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Toledo
Toledo, the southern most district of Belize, is the least populated and most unspoilt. It is ideal for those who want to explore its natural riches or simply find physical and spiritual refreshment in the peace of the rainforest. The district is extraordinarily well endowed with cultural and environmental attractions.
Toledo is home to diverse ethnic communities. Almost all of the Mayan villages of Belize are here in Toledo. A visit to one of these villages, such as San Pedro Colombia, San Antonio, San Jose or Santa Elena offers an opportunity to learn a little of Mayan culture at first hand.
There are Mopan and Kekchi Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Creoles, Hispanics and Mennonites. The village of Big Falls is one of the most mixed communities in the district with households from almost every ethnic group living side by side. You can experience the annual deer dance in the Kekchi Mayan village of San Antonio, and the Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 in the village of Barranco celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people on the coasts of Belize in 1832. There is music and dancing followed at dawn by a re-enactment of the arrival of the first settlers in their dories. In 2002 the United Nations designated the Garifuna as a World Heritage culture, a designation that recognizes and urges the protection and preservation of threatened cultures. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below is a list of things you can do in the area, all of which can be arranged with us directly prior to departure or locally.
Bird watching. For the birder and jungle mammal enthusiast, this is paradise. Literally There is an array of natural riches simply there for the seeing and appreciating. With a low human population density and focused preservation initiatives, the area’s river lowlands, meadows, rainforests, cayes and marshes provide numerous habitats for the more than 618 recorded species of birds found in Belize. Biking and walking. On foot are well maintained trails as well as name-brand mountain bikes, there’s much to see and enjoy in the pristine Toledo rainforest: a limitless and varied tree canopy and the incredible stillness, punctuated only by the sounds of our forest denizens. On the verdant hillsides throughout our reserve, there’s every opportunity to enjoy long vistas across the Maya Mountains and the Seven Hills and evenings surrounded by jungle sounds and the scent of rainforest greenery.
Caving. Caving Adventures lead guests on exciting subterranean treks to dramatic underground caverns. Frequently visited caves include Yok Balum, Santa Cruz and the impressive Hokeb Ha cavern, where stalactites loom overhead and stalagmites rise from the floor. The cavern at Blue Creek awaits those with a yen for cave swimming.
River and Sea expeditions. Exploring the placid reaches of the Rio Grande, which winds through these lowlands, is a high point of any visit to Toledo. From the shy fresh-water crocodiles to surprising water-bird sightings, much can be seen as you drift, in your canoe or kayak, beneath the overarching canopy of jungle hardwoods and palms. The Cayes. The rainforest reserve overlooks the Caribbean Ocean and is just a short boat ride away. Many marine pursuits await your indulgence. From day trips to the private Nicholas Caye, to the world-class wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef, second largest on the planet, there’s a different voice to the activities available on the open waters just off our shores. Fishing. World-class sport fishing activities are offered to all Machaca Hill guests on a supplemental basis and require advance reservations. Local life. A Maya cacao and village tour provides an insightful introduction to the life of the native Maya today. Here you are guided through villages and homes to learn about Maya traditions, farming techniques, chocolate and tortilla making and the diverse linguistic dialects.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Toledo
From all the lodges we have visited in Belize and for many reasons, this stands out above all. The mangers of Machaca Lodge have had extensive experience with running lodges in Africa and they are, in short, trying and succeeding to replicate that ‘African’ felling.
Toledo
With 6 individual cabanas overlooking the river that encompasses the lodge, this mid-range option is an excellent alternative to the Machaca lodge if you are craving your rustic setting.
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