Top Placencia Art & Culture

Visit one of Belize's impressive ancient Mayan archeological sites—Xunantunich—on this all-day guided tour from Placencia. Located in western Belize, the site offers views of the Guatemala border. Following that, float through mysterious limestone archways into the mouths of centuries-old caves where you'll learn about Mayan rituals and ceremonies and see haunting mineral formations.

Venture into a remote jungle in southern Belize near the small settlement of Monkey River Village, an area known for its troops of black howler monkeys and other wildlife. Glide through a mangrove forest on a boat before trekking on foot through wild, undeveloped terrain with an expert guide. You’ll also look for manatees, turtles, and crocodiles in this unique ecosystem where river meets the sea.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the majesty of remote Mayan ruins during a private half-day trip to Xunatunich from Belize. Ideal for history buffs and travelers with limited time, this tour promises the undivided attention of your guide and offers historical insight that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebooks. Plus, hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Combine the best of Belizean nature and culture on this combo tour that includes a visit to the Xunantunich ancient Mayan ruins and the Inland Blue Hole — a beautiful jungle lagoon. The ruins can be difficult to navigate on your own, but a guide explains the site’s fascinating history and helps you safely climb the highest stone temple in Belize. A picnic lunch and all transfers are included for a stress-free adventure.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts won't want to miss this animal-focused tour. Starting in Placencia you'll first enjoy a cruise through mangroves to the mouth of the Monkey River. Look and listen out for birds, iguanas, snakes, crocodiles, and howler monkeys along the way. Stop for a local lunch at Monkey River Village, and look out for manatees on the return trip. Take a swim in the river if you wish.

Take a break from beach combing and water sports to explore the ancient ruins and mysterious caves of the Cayo district on this full-day combo tour from Placencia. Visit the remnants of a once-mighty Mayan city at Xunantunich — where you can see all the way to Guatemala from the top of a pyramid — and then float through an underground network of caverns on a cave tubing adventure.

Known for its rich Mayan culture and heritage, Actun Tunichil Muknal boasts ancient artifacts that were used in ceremonial rituals, skeletal remains, pottery and stone tools, and even hieroglyphs—all of which you can see on this challenging all-day guided tour. Plus, enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic to cap off your experience.

Visit one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Belize—Xunantunich—on this all-day private excursion from Placencia. After exploring the ancient archaeological site and the pyramid known as “El Castillo,” you’ll float under limestone archways into the mouths of centuries-old caves. Marvel at the rock formations and learn about the ancient Mayan rituals and ceremonies.

An excellent choice for all ages in your family. There is something for everyone to do and enjoy from the moment you are picked up; with unlimited sight-seeing until you are returned to your drop off point. Experience two of Belize's top three rated excursions in one trip.

Discover one of Belize’s most notable caves, Actun Tunichil Muknal, and learn about its mysterious history on this full-day excursion from Placencia. Join a small group and enjoy a guided tour of the cave. Take in the unique rock formations and learn about the cave’s Mayan history from your guide.

Take a break from the beaches to see two highlights of Belize’s lush Cayo District, all without renting a car. Stand atop the massive El Castillo temple and and peer into Guatemala at the Xunantunich archaeological site, where a guide shows you highlights of the ruins and reveals secrets of ancient Mayan life. Later, cool off with a swim in the Blue Hole, a natural swimming pool surrounded by tropical forest.

Learn about the Garifuna culture during a hands-on experience on this half-day tour in Placencia. After exploring Garifuna artifacts, you will cook and enjoy a traditional specialty called “hudut,” which is made with mashed plantains and a creamy coconut fish stew. Following lunch, participate in drumming lessons with a local musician.

Be prepared for one of the most scenic days of your life. From the moment you leave, your guide will be more than happy to take photos of you in the many picture perfect locations. Enjoy the tranquility of the cave systems and the beauty of its famous "cenotes".

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. 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. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors will get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby. After a couple hours of exploring, you’ll head off to the Inland Blue Hole for a dip. Not to be confused with Belize’s iconic Blue Hole in the Caribbean Sea, this woodland natural pool offers a lovely and refreshing stop on the Hummingbird Highway.Once at the bottom, the jungle opens up to the sky’s canvas revealing limestone rock walls and vegetation, forming an attractive 25-foot (8-m) deep swimming hole. The water in the Blue Hole is part of an underground cave system that flows into the Sibun River.

Immerse yourself Mayan culture on this half-day guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup in Placencia Village, spend the day with Ernesto and Aurora Saqui and learn about Mayan traditions like herbal medicine and how to prepare tortillas and tamales on a hearth. Visit a cacao farm and discover the old-fashioned method of making chocolate—then enjoy the memorable experience of making your own.

Visit English-speaking Mayan homes in the village of Big Falls with the Living Maya Experience on this guided tour. Learn how the local Kek'chi Mayas live off the forest, from food to furniture to medicine, and hear about their beliefs, traditions, and other cultural activities. Plus, get hands-on food prep experience; traditional Mayan dishes are served for lunch. The tour also includes a stop at the Nim Li Punit ruins.

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. If that isn’t appealing enough, how about saddling up a horse and riding into the shadow of this Mayan temple. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors might get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby, this is where you will board the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple. Here, you’ll dismount your horse and the journey to Xunantunich begins on the other bank of the river.. The temples are nestled in between lush rainforest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours.