When planning a trip to Belize, most travelers opt for the northern islands and cayes world-renowned for the diving opportunities. Little do they know, they just missed out on one of the most culturally beautiful places in all of Central America, the Toledo district in southern Belize.
Rich in lush rainforests, tropical flowers, mountainous terrain and iconic Mayan culture, the Toledo district in southern Belize is a world of its own. The “forgotten district” among the government and tourists alike is one that holds more cultural charm than any other place I’ve been.
By the time I’m finished with this post, I hope to encourage you all to wander the path less traveled and make it a point to spend a few days in the Toledo district of southern Belize.
Here’s the Toledo District of Southern Belize – Where, What & Why You Should Visit:
Where is the Toledo District?
The Toledo district is comprised of Belize’s southern portion of the country. Running west to the border of Guatemala and east to the Caribbean Sea, it’s located nearly 150 miles from Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE).
Options for getting to the Toledo district in southern Belize:
Bus service is available for about $24 BZ ($12) from the airport. While the ride is the most budget-friendly option, there is no air-con and the journey takes no less than 5 hours. Click here for a bus schedule.
Probably the most convenient option is flying one of the domestic airlines (Tropic Air or Maya Island Air) from Belize City to Punta Gorda, the capital of the Toledo district.
Some accommodations in the Toledo area offer all-inclusive packages, which may include domestic flights to Punta Gorda. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at no less than $100 USD per person to fly to the south.
Check out the flight options for domestic travel in Belize through Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
I came to the Toledo district of southern Belize via the more adventurous option, by renting a car through Dollar Rental. The drive takes about 5 hours and gas is somewhat expensive at about 10 BZ ($5) a gallon.
Read More about Renting a Car in Belize: Costs + Tips
Where to Stay in the Toledo District of Southern Belize
Accommodations range from small sleeping rooms in traditional Mayan homes to actual hotels in the capital of Punta Gorda. The perfect option of a place to stay for that traditional Mayan feel while in a comfortable environment is the Cotton Tree Lodge, an eco-adventure resort.
I’ve never stayed in a place as unique as the Cotton Tree Lodge. 12 traditional thatch-roofed cabanas span the jungled rainforest atmosphere on the banks of the Moho River. Each cabana is equipped with the most comfortable hammock to spend the day swaying in while listening to the tropical birds and howler monkeys.
Read More: Staying at the Cotton Tree Lodge in Southern Belize
The all-inclusive option features three meals a day, which are completely curated from their organic garden in the farm-to-table food feature.
What to Do in the Toledo District
Literally every sort of adventure is possible here in the Toledo district of southern Belize. Mayan ruins exploring, deep sea fishing, river kayaking, ziplining, hiking, cultural experiences, you name it and you can probably find it!
If you’re staying at the Cotton Tree Lodge, they have the ability to plan just about any adventure around the Toledo district. One of the best activities on site is boating, kayaking or fishing on the Moho River.
Adventurous Activities
Head on down to Big Falls Extreme Adventures to take part in some jungle ziplining or river tubing. There’s also a hotel here so accommodations and all-inclusive meal plans can be added to your adventures.
Visit Rio Blanca National Park with its flowing waterfalls and swimming holes with cliffs high enough to jump off of.
Put on your rubber boots (available to borrow from the Cotton Tree Lodge) and get to hiking through the lush rainforests. Beautiful tropical flowers dot the landscape with the most gorgeous hazed-view of the mountains as the backdrop.
Relaxed Activities
Explore the markets in Punta Gorda, held every other Saturday, offering just about any sort of souvenir or fresh foods you could think of.
Check out Eladio’s Cacao Farm where you can walk with him on the cacao trail while he gives all the information about your favorite dessert. End the tour with a dream come true: chocolate making and tasting!
Drive through the primitive roads between Mayan farmlands, watching the hard-working laborers spend their days whacking away with machetes.
Dive yourself straight into the traditional Mayan culture by visiting the lesser-known villages of the Kekchi and Mopan Mayans. We spent hours talking with a local Kekchi who actually married a Mopan woman. This is something that was frowned upon years ago but is becoming more common today.
The largest population of Kekchi Mayans in one village is in San Pedro Columbia, a small community based near the Lubaantun Mayan ruins. The Catholic Church in San Pedro Columbia, built in 1952, was actually constructed from slate stones taken from the pyramids at the ruins.
Read More: Lubaantun – Mayan Ruins of Southern Belize
Explore the ancient history of the few Mayan ruins here in the south of Belize. While these sites aren’t nearly as popular as those found throughout Central America, they hold much significance to the secrets of the Mayan world. We were able to visit Nim Li Punit as well as Lubaantun all in one trip as they’re only about 15 miles apart.
Why You Should Visit the Toledo District in Southern Belize
On the surface, I totally get why most people bypass the southern districts while on a trip to Belize. It’s primitive, further away from civilization and finding a way there only adds more time and expenses. In all honesty, it was one of the most cultural places I’ve been in all of my travels.
It’s Primitive
The primitive nature of southern Belize is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I absolutely thrive on visiting less popular places. Having the choice between a busy city or off grid in the mountains, I’d choose the latter every time. The fact that this area is off the beaten path and away from major tourism is the best feature. We felt as if we dived right into the culture, like we were one with Belize instead of a visitor.
It’s Cultural
Most tourists prefer the northern parts of Belize, specifically the islands and coastal towns. I feel like I’m credible in recommending a visit to the Toledo district because I also visited San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. While I absolutely loved the vibes of these islands, they felt more touristy than cultural.
Read More about San Pedro, Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker
The Locals
While the locals are just as friendly on the islands, the hospitality of the natives down here is untouchable. As we were driving down undeveloped dirt roads through Mayan farmland, a man was walking towards us. Wielding a machete in one hand and waving at us with the other, his face beamed with the biggest smile. Never would’ve imagined I’d ever see something like that. If you see a man walking towards you with a machete in the U.S., run the other way!
Another amazing experience with the locals was coming across a family in the middle of a dirt road one night. The man and his wife waved us down, pointing up to the jungle of trees above. Following their gaze, we notice a family of howler monkeys swinging away in their natural habitat. We spent more than an hour standing in the road with them talking and laughing until the sun went down.
The Ecosystem
Wildlife in the southern district of Belize differs immensely from the northern parts. Howler monkeys, toucans and even jaguars can be seen on a regular basis in the jungles. While the animals are incredible, the unique vegetation sprinkled throughout the rainforest really steals the show.
Shol, a descendant of the Mayans who constructed Lubaantun, taught us so much about the various uses for different plants. Most of the significant vegetations are only found here in the Toledo district of Belize. Cacao beans used for cocoa and chocolate are planted by the masses. Perhaps the most interesting of the vegetation are the trees that act as antidotes for various medical issues. The Gumbo Limbo trees found at Lubaantun are used as treatment for gout.
The History
While Mayan ruins exist in the north of Belize, the Mayan culture down here is much stronger. The largest population of Kekchi and Mopan Mayans live in the Toledo district, adding to that cultural feel. After visiting Nim Li Punit, we headed on to Lubaantun. Spending hours talking with a direct descendant about Mayan culture, we learned so much about their history. The type of things he told us was first-hand knowledge from his ancestors and villagers. This educated us more about the area, more than if we would have researched online.
The Simple Life
The Toledo district made me realize just how fortunate we all are to have everything we need. At first glance, this area seems run down and poor. After spending some time there, I learn that couldn’t be further from the truth. The locals in the Toledo district simply have everything they need. They spend their days outside working on their land. Instead of watching TV, they live their lives connecting with their neighbors and fellow villagers. This way of living truly inspired me. With all of the resources at our fingertips, we are spoiled beyond our wildest dreams. The locals of the Toledo district are so happy, much happier than most people in the world seem. Seeing this was probably the most moving aspect of our entire trip to Belize.
If you’re looking for a place to get completely off the grid, visit the Toledo district in Southern Belize. You won’t find a Starbucks or a McDonald’s. You probably won’t be able to answer any emails or phone calls. But spending your day swinging in a hammock by the same river Mayans used thousands of years ago, what more could you want out of a trip?
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I definitely by passed the southern part when I was in Belize and you’re making me wish I didn’t! Maybe next time 🙂 I love all your pics!
I feel SO bad for them down there like a lot of the locals told us that not only do the tourists pass their region up but the government seems to forget about them too. It was no doubt one of the most cultural places I’ve been and I think that’s because there were no tourists there! I enjoyed every moment of it, thanks for reading & the comment ya babe! 🙂