Destination: Southern Belize

Southern Belize, formerly known as the Toledo District is a small, yet an incredibly diverse area of Belize. It is environmentally, ethnically and culturally diverse, making for an exciting and interesting experience for all visitors. Not only is Southern Belize relatively untouched, it is well protected from the influences of rapid modernization and overdevelopment with seven major parks and reserves covering a large expanse of the Toledo District. The Toledo District is the Southernmost district in Belize and it perfect for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and cultural sightseeing.

POpportunities to explore pure ocean estuaries, virgin rain forests, deserted beaches and historic archeological sites are everywhere in Southern Belize. Southern Belize’s ecological and biological diversity will surely impress, with low coastal plains, high forested mountains, savannahs, coastal lagoons, swamps, jungle rivers, and of course the famous Barrier Reef. The Toledo district is home to a variety of caves, waterfalls and several rivers that run east from the uplands of the Maya Mountains to the coastline, finally emptying into the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. Southern Belize visitors have the opportunity to enjoy kayaking the jungle lined rivers, diving the amazing barrier reef, hiking near the archaeological sites, sunbathing on the deserted beaches, cultural tours and wildlife viewing. In fact, endangered species such as the West Indian Manatee can be found here.

More On Southern Belize

Belize hotel and Belize accommodation choices are not as plentiful in the Toledo District as they might be in other parts of Belize. While tourism is being becoming an increasingly important part of the Southern Belize fabric, it is still relatively new to the area. It should be noted that Belize hotel and Belize accommodations in Southern Belize are thought of as modest and rustic. Visitors should not expect luxury resorts or the same level of pampering as they might in other areas of Belize. The flip side of the Southern Belize accommodations coin is that of its natural surroundings. Southern Belize visitors can expect untouched natural wilderness and pristine surroundings. If a different standard of lodging and accommodations are not acceptable to you, then you should consider visiting a different part of Belize. Southern Belize requires a willingness to be flexible in order to see its unique wonders.

The Toledo District in Southern Belize is primarily thought of as Mayan country, with well over half the population and most of the villages being Maya. Over 30 Maya villages are located in the inland jungle portion of the Toledo District. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern Belize saw the Mopan Maya Indians and Kekchi Maya Indians immigrate into the Toledo District. They were escaping what they perceived to be as heavy taxation in Guatemala. The Mopan Maya settled near the village of San Antonio in the uplands of Toledo. While the Kekchi Maya spread out along the rivers and lowlands of Toledo. Although, the Maya are slowly being discovered and visited by outsiders, it is still largely an untouched culture. The Mayas farm for their food and live without modern conveniences such as electricity. Mayan men and women are doing the same roles their ancestors did with women caring for the children while balancing washloads or firewood on their heads and men working the land for food. Visitors to Southern Belize are afforded the rare chance to see a very different culture as it has been for generations. Some of the many Maya archaeological sites are relatively undiscovered and untouched. Nim Li Punit and Lubantuun are the only Maya sites in Toledo that have tourist facilities.