Toledo District, Belize

Toledo District

Located in southern Belize, the Toledo District is one of the country’s top ecotourism destinations and covers some 17,000 square miles.

Often described as the “last frontier” it comprises of half-dozen rivers, rainforests (it’s the wettest part of Belize), parks and reserves, and even more modern Maya villages; head to indigenous towns like San Pedro Columbia or Sant Antonio to learn about traditional music and textiles on your holiday to Belize.

Traditional Mayan Farm Houses, Toledo District, Belize
Traditional Mayan Farm Houses, Toledo District, Belize

Our Specialists' "Must Do"

Undoubtedly a chocolate tour is one of the must do’s in Toledo! Not only does it allow chocolate lovers to sample some of the finest cacao in its purist form, but it is wonderful to understand fully how Cacao is such an important part of the Maya culture. Today farmers in the district grow cacao beans for small and large-scale chocolate production – even supplying the UK-based chocolate company, Green & Blacks. We would also suggest lunch with a local Maya family in Punta Gorda, which is a huge amount of fun and a wonderful insight into the culture.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

The Lodge at Big Falls £££££

  • Belize
  • Boutique

The Lodge at Big Falls is a delightful retreat located close to Punta Gorda, in Toledo, southern Belize. Here you have easy access to Belize’s natural wonders and archaeological treasures and the hotel offers a range of eco-tours designed to introduce you to the local Mayan people and culture.

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Copal Tree Lodge £££££

  • Belize

Copal Tree Lodge is a 12 room lodge located in the rainforested hills above the coast of southern Belize. Observation decks offer far reaching views towards the Caribbean and of the impressive Maya Mountain chain. All suites are very private and come with screened verandas and spa style baths. Copal Tree Lodge has a pool, spa, communal fire pit and extensive lawns, where high tea is served. A private tram is available to transport you down to the Riverside Deck, location of the Maya bar and waterfront dining area. From this point, you also embark on jungle cruises along the Rio Grande through pristine rainforest.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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  • 1 800 571 2985

John Faithfull

This quirky English-speaking country holds huge appeal for John, who is at his happiest when swimming and clambering through caves strewn with archaeological relics in Xibalba – the Mayan underworld!

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  • 1 800 571 2985

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