Situated on the coast in southern Belize, Punta Gorda ("PG" as the locals call it) is the southernmost city in Belize. It lies about 200 miles south of Belize City, near the Guatemalan border.
Garifuna immigrants from Honduras originally founded PG in 1832. About 35 years later, Confederate veterans of the US Civil War received land grants from the British government and also settled in PG. However, that settlement did not last long as cotton was a difficult crop to grow in the PG climate. Over the years, the British Army used PG as an R&R center, which created a solid tourism industry until the army finally left the area in 1992.
PG is a sleepy, rustic town at the very southern end of Belize that speaks of what this country was like 50 years ago. PG is laid back, low key and real. People wave to you and offer friendly greetings in the street. Men fish from dugout canoes and small skiffs. Lodgings are comfortable and the food is great! Most residents walk or bike about the town of PG. For visitors, bikes are easy to rent and are a great way to acquaint oneself with the area. The heart of town is a small grid of streets running parallel and perpendicular to the coastline.
The main market is close to the clock tower where main and middle streets converge. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the produce market is bustling on Front Street from 6am to 10am. Though PG is small the nightlife is surprisingly active. Dance clubs and bars are usually full, especially on Karaoke night. The PG Sports bar hosts a DJ every Friday and Saturday night and often brings in live Punta bands like the popular Punta Rebels or the Griga Boys. September through December is especially lively with St. George's Caye Day (Sept. 10), Independence Day September 21st), Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th) and of course, Christmas (December 25th). Don't miss the Annual Toledo Fisherman's Festival in November; the festival boasts the only fly fishing competition in Belize.
Culinary Delights in PG
El Café – Great Belizean breakfasts
North St., Local, B/D Earthrunnings – Caters to tourists and expats, great selections
Main St., American, Mexican, Seafood, Local, B/L/D
Gomier's – Exotic health food, soy everything
Front St., Vegetarian, Seafood, L/D
Grace's – A local classic
Main St., Local, B/L/D
Marianne's – East Indian delights
Front St., Local, B
Sea Front Inn – Continental breakfasts, fresh fruit, just like home
Front St., American, B
Waluco's Bar and Grill - Everyone's favorite for drumming and a Saturday and Sunday afternoon hotspot by the sea
One-Mile San Antonio Road, Local, B