TOLEDO DISTRICT
Why consider vacationing in the Toledo District?
Toledo District is the southernmost district in the nation of Belize, with the district capital in the town of Punta Gorda, Belize. Also in Toledo District are the towns of Monkey River Town and Toledo Settlement, the villages of San Pedro Columbia and Silver Creek, Blue Creek and the ancient Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, and Uxbenka. Blue Creek village is home to the Tumulkin Center of Learning.
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THINGS TO DO - Toledo District
Top Attractions in Toledo District
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How to get to Toledo District From Belize City
If you fly into the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) from outside Belize, hop a commuter flight via Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, each of which which will deliver you to the Punta Gorda airstrip. Rent a car there or grab a shuttle arranged by your lodgings host. If you’re driving from the north or from PGIA, the Southern Highway is nicely paved. You can also get Roam Belize, a local tour company that specializes in tours and transfers to transfer you to Toledo from Belize City or the Belize International Airport. On the other hand, the thrifty option is Punta Gorda Town’s James Bus Line, a perfect transportation option for the hostel crowd! |
Things to See & Do in the Toledo District
This is the place to go if you seek opportunities to see nature in its raw, untamed state. Wander rain forests, explore cave networks or indulge your inner fish by snorkeling, diving, kayaking and tubing along waterways like the Monkey River and Rio Grande–or make Snakes Cayes your base, settle in and indulge in all of these. Bird-watching is at its best in Toledo, but if you’d rather see people, plan to visit villages like Monkey River Town and Toledo Settlement. Ask a guide to accompany you to Maya villages where descendants of Belize’s first people still live and then tour ruins where the remnants of pyramids, ball courts and stele can be explored at either Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun. Don’t leave Toledo without a stop at the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens, the largest and most beautiful in Belize.
This is the place to go if you seek opportunities to see nature in its raw, untamed state. Wander rain forests, explore cave networks or indulge your inner fish by snorkeling, diving, kayaking and tubing along waterways like the Monkey River and Rio Grande–or make Snakes Cayes your base, settle in and indulge in all of these. Bird-watching is at its best in Toledo, but if you’d rather see people, plan to visit villages like Monkey River Town and Toledo Settlement. Ask a guide to accompany you to Maya villages where descendants of Belize’s first people still live and then tour ruins where the remnants of pyramids, ball courts and stele can be explored at either Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun. Don’t leave Toledo without a stop at the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens, the largest and most beautiful in Belize.
What to Eat & Drink in the Toledo District
Beans, corn and rice are grown in Toledo as are cacao beans, the superstars of Belize’s burgeoning chocolate industry. If you’ve a fanatic about chocolate and long to know how many ways it can be used in food and drink, then be sure to attend the Toledo Cacao Festival in May. Of course, life is not only about chocolate, so fill your appetite with some of the local cuisines offered at the various restaurants. Here you will find an abundance of dishes made from local crops (to include), sweet potatoes, yams, avocados, oranges and plantains. All of these freshly-picked foods and spices can be found at the Punta Gorda market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You won’t be deprived of fresh seafood if you visit Toledo since the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, north of Punta Gorda Town, serves as both a sanctuary and a base for small-scale fishing and lobster enterprises.
Where to Stay in the Toledo District (Where To Stay)
Your lodging options are fairly limited if you want to stay in close proximity to Punta Gorda Town, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. TripAdvisor recommends The Copal Tree Lodge, Hickatee Cottages, Coral House and BlueBelize, each of which is a short walk from town center and offers a variety of creature comforts. There is a nice selection of other hotels, rentals and B&Bs located a bit further from Punta Gorda Town, including offbeat accommodations like the Sun Creek Lodge and Nature’s Way. If you’re watching your pennies and require only a bed and a roof, book at the Cuxlin Ha Youth Hostel.
Beans, corn and rice are grown in Toledo as are cacao beans, the superstars of Belize’s burgeoning chocolate industry. If you’ve a fanatic about chocolate and long to know how many ways it can be used in food and drink, then be sure to attend the Toledo Cacao Festival in May. Of course, life is not only about chocolate, so fill your appetite with some of the local cuisines offered at the various restaurants. Here you will find an abundance of dishes made from local crops (to include), sweet potatoes, yams, avocados, oranges and plantains. All of these freshly-picked foods and spices can be found at the Punta Gorda market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You won’t be deprived of fresh seafood if you visit Toledo since the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, north of Punta Gorda Town, serves as both a sanctuary and a base for small-scale fishing and lobster enterprises.
Where to Stay in the Toledo District (Where To Stay)
Your lodging options are fairly limited if you want to stay in close proximity to Punta Gorda Town, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. TripAdvisor recommends The Copal Tree Lodge, Hickatee Cottages, Coral House and BlueBelize, each of which is a short walk from town center and offers a variety of creature comforts. There is a nice selection of other hotels, rentals and B&Bs located a bit further from Punta Gorda Town, including offbeat accommodations like the Sun Creek Lodge and Nature’s Way. If you’re watching your pennies and require only a bed and a roof, book at the Cuxlin Ha Youth Hostel.
Every inch of Belize could be described as lush, but if you are interested in seeing a primeval world that’s as natural as it gets, a trip to the Toledo District will prove to be an eye-opener. There are approximately 1,700 square miles of rain forests, rivers, offshore islands, jungle and even mountains, making it the least-developed of Belize’s districts—but perhaps the most fascinating. The district has become known as “The Forgotten Land,” and the nickname aptly describes a place that’s so off-the-beaten track, one could simply disappear and live off the grid here without being noticed. If that’s your goal, don’t bother leaving a forwarding address before moving to Toledo!
Guests enjoying lush fragrant vanilla farm at Spice Farm and Botanical Garden.
Guests enjoying lush fragrant vanilla farm at Spice Farm and Botanical Garden.
PUNTA GORDA WATERFRONT
The Punta Gorda Waterfront
It's neither developed nor pristine, but don't miss a casual walk along the Caribbean - then wander to Central Park for ice cream.
It's neither developed nor pristine, but don't miss a casual walk along the Caribbean - then wander to Central Park for ice cream.
LUBAANTUN MAYAN TEMPLE
Lubaantun Mayan Temple
The ancestors of today's Maya used this ceremonial center which - along with nearby Nim Li Punit and Uxbenka boasts stunning views, thick forest, and several longstanding legends.
The ancestors of today's Maya used this ceremonial center which - along with nearby Nim Li Punit and Uxbenka boasts stunning views, thick forest, and several longstanding legends.
AQUACALIENTE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Aquacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary
Swing through the relaxing village of Laguna to access the boardwalks of this premier birding destination. Located in Belize’s beautiful Toledo District, the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. This is particularly true if you want to take in the sights and sounds of the vast array of birds that call the region home.
For avid birdwatchers, the park’s lagoons are its main attraction. Surrounded by marshy forests and limestone hills, these fish-filled waters are a feeding ground for wood storks, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru storks, cormorants, sandpipers, and black-bellied whistling ducks – to name just a few. Despite its quiet nature, the lagoons of Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary are simply teeming with life. While many of these birds live in the sanctuary and its surroundings throughout the year, some use it as a stopping-off point as they migrate North or South along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. As such, if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of a particular type of bird, it is a good idea to make sure that it is in the area before making the trip to the lagoons.
Of course, where there are fish, birds, and vegetation, there will also be other wildlife. The Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary’s forest and savanna areas also provide a home for a wide range of unique animals, such as black howler monkeys, kinkajous, gibnuts, tapirs, and jaguars. Put simply, if you want to see native Belizean animals in their natural environment, Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go. If you would like to spend some time in this birding and wildlife-watching haven, it is a good idea to go with an experienced guide. Not only will they be able to help you identify the animals you are spotting, but they will also be able to assist you with navigating the trails – which sometimes disappear under water.
Swing through the relaxing village of Laguna to access the boardwalks of this premier birding destination. Located in Belize’s beautiful Toledo District, the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. This is particularly true if you want to take in the sights and sounds of the vast array of birds that call the region home.
For avid birdwatchers, the park’s lagoons are its main attraction. Surrounded by marshy forests and limestone hills, these fish-filled waters are a feeding ground for wood storks, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru storks, cormorants, sandpipers, and black-bellied whistling ducks – to name just a few. Despite its quiet nature, the lagoons of Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary are simply teeming with life. While many of these birds live in the sanctuary and its surroundings throughout the year, some use it as a stopping-off point as they migrate North or South along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. As such, if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of a particular type of bird, it is a good idea to make sure that it is in the area before making the trip to the lagoons.
Of course, where there are fish, birds, and vegetation, there will also be other wildlife. The Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary’s forest and savanna areas also provide a home for a wide range of unique animals, such as black howler monkeys, kinkajous, gibnuts, tapirs, and jaguars. Put simply, if you want to see native Belizean animals in their natural environment, Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go. If you would like to spend some time in this birding and wildlife-watching haven, it is a good idea to go with an experienced guide. Not only will they be able to help you identify the animals you are spotting, but they will also be able to assist you with navigating the trails – which sometimes disappear under water.
BLUE CREEK CAVE
Blue Creek Cave
Near the vilage of Blue Creek, the cave of the same name is the source of the Rio Blanco - you can swim 600 yards inside it. Also check out nearby Rio Bianco National Park and Ho Keb Ha Caves.
Also known by its English name “Blue Creek Cave,” Hokeb Ha Cave is located near the Maya village of Blue Creek in southern Belize. Despite its somewhat remote location, Hokeb Ha is a popular destination thanks to its outstandingly gorgeous natural scenery that includes a waterfall. Archeologists have determined from an altar and a variety of artifacts discovered in the cave that Hokeb Ha was briefly used by the ancient Maya during the Last Classic Period.
A visit to Hokeb Ha begins with a hike through gorgeous jungle scenery to reach the mouth of the cave which is covered with long vines. Once inside, visitors need to swim through a shallow pool of fresh water before reaching a huge interior space that includes crystal-like flowstone creations, narrow chambers, and huge stone salons. It is believed that the deeper sections of the cave were used by ancient Maya priests to conduct sacred ceremonies.
The entire experience is a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature in this region of Belize. The cave lies at the top of a hill and features a gorgeous waterfall. Once inside, the naturally blue waters that gave the creek its name and the contours of the interior give Hokeb Ha a special beauty.
Near the vilage of Blue Creek, the cave of the same name is the source of the Rio Blanco - you can swim 600 yards inside it. Also check out nearby Rio Bianco National Park and Ho Keb Ha Caves.
Also known by its English name “Blue Creek Cave,” Hokeb Ha Cave is located near the Maya village of Blue Creek in southern Belize. Despite its somewhat remote location, Hokeb Ha is a popular destination thanks to its outstandingly gorgeous natural scenery that includes a waterfall. Archeologists have determined from an altar and a variety of artifacts discovered in the cave that Hokeb Ha was briefly used by the ancient Maya during the Last Classic Period.
A visit to Hokeb Ha begins with a hike through gorgeous jungle scenery to reach the mouth of the cave which is covered with long vines. Once inside, visitors need to swim through a shallow pool of fresh water before reaching a huge interior space that includes crystal-like flowstone creations, narrow chambers, and huge stone salons. It is believed that the deeper sections of the cave were used by ancient Maya priests to conduct sacred ceremonies.
The entire experience is a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature in this region of Belize. The cave lies at the top of a hill and features a gorgeous waterfall. Once inside, the naturally blue waters that gave the creek its name and the contours of the interior give Hokeb Ha a special beauty.
SPICE FARM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Gardens
In 1989, an American couple of Indian origin moved to Punta Gorda and decided to grow the spices from their homeland of Kerala. Since that time, the spice garden and botanical garden has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Today,Punta Gorda is home to a wide variety of flowering plants, trees, and spice plants. Thanks to help from the government of Belize, the spice farm has been able to import seeds and cuttings from India. The spice farm grows more black pepper and vanilla than anywhere else in the country and is home to magnificent tree species such as rosewood, mahogany, teak, sandalwood, and banyan.
Visiting the spice farm is as close as you can get to touring a tropical plantation in southern India. With so many exotic spices filling the air, the atmosphere of the spice farm is truly unique. The area is in the heart of one of the most pristine areas of Belize and is also a great place to enjoy activities like hiking and bird watching. The spice garden and botanical garden is located roughly halfway between Placencia and Punta Gorda just outside the village of Golden Stream in Toledo District.
In 1989, an American couple of Indian origin moved to Punta Gorda and decided to grow the spices from their homeland of Kerala. Since that time, the spice garden and botanical garden has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Today,Punta Gorda is home to a wide variety of flowering plants, trees, and spice plants. Thanks to help from the government of Belize, the spice farm has been able to import seeds and cuttings from India. The spice farm grows more black pepper and vanilla than anywhere else in the country and is home to magnificent tree species such as rosewood, mahogany, teak, sandalwood, and banyan.
Visiting the spice farm is as close as you can get to touring a tropical plantation in southern India. With so many exotic spices filling the air, the atmosphere of the spice farm is truly unique. The area is in the heart of one of the most pristine areas of Belize and is also a great place to enjoy activities like hiking and bird watching. The spice garden and botanical garden is located roughly halfway between Placencia and Punta Gorda just outside the village of Golden Stream in Toledo District.
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (Cacao)
Toledo Chocolate Festival - May of each Year
Wanting to showcase the superior quality of their local cacao, various chocolate manufacturers and cacao farmers in the Toledo District of Belize gathered together in 2007 to form the first Chocolate Festival. Now in its eleventh year, the Chocolate Festival has blossomed into a three-day event featuring local foods, wines, trips to cacao farms and a musical competition celebrating the area’s indigenous heritage. Cacao (the key ingredient in chocolate) is indigenous to the Americas, and Belize’s Toledo District is world-renowned for having some of the finest quality cacao anywhere. Beside traditional chocolate desserts, the festival features everything from chocolate beer to chocolate soap. The festival also coincides with a large street fair with plenty of music, cultural displays, and exhibitions to entertain the whole family. The festival is held in the town of Punta Gorda located in Belize’s southernmost District of Toledo.
Wanting to showcase the superior quality of their local cacao, various chocolate manufacturers and cacao farmers in the Toledo District of Belize gathered together in 2007 to form the first Chocolate Festival. Now in its eleventh year, the Chocolate Festival has blossomed into a three-day event featuring local foods, wines, trips to cacao farms and a musical competition celebrating the area’s indigenous heritage. Cacao (the key ingredient in chocolate) is indigenous to the Americas, and Belize’s Toledo District is world-renowned for having some of the finest quality cacao anywhere. Beside traditional chocolate desserts, the festival features everything from chocolate beer to chocolate soap. The festival also coincides with a large street fair with plenty of music, cultural displays, and exhibitions to entertain the whole family. The festival is held in the town of Punta Gorda located in Belize’s southernmost District of Toledo.
Nim Li Punit Maya Site
Nim Li Punit (/nim li puˈnit/) is a Maya archaeological site located in the Toledo District of Belize. Located 40 kilometres north of the town of Punta Gorda, at 16° 19' N, 88° 47' 60W. The site is near Belize's Southern Highway and is open to visitors subject to an admission charge. Nim Li Punit is sometimes known as Big Hat or Top Hat; the name is Kekchi Maya for "Big Hat", referring to the large elaborate head-dress found on a stela sculpture located at the site depicting one of the site's ancient kings.
Nim Li Punit is a medium-sized site from the Maya Classic Period, flourishing between the 5th & 8th centuries AD. The site consists of structures, located around three plazas, to include several step-pyramids, with the tallest being 12.2 meters high. The site has a number of large carved stelae (located in the visitors center), illustrating the ancient city's rulers. Several stelae's have been found in an unfinished state, suggesting possibly a sudden halt to the work.
Nim Li Punit is a medium-sized site from the Maya Classic Period, flourishing between the 5th & 8th centuries AD. The site consists of structures, located around three plazas, to include several step-pyramids, with the tallest being 12.2 meters high. The site has a number of large carved stelae (located in the visitors center), illustrating the ancient city's rulers. Several stelae's have been found in an unfinished state, suggesting possibly a sudden halt to the work.