subject: The Uncharted Destination In Belize [print this page] Belize, though quite small, has become a haven for expats and retirees. While the main destination for tourists is Ambergris Caye, the main settlement for expats and those seeking a new life in the country is Placencia.
Placencia is the southernmost town on the largest peninsula of Belize on the Gulf of Mexico. The town still remains quite isolated as it can be reached either through the jungle or a boat ride from the city proper. The town is located in the Stann Creek District of Belize and is now a burgeoning town not only for the locals but for the expats as well.
The name Placencia was officially given by the Spanish armada that resettled the area. The first settlers to the area were English Puritans from Nova Scotia. When the surrounding countries of Belize undertook their rebellions for independence, the original settlers vacated the area. With the Spanish colonization of the region, Belize also fell under the Spanish influence and imperialistic rule.
There are a few destinations located right within Placencia, which are as follows:
1.Placencia Village is the main square of the area. This is where the Lobster Fest, the Arts Festival and Easter Week, a form of Spring Break in the US, is held.
2.Placencia Lagoon is a marine wildlife sanctuary with manatees, dolphins and rays. There are also mangrove forests, fishing areas for tarpon, barracuda and snook, sea grass beds and areas for canoeing and kayaking.
3.Maya Beach is a community located on the Placencia Peninsula. This area is 1.5 miles long and is made up of small resorts, homes and few retail establishments and bars.
Now, through the efforts of the local as well as central government, the area in around Placencia has undergone major infrastructure changes aimed towards tourism development. Currently, a few mid sized developments have been started to be built along the coast. Foremost amongst them is Turtle Inn, owned and operated by Francis Ford Coppola. The road towards the peninsula is being paved as well as other establishments setting up shop in the area. As a common design, many of the developments in the area have either a beach, lagoon or canal frontage for the tourist set.
As can be seen, Placencia is one of the hidden gems in Belize. The current tourism destination still remains quite spartan but this would change in the next few years as tourism planning development gets underway. Until such time, finding a secluded and peaceful spot in the area is not a problem for the backpack tourist or retiree. Placencia is truly the uncharted destination in all of Belize.
