Punta Dia Beach: Belize's Tropical Paradise

Punta Gorda, locally known as PG, is a town in Belize situated along the Caribbean Sea. It is the southernmost coastal town in Belize and is the capital and largest town of the Toledo District. Punta Gorda is a seaport and fishing town with a population of about 5,000 people. The town is known for its Garifuna culture, friendly locals, and attractions such as the WARASA Garifuna Drum School and the Snake Cayes.

Punta Gorda's location

Punta Gorda, locally known as P.G., is a town on the Caribbean coast of Belize. It is the southernmost coastal town in Belize, located 195 miles (315 km) south of Belize City. It is the capital and largest town of the Toledo District in southern Belize, with a population of about 5,000 people. The town is about fifteen feet above sea level.

Punta Gorda is a seaport and fishing town on the Caribbean Sea. It was a small fishing village before it was settled by Garifuna emigrants from Honduras in 1823. The Garifuna refer to the town as Peini. The town is home to people of primarily Garifuna and East Indian heritage, with some Maya and other indigenous cultures also present.

Punta Gorda serves as a gateway to several attractions, including the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, a group of shallow island atolls known for their colourful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. It is also a good base for visiting the Rio Blanco National Park and the southern Maya Mountains. The town itself offers drumming lessons, a tour of the chocolate factory, and a street market where you can shop for exotic local produce and souvenirs.

Punta Gorda can be reached by a four-hour drive on the Coastal Highway or a short domestic flight from Belize City.

How to get to Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, Belize is a seaport and fishing town on the Caribbean Sea. It is the capital and largest town of the Toledo District in southern Belize. It is the southernmost sizable town in the nation, with a population of about 5,000 people.

By Air

Punta Gorda has a small airport that serves domestic flights from Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.

By Land

James Bus Line offers a regular bus service to and from Punta Gorda, connecting it to other places in Belize such as Independence, Dangriga, Belmopan, and Belize City.

By Sea

Water taxis offer daily crossings between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios, and twice-weekly service to Livingston in Guatemala. The boats providing this service are typically small and open, unlike the purpose-built water taxis used in other parts of Belize.

Punta Gorda's population

Punta Gorda, often referred to as P.G. by locals, is the capital and largest town of the Toledo District in southern Belize. It is the southernmost sizeable town in the nation with a population of approximately 5,000 people. The 2010 census recorded a population of 5,351.

The town is a multicultural melting pot, with a demographic makeup as follows:

• 24.2% Garifuna
• 17.2% Mestizo
• 14.2% Ketchi Maya
• 13.8% Mixed
• 10.5% Creole
• 8.3% East Indian
• 8.1% Mopan Maya
• 1.4% Caucasian
• 0.9% Asian
• 0.5% African
• 0.1% Hindu
• 0.1% Mennonite
• 0.1% Yucatec Maya
• 0.4% Others

Attractions in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda in Florida is a stunning city with beautifully restored landmarks, natural attractions, and waterside shopping. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

Peace River Wildlife Center

The Peace River Wildlife Center is a rescue, rehabilitation, and education centre for native Florida wildlife. The centre is open to the public for tours every day, and its hospital accepts wildlife intakes seven days a week. You can see a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Fishermen's Village

Fishermen's Village is a buzzing entertainment, dining, and shopping complex on a converted industrial pier from the 1920s. It offers boutiques, restaurants, and stunning views of Charlotte Harbor. It's also a great place to start a water-based activity, such as a fishing charter or eco-tour of the harbour.

Military Heritage Museum

The Military Heritage Museum has a collection of over 30,000 items, with exhibits covering conflicts from the War of Independence to the Global War on Terror. You can see medals, uniforms, weapons, and equipment, as well as try out the flight simulator and explore the vehicles outside.

Punta Gorda's Historic Districts

Take a walking tour of Punta Gorda's historic districts, including the downtown area and the elegant Punta Gorda Residential District with its Queen Anne-style architecture. The Bethel-St. Mark Historic District, traditionally Punta Gorda's African-American neighbourhood, is home to the Blanchard House Museum, which offers insights into the community's history.

Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens

These gardens feature almost 30 acres of botanical and artistic splendour, with over 4,500 flowering trees and plants in a variety of native habitats. The gardens also feature a world-class collection of sculptures and a Butterfly House that's a hit with kids.

Harborwalk

Stroll or cycle along Punta Gorda's waterfront on the Harborwalk, a paved trail that runs for around 2.5 miles along the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Along the way, you'll pass restaurants, museums, monuments, and parks, with beautiful views of the water and the chance to spot shorebirds.

Punta Gorda's culture

Punta Gorda, locally known as PG, is a melting pot of cultures, with Maya, Garifuna, and East Indian Belizeans living together in harmony while preserving their distinct cultural identities. Founded as Peini by the Garifuna, it is now home to over 5,000 people from various ethnic backgrounds. While the town is generally tranquil, except for market days, it offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic Belize.

The town's culture is deeply rooted in its diverse ethnic makeup. The Garifuna, for instance, have a strong presence in the community, with their own language, music, and cuisine. The WARASA Garifuna Drum School is a testament to the Garifuna's cultural influence, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the infectious Garifuna rhythms. The town also has a vibrant street market, where locals sell exotic produce, souvenirs, and fresh seafood caught by returning fishermen.

Punta Gorda's cultural scene is also shaped by its natural surroundings. As a seaport and fishing town on the Caribbean Sea, fishing and marine activities are a significant part of the local culture. The town serves as a gateway to offshore fishing, river trips, and marine adventures in the Toledo District. Additionally, the nearby Snake Cayes and Port Honduras Marine Reserve offer opportunities for snorkelling and fishing.

The town's cultural diversity is further reflected in its culinary scene. Gomier's, for example, is a vegetarian and seafood restaurant that is believed to be the first of its kind in Central America. It offers a unique dining experience with dishes made from scratch using only real ingredients. For those seeking traditional Belizean cuisine, Garay's Kitchen and Mariann's Bayview Restaurant serve up delicious local dishes at affordable prices.

Punta Gorda also boasts a rich artistic community. Asha's Culture Kitchen, for instance, combines Creole and Garifuna drumming with culinary delights. The Maroon Creole Drum School offers a similar blend of cultural experiences. For those interested in visual arts and crafts, the Fajina Craft Centre showcases Maya crafts and traditional embroidered blouses on market days.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Punta Gorda provides access to several natural and historical attractions. The Lubaantun Mayan Ruins offer a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The Rio Blanco National Park, with its stunning waterfall, is another popular destination for nature lovers.

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