Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, the capital city of the Toledo District, is located about 100 miles South of Belize City or the International Airport. It is the largest town in Toledo and its 3.500 residents are mostly English speaking Garifuna and East Indians. The public dock just off Front Street marks the center of town for most visitors with Immigration, customs and the post office close by. Much like other destinations in the country, inland commuter flights to Punta Gorda are available upon your arrival at the Belize Internationa lAirport. The one-hour flight offers an incredible aerial tour of the country with excellent views of the coastline, Maya Mountains, Cayes and Barrier Reef. You will even fly the "Big Hill" in the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean just north of the Punta Gorda Town.

The area of Southern Belize around Punta Gorda boasts rainforest, mountains, rivers, the Caribbean ocean with Coral Reefs and Mayan Villages. Trade winds have shaped the Caribbean coastline north and south of Punta Gorda. The Barrier Reef is about 35 miles offshore from the mainland and further inland it is blessed with a multitude of natural attractions, including caves and waterfalls spread out in the rainforest. Several protected areas have been declared wildlife reserves and include the most pristine rainforest in Belize. These natural treasures abound with wildlife and more than 2000 species of plants. Mayan ruins are mostly jungle-covered and some are still to be discovered.

Activities close-by include sea and river kayaking, fly- and sport fishing, snorkeling, swimming, diving, caving, birding, canoeing and last buy not least exploring the abundant jungle. Some of the best fly-fishing in Belize is done in the rivers surrounding Punta Gorda. An exceptional lodge from where to enjoy what the area has to offer is Machaca Hill Lodge which just recently has received the Belize Tourism Board Award for Hotel of the year.