Hamanasi: A Secluded Belizean Escape Just Minutes From Placencia

Hamanasi is an award-winning eco-resort located on the southern coast of Belize, offering luxurious accommodation and easy access to a range of attractions. The resort is situated a short drive from several national parks, the rainforest, Mayan sites, and the world's only Jaguar Preserve. The distance between Belize City and Placencia is approximately 81 miles by air and 143-144 miles by road. The drive from Belize International Airport to Hamanasi takes around 2 hours, while the flight option involves a connecting flight to the Dangriga airstrip, followed by a 45-50 minute drive to the resort.

Hamanasi is a two-hour drive from the airport

If you're looking for a faster way to get to Hamanasi, you can opt for a connecting flight from the Belize City International Airport to Dangriga. This option is ideal if you want to get to the resort quickly and start enjoying your vacation. Keep in mind that wait times for domestic connecting flights can be longer and less predictable, and luggage delays may occur.

For those who prefer a more adventurous journey, renting a car and driving to Hamanasi is also an option. However, it's important to be aware of the challenges, such as poor signage, limited street lighting, and slippery road conditions. Driving at night or under the influence of alcohol is not recommended.

Hamanasi is located just a day trip away from Mayan pyramids, caves, jungle rivers, and the world's only Jaguar Preserve. The resort offers half-day and full-day dive and snorkel trips to the Belize Barrier Reef and all three of Belize's atolls. For those who prefer land-based activities, Hamanasi is also a short drive from several national parks, caves, waterfalls, and Mayan sites.

The nearby village of Hopkins offers a rich cultural experience, with the vibrant traditions of the Garifuna people, including drumming, dancing, and music. Sittee River Village, just a mile inland, provides another opportunity to explore the local culture along the banks of the river.

With its convenient location, Hamanasi offers the best of both worlds—easy access to both marine and land-based activities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a culture seeker, or an adventure lover, Hamanasi's two-hour drive from the airport is the gateway to an unforgettable Belizean experience.

The resort can arrange private transportation

Hamanasi Resort is located on the southern coast of Belize, nestled between the Caribbean reefs and the Maya Mountains. The resort is around 143 miles from Belize City, and Hopkins, a traditional Garifuna fishing village, is less than a mile away. Placencia, another popular tourist destination in Belize, is around 143 miles from Belize City.

For groups of up to four individuals, the cost per person is USD $74. This price includes a private and comfortable journey in a vehicle dedicated solely to your group. You can embark on your voyage without the concern of shared space or multiple stops, making it an ideal choice for those who value exclusivity and a customised travel experience.

If you are travelling with family or a larger group, the resort can accommodate your transportation needs accordingly. The staff at Hamanasi Resort are known for their exceptional hospitality and will go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. They can assist you in arranging transportation that suits the size of your group and any specific requirements you may have.

By choosing private transportation arranged by the resort, you can rest assured that your journey to Placencia will be safe, efficient, and tailored to your preferences. Whether you're seeking a luxurious and intimate travel experience or simply prioritising convenience and personalised service, the resort's private transportation option can meet your needs.

In addition to arranging private transfers, the resort offers a range of amenities and services to enhance your stay. From luxurious accommodation options to immersive adventures, Hamanasi Resort is committed to providing guests with a memorable and rewarding experience that showcases the best of Belize, both on and offshore.

You can also fly to Dangriga and drive from there

If you're looking to get to Hamanasi from Placencia, Belize, you can opt for a combination of flying and driving. Here's how:

Fly to Dangriga

Firstly, you'll need to get to Dangriga. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the two main airlines that service this route. The flight time is approximately 15 minutes, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $52 for a one-way trip. It's worth noting that these flights are operated using small aircraft, with a capacity of 5 to 20 passengers, so book in advance to ensure you secure a seat!

Drive to Hamanasi

Once you've landed in Dangriga, you can rent a car and drive to Hamanasi. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes and offer a chance to explore Belize at your own pace. The distance from Dangriga to Hamanasi is approximately 33 miles, so you can expect the drive to take around an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

This option provides a balance between a swift flight and a budget-friendly road trip, allowing you to customise your journey based on your preferences and budget.

For added convenience, you can also consider booking a private transfer or shuttle service for the final leg of your journey, which will provide a seamless door-to-door experience.

The drive from Dangriga takes 45-50 minutes

Hamanasi is a resort located in Belize, south of Dangriga and north of Placencia. The drive from Dangriga to Hamanasi takes 45-50 minutes.

From the Dangriga Airstrip:

• Turn left out of the airstrip driveway and head straight.
• Turn right when you reach the second street.
• Drive straight, crossing two bridges, until you reach the Hummingbird Highway (a "T" junction).
• Turn right onto the Hummingbird Highway.
• You will pass a Shell gas station on your left, the last gas station on this route.
• Continue until you reach the junction with the Southern Highway.
• Turn left onto the Southern Highway.
• After passing through Silk Grass Village, you will see a road to the left toward Hopkins.
• Turn left onto Hopkins Road (there will be a Hamanasi sign at this junction).
• Continue on Hopkins Road until you reach Hopkins Village (there will be another Hamanasi sign at this intersection).
• Turn right and take the road south through the village, passing six pedestrian bumps.
• Continue on the same paved road until you see the seventh pedestrian bump. Approximately 50 meters before Hamanasi Drive, turn left into the driveway.

If you pass an intersection where you can either drive straight or turn right, you've gone too far! Simply back up 50 feet to reach Hamanasi's drive.

Important Considerations:

• Hamanasi's website recommends a ground transfer as the easiest and fastest way to get to the resort. They offer a two-hour ground transfer service from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to the resort.
• Alternatively, you can fly into the Dangriga airstrip and then drive to Hamanasi. Hamanasi can help arrange this connecting flight through their airline partner, Maya Air.
• If you choose to drive yourself, be aware of poor signage, limited street lighting, and slippery road conditions. It is recommended to drive slowly and stay alert.
• Hamanasi strongly recommends a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the trip and advises against driving at night.

The drive from Belize City takes 3 hours, 48 minutes

Hamanasi Resort in Belize is located on the beach south of Dangriga and north of Placencia, around a mile south of Hopkins Village. The drive from Belize City to Placencia takes around 3 hours and 48 minutes, but there are a few other options for making this journey.

By Plane

For those who want to get to Placencia as quickly as possible, flying is the best option. Domestic flights from Belize City to Placencia take around 47 minutes and cost between $100 and $250. The departure points for these flights are either the Philip Goldson International Airport or the Sir Barry Bowen Airport, both located in Belize City. The aircraft are compact, seating between 5 and 20 passengers.

By Bus

For a more budget-friendly option, there is a public bus service from Belize City to Placencia that costs around $7 one way and takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This is a great way to get a sense of the local way of life and take in the diverse scenery that Belize has to offer.

By Taxi

Taxis are another way to travel between the two locations. This option offers convenience and a door-to-door service, but it comes at a relatively higher cost. It is important to negotiate the fare with the driver before embarking on the journey, and to opt for licensed taxis with green license plates to ensure a safe trip.

By Shuttle Service

Shuttle services, such as those provided by Barefoot Services, offer a happy medium between affordability and convenience. For around $49, you can share a dedicated vehicle with other travellers, enjoying a comfortable and timely journey to Placencia.

By Car

Finally, you can choose to drive yourself from Belize City to Placencia. The driving distance is approximately 144 miles, and the journey will take you past vibrant landscapes and offer scenic views. However, it is important to note that driving in Belize can be challenging due to poor signage, limited street lighting, and slippery conditions. It is recommended to be alert, slow down, and avoid driving at night. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is also preferable, and it is crucial to bring your driver's license and ensure your vehicle is insured.

Hamanasi Resort offers a ground transfer service from Belize City to the resort, which takes approximately 2 hours. This option is included in most of their packages and is a convenient and scenic way to travel to the resort.

Frequently asked questions