The south - The Rough Guide to Belize - page 170

The south
The southern half of Belize contains the country's wildest terrain, from
mangrove swamp, lagoon and savannah to sandy bays, river-hewn valleys
and forested ridges. For most visitors, the immediate interest lies in the
beaches, whether at Hopkins and Placencia on the mainland, or out on the
cayes that perch atop the barrier reef. Time spent away from the most
touristed areas, however, for example touring the Maya villages of Toledo, in
the far south, or venturing into the many wildlife reserves and national parks,
can be hugely rewarding.

6

You'll certainly find yourself with plenty of peace and quiet here. Southern Belize has a
strikingly low population, and what few towns it holds are located along the coast.
Dangriga , the headquarters of the Garifuna people - descended from Carib Indians and
shipwrecked African slaves - allows access to idyllic Tobacco and South Water cayes.
Hopkins , a short way south, is a beach resort in its own right, while the Placencia
peninsula further south is lined by a continuous strip of sand, with accommodation
and dining options to suit every budget.
Beyond Placencia, the Southern Highway is set well back from the coast, running
beneath the jagged peaks and dense rainforest of the Maya Mountains , and passing
through pine forest and citrus and banana plantations on the lower plains. With no
roads penetrating the mountains themselves, the most accessible area for exploring
the rainforest is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , known to all as the jaguar
reserve ; the hiking here is wonderful, though you're unlikely to get a glimpse of its
big cats.
The highway continues into the Toledo region, home to traditional Maya
farming villages as well as ancient sites such as Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit , before
coming to an end, 105 miles from Dangriga, at the sleepy, charming port of
Punta Gorda .

GETTING AROUND THE SOUTH

By bus and boat Buses along the Hummingbird
and Southern highways connect Belize City and
Belmopan with Dangriga and Punta Gorda. To reach
Hopkins by bus, you'll normally need to change at
Dangriga. Some buses detour off the main highway
to travel all the way down the Placencia peninsula,
or you can get off at Independence and catch a boat
across to the peninsula from there. Infrequent local

buses from Punta Gorda serve Maya villages in the
Toledo district.
By car or guided tour As ever, to reach the Maya sites
and wildlife reserves, you'll need either to have your own
vehicle, or to join a guided tour.
By plane Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda have their
own airports, served by domestic airlines.

The mystery of the disappearing lake
p.178
Garifuna Settlement Day p.180
A Garifuna history p.181
The forest of the Cockscomb p.193
The Victoria Peak Trail p.194
Confederates and Methodists in Punta
Gorda p.207
Cacao and the Maya p.208

The loathsome lionfish p.209
Maya sea salts p.210
Ranger for a day p.211
The Crystal Skull of Lubaantun
p.215
Sarstoon Temash National Park
p.219
Maya village guesthouses and
homestays p.220