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Southern

Why Go? . ...186 Cultural, social and ecological diversity are the hallmarks Dangriga...... 186 of Southern Belize. It’s here in the south that open savanna and citrus-filled farmland give way to forested hills dotted Central Cayes...... 192 with Maya villages and ruins, while towns like Hopkins and Hopkins...... 195 offer sun, sand and a bit of local culture. Sittee Point...... 201 Adventurers will find no shortage of opportunities to get Sittee River...... 201 off the beaten path in Toledo’s jungles, while trekkers who Cockscomb Basin wish to splurge can choose from a number of five-star jungle Wildlife Sanctuary...... 202 lodges tucked away in remote corners. Those of more mod- est means will be able to have a great time on the cheap in Placencia...... 204 the small villages and communities of the Deep South. ...... 214 The south also has cayes all of its own boasting stunning Punta Gorda...... 214 coral reefs, where snorkeling, boating and diving enthusi- The Deep South...... 221 asts can experience Belize’s nautical wonders while avoiding Villages & Ruins...... 222 the crowds (and the significantly higher price tags) of the Northern Cayes.

Best Places to Eat When to Go ¨¨Rumfish, Placencia (p212) The high season is from December to April, when heavy ¨¨Maya Beach Bistro, rainfall ends and the weather is at its mildest. If you go be- Placencia (p211) tween May and July, you’ll enjoy lower occupancy rates and prices (and you can eat lobster starting June 15). August and ¨ ¨Omar’s Creole Grub, September are the dog days of summer, with hot weather, Placencia (p212) occasional showers and bargains galore.

Best Places to Stay ¨¨Belcampo Belize, near Punta Gorda (p228) ¨¨Thatch Caye Resort, Thatch Caye (p195) ¨¨Singing Sands Inn, Placencia (p210) Silk

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