Ever wondered what it feels like to slow down so much that even the road signs tell you to stop and smell the curry? After an unforgettable 3-day sailing trip with Raggamuffin Tours and a few blissful days on Caye Caulker, I headed south to Hopkins and Placencia, two very different sides of southern Belize. One raw and untouched, the other a laid-back Caribbean dream. This Hopkins Placencia travel guide covers everything you need to know: the best hotels, restaurants, things to do and honest tips straight from the road.

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Hopkins beach | Southern Belize highlights

Hopkins Placencia Travel Guide – Hopkins: raw, real and full of rhythm

Hopkins is a quiet Garifuna village on the southern coast of Belize. The moment you arrive, you feel the rhythm immediately: drums, sea breeze and a slower pace of life. I grab a bike to explore the area. However, there are quite a few men in the streets who are very forward, which makes it feel a little uneasy when exploring alone. For that reason I would recommend taking a taxi at night rather than walking, especially if you are travelling solo. Simply ask at any restaurant for a local driver; they genuinely appreciate the work and their rates are far lower than hotel transfers.

The culinary highlight of Hopkins is the Garifuna food. The food at Luba Laruga is well worth trying. In the evening, head to Driftwood for Garifuna drumming, crunchy pizzas, cold Belikin beers and dancing with your feet in the sand. Without doubt one of the most fun nights of my entire Belize trip.

In the afternoon I stumble upon Herbal Healers, a small shop run by a man who has travelled the world to study the healing powers of plants and herbs. As a result, he now creates entirely natural products from his knowledge. I buy a homemade coconut body butter and immediately regret not buying five more.

Furthermore, from Hopkins you can also visit Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, one of the few places in the world with a dedicated jaguar sanctuary. This is a half-day trip well worth adding to your Hopkins Placencia travel guide.

HIGHLIGHTS CAYO DISTRICT BELIZE

Southern Belize highlights & tips

Hopkins Placencia Travel Guide – Best hotels in Hopkins

Hopkins has something for every type of traveller. Coconut Row Boutique Hotel is a charming and intimate option right in the heart of the village, perfect if you want to be close to everything. If you prefer a proper hotel with a pool and direct beach access, Hopkins Bay Belize is one of the best-known addresses in the area. For something truly special, Almond Beach Resort is a gorgeous beachfront resort just north of Hopkins, with beautiful grounds, a pool and that slow Caribbean rhythm you come to southern Belize for in the first place.

FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN SOUTHERN BELIZE

My favorite snack in Belize: lobster ceviche! | Belize restaurants

Hopkins Placencia Travel Guide – Placencia: slow down, smell the curry

Placencia has an entirely different energy from Hopkins. It is relaxed, colorful and genuinely welcoming. A hand-painted sign on the road sums it up perfectly: “slow down, smell the curry.” Moreover, the village has a long sandy beach, a lively main strip and some of the best restaurants in southern Belize. In addition, Placencia is a great base for whale shark spotting between March and June, snorkeling trips and day excursions to the cayes.

Start your day with coffee at Brewed Awakenings, then head to The Shak or Friends Near the Pier for breakfast. Afterwards, grab an ice cream at Tuttifrutti and end the evening with fine dining and creative cocktails at Rumfish y Vino. Meanwhile, Barefoot Bar is ideal for a casual beach dinner; the Lobster & Grilled Cheese Sandwich alone is worth the trip.

MY VISIT TO CAYE CAULKER

Staying connected while exploring southern Belize is easy with a Saily eSIM; download it before you leave and you are online the moment you land. You can also follow along on my Instagram for more southern Belize inspiration.

Caribbean Beach Cabanas | Southern Belize | Hotels

Hopkins Placencia Travel Guide – Best hotels in Placencia

My stay at Caribbean Beach Cabanas is one of the highlights of my Belize trip. The decor is stunning, the room is comfortable and the private beach with day beds is exactly what you need after days of travel. Furthermore, paddle boards, tubes, bikes and beach toys are all complimentary. There is even a mobile phone in the room.

For a bit of a splurge, Prana Maya Island Resort is in a league of its own. This boutique luxury resort sits on a private island just a five-minute boat ride from Placencia Village, with ocean-view suites, private villas with plunge pools, a spa, yoga classes and over 20 excursions on offer. Pure Caribbean escapism, and worth every penny.

ROOMS & RATES CARIBBEAN BEACH CABANAS

Turtle Inn: the Coppola magic continues

One of the absolute highlights of this Hopkins Placencia travel guide is Turtle Inn, a luxury resort run by the Coppola family. If you have already read my post about Blancaneaux Lodge, you already know what to expect: extraordinary attention to detail, beautiful design and impeccable service. In addition, there are two pools, an organic farm, a shellphone in the room (yes, really) and some of the finest wines I have ever tasted. Order the Director’s Cut and thank me later.

The general manager, Martin, is Dutch. Consequently, my last night in Belize we have dinner together: a Dutch-Indonesian rice table that Francis Ford Coppola himself apparently loves. I just missed James Franco by a week. Reese Witherspoon was arriving in two weeks. I suppose that simply means I have to come back.

MY OTHER STAY AT FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S PLACE

Placencia | Southern Belize | Accommodation | Photos: Turtle Inn

Getting around: bus vs transfer

Getting from Hopkins to Placencia is easy and cheap by public bus: just 5 Belize dollars versus 150 for a private transfer. Not only is the bus reliable, but reggae music also blasts from the speakers the whole way and you can hop off wherever you like. Therefore, if you want to explore the region at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. I recommend Discover Cars for the best rates in Belize.

Photos: Caribbean Beach Cabanas | Belize hotels | Hopkins Placencia Travel Guide

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Placencia and Hopkins | Southern Belize | Accommodation & Highlights

MY 3-DAY SAILING TRIP FROM CAYE CAULKER

Hopkins Placencia travel guide: frequently asked questions

Is Hopkins or Placencia better for tourists?

Both have their own charm. Hopkins is rawer and more authentic, with a strong Garifuna culture, whereas Placencia is more developed, easier to navigate solo and has a better variety of restaurants and hotels. Overall, most travellers enjoy spending time in both.

How do I get from Hopkins to Placencia?

The cheapest option is the public bus for just 5 Belize dollars. In contrast, a private transfer costs around 150 Belize dollars. Nevertheless, the bus is reliable and runs reggae music the entire journey, which is half the fun.

What is the best hotel in Placencia?

Caribbean Beach Cabanas is excellent for mid-range stays with a private beach and all amenities included. Turtle Inn by the Coppola family is the ultimate splurge, with extraordinary design, two pools and an organic farm.

What is Garifuna food and where can I try it?

Garifuna food is the traditional cuisine of the Garifuna people, an Afro-indigenous culture native to the Caribbean coast of Belize. The signature dish is Hudut: a coconut fish soup served with cassava.

Is southern Belize safe for solo female travellers?

Placencia is generally very safe and welcoming. That said, Hopkins can feel a little more uncomfortable for solo women due to persistent attention from men in the streets. Taking a taxi at night is strongly recommended in Hopkins.

• The best hotels in southern Belize are on Booking.com
• Day trips and activities: check GetYourGuide
• Rent a car in Belize at Discover Cars
• Plan and book your trip at Trip.com
• Stay connected with an eSIM from Saily

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