Southern Belize holidays
Southern Belize holidays at a glance
Journey Latin America describes Toledo as Belize’s southernmost region, where rugged terrain is carpeted with pristine rainforest. Hidden beneath the dense canopy are caves, waterfalls, rivers and crystal-clear swimming holes, alongside lesser-visited Maya archaeological sites.
The region’s small capital, Punta Gorda, acts as the gateway to the south and provides access to many of the area’s cultural and natural attractions. Unlike some of Belize’s more developed regions, Toledo remains largely untouched and offers a more authentic experience of the country.
Toledo’s population reflects an extraordinary blend of cultures, including Mopan and Kekchi Maya, Garifuna, Creole, East Indian, Mennonite and Mestizo communities. This diversity has created a unique cultural landscape where traditional lifestyles remain an important part of daily life.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Southern Belize
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
This rugged terrain is carpeted with pristine rainforests whose dense canopies cover caves and creeks, crystal clear swimming holes and waterfalls, and little-visited Mayan ruins.
When to visit Southern Belize
Toledo can be visited throughout the year, but rainfall patterns and tourist numbers vary considerably by season.
Owing to its tropical climate the Toledo district is warm year round but is drier from December to May. On average January is the coolest and May is the hottest month of the year as humidity and rainfall increases.
This is the rainy season and it is hot and humid. Towards November rain and humidity starts to ease.
Top Things to do in Southern Belize
Toledo is ideal for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, wildlife and rainforest adventures.
Visit the artisan chocolate making company Ixcacao in Belize’s cocoa district, Toledo.
Cruise through the emerald cayes of Belize’s Port Honduras Marine reserve and snorkel and swim in crystal clear Caribbean waters.
Accommodation in Southern Belize
Journey Latin America features accommodation throughout the region that provides access to rainforest adventures, wildlife experiences and cultural excursions.
Many properties focus on nature, sustainability and immersion in the surrounding rainforest environment.
A luxury ecolodge, spa and farm in the forested hills above the Rio Grande in southern Belize.
A welcoming lodge in a region that few tourists reach. Home cooking, warm service and detached thatched cabins make this an excellent family destination.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Southern Belize Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Belize: Rainforest, reef and ruins
Places visited: Maya mountains and jungle · Southern Belize · Caribbean cayes and coast
12 days from £3,860
FAQs about visiting Southern Belize
Southern Belize is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When's the best time to visit Toledo and south Belize?
The best weather conditions are during the dry season Dec-May. It can be cool in the highlands in winter, while the jungle areas are hot and humid all year round. There’s a low risk of tropical storms or hurricanes Jun-Nov. The busiest time for tourists is Dec-Mar. For chocolate lovers, Belize’s annual Chocolate Festival takes places in Punta Gorda in May.
- What's the official language of Toledo and south Belize?
English.
- How do I get local currency in Toledo and south Belize?
Belizean dollar. Notes can be obtained from money exchanges and from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card. There are few, if any, ATMs outside Belize City where you can use a UK credit or debit card.
- What's the time difference between Toledo and south Belize and UK?
GMT -6 hrs.
- What places combine well with Toledo and south Belize?
A visit to neighbouring Guatemala’s Caribbean coast at Livingston; Placencia in southern Belize.
- How do I get to Toledo and south Belize?
Fly to Punta Gorda from Belize City, Placencia and Dangriga.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.