Hopkins and Placencia are two sleepy villages alongside the Caribbean coast, but they each have their own unique vibes and are worth seeing independently. Hopkins is regularly called the friendliest village in Belize, while Placencia is a peninsula attached to the southeast shore of Belize. And despite that appeal, it still hasn’t become overcrowded or lost its beach town vibes. If you’re making the trip down from Hopkins to Placencia, you have a few choices at your disposal. Here’s what you should know about the different options available to you.
Public Bus
The public bus that runs from Hopkins to Placencia is the cheapest option, but it’s not necessarily the most convenient. Bus fare is only $3, and it takes an hour and a half to reach Placencia on average. But figuring out the bus schedule, getting there on time, and actually finding the terminal can add some time and expense to your trip. It’s also hard to know how crowded the bus will be — a serious issue if you’re traveling with luggage.
Rental Car
A number of reputable rental car agencies are available at every Belize airport, and that can be a huge boon if you’re trying to see as much of Belize as you can. You can reach Placencia by car in roughly an hour and twenty minutes. The biggest downside is the inconvenience of having to drive. Belize’s roads are almost entirely two lane — and some of them can be difficult to navigate during stormier weather.
Plane
A flight from the regional airport in Placencia to Dangriga’s airport will take you less than a half hour in the air, but that doesn’t take into account the various complications of navigating the airport and finding your way from your gate into town. And since the Dangriga airport is a half mile drive from the Hopkins town center, you’ll have to arrange for transportation there.
Shuttle Service
Uncharted Jewel Belize offers private shuttle services from Hopkins to Placencia, and the savings really begin to stack up when you book your shuttle service for multiple guests. You can just sit back, kick your feet up, and relax on your trip. The helpful and local guides can even give you some advice on the best spots to visit when you reach Placencia — and we’ll be happy to help you book adventures in the area.
Questions about Belize? Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone: Main +501 614-7869.
