Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Rain Forests

The greenest, lushest jungles in Belize are in Toledo, fed by heavy rains and temperatures that stay mostly above 70°F. Red Ginger, bright yellow-and-orange Lobster Claw, masses of pink on Mayflower trees, and orchids of all colors splash the emerald green landscape. Scarlet-rumped Tanagers, Black-headed Trogans, Green Kingfishers, and Roseate Spoonbill join hundreds of other birds in the rain forest cacophony.

Outpost Atmosphere

Punta Gorda has that end-of-the-road feel, as if this is the last outpost on Earth. Yes, the Southern Highway does end here—but it's more than that. Here you get the feeling that even in today's world of almost 7 billion people, there are still places where you could, if you needed to, hide out for awhile and not be found.

Fishing

Among serious anglers, Southern Belize has a reputation for having one of the world's great permit fisheries, and for its large populations of tarpon and bonefish. The flats off Punta Ycacos are prime permit and bonefish grounds, and freshwater lagoons near Punta Negra hold snook, small tarpon, and other fish.

Maya & Garífuna Culture

Other areas of Belize (not to mention Guatemala and Honduras) may have more spectacular ruins than Toledo, but where the Deep South shines is in its contemporary Mayan culture. Dozens of Mopan and Ketchi villages exist much as they have for centuries, as do the Garífuna villages of Punta Negra and Barranco and the town of Punta Gorda (PG). You can visit some of the villages and even stay awhile in guesthouses or homestay programs.