Modern-day Belize is divided into six districts, and Toledo is the southernmost district. Located in the southeast of the country along its border with Guatemala, Toledo District is home to some of the most pristine sections of rainforest, a bevy of offshore islands that few tourists visit, and several traditional Maya villages which have changed little over the past 2,000 years.

The capital of Toledo District is Punta Gorda, often abbreviated simply as PG by locals. Despite it’s Spanish-language name, Punta Gorda is now primarily inhabited by the Garifuna people, a unique Afro-Caribbean culture that was recognized by the United Nations in 2001 for their music, language, food, and dance.

Located so far south of Belize City, the main entry port for most visitors to Belize, Toledo District is still treated as being far off the modern path. But the recent upgrade to the Southern Highway now makes it quite simple to drive entirely along modern, paved roadways from Dangriga. Punta Gorda is home to both an annual chocolate festival where chocolatiers and cocoa farmers from around Toledo come to show off their wares and the Battle of the Drums that sees Garifuna and Creole drum corps face off during a grueling and yet exhilarating all-night competition.

Outside of Punta Gorda, attractions include some of the finest ancient Maya sites in the country, Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. Nim Li Punit means “Big Hat” in the local Mayan dialect because the site has several large engravings of ancient Maya rulers, including one chieftain shown in a large headdress or hat. Lubaantun is another ancient Maya site but one that has puzzled archeologists because it was constructed in a far different style than other Maya cities in the region. Instead of mortar, all of the buildings in Lubaantun are made of perfectly sized stone blocks made from slate rather than the more typical limestone.

Besides cultural visits to local villages, other exciting things to do in Toledo District include visiting one of the many waterfalls that dot the landscape. Several of the rivers in Toledo District are also eminently suitable for activities like canoeing and rafting.

Travelers interested in exploring the beauty and wonders of Toledo District can stay at the award-winning Chabil Mar Resort. Located just steps from the beach on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize, Chabil Mar is a full-service luxury resort with elegant villas, a lush tropical garden, and two freshwater infinity pools.

For more information about Belize and the Toledo District, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

Here are 27 quirky facts that many travelers to Belize are not aware of.

1. The official language of Belize is English.
2. Most Belizeans are trilingual and Spanish and Kriol are also widely spoken in the country.
3. Belize was once home to over 1 million Maya people.
4. Belizean cuisine is an amalgamation of all ethnicities in the country.
5. If Belizean food is what you like, then don’t miss trying the traditional Belizean rice and beans.
6. Placencia, the captivating Peninsula of Southern Belize, offers a tropical paradise with everything from sun-kissed beaches to awe-inspiring diving sites. Arguably, Placencia is one of the most visited vacation spots in Belize.
7. After the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Belize stands second in the world with its longest reef featuring an abundant of marine life.
8. Belize is home to traditional Mennonites.
9. Belize has acres of pristine coastline featuring white sandy beaches and beautiful offshore islands. Laughing Bird Caye and South Water Caye are two such destinations.
10. Belize’s tropical setting is an ideal habitat for birds, and the country boasts over 300 species of native birds.
11. One of the famous dishes in Belize is made from Gibnut meat. This was the dish presented to Queen Elizabeth during her first visit to this country.
12. Belize’s jungle is home to wild cats, including jaguars and ocelots.
13. Apart from its historic archeological sites, Belize is known for its scuba diving sites. The Blue Hole, one of the world’s most popular sinkhole, is one famous dive site here.
14. Belize received its Independence from Great Britain on 21st September, 1981.
15. Unlike any urban city with high-rises, Belize is blessed with lush nature, acres of rainforest, and the tallest building in the country is Canna Temple, a Maya pyramid at Caracol.
16. Belize is home to many luxury resorts and jungle lodges. However, there are not many all-inclusive branded resorts here.
17. Belize’s size is close to that of New Hampshire in area wise. With a population just over 350,000, the country is one of the sparsely populated nations in the world.
18. Belizeans do use a number of funny Creole phrases such as the ‘Sleeping Policeman’ term for speed breakers.
19. Belizeans love ketchup with their fried chicken instead of hot sauce.
20. Belizeans eat the Marie Sharp hot sauce with almost everything.
21. No time to exchange money? You can use US dollars anywhere in Belize.
22. The locals here love the Punta Rock music.
23. Belize is one of the world’s top destinations for a wedding or honeymoon vacation.
24. Belizeans make some finest handmade chocolates from locally grown cocoa.
25. You will be surprised to find a jaguar crossing sign on the highway.
26. Fry jacks is a favorite breakfast of Belizeans.
27. Belize is home to the world’s loudest creature: the Black Howler Monkey.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.