7-Day Itinerary Exploring the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, Belize
The Stann Creek and Toledo Districts in Belize are renowned for their blend of rainforest, reef, and coastal exploration. Home to Belize’s Culture Capital and Chocolate Capital, the south bursts with activities and festivities that keep you excited for more!
Stann Creek District
Popular locations such as Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia are located in the Stann Creek District. Dangriga and Hopkins are predominantly Garifuna communities, while Placencia is a Creole fishing village. The winding roads of the Hummingbird Highway transition from Cayo into Stann Creek, with many colorful villages dotted along the way. You can make a stop for ice cream, pastries, tamales, fruits, pepper sauces, or even a dip in a waterfall, like Billy Barquedier or Davis Falls.
Highly anticipated events in the Stann Creek District include the Mango Festival in Hopkins Village in June, the Lobster Festival in Placencia Village in July, and the Habinahan Wanaragua Competition in Dangriga Town in December. Both districts celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day with the Yurumein reenactment happening at the crack of dawn on November 19.
Toledo District
The Toledo District is a melting pot of Q’eqchi and Mopan Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, and Creole people. Toledo has many hidden gems, like untouched sandy islands and refreshing creeks flowing through evergreen mountains. You can explore archaeological sites, such as Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, to be transported back in time to Belize’s ancient Maya civilization. Toledo comes alive for the annual Chocolate Festival in May, the Yellow Ginger Festival in August, and the Battle of the Drums Competition in November, all in Punta Gorda Town.
The south teems with numerous cultural experiences, from Maya living experiences to Garifuna immersions, community museums, and art galleries. Stann Creek and Toledo are the birthplaces of many Belizean musical legends and cultural ambassadors, like Andy Palacio, Paul Nabor, Leela Vernon, Florencio Mes, The Garifuna Collectives, Pen Cayetano and the Turtle Shell Band, and the Punta Rebels–to name a few!
It’s one thing to know what to do and another to actually experience the natural beauty and culture of the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. Here’s a 7-day itinerary to inspire your next Belize Vacation.
Arrival Day – Toledo District
Disembark the plane to the warmth of the tropical Caribbean atmosphere! You can take a domestic flight from the international airport to Dangriga (with a 30-minute drive to Hopkins), Placencia, or Punta Gorda. However, opt for a road trip to bask in mountainous views, and local communities to kick-start your southern expedition!
Check into your luxurious jungle stay in Toledo, with a lovely dinner after a long travel day.
Day 1 – Archaeology and Nature
Wake up to the radiant sun for a beautiful day filled with adventure! After a yummy breakfast, depart for Nim Li Punit Archaeological Site. Marvel at the site’s 26 stelae, monuments, and ball court. Head to the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Garden for a scenic tractor tour to smell aromatic spices, and feast your eyes on gorgeous flora and fauna.
Alternative Day 1 Activities
After breakfast, head to Santa Cruz Village for a Maya Living Experience. Spend time with a Maya family to learn about traditional foods and medicinal plants. Afterward, tour the Lubaantun Archaeological Site! Explore this site, unique for its temples built without mortar. It consists of five main plazas and two ball courts. Wrap up your day’s travels at one of the largest waterfalls in Toledo, Rio Blanco National Park!
Day 2 – Placencia Village Arrival
Depart from Punta Gorda to Placencia Village! Stay along the 16-mile peninsula or in the village for easy access to restaurants and the popular Placencia Point for an afternoon at the beach. End the day by experiencing Placencia’s culinary scene with a guided food tour! Make six to seven stops for delectable dinner tastings. You’ll surely have a “food coma” after eating so much!
Day 3 – Southern Islands Exploration
Wake up to the soothing sounds of beach waves and chirping birds as you get ready for a day at sea! Depart for an island-hopping tour to snorkel at Silk Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and Moho Caye. You’ll be blown away by the many hues of blue as you go from one island to the next. Enjoy a mouth-watering seafood meal or an authentic rice-and-beans dish for lunch on an island near the Belize Barrier Reef!
Return to your hotel to relax for the rest of your day.
Day 4 – Hopkins Village Arrival
Say goodbye to Placencia, as your next stop is Hopkins Village! Before settling into Hopkins, engage in a traditional Maya Chocolate-Making Class in Maya Center Village or do something more adventurous, like ziplining over Mayflower Bocawina National Park! Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing on the beach, eating at a local restaurant, or riding around Hopkins Village with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
For dinner, book a dynamic chef’s table experience featuring an exquisite seven-course menu, blending fresh local ingredients with international techniques! You will continue to be amazed by Belize’s rich gastronomy.
Day 5 – Culture & History
Enjoy a tasty Belizean breakfast at a cozy café, and relish the laid-back morning vibes after days of adventure. For lunch, participate in a Garifuna cooking class to make hudut–a coconut milk soup with mashed plantains and fried fish. If you want to do something upbeat for the afternoon, engage in a drumming lesson after a delicious lunch. Or, if you’d like to explore Dangriga Town for the afternoon, stop at the Pen Cayetano Art Gallery or the Gulisi Garifuna Museum. Dinner will be bittersweet as it is the last night of your vacation.
Departure Day
As you leave Hopkins, opt for the Coastal Highway for a shorter route to the international airport. Imagine you experienced so much, and it was only the southern districts! There is still so much to do and see in Belize. You’ll go back home with many wonderful memories and a longing to return to Belize as soon as possible!
The Stann Creek and Toledo Districts cater to every traveler, from solo explorers to romantic getaways or family vacations. Take this itinerary for your upcoming Belize vacation, or tailor it to include upcoming events you’d like to experience in the south. Belize is always waiting for you!