Things to do in Placencia
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Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
This is Belize's most famous, and one of its biggest, protected areas - the huge swath of tropical forest became the world's first jaguar sanctuary in 1984. Today it's home to an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars and a vast array of wildlife. Visits are restricted to an eastern pocket where there's an information center, accomodation and walking trails.
Cockscomb became a forest reserve and no-hunting area in 1984. A small part of it was given sanctuary status in 1986, and the rest followed in 1990. The people of the Mayan village of Quan Bank were compulsorily relocated - many now live in Maya Center and make a living from the sanctuary.
The sanctuary itself is not big enough t…
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Il Tempio
Multicultural is the first word that comes to mind with this place, built to resemble a cross between a Mexican hacienda and a Maya pyramid, with a set of antique redwood Chinese doors thrown in for good measure. Inside, however, the food is strictly Italian, served by the Roman owner Stefano Parisse. Prices are steep for the area, but meals are expertly prepared. It doesn’t get more eclectic than this.
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Purple Space Monkey
This place is garish, done up in wild shades of hot pink, lemony yellows and key lime greens. But what do you expect from a place called Purple Space Monkey? Free internet, good cuisine (Belizean and Western) and a decent book-swap library. Portions aren’t huge, but they’ll refill your coffee mug (if you ask nicely). Be warned: Wednesday night is karaoke night.
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Laughing Bird Caye National Park
There are some great snorkeling and diving opportunities at Laughing Bird Caye. While the coral has suffered damage from hurricanes and careless snorkelers, there's plenty of marine life - from stoplight and queen parrotfish to spotted eagle rays to the semi-tame lemon sharks that feed off barbeque leftovers turfed into the sea by the inebriated.
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Gladden Spit
The Elbow at Gladden Spit is a magical place. For up to 10 days after the full moon, from March to June, awesome but gentle whale sharks (the world's largest fish - up to 18m/60ft long) gather to feast on the eggs of cubera snapper and other fish that spawn in huge quantities at these times. Prepare for a jaw-droppingly brilliant experience.
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Trattoria Placencia
The trattoria serves great handmade pasta, seafood and salads in a cozy wooden cabin with a terrace opening onto the beach. The fettuccine with smoked chicken and broccoli is hard to beat. Located next to Julia & Lawrence Guesthouse, it is in the busy part of town. Get there by 6pm to 6:30pm to avoid a wait.
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Pickled Parrot
This thatched-roof Caribbean-style bar and restaurant a block from the ocean has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike for 15 years. Happy hour – with half-priced rum drinks – runs from 5pm to 6pm, and Tuesday night is darts night, with bar-tab credit being awarded to high scorers.
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Next Wave Sailing
Does day sails on a 50ft catamaran out to sandy islands where you can snorkel, swim and lunch (adult/under 12s BZ$176/88); also offers popular sunset cruises (BZ$99/50). Kids under four are free of charge. Departures are from Placencia docks; you can book at the Purple Space Monkey.
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Serenade Restaurant
Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel next door, you’ll still be serenaded by its wind chimes at this patio restaurant serving Belizean seafood, chicken and meat dishes. Feeling adventurous? Try the gibnut stew, a specialty of the house.
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De-Tatch Café
Head to this popular, thatched-roof, open-air beachside place for satisfying Caribbean, Belizean and North American dishes. Favorites include the coconut shrimp curry, charbroiled steaks and chicken in mango-rum sauce. Internet access too.
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The Shak
Indian curries, healthy Mexican dishes and excellent smoothies all served with pride by the lovely Magda. With the exception of the occasional fish dish, all dishes are 100% meat free. For vegetarians, this must be the place.
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Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar
Occasional live bands spice up the program at Placencia’s shiniest bar, with pool tables, big-screen TV and a concrete apron spreading onto the sands. A fun-loving crowd gathers most nights. Happy hour is 7pm to 8pm.
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Cozy Corner Restaurant
A popular open-air beachside palapa, Cozy Corner scores with generous portions of seafood, steaks, chicken and burgers – and several types of enormous burritos for BZ$10 or less.
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Tommy’s Restaurant
A decent Chinese restaurant, Tommy’s serves up localized Chinese dishes such as conch fried rice and lobster chow mein. Try the fried stuffed crab claw (BZ$30), expensive but tasty.
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Toadal Adventure
Led by highly experienced local guide Dave Vernon, who does popular multiday sea-kayaking trips. Call or check the website for packages and pricing. It also rents kayaks for BZ$70 per day.
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Joy Tours
Offers a variety of fishing, snorkeling and diving activities. Staff will also be glad to arrange hiking tours to Maya ruins around southern Belize.
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J-Byrds
This dockside bar can get pretty lively with locals and visitors, especially at the Friday dance party (9pm to 2am).
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Sambur Jaguar Adventure Tours
Friendly little operation with colorful blackboard listing trips.
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