Punta Gorda

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Southern Belize

Punta Gorda

PG, as it's locally known, is the largest town in southern Belize. Capitol of the Toledo District, the 3,500 inhabitants are mostly English speaking Garifuna and East Indian.

The public dock, off Front Street, marks the center of town for most visitors. Immigration and Customs along with the post office are nearby.

The market is one block up the street. Along the way, Fajina Craft Center, where sales support a "self empowerment" organization of Mopan and Kechi Mayan women.

Dockside View

Market Day

Wednesdays and Saturdays are the big market days. Local produce, Guatemalan ware, and handcrafted items from local Mayan artists can be seen.

Visitor Information

Belize Tourist Board in Belize City and Natures Way in Punta Gorda can make arrangements for Village Guesthouse visits.

Toledo Visitors' Information Center is by the dock. Free message board, bus schedules, and information on the Indigenous Experience Program. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 7 to 11:30 am.

Punta Gorda ~ Places To Stay

	Punta Caliente Hotel & Restaurant: H/C water, private bath, ceiling fans, laundry service, TV, Restaurant,, Roof top view with hammocks. 1-2 persons double bed US$21.50. Near Z line bus station.
	Travelers Inn: More upscale facility with AC/TV restaurant/bar, meeting facilities. Next to the Z-line bus terminal.

St Charles Inn has 10 rooms with H/C water, private bath, cable TV, fans. US$20 for 2 persons.

Tate's Guesthouse is in a residential neighborhood. H/C water, private bath, ceiling fans, cable TV. US$24 for a double; AC available

Natures Way Guest House: By the sea, popular with backpackers. They can arrange visits to nearby Mayan villages through their Village Guesthouse program.

Getting There . . .

Private Vehicle

From Belize City it's 200 miles.. Take the Manatee or Hummingbird highway to the Southern highway. Check Southern highway road conditions during the rainy season. Some areas of Toledo District receive up to 170 inches of rain annually. Best time to drive is during the dry season (February - June).

Bus

Z-line has twice daily runs from Belize City at 8am and 3pm, arriving in PG around 6pm and 1am. James buses depart Belize City at the Pound Yard at 7 am. The Ten hour trip cost US$11.

Air

Maya Air and Tropic Air: One way from Belize City around US$75.

Boat Services

Paco's Boat Service offers daily trips to Livingston, Isabel, and Rio Dulce. The most frequent run, Puerto Barrios, cost US$10 one way. Leaves PG 8:30 am with a 1pm. return.

Requena Boat Charters does fishing, snorkeling, and nature observation trips. They offers daily service to Puerto Barrios. Departures at 9 am. Returns at 2pm. On Front Street near customs in PG.

~PG~

BELIZE