILABLE. Palm trees line these beaches creating a stunning beach scene and the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Dive into the Mayan culture with a chocolate making class. Head out into the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world's highest concentration of big cats, with this river tubing experience. Mike , Ah that's so exciting! At less than an hour from the village, its one of the closest activities to Placencia and its worth a stop. Theyre the star of the show, but youll also get a chance at crocodiles, huge iguanas, manatees and countless birds. The tour was awesome. This all-day tour includes a stop for lunch (included) and cave tubing. The Maya King Waterfall has more to offer as well like hiking, horseback riding, rafting and zip lining! Caracol was inhabited beween 600 BC and 900 AD, with some sources claiming it was inhabited until 1150 AD. Refuel with a Belizean-style lunch before splashing back in at a spot famous for attracting throngs of nurse sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles. Top attractions include the Plaza of the Seven Temples, the Mundo Perdido Complex, vast ball courts, and elaborate carvings. Mayan Ruins Tour & Swim at Blue Hole | Hopkins, Belize | Julian Its one of the best things to do in Placencia Belize if you like a slower pace for vacation. On the way back, stop at a beautiful waterfall to enjoy the views or refresh with a swim. Belize is on my list! TRAVEL. This is a large ceremonial Ruin. He was so sweet. There is a small airport in Placencia which you could fly a small plane from Belize city do Placencia. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. This priceless jade object weighs about 10 pounds and is 6 inches in height. End the tour with a hearty meal (included) from a local restaurant. Percy is a very knowledgeable guide. The Temple of the Giant Jaguar is the most famous of all of Tikals structures and measures more than 150 feet in height. The tallest structure in Belize is Caracols Sky Place at a height of 137 feet. Tours from Placencia Belize Pickup offered There are about 12 major Mayan ruins in Belize: Caracol, Xunantunich, Lamanai, Cahal Pech, Nim Li Punit, Altun Ha, and Tikal nearby in Guatemala plus others. . A little over an hour north of Placencia is the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. FHHW+JXP Harvest Caye, Independence and Mango Creek, Belize. Check out this post for a full guide to visiting Belize on a budget. Its one of the most beautiful no magical places in all of Belize. Visit one of Belize's impressive ancient Mayan archeological sitesXunantunichon this all-day guided tour from Placencia. ct intro final View All Trips So while this isnt in Placencia directly, if youre looking for a low-key change of pace, Hopkins might be a good idea! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. We don't mind a long drive if it's to see better ruins - I understand the ones that are closest to Placencia aren't necessarily the best., but we don't want to stay over night. Home of the original Chocolate + Adventure (waterfall, Maya ruin, rum distillery, spice farm) combo tours, our famous culinary walking tour of Placencia Village, rum tastings, coffee cuppings, and Maya, Garifuna and Kriol cooking classes. We can also arrange all your Maya ruins, waterfalls, jungle, fishing, snorkeling & island hopping excursions. Mayan Ruins - What to do around Hopkins Belize Just as amazing was cahal pech ruins. Flacco, was a good driver and attentive to all. To the east lie several cayes sitting on the brilliant aquamarine waters of the Bay of Honduras. Just remember youll be in the jungle of Belize, so bring these items when visiting: Book it now: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary tour from Placencia. You could see the border from the top of the largest structures. I'm here to help you MAKE. In addition to the restored ruins currently found in Belize such as Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, Nim Li Punit, and Xunantunich, other large sites await exploration in the remote jungles throughout Belize. Royal Belizean Adventures, The great Caracol city-state covered an area larger than modern day Belize City which has a population of about 80,000 at this writing. Ive done this while snorkeling in Kauai, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and a ton of other beachy destinations. Tikal and its towering temples have been featured in many popular movies, including Star Wars (Episode IV, a New Hope), Moonraker, and the New Adventures of Tarzan. Hopefully it safe to leave the car overnight and easy enough to find places to go. But sunrises are! From the picturesque beaches and signs for the local premium rum youll know it when you see it. Im travelling to Placencia this weekend for a few days, Im really looking forward to it now, Ive just got to make my mind up on what Id actually like to do..laughing bird Caye is definitely on the list, as well as the Maya King waterfall!!!! Is Xunachuct (sp?) From the top of this pyramid El Castillo, one is rewarded with a breathtaking view of three river valleys.