Things to do & places to visit in Toledo District, Belize

Toledo District #5 destination in Belize 2023. The average rating score is 4.74 based on 1.296 traveler reviews, of 38 attractions. Timezone: America/Belize, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:10.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate (264 reviews)
- A wonderfully immersive experience
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

IXCACAO, “Queen of Cacao, goddess of fertility and happiness!”, For our guests, we offer hands-on chocolate making sessions, tours of the cacao farm and our production facilities. We can share with you the ancient Maya traditions of chocolate, in relation to our religion, economy, and environment. We will show you the secrets of Maya chocolate making and it's historical significance in our culture and its expansion around the world. Our guests can sample our products - including chocolate bars, cacao powder, butter, hot chocolate, and cacao wine - and visit our gift shop to purchase chocolate and other local artisan gifts. A visit to IXCACAO is educational, fun, and tasty. A must-see in Belize! See more..
5.0 Tide Tours (116 reviews)
- Kayaking Joe Taylor Creek and in the waters near Port Honduras Marine Reserve
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Cultural Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Thanks to TIDE TOURS BELIZE for an amazing day of Kayaking around Punta Gorda, on Joe Taylor Creek and in the waters near Port Honduras Marine Reserve. It could not have been a more perfect day with a great mix of jungle and ocean experiences, filled with birds, wonder of big jungle nature, and swimming in an ocean that was calm as glass...Special thanks to Oliver Garay, who got us on our way in and out safely! #ecotourism #belizeadventure #toledoinstitutefordevelopmentandenvironment #puntagordabelize See more..
5.0 Warasa Garifuna Drum School (90 reviews)
- Great cultural experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Cultural Tours • Lessons & Workshops

Ray was a great guy - really friendly, and incredibly talented at both drumming and teaching. I loved the traditional thatch and surroundings and was lucky enough to see a toucan while we were there! Its worth stopping by even if you're just passing through the town for a day before heading elsewhere. See more..
5.0 PG Tours (84 reviews)
- great birdwatching trips!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Cultural Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Food Tours

My partner and I enjoyed five care-free days in the Punta Gorda area in late February, staying at the charming Chaab'il B'e lodge. PG Tours arranged three birding tours for us and we highly recommend them. They are well connected with knowledgeable and friendly local guides and restaurants, leading to most enjoyable outings. We had one whole day birding tour with a delicious lunch at a Mayan village, and a most enjoyable Sunday morning at Cotton tree Lodge, with a diverse group of enthusiasts from the Punta Gorda Birding Club. The final highlight was an early morning trip to Red Bank Village, where we were thrilled to have sightings of the magnificent Scarlet Macaws at three locations round the village. Many thanks to Jo and Pip at PGTours! We will definitely be back for more adventures once the pandemic is over. See more..
5.0 Kaimani Marine Tours (31 reviews)
- The trip to snake west Caye
Cultural Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Was simple to book , the team was great friendly and showed us a really good day. Is a must do if staying at Punta Gorda. The beach at the island was an absolute delight to swim at. See more..
5.0 Agouti Cacao Farm (26 reviews)
- The best chocolate tour in Belize!
Farms

Eladio's Chocolate adventure is a family operated business that process chocolate using ancient tools and techniques as past on by our Mayan ancestors. Its a business that showcasing from the seeds of a cacao to chocolate bar. At Eladio's we provide the following packages: 1. Handmade Mayan Chocolate Demo, 2. Mayan Food, 3. Mayan Homestays, 4. Mayan Music and Dances, 5. Organic Farm Tour etc...... See more..
5.0 Living Maya Experience (24 reviews)
- Wonderful Cultural Experience
Cultural Tours • Lessons & Workshops • Private Tours

The Living Maya Experience is actually two homes in Big Falls village about ten minutes walk from each other. At the Cal's we had a great time helping to prepare a meal of fish wrapped in large leaves, grinding cacao and using the soap berries to wash our hands. everything in the house is natural; even the bowls are made from the calabash fruit. Anita, her daughter Amina and husband Cris show how well but how simply people can live by using things naturally available in the forest. The Chiac family make different kinds of crafts and we all had a chance to have a go ourselves at weaving hammocks and making fans from palm leaves. We were not very good at it. Juan Chiac gathers the materials for making baskets and hammocks from the forest. His baskets are made from a vine and the hammocks from a long leaf like an agave. We had loads of fun at both homes. The vegetarian meal at the Cal's was delicious. See more..
5.0 Maroon Creole Drum School (23 reviews)
- Fun experience for all ages! Delicious food!
Lessons & Workshops

At its new location in Punta Gorda, The Maroon Creole Drum School offers classes in Creole and West African drumming, drum making workshops and culture presentations as well as fire hearth cooking classes with traditional recipes. Handmade crafts and art are on sale too. Under the direction of Emmeth Young, one of Belize's most experienced and versatile drummers, the Maroon Drum School aims to educate, share and preserve the music and traditions of the Creole people of Belize. Emmeth is from the small village of Gales Point Manatee, settled by escape, or maroon, slaves in the late 1700's. The Maroon Creole Drum School's project "Drums Not Guns" directly supports local youth mentor-ship and cultural preservation. See more..
5.0 Scarlet Macaw Viewing Area (17 reviews)
- Unforgettable scarlet macaw adventure
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

First you’ll ride in the back of a pickup to the edge of the jungle. Raul with take you on a beautiful jungle hike and listen for the macaws. You may move from place to place to find the birds and be out there for several hours. It’s magical to hear 20+ macaws squawk then fly overhead. I believe around 100 are here this time of year and we probably saw 50 of them. Raul will show you what they’re eating and share his knowledge of macaws. Highly recommend. See more..
5.0 Toledo Cave & Adventure Tours - Day Tours (17 reviews)
- An excellent day in Belize!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

Bruno made our day in Belize very memorable, gave extremely knowledgeable insight into history, development of the country, everyday life and fun activities. The day was filled to the brim with input in a very enjoyable and friendly manner, from a local supermarket and historic sights early and before the masses came to authentic Belizian lunch, a jungle walk to finish with a last glimpse at the city. We felt very safe and well looked after, on time, very reliable to great contact before and after the tour. Really a full-hearted, honest recommendation - we will be back! Kathrin & Simon from Germany See more..
5.0 Toledo Ecotourism Association Tours (14 reviews)
- Transcendent, incredible experience
Eco Tours

I stayed for one night with the Chun family in San Antonio and it was the highlight of my trip to Belize. I did the overnight package (see their website for details) and it included three wonderful meals made by Jenny Chun, and multiple activities. I went on a jungle tour with Reyes Chun, where I learnt about the cocoa bean production and the various fruits and vegetables and medicinal plants the family uses. Jenny showed me how they use the fermented and dried cocoa bean to make a traditional Mayan chocolate drink. I helped with dinner and with making tortillas. We also did a craft lesson, using the jippi japa from their land. You can also buy some lovely items that Jenny and her daughter make (but no pressure). The whole family was so welcoming and I felt very comfortable during my entire stay. The accommodation is adjacent to the family home, and while simple, it was clean and pleasant. Reyes was easy to contact via WhatsApp for any information and can also advise on transport. It’s very easy to get to the village with the bus from Punta Gorda. Likewise, you can easily get to PG with the James Bus from other parts of Belize - the buses run on schedule. I highly recommend incorporating a stay in one of the TEA villages as part of your trip to Belize - it will be one of the most genuine and least touristy things you will do. This is a wonderful programme run by wonderful people - it deserves your support. Go and book your stay today! See more..
5.0 Cocolove (9 reviews)
- Awesome yoga and body products!
Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates • Spas

Cocolove is a locally owned business by a Young Belizean Female CMT/CYT who offers a variety of spa treatments.deeptissue,reflexology,hot stones, facials,to name a few.The treatments use her line of body products that are made with local plants and oils along with therapeutic grade essential oils.Cocolove promotes healthy living and usually has coconut water, and live food treats in the cooler. See more..
5.0 Eco Tourism Belize (7 reviews)
- Spicing it up at the Golden Stream Spice Farm, Belize, C.A.
Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This is a great excursion, if you do a Western Caribbean cruise with a stop in Belize, you should, definitely, go for it. See more..
5.0 Snake Cayes (7 reviews)
- Wonderful permit fishing and great for a family trip too
Islands

The Snake Cayes are a group of cayes (islands) off coast of Toledo. They are perhaps best known as one of the best permit fishing spots in the world. Here is shallow, glassy clear water, shoals of 20 or more permit can be spotted, usually with jacks mixed in. You will get more shots at permit here in a day than you can get in a week in most other countries. Snake Cayes (don't be put off by the name, snakes are not in evidence) is equally good as a family outing destination for snorkelling, casual fishing and a shore lunch, eating the fish you caught. Turtles can often be seen here, it's one of the best turtle spots in Belize. Most easily reached from Punta Gorda or from the charming fishing village of Monkey River, which also has very simple accommodation, and two more comfortable fishing lodges, Steppingstones and Monkey River Retreat. To contact the Monkey River Tour Guides Association, [email protected] See more..
5.0 Uxbenka (Uchben' kaj) (4 reviews)
- Uxbenka and Yok Balum
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ancient Ruins

If you want to explore and discover something off the beaten path those two activities are Top Adventure Tours within Toledo. For sure not more than 50 people per year will visit those special places...... See more..
5.0 Copal Tree Distillery (2 reviews)
- Follow the process from sugar cane to rum
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

The tour starts in the middle of the cane fields where you taste the different types of sugar cane and then transitions you to the actual distillery where Copalli Rum is actually brewed and bottled. Byron, our guide, studied distillery processing in the US and has a passion for his country and his trade. He escorted us from the cane fields to the top of the distillery to the bottling room all to broaden our knowledge of rum. But he saved the best for last: rum tasting. Byron teaches you how to observe, smell and taste the differences in the different Copalli Rums. In the end, you'll understand that rum is more than just an enhancement for Coke. Reservations are made through the Copal Tree Lodge (They are in the process of building an information center for the distillery. I'm sure the tour can only get better.) See more..
5.0 Naturally Belize Coconut Products (2 reviews)
- Skin so soft.
Paint & Pottery Studios

Naturally, Belize Coconut Products promises a luxurious jungle experience with its rich beauty bars, natural hair, and skin products. I have used her products for more than 5 years and I love how fragrant they smell and how soft they make my skin feel. In love with the turmeric beauty bar. See more..
5.0 The Chaos Oasis (2 reviews)
- Must stay
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

The Chaos Oasis is a monument to the Maya completely made from recyclable materials: tire, glass and plastic bottles, started as an Earthship and continually evolving. We also have a large organic farm and a butterfly house. See more..
5.0 Sapodilla Cayes (2 reviews)
- Simply gorgeous
Islands
Just stunning, this is what I dreamt of a coral reef. Went with my cousin local friend and we snorkeled all day. Paradise See more..
5.0 Punta Negra Lake (1 review)
- Truly undisturbed nature
Bodies of Water
If you are looking to get out in nature where few others venture the two Lagoons behind Punta Negra offer fishing, birding and nature watching in an environment almost totally undisturbed by humanity. You will almost certainly have the place to yourself and that is part of the charm of exploring this area. The larger lagoon has a path and boardwalk leading from the coast approximately 200' back to the lagoon. This has become a bit rickety over the years but as of November 2012 the Punta Negra Village Council is undertaking a project to rebuild the boardwalk making lagoon access much easier. Bring a fishing line and a bit of bait and you can keep yourself entertained all day on the lagoon. It is also a nice spot for a dip in fresh water after a snorkel at the Snake Cayes. See more..
5.0 Snake Cayes (7 reviews)
- Wonderful permit fishing and great for a family trip too
Islands

The Snake Cayes are a group of cayes (islands) off coast of Toledo. They are perhaps best known as one of the best permit fishing spots in the world. Here is shallow, glassy clear water, shoals of 20 or more permit can be spotted, usually with jacks mixed in. You will get more shots at permit here in a day than you can get in a week in most other countries. Snake Cayes (don't be put off by the name, snakes are not in evidence) is equally good as a family outing destination for snorkelling, casual fishing and a shore lunch, eating the fish you caught. Turtles can often be seen here, it's one of the best turtle spots in Belize. Most easily reached from Punta Gorda or from the charming fishing village of Monkey River, which also has very simple accommodation, and two more comfortable fishing lodges, Steppingstones and Monkey River Retreat. To contact the Monkey River Tour Guides Association, [email protected] See more..
5.0 Copal Tree Distillery (2 reviews)
- Follow the process from sugar cane to rum
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

The tour starts in the middle of the cane fields where you taste the different types of sugar cane and then transitions you to the actual distillery where Copalli Rum is actually brewed and bottled. Byron, our guide, studied distillery processing in the US and has a passion for his country and his trade. He escorted us from the cane fields to the top of the distillery to the bottling room all to broaden our knowledge of rum. But he saved the best for last: rum tasting. Byron teaches you how to observe, smell and taste the differences in the different Copalli Rums. In the end, you'll understand that rum is more than just an enhancement for Coke. Reservations are made through the Copal Tree Lodge (They are in the process of building an information center for the distillery. I'm sure the tour can only get better.) See more..
5.0 Sapodilla Cayes (2 reviews)
- Simply gorgeous
Islands
Just stunning, this is what I dreamt of a coral reef. Went with my cousin local friend and we snorkeled all day. Paradise See more..
5.0 Punta Negra Lake (1 review)
- Truly undisturbed nature
Bodies of Water
If you are looking to get out in nature where few others venture the two Lagoons behind Punta Negra offer fishing, birding and nature watching in an environment almost totally undisturbed by humanity. You will almost certainly have the place to yourself and that is part of the charm of exploring this area. The larger lagoon has a path and boardwalk leading from the coast approximately 200' back to the lagoon. This has become a bit rickety over the years but as of November 2012 the Punta Negra Village Council is undertaking a project to rebuild the boardwalk making lagoon access much easier. Bring a fishing line and a bit of bait and you can keep yourself entertained all day on the lagoon. It is also a nice spot for a dip in fresh water after a snorkel at the Snake Cayes. See more..
4.5 Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Garden (202 reviews)
- Fantastic visit
Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Gardens

What a great place to visit . Garden and spice farm was just as described . Guide took us on tractor which was loaded from a purpose built platform as shop/ restaurant area and we travelled the grounds . Guide was exceptional . He really knew his stuff . They would just stop and go to the trees and pull off something for us to look at and try . The raw unprocessed chocolate was something I never thought I would try . Many thanks for a great visit See more..
4.5 Nim Li Punit (Big Hat) (117 reviews)
- Wonderful Mayan ruins
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This Mayan site is known for its 25 intricately carved stelae, including a figure wearing a large headdress ("Big Hat"). See more..
4.5 Cotton Tree Chocolate (49 reviews)
- Actual chocolate factory
Speciality & Gift Shops

Great fun! They buy local cacao beans from the farmers co-op, and do all the processing to convert them in to chocolate bars, chocolate soap and cocoa. While not quite manual, it is definitely hands-on and individual (and low tech). The attached picture shows two roasters, the DeWalt powered grinder, and the Sunbeam powered winnower. Inside they will proudly show you their cooler, that on a good day can get all the way down to 60F! Fun, and the 100% chocolate bars are the best EVER!! See more..
4.5 Blue Creek Cave (30 reviews)
- Go to the left at the fork in the path
Caverns & Caves

This is a magical place. The Blue Creek Village Council now has a charge per person to visit, stop at Yona's Kitchen to pay the fee. The hike up to the cave is about 20-30 min. It is low impact until you get close. You will hike up a path that will eventually come to a spot with 3-4 houses near it. Shortly after that you will need to goto the left and cross a small creek. Once across you are really close, but crossing the creek and once across the hiking is a bit more intense. If you go to the right you end up in the mountains and miss the whole thing. It also gets very rugged about 15 min up from the Y. Guides are available and are a nice feature to not get lost. You will need a life vest and a headlamp to enjoy the most. Bring a towel and if you bring a camera or phone you will have to leave it behind unless it can get wet, you will be swimming in the cave and floating down. See more..
4.5 Garbutt's Fishing Lodge (30 reviews)
- Snorkeling with Garbutt's
Fishing Charters & Tours

My wife has a mild handicap (MS) and does not swim. When we talked about trying to do the snorkeling needless to say she was hesitant. We stopped at Garbutt's Fishing Lodge to ask questions and Dennis offered to take us out that afternoon. He spent 2 hours teaching her to snorkel and taking her over the coral reefs. If you look at the picture, it says a thousand words. This was the highlight of our trip to Punta Gorda. See more..
4.5 Monkey River Adventure Tours (14 reviews)
- Great Shore Excursion
Scuba & Snorkelling • Fishing Charters & Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

The gentlemen of this tour were personable, entertaining and highly knowledgeable about the area as well as the flora and fauna. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would recommend to anyone visiting Belize on shore excursion! See more..