A narrow north-south peninsula located in southeastern Belize, Placencia is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. In a land renowned for its beaches, the golden sands of Placencia offer visitors a chance to enjoy nature at its finest while admiring stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Here are 5 additional reasons why you should definitely visit Placencia, Belize on your vacation:
1 – Guinness Book of Records
The lovely Placencia Village, the unofficial capital of the peninsula, is home to the world’s narrowest main street. A pedestrian-only sidewalk measuring just 4 feet wide and 4,071 feet long, Placencia’s main street is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, sample delicious local foods, and marvel at the colorful street art.
Placencia Village also hosts a yearly art show and festival in February.
2 – Lobster!
The locals of Placencia still earn their livelihoods by fishing the rich waters off the coast. Every year in June, Placencia is home to one of the country’s liveliest lobster festivals where chefs from around the region compete to cook delectable morsels made from the world’s most popular crustacean.
3 – Garifuna Culture
Placencia is home to the village of Seine Bight, a small community of native Garifuna people. An Afro-Caribbean culture that formed on the island of St. Vincent, today, the Garifuna make up about 4% of the population in Belize. The Garifuna have been recognized by the United Nations for their contributions to the intangible heritage of humanity. The Garifuna are renowned for their dancing and drumming as well as signature foods like cassava bread and hudut (a kind of fish stew).
4 – Whale Sharks
Placencia is the gateway to the southern Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its biodiversity. Huge schools of fish attract sharks and other predators, making the reef a popular site for snorkeling and diving. One of the reef’s most famous visitors are whale sharks that migrate around the world, visiting the waters off of Placencia, Belize during the spring.
5 – Monkey River
Just 12 miles south of Placencia, Belize is the eponymous Monkey River. A pristine waterway through the jungle, boat safaris up the Monkey River are the perfect place to see exotic wildlife at its finest, including alligators, toucans, tanagers, herons, and, of course, plenty of monkeys.
Barefoot Rentals and Services
Barefoot Rentals and Services is a locally-owned and operated company that is based in Placencia Belize. Barefoot has a wide range of modern, well-maintained vehicles that are ideal for travelers who want to explore the pristine beauty of the Placencia Peninsula.