Punta Gorda Travel Guide
Travel to Punta Gorda - Belize’s Forgotten Corner
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The region around Punta Gorda has all the natural hallmarks of Belize in abundance: the jungle covered Maya Mountains that are home to a myriad of exotic and rare species, fascinating Mayan ruins, beautiful cave and river systems, and friendly, remote, indigenous villages of Maya and Garifuna peoples; offshore, the UNESCO World Heritage Barrier Reef System is not far away, which means opportunities for a plethora of water sports, both on and under water, or the luxury of lying on an idyllic Caribbean beach at one of the many island resorts.
Punta Gorda, known locally as ‘PG’, is the southernmost town in Belize and the capital of the Toledo District. The population is close to 6000 people, with a mixture of Mopan and Kekchi Maya, Garifuna, Creoles, Lebanese, East Indian and Chinese peoples. It is the last sizeable settlement in Southern Belize.
Punta Gorda is a seaport and fishing town on the Caribbean Sea. It was a small fishing village before being settled by a number of Garifuna emigrants from Honduras in 1823. The town is also a gateway to and from Guatemala with immigration and customs office near the town dock.
While transport connections to the south of Belize have improved, the Punta Gorda area still has a refreshingly remote and unspoilt feel. It is a fabulous place to come if you are not constrained by time and want to adapt to the rhythm of Belizean rural life.
Attractions in Punta Gorda
For enthusiasts of Mayan archaeology, there are the ruins of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit, set in beautiful surroundings.
For nature lovers, there is wonderful scenery and wildlife almost everywhere one looks, but specifically at the Sarstoon-Temash Delta Wildlife Sanctuary or Blue Creek Cave.
In Toledo district, one has a real chance for an ethnic encounter in one of the villages that are part of the Toledo Ecotourism Association, such as Barranco or Blue Creek.
Activities in Punta Gorda
There are a wide range of full or half day activities including fishing, kayaking, river touring, and snorkelling.
Relaxing
Nightlife is quiet, but there are a couple bars with pool tables and on certain nights Garifuna drummers perform for tourists.
Even though there is no real lounging beach, people still go swimming off (and sunbathing on) the dock just north of Joe Taylor Creek. The waterfront is quiet and tranquil, with small waves lapping the shoreline, and a walk along its length, especially at sunrise, should be considered a top priority of your visit.
Getting Around
Transport to and around Toledo district is not that easy. It takes most of the day to make the 210 mile journey to Belize City by bus. Buses to the villages do not leave every day, so make sure you do some investigation first.
Boats leave from Punta Gorda to Livingston and Puerto Barrios in Guatemala.
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