Top Placencia Cultural Tours

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.

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 hotel pickup are included for a stress-free adventure.

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.

Take a tour into the countryside and discover the many animals of the Belize Zoo on this full-day tour from Placencia. Join a small group and explore the various habitats of the zoo as your guide provides information about the natural abilities and lifestyles of the animals. Then, travel back through lush rain forests and mountain valleys, stopping to take beautiful photos.

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.

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.

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!).

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.