Placencia sits about an hour south of
Belize City, but a world away from life's hustle and bustle. The
long, narrow peninsula juts southward from the mainland in a snake-like
fashion. Paralleling the southern coastline for nearly 15 miles, it is
separated from the mainland by the Placencia Lagoon. From head to foot,
its eastern shoreline is embraced with country's prettiest stretch of
beach. The western shore borders the vibrant lagoon and all of its
wildlife.
Unlike any other destination in
Belize, Placencia has two different horizons. Literally and
figuratively. One unveils a world of magnificent beaches, crystal-clear
waters, spectacular diving, and pristine cayes. The other reveals
wildlife, inland adventures, and a skyline of the Maya Mountains.
The road dead-ends at the waterfront
in Placencia Village, sometimes spelled Placentia. Locals boast it to be
one of the country's oldest, continually inhabited villages. Reportedly,
it was founded by English buccaneers in the early 1600s. Artifacts found
in the area suggest this was the site of several fierce battles between
English and Spanish sailors. There is also evidence showing the area may
have been a Maya fishing camp long before the Europeans arrived. Today
the village is basically a Creole fishing village with a very laid-back,
no-shoes ambience.
Inland attractions such as the
Cockscomb Basin, Victoria Peak, Monkey River, Red Bank, and ancient Maya
ruins are all within easy reach. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is
recognized as the only real jaguar preserve in the world, and said to
have the densest population of jaguars in existence. The sanctuary lies
in a 100,000 acre expanse of forest rimmed on the three sides by
mountainous ridges, including Victoria Peak looming in the west. In
addition to the elusive jaguars, there are ocelots, pumas, margays and
jaguarundis. Other exciting wildlife to watch for are howler monkeys,
red-eyed tree frogs and nearly 300 species of birds, including scarlet
macaws, chestnut-brown Montezuma oropendolas, Agami herons and the
keel-billed toucan.
The Maya Centre is located at the
entrance to the reserve. The Maya Village characterizes typical Maya
culture. Also of particular interest is the H'Men Herb Center and
Botanical Garden where you can learn the secrets of herbal medicines.
South of the Cockscomb is the Red
Bank area of the Maya Mountains. Brightly colored macaws roost there
between the months of December and March and can be seen flying in
formation of 30 or 40 at a time.
Placencia's eastern shore is pure
beach. Mile after mile, the soft sand curves along the shoreline
endlessly. It is said to be the prettiest beach in all of Belize, and
beyond.
Spectacular walls and canyons are
found in 60 to 80 feet of water. Fish of all sizes, shapes and colors
join an endless parade. Colorful tropical fish, giant jewfish, stingrays
and an abundance of corals and marine life delight divers. Dolphins
provide the rare opportunity to swim with them. At the right time of
year, you may see whale sharks migrating through the warm waters,
creating an awesome sight.
A few miles north of the village is
the Garifuna community of Seine Bight. It is said the community was
founded by pirates in the 1620s, and later inhabited by French
fishermen. Most of the colorful wood and palm thatched houses sit stop
stilts, keeping them somewhat cooler and protecting against flood
waters. The Seine Bight Garifunas are proud of their culture, and their
unique "garinagu" dialect. The village and its wooden-frame structures
make wonderful photographs of a place that time may have forgotten.
