Because Punta Gorda is off the beaten bath, it has so many 💎 hidden gems. It is packed with the 🌊 best rivers, little-known Mayan ruins and is rich in authentic 🗿 Maya culture.
As a local, we usually call shorten Punta Gorda as PG and call it the Forgotten Land. For me, that's a huge perk since it feels like going back to the old Belize that never changes.
The Traditional Mayas of Punta Gorda are some of the humblest and most hard-working people in the country. Remember to respect the local people, their culture and their environment.
With that said, here are all the authentic things you can do in Punta Gorda: 👇
Top Things To Do
Ixcacao Chocolate Tour
- $30.00 USD
- 1-Hour Tour
- 30 Mins Away
- 8AM–5PM
As one of the few Maya-owned and operated chocolate companies in Belize, Ixcacao offers more than just chocolate products. They offer farm tours and authentic Mayan meals with vegetarian options too.
And if you're interested in learning more about the Mayan culture, you can check out their homestay packages. This family-run business is found in the Mayan village of San Felipe.
Belize Spice Farm
- $20 USD Adults
- 1-Hour Tour
- 45 Mins Away
- 7AM–4PM
In my opinion Belize Spice Farm is one of the most interesting places in Belize. I visited this place after covid and was amazed with the tours available on the property. The signature tour is the Spice Tour which includes a guide that walks you through spice blocks including all spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and black pepper.
You get to exercise all your senses on this tour and transported via tractor pulled trailer, golf cart, tricycle cart or by walking. Other tours offered at the site include culinary tours and bird watching tours. The tour is free for kids under 10 years.
Visit Little Known Mayan Ruins
- $5.00 USD
- 45 Mins Away
- 8AM–5PM
While the popular Mayan ruins found in Western Belize are a lot more developed, smaller Mayan Ruins in this area of the country provide a more relaxed and unique experience.
Nim Li Punit in Indian Creek and Lubaantun in San Pedro Colombia are the two of the most famous ruins. A unique aspect of these ruins is that they have Ball Court Structures and aren't as excavated as other ruins in Belize.
If you'd like to explore even more off the grid ruins, consider checking out Uxbenka in Santa Cruz Village and Pusil Ha in San Benito near Jalacte which is close to the border with Guatemala.
Uxbenka and Pusil Ha are very much off the beaten path and require a mini Maya Expedition in itself. It will require jungle exploration and driving a few hours down heavily rutted dirt roads with no signs.
There are a few Women's Groups around Nim Li Punit where you can purchase authentic and quality handicrafts like wood carvings, necklaces, and baskets made by the local Mayan women.
Stay At A Jungle Eco Lodge
If you're staying in Punta Gorda for a couple of days, consider staying at a jungle eco lodge. In Southern Belize, Sun Creek Lodge is found in San Macros Village, Toledo.
Free Things To Do
Visit Punta Gorda Market
- Free
- Walkable Distance
- 6AM–5PM
The best days to attend this indoor market are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Vendors come from Mayan villages like Jalacte and San Pedro Columbia. This is the perfect spot to get fresh fruits, vegetables and local spices made from scratch by the locals.
There are two other markets besides this indoor market including the old market and the fish market found around the same area.
Most of the local Mayas of Punta Gorda speak English & Ketchi Maya. Very few of them speak Spanish.
Go Birdwatching At Red Bank
- Free
- 1.5 Hours Away
- Always Open
Bird watchers will enjoy Southern Belize just as much as Northern Belize. Both areas birding paradises. Red Bank, found in the Toledo District, is one of the most popular locations for Belize's Scarlet Macaws. Because this site is far away from Punta Gorda, it's best to visit while on the way to the site or on the drive back.
The viewing point is roughly a 1.5 mile (2.4km) hike from the village. If you're looking for a birding guide, Celso Sho is a well known local guide that can be contacted at 501 652-7317.
The best time to see Scarlet Macaws in the wild is from December to March since they migrate from Chiquibul National Park for the rich food source in the mountains above Red Bank Village.
Unique Things To Do
Living Maya Experience
- $30.00 USD
- 35 Mins Away
- 10AM–4PM
If visiting Mayan sites aren't to fill you up, one of the most immersive experiences is actually meeting the living Mayas. In this tour, you learn about the all their traditions including their clothing, instruments, food and handmade crafts. This is the perfect experience for culture cravers and families.
A similar homestay experience is offered by Toledo Ecotourism Association at San Antonio Village which includes guesthouse accommodation that can be paired with meals and tours for complete culture immersion.
Rio Blanco National Park
- $5.00 USD
- 1 Hour Away
- 7AM–5PM
Just 30 minutes off the Southern Highway, you can find Rio Blanco National Park. The drive will take you through some truly off the grid villages and forest. At the site's entrance, there is a 10-minute cement walkway that leads to the waterfalls. Alternatively you can take the other route that leads to a picturesque teal-colored swimming bridge.
On the way to Rio Blanco, you can also stop at San Antonio Falls which is another well-known swimming hole. You can get to Rio Blanco National Park by bus from Punta Gorda. It's an hour ride, but buses don't run on Sundays.
During the dry season the waterfall can be non-existent. The rainy season is the best time to visit. Just remember the water can be murky and forceful after heavy rainfall.
Kayak Or Tube Down Rivers
- Find out
- 45 Mins Away
- 8AM–5PM
The Toledo District arguably has some of the best rivers flowing through the area. If Rio Blanco Waterfalls was not enough for you, there are a few other sites with river activities.
- Golden Stream: swimming hole in Hellgate
- Rio Grande: 45 minute tubing can be arranged at Lodge at Big Falls
- Moho River: kayaks can be rented at Cotton Tree Lodge
- Joe Taylor Creek: 2 to 3 hour kayaking excursions available via Tide Tours
Blue Creek Cave
- $10.00 USD
- 45 Mins Away
- 7AM–5PM
Also known as Ho Keb Ha Cave, this little-known off the grid cave is found just 20 minutes off the Southern Highway in the village of Blue Creek. You can visit the cave on your own or book a tour with Tide Tours.
The cave is a 30-minute hike from the village. Upon arriving, you can swim at the entrance of the cavern, or you can explore inside the darkness with a headlight.
Traditional local food can be purchased nearby at Yona's Mayan Grill Restaurant.
Day Trip To A Nearby Caye
Southern Belize is full of untouched cayes with secluded beaches. Getting to these cayes with sandy beaches requires a boat tour offered by Tide Tours. Here are some cayes in the south worth visiting: Snake Cayes, Moho Cayes, Sapodilla Cayes, Port of Honduras Marine Reserve
Because these areas are not as popular as the northern cayes, you can expect spectacular snorkeling and the possibility of seeing turtles nesting on the beaches.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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