Toledo District
“Life-changing experiences don’t present themselves at your front door. You must go out into the world and invest yourself in evocative opportunities that enhance your world view. And the Toledo District is chock full of such opportunities. Offering a cultural blend of traditional Mopan Maya and Kek’chi farmers along with a healthy East Indian population, Toledo is home to agriculture, rain forest habitat with intricate caves, the famous Cacao Festival, incredible wildlife and some of the most beautiful offshore islands found in Belize. For an authentic cultural experience, stay at a traditional Maya home and partake in their daily activities.”
The Toledo District beckons to the curious and adventurous. With nearly 1,700 square miles bustling with unspoiled opportunities, this genuine Belize destination speeds the adrenaline rush for spirited eco-travelers. Ripe for cultural adventure, the Toledo District blends traditional Mopan, Maya and Ketchi farmers along with a healthy East Indian population, a welcoming mix for families or couples indulging in an adventure honeymoon.
You become one with nature as you view breathtaking wildlife, explore intricate caves and hike a luscious rainforest in this southernmost district. Just off shore, you can become one with some of the country’s most beautiful islands, perfect for pristine beach and honeymoon vacations.
For an “off-the-beaten-path” adventure, Toledo is your perfect find. Rich natural history and local cultural diversity pair to excite the senses. History buffs get their fill at the Maya sites of Lubaatun, Nim li Punit and then can explore the caves at Hokeb Ha and Yok Balum or the waterfalls at Rio Blanco. Find the right guide and you can prowl in Tiger Cave, an excellent beginner experience that gives a little taste of the jungle while engaging all your senses.
A well-timed vacation puts you in Toledo for the Deer Dance Festival and might offer a stay with a traditional Maya family. Participate in village hunting rituals, make fresh ground corn tortillas and sample authentic Maya chocolate – the Food of the Gods. There are many exquisite things to do in Belize and Toledo provides many authentic examples.
Punta Gorda Town
Awaiting you at the end of the paved Southern Highway, coastal Punta Gorda is the treasure of Toledo. Streets are peppered with colorful markets selling local produce and vendors marketing household goods. Blending local culture with frequent passers-by on their way to Honduras and Guatemala is said to give Punta Gorda its unique charm.