Car Travel

To get to Placencia, head southeast from Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The highway is one of Belize's better roads, as well as one of its most scenic. On your right rise the jungle-covered Maya Mountains, largely free of signs of human habitation except for the occasional field of corn or beans. As you approach Dangriga you'll see large citrus groves. South of Dangriga on the Southern Highway you'll pass a number of large banana plantations–-the blue plastic bags protect the bananas from insect damage.

Several small local outfits, including Barefoot Services and Placencia Car Rental, rent cars in Placencia. Some companies also rent scooters and golf carts, which can be driven on the roads. Budget, based in Belize City, has a branch in Placencia. The car rental companies in Placencia will deliver cars to Dangriga, Hopkins, and other areas nearby, but you'll probably have to pay a small delivery fee.

Contacts

Barefoot Services. Barefoot Services rents cars, golf carts, scooters, and dirt bikes. Auto rentals start at around BZ$130 a day, golf cart rentals at BZ$98, and scooter rentals at BZ$78. All rates plus 12.5% tax. The company delivers vehicles to Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and elsewhere, but there is a delivery charge. Caribbean Travel and Tours Office, Main St., Placencia Village, Stann Creek. 523/3066; www.barefootservicesbelize.com. Closed Sat..

Budget. This is a branch of Budget in Belize City, which also has an office at the international airport. Live Oak Plaza, south of airstrip, Placencia Village, Stann Creek. 223/2435; 523/3068; www.budget-belize.com.

Placencia Car Rental. Placencia Car Rental, which is affiliated with AQ Rentals in Belize City, rents cars and golf carts. In-season auto rentals start at around BZ$100 a day plus 12.5% tax. The company states that only those with American Express cards can decline CDW. Golf cart rentals start at around BZ$80 to BZ$100 a day, plus tax. Placencia Car Rental, Placencia Rd., Seine Bight Village, Stann Creek. 523/ 3284 ; www.placenciacarrental.com.