9 days in Placencia & Masaya Itinerary

Once a humble fishing village, Placencia has been transformed into a leading tourist destination, with its focus primarily on outdoor activity and natural exploration.

Venture out of the city with trips to Outback Trails (in Kendal), Hopkins (Off-Road Tours & Glover's Reef Marine Reserve) and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve (in Dangriga). There's much more to do: step off the mainland to explore Laughing Bird Caye National Park, see the vivid underwater world at Mesoamerican Reef (Belize Barrier Reef), relax in the rural setting at Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Placencia road trip planning website.

Durham, USA to Placencia is an approximately 12.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Durham to Placencia is minus 1 hour. Expect warmer temperatures when traveling from Durham in March; daily highs in Placencia reach 85°F and lows reach 69°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to travel to Masaya.

Quickly accessible from both Managua and Granada, culturally rich Masaya remains one of the best places to visit if you're looking to purchase authentic Nicaraguan handicrafts.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Mon): contemplate the geological forces at Masaya Volcano and then steep yourself in history at El Coyotepe Fortress. On the next day, contemplate the waterfront views at Centro de Visitantes Reserva natural Laguna de Apoyo, then explore the activities along Apoyo, and then stop by Masaya Crafts Market.

To see where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Masaya road trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Placencia to Masaya. On the 15th (Wed), you'll travel back home.