Overview
Punta Gorda is the southernmost town in Belize and the capital of Toledo District, founded as Peini by the Garifuna people. Home to over 5,000 people from many ethnic groups, it remains a sleepy little town except for market days, offering travelers a genuine taste of 'real' Belize.
Budget Travel · Culture · Day Trips · Diving · Nature
Before you go
Activities
Kayak rentals from TIDE Tours range US$2.50-12.50. Diving at Sapodilla Cayes accesses the southern Belize Barrier Reef. Maya ruins at Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit cost BZ$10 each.
Culture
Garifuna Mass held every other Sunday at St Peter Claver Parish Church. Market days (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat) bring vendors from Toledo villages with local produce, chocolate, and copal incense.
Money
ATMs accept foreign cards but only dispense BZ$50 notes with US$2.50 fee. USD widely accepted at par in tourist areas. Money changers at immigration office offer poor rates for Guatemala quetzales.
Transport
Bus from Belize City via James Bus Line costs US$12 each way (5.25-6.5 hours). Water taxis from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala run 3 times daily (US$20-25, 1.25 hours).
Weather
Best to check weather before booking water taxi from Guatemala—boats will not run if conditions are too rough.
