Post Cards from Punta Gorda Belize
Way down in southern reaches of Belize is the Toledo District. It just oozes the laid back Caribbean vibes that characterize the region.
It is full of diversity, delicious food, and loads of activities specially designed for history buffs, the adventurous, and the eco-minded.
It’s a little difficult to get to, but the bus ride is totally worth it. The Cessna ride into the region is even more worth it.
Arriving in Punta Gorda
Exploring Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is the capital of the Toledo District. It’s a quiet coastal town and the economic hub of the entire region.
A local election occurred sometime before my visit in the fall of 2015. Signs of the different political parties were scattered throughout the town. However, they were not the type of signs you might be used to seeing in the United States. Instead of signs stuck into the lawns of supporters, they painted tree trunks or telephone poles with their colors. There were also flags with their colors all around town.
Punta Gorda, or PG as the locals fondly call it, is the perfect place to base yourself while visiting. Rent or borrow a bike to get around town and catch local buses for day trips further away.
There are many tropical conservation lands, cacao farms, and Maya temples to explore just outside of town. Guatemala is visible on the horizon and accessible by ferry from Punta Gorda.
Head on out into the Caribbean Sea while in Punta Gorda. You can charter a fishing boat for the day or kayak through the mangroves.
Punta Gorda is the most sizeable town in the region with under five thousand residents. The community is comprised of a variety of cultures including Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Creole, and other cultures.
I serendipitously arrived in town on Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19. The national holiday celebrates Garifuna people settling in Belize after the British Army exiled them from the Grenadines. It’s also celebrated in a few other nearby countries, as well.
On this day, all the shops close and everyone gathers in the town center. Together they listen to music, dance, and drink in celebration. Traditional Garifuna clothes are worn, and everyone participates in contests like biscuit eating, beer-drinking, or dance contests.
Some Tips for Visiting Punta Gorda, Belize
The weather can be unpredictable at times. It’s hot and humid and can rain at any moment. It’s best to bring a light rain jacket. Expect to sweat, even if it’s the most breathable jacket you can find. Perhaps you’ll be as lucky as I was to have beautifully clear, warm days while visiting.
