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About Toledo

Punta Gorda Town

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, known locally as PG, is the administrative capital of the Toledo District. It is a coastal town with a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea (Amatique Bay & Gulf of Honduras) and the hills of nearby Izabal Guatemala.

Punta Gorda was founded by the Garifuna, who emigrated from Honduras in 1832. For a short period beginning in 1866, the British government founded a settlement for Confederate veterans of the U.S. Civil War, but it did not endure. Punta Gorda is still predominantly Garifuna, however like other diverse towns in Belize, other citizens include Creole (Kriol), Mestizos, Chinese, East Indians and Kekchi and Mopan Mayans. For almost two centuries, fishing has been the town's major livelihood; however tourism and agriculture are also important local industries.

Activities
Adventurous travellers use Punta Gorda as a base for exploration of the surrounding rainforest, nearby Mayan villages and archaeological sites. There are many tour operators who have their offices in P.G. and offer many tours in and around P.G. Punta Gorda has many shops where you can do your groceries and buy your souvenirs, as well as local Maya and Garifuna arts and crafts.

Tour operators
Most of the more expensive hotels offer private tours. Very often it is also possible to arrange a tour with them without being a guest in their hotel. These tour operators provide tours through whole of Toledo District including the Cayes and some of them even offer tours outside of the Toledo District.

NightLife

Oceanview is a nice bar at the end of Front Street, literally in the sea. They have a great veranda with a magnificent ocean view. On clear nights you can see the lights of neighbouring Guatemala. On some nights they have karaoke, others nights the music varies, reflecting the diverse culture. Open daily from 18:00 till midnight, it is one of the most popular spots in town.

PG Sports Bar is the place for good music and dances. Located on the corner of Main Street and Prince Street, opposite the Town Clock in Central Park, the Sports Bar offers air conditioned comfort, karaoke, and a mix of local and imported drinks, from $5 BZ. They also have a big TV screen to watch sporting events, pay-per-view, or catch highlights from the days sporting action. Open most nights of the week, including Sunday.

Upstairs Lounge is a popular hang out amongst local Belizeans. Located on the top floor (above Brad’s Grocery Shop) on Main Street, next door to the PG Sports Bar. Enjoy the cool breeze from above and watching the happenings of small town life below on the street side. Occasionally there are pool tournaments during the weekend. Serving local drinks; open from 12:00 – midnight most nights of the week, including Sunday.

Newly renovated Southside Disco (Jose Maria Nunez Street) 5 minutes out of the town centre offers both a bar and disco, either with a DJ or live band. A great snack stand is next door if you are in the mood for a late night snack. Open most nights of the week, including Sunday.

Also newly renovated is Tony’s Billiards. A nice spot to hangout at the back of town to play some pool. They even serve food like fry chicken, panades, tacos or burgers. In the weekend there is karaoke and music. Open Monday till Sunday from 15:00 till midnight, closed Tuesdays.

Waluco’s Bar & Grill is one of the more popular places to spend your evening. In addition to an excellent restaurant, Waluco’s has great music, great atmosphere, wonderful evening sea breeze, and the relaxing sound of the waves rolling into the shore. Located 1 mile outside of Punta Gorda along the Southern Highway and overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Open weekdays from 11:00 - 22:00 and weekends 11:00 – midnight.

Off-the-beaten-path options:

Poolside Bar at the Coral House Inn. Looking for a relaxing evening and a spot to enjoy a few social drinks, then the poolside bar at the Coral House Inn is the place for you. Open daily from 17:00 – 21:00, serving local and imported drinks.

Hickatee Cottages in addition to a restaurant also has a comfortable bar, where you can take in the sounds of the jungle at night in a beautifully decorated lounge. Serving a wide variety of local and imported drinks. Open weekends from 17:00 – 22:00.