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The Toledo District is the southernmost district in Belize, sharing a border with Guatemala. Its capital, Punta Gorda, is a three-hour trip from Belize City and has a population of around 5,500. The district is known for its natural beauty, including rainforests, mountains, rivers, and offshore islands, as well as its cultural diversity, with Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, and Mennonite communities calling the area home. It is also known for its agricultural industry, with crops like beans, corn, cacao, and rice grown in the region.
What You'll Learn
Punta Gorda, the capital of Toledo District
Punta Gorda is a seaport and fishing town on the Caribbean Sea. It was declared a town on 21 January 1895, but before that, it was a small fishing village settled by Garifuna emigrants from Honduras in 1823. The Garifuna refer to the town as Peini. The town is about fifteen feet above sea level and has a tropical rainforest climate, with high precipitation and temperatures always above 25°C on average.
Punta Gorda is the main point of transportation for visitors to the Toledo district and the offshore southern cayes. The town has a small airport that serves domestic flights, and there are also bus and boat services to other parts of Belize and neighbouring countries.
There are several hotels in Punta Gorda, as well as attractions such as the Punta Gorda Town Market and the Belize Chocolate Company, which offers tours of its chocolate factory. The town is also a gateway to nearby rainforests, Mayan ruins, and beaches.
The people of Punta Gorda are diverse, with a mix of Garifuna, East Indian, Kriol, and Maya descent, and English is commonly spoken. The town has three primary schools, one high school, and a campus of the University of Belize.
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The district's diverse topography and nature
The Toledo District in Belize is a nature lover's paradise, boasting a diverse topography that includes pristine rainforests, extensive cave systems, lowland plains, and offshore islands. Covering an area of approximately 1,700 square miles, it is a place of natural beauty and cultural richness.
The district is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, with over 2,000 species of flowering plants and an abundance of wildlife. The lush rainforests, which make up a significant portion of the district, provide the perfect habitat for a diverse range of species. The Maya Mountains tower over these rainforests, creating a stunning backdrop to the landscape.
Toledo is known for its extensive caving systems, with many caves located in remote areas that require a jungle hike to access. These caves should be explored with specialist guides and safety equipment, adding an element of adventure to the experience. The district also features lowland plains, which extend along the coast and provide a contrast to the mountainous terrain.
Offshore, the district boasts several islands, including the Sapodilla Cayes, which offer excellent opportunities for water-based activities such as snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and diving. The Belize Barrier Reef, located just 40 miles offshore, is a prime destination for those interested in marine life and water sports.
The district is also home to a number of waterways, such as the Monkey River and Rio Grande, which are ideal for activities like tubing, kayaking, and fishing. The Port Honduras Marine Reserve, located north of Punta Gorda Town, serves as a sanctuary and a base for small-scale fishing and lobster enterprises, contributing to the district's diverse nature.
In addition to its natural attractions, Toledo has a rich cultural heritage. It is home to a wide range of cultures, including Mopan, Kekchi Maya, Creole, Garifuna, East Indians, Mennonites, Mestizos, and descendants of US Confederate settlers. The district has a large concentration of Maya villages, where traditional practices such as the cultivation of corn, cacao, peppers, and fruits continue to this day. The Maya people are also known for their artisanal skills, such as basket weaving and wood carving.
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The district's rich culture and history
The Toledo District in Belize is a melting pot of cultures, including Creoles, Mestizos, Mayan descendants, Mennonites, and East Indians. It is one of the least-visited areas in Belize, but its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a unique and fascinating destination.
The district is home to several Maya sites and villages, with over half of its population being made up of the Mopan and Kekchi Mayas living in over 30 different villages. The Maya have a long history in the region, with archaeological sites dating back to at least 10,000 BC. The ancient Manche Chol people of Toledo left behind impressive stone architecture and carved sculptures containing Maya hieroglyphics, offering a glimpse into the history of the district from roughly AD 400 to 800.
The Qʼeqchiʼ Maya, in particular, have managed to retain a way of life similar to that of their ancient ancestors, through food, crafts, and music. They are known for their traditional crafts, such as the famous Jippi Jappa baskets, and their agricultural practices, primarily cultivating corn, beans, tomatoes, and other crops. The Maya also play an important role in the district's economy, with the growth and sale of organic cacao being a significant source of income.
In addition to the Maya culture, the district is also home to Garifuna communities, who are known for their music and drumming traditions. The district's capital, Punta Gorda, is a multicultural town with residents of Maya, Latino, Garifuna, East Indian, and Creole descent.
The Toledo District also has a diverse natural landscape, featuring rainforests, mountains, rivers, coastal lowlands, and offshore islands. The area boasts some of the most extensive caving systems in the country and is known for its coastal lagoons and rich wildlife habitats. The district's remote location and limited accessibility have contributed to its reputation as the "Forgotten Land" or the "Forgotten District", but efforts to improve infrastructure and promote tourism are helping to change this.
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Things to do in Toledo District
Toledo District, Belize's southernmost district, is known for its lush rainforests, rugged terrain, and cultural diversity. Here are some things to do when visiting this off-the-beaten-path destination:
Explore Nature and Wildlife
Toledo is home to pristine rainforests, mountains, and rivers. Nature enthusiasts can hike to the Blue Creek Cave, also known as Hokeb Ha Cave to the Maya, and take a dip in the waterfall at its mouth. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting some of the nearly 500 species of birds in the district, including the Western Slaty-Antshrike, Palty Tyrannulet, and the Violet-crowned Woodnymph, endemic to the area.
Discover Ancient Maya Sites and Culture
Toledo boasts several Maya sites, including the ruins of Nim Ni Punit, Lubaantun, Pusilha, Uxbenka, and Xnaheb. Visitors can also purchase handcrafted baskets made by Maya women from leaves harvested from the rainforest. The Punta Gorda Town Market is another great place to find authentic Maya crafts and produce.
Indulge in Local Cuisine and Chocolate
Belizean cuisine in Toledo is diverse, reflecting the district's cultural blend. Visitors can savour traditional Garifuna dishes, East Indian specialties like tacari and cohune cabbage, and even sample gibnut, a local delicacy served to Queen Elizabeth during her 1985 visit. As the cradle of chocolate, Toledo offers chocolate-making experiences at places like Ixcacao, Cotton Tree Chocolate, and T'chil, where you can learn the art of crafting this sweet treat.
Water Activities and Snorkelling
With its proximity to offshore islands, Toledo offers various water activities. Visitors can kayak, snorkel, or relax on the beaches of the Snake Cayes. For a unique underwater experience, take a snorkelling charter out of Punta Gorda to explore the offshore cayes, where you'll find a diverse array of marine life.
Immerse Yourself in Local Traditions
Toledo is a melting pot of cultures, including Creoles, Mestizos, Mayan descendants, Mennonites, and East Indians. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions by taking drumming lessons from Garifuna drummers, participating in the Living Maya Experience, or even staying with a local Qʼeqchiʼ Maya family in a remote village like San Miguel.
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How to get to Toledo District
Toledo District, often referred to as the
By Air
If you are arriving via Philip Goldson International Airport, you can take a short flight to Placencia Village Airport, which is the most southern airport in Belize. From there, you can arrange a local transfer to your final destination in the Toledo District.
Alternatively, you can fly with a domestic airline such as Tropic Air or Maya Island Air from Belize City to Punta Gorda, the capital of the Toledo District. Some accommodations in the Toledo area offer all-inclusive packages that may include these domestic flights.
By Road
You can also reach the Toledo District by road, although it is a long journey. There is a bus service available from the airport for around $24 BZ ($12), but the ride takes at least 5 hours and there is no air conditioning.
Another option is to rent a car, although gas is expensive at around 10 BZ ($5) per gallon. The drive from the airport takes about 5 hours.
By Boat
From Punta Gorda, it is possible to travel onwards to Guatemala or Honduras by boat.
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Frequently asked questions
The Toledo District is located in the south of Belize and is the furthest district from the city.
The capital of the Toledo District is Punta Gorda, also known as "PG" to locals.
The Toledo District offers a range of attractions, including the Blue Creek Cave, Mayan ruins such as Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit, and the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. The district is also known for its natural reserves, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences.
You can reach the Toledo District by flying into Placencia Village and then arranging a local transfer or renting a vehicle. Alternatively, you can take a bus or use public transportation from anywhere in Belize.
