Discover the best day trips in Placencia - from sightseeing tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and day trips with top-rated local guides.
Day Trips in Placencia
Day trips in Placencia offer travelers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and convenience.
Whether you are short on time or simply looking for an immersive experience without the need for overnight stays,
these tours provide an excellent way to explore the highlights of Placencia and its surroundings in just one day.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you can uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures that
bring the destination to life. From exploring scenic countryside and nearby villages to visiting historic monuments
and vibrant marketplaces, day trips are designed to maximize your travel experience. They are ideal for families,
couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering curated itineraries that combine comfort with unforgettable exploration.
You can relax knowing that transportation, guides, and carefully planned stops are all taken care of. Best of all,
day trips in Placencia give you the chance to see more in less time, making them a smart choice for travelers who
want to make the most of their visit. With a variety of options available, every traveler can find a day trip that
matches their interests and leaves them with lasting memories.
We will visit one of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Belize, Xunantunich! Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals. Explore the many breathtaking formations designed by only nature and learn about the ancient rituals and ceremonies that are a part of their mystique and magic.
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MONKEY RIVER & MANATEE WATCH The most popular tour out of Placencia! Take a 40-minute boat ride through the mangroves and Caribbean Sea to enter the mouth of Monkey River at Monkey River Village. On your boat ride down the Monkey River, watch for the wildlife of Belize - birds, iguanas, snakes, crocodiles and the stars of the tour - howler monkeys. Jump in for a swim in the river...if you dare! Then return to Monkey River Village to enjoy a native lunch. Top off the trip with a stop for manatee watching on the way back to Placencia. See how many you can spot before they go back under!
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A half hour fun boat ride through the mangroves takes you to Monkey River village where you head upriver into pristine rain forest. Expect to see crocodiles, huge iguanas on tree branches sunning themselves, turtles, and many species of tropical birds. Upriver, your licensed guide will lead you into the rain forest in search of howler monkeys. Nothing you read could prepare you for the adventure of hearing these monkeys for the first time...you just have to experience it! On this mellow hike, your guide will also point out the different plants and trees many of which are used as medicine by local bush doctors. As your hike through the jungle further from the river you may spot gibnuts (now known as royal rat since Queen Elizabeth dined on it), deer, ocelots, peccaries, tapirs, coatimundis and agoutis.
Buy a genuine Kriol lunch at Miss Alice’s restaurant in Monkey River before heading out on a manatee watch on the way back to Placencia.
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You will be picked up from an agreed location in Placencia and taken on a drive to the Jaguar Preserve/Cockscomb basin. Enjoy either river tubing or swim at a waterfall or do both. Hike through our jungles is an exciting feat. You will learn about the usefulness of some plants while you make your way along a jungle trail to river tube.
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We will visit one of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Belize, Xunantunich! Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals. Explore the many breathtaking formations designed by only nature and learn about the ancient rituals and ceremonies that are a part of their mystique and magic.
Book Now
You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
We will visit one of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Belize, Xunantunich! After your guided excursion of Xunantunich Ruins, . Once completed we head out for a 10-25 minutes hike to the caves for a tube ride that will awaken your sense of excitement. Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals.
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You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Just under a hour outside of Placencia Village, we’ll arrive at Mayan King. We’ll enjoy seven 7 zip Lines and a couple bridges, enjoying the views from as high as 400 feet into the tree tops. The longest line is 1300 feet. The lines crisscross over the river and valley below. This tour is easy for all ages. Children are welcome but may need to go tandem with another rider or guide.
Then we’ll take a short hike down to the river. We’ll ride the river for about 45 minutes through mostly calm waters, with a few quick rapids along the way. For safety, life jackets and helmets are provided. We’ll also have two guides – one at the beginning and one at the end of our group – to help navigate the waters.
Finally, we take a short drive to the waterfall – enjoy the pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the natural waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll hike up to the second falls or you can relax by the pool (or even take a dip if you’re up to it!).
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ATM is the crown jewel of all of Belize’s archaeological treasure. This is one of the most unforgettable and adventurous underground tours you can make in Belize. The guided trip into ATM takes you deep into the underworld that the ancient Maya knew as Xibalba.
We’ll start with a 2 hours drive to the village of Teakettle. From there, we’ll turn off into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and pass through mahogany groves and orchards.
The tour requires climbing and swimming as well as crawling through small spaces. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages, dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide and filled with artifacts and sacrificial remains. Visitors remove shoes and explore the cave in socks only, to protect the artifacts on the cave floor. After this, another climb takes you to the stone sepulchre (after which the cave is named) where the Crystal Maiden lies.
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Belize is rich in Mayan history and well known for its incredible caves system as well as the magnificent site of Xunantunich hosting the tallest building in Belize “El Castillo” once used by the ancient Maya, these are two of Belize's most popular attractions combined in one package, enjoy a full day exploring the Mayan world and underworld Xibalba, hiking, floating and being immersed in Mayan history!
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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.
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It’s going to be an eventful day so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This tour will start with a journey from your Placencia accommodation. Our guides will be waiting on-site for you before heading off in air-conditioned transport to Xunantunich. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. It sits close to Belize’s western border and is a must-visit. Local souvenirs, hammocks, and blankets are available from the many vendors waiting alongside the river at the entrance to the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple.
The panoramic views of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala from atop ‘El Castillo’ are stupendous! Come with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours before heading off to Jaguar Paw for cave tubing .
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This tour will leave you longing for more Belizean adventures; as you'll leave with memories you'll cherish for your lifetime. Learn ancient Mayan history and practices as you explore the majestic City of Xunantunich. You also get to visit the St. Herman's Cave and see beautiful natural formations and crystals, before cooling of in the refreshing "Blue Hole." This package includes a local lunch for each passenger. The best way to spend warm days in Belize with your friends or family!
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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 depart from your Hopkins where our guides will meet you before your drive to this temple. 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.The temples are nestled in between lush rain forest 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. Join us on this half-day tour towards Xunantunich Maya Ruins with lunch and hotel pick up included from Placencia.
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Xunantunich is a spectacular ruin perched atop a hill overlooking the Mopan River and the Cayo District, near the border with Guatemala. Cross the Mopan River west of San Ignacio on a ferry to reach Xunantunich or Maiden of the Rock. The main pyramid known as El Castillo is one of the tallest buildings in Belize rising 130' above the jungle canopy. The reward for climbing to the top with your licensed guide is a spectacular view of the Cayo District and Petén Guatemala.
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Travel privately with your group in a comfortable, clean and updated vehicle with enough space for each guest. This tour is definitely one of the most popular attractions for most visitors to Belize. See the absolute best of Belize's land, water and air with a fully experienced guide; privately!
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Our day trips in Placencia are carefully designed to combine convenience, cultural insights, and memorable
experiences. Each itinerary highlights the best of Placencia, led by local guides who know the destination
inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Placencia
Most day trips in Placencia include transportation, a local guide, and entrance to selected attractions.
Some itineraries also provide meals or free time for independent exploration.
Day trips in Placencia typically last between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the destination and itinerary.
They are designed to make the most of your day while keeping travel times comfortable.
Yes, many day trips in Placencia are family-friendly, offering activities and destinations that appeal
to both adults and children. Be sure to check tour descriptions for age recommendations.
Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons in Placencia.
Some tours may allow same-day bookings if space is available.
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