Punta Gorda
7/1/2009 - 7/3/2009
Punta Gorda is a small village located in the Toledo District in the southeast of Belize. Although easily accessible by the Southern Highway or the Punta Gorda Airstrip, it is one of the least visited regions of Belize. We stayed at the charming and secluded Sirmoor Hill Farms Bed and Breakfast. Owned and operated by consummate hosts Richard and Marty, this 775-acre farm is a spectacular mix of both rural and urbane pleasures. From the cattle herd to the infinity saltwater pool, you are sure to enjoy a delightful experience on the farm. Delicious breakfasts, dinners, and cocktails are enjoyed on the veranda overlooking pastures and hillsides rich with local birdlife. Highly recommended!
Sirmoor Hill Farms
Having just spent a month along the coast, we opted for inland adventures in the Punta Gorda vicinity. Local trips in the area include the Blue Creek Caves and Rio Blanco National Park. Blue Creek Caves are accessed from the Mayan village of the same name. A mile long hike along the edge of the creek leads to a set of falls and ultimately to the mouth of the cave. Access is very much dependent upon water levels, so asking locals about the variable conditions is advised. Guides are available in the local area and would be most helpful in negotiating the dark rocky depths of the cave. Headlamps are essential. We found the flowing creek to be a refreshing respite from the heat and mosquitoes of the day, but were less enticed by the still waters within the cave.
Blue Creek
Mouth of the cave at Blue Creek
Negotiating Blue Creek
From Blue Creek we made our way to Rio Blanco National Park, 105 acres of subtropical forest, surrounding a series of waterfalls and swimming holes. The Park has camping and picnic facilities, nature trails, a suspension bridge and is teeming with an extreme diversity of flora and fauna. We were particularly impressed with the variety and abundance of butterflies observed on a casual stroll along the river.
Rio Blanco
Cable suspension bridge at Rio Blanco
Signature waterfalls on the Rio Blanco
Punta Gorda is a small village located in the Toledo District in the southeast of Belize. Although easily accessible by the Southern Highway or the Punta Gorda Airstrip, it is one of the least visited regions of Belize. We stayed at the charming and secluded Sirmoor Hill Farms Bed and Breakfast. Owned and operated by consummate hosts Richard and Marty, this 775-acre farm is a spectacular mix of both rural and urbane pleasures. From the cattle herd to the infinity saltwater pool, you are sure to enjoy a delightful experience on the farm. Delicious breakfasts, dinners, and cocktails are enjoyed on the veranda overlooking pastures and hillsides rich with local birdlife. Highly recommended!
Sirmoor Hill Farms
Having just spent a month along the coast, we opted for inland adventures in the Punta Gorda vicinity. Local trips in the area include the Blue Creek Caves and Rio Blanco National Park. Blue Creek Caves are accessed from the Mayan village of the same name. A mile long hike along the edge of the creek leads to a set of falls and ultimately to the mouth of the cave. Access is very much dependent upon water levels, so asking locals about the variable conditions is advised. Guides are available in the local area and would be most helpful in negotiating the dark rocky depths of the cave. Headlamps are essential. We found the flowing creek to be a refreshing respite from the heat and mosquitoes of the day, but were less enticed by the still waters within the cave.
Blue Creek
Mouth of the cave at Blue Creek
Negotiating Blue Creek
From Blue Creek we made our way to Rio Blanco National Park, 105 acres of subtropical forest, surrounding a series of waterfalls and swimming holes. The Park has camping and picnic facilities, nature trails, a suspension bridge and is teeming with an extreme diversity of flora and fauna. We were particularly impressed with the variety and abundance of butterflies observed on a casual stroll along the river.
Rio Blanco
Cable suspension bridge at Rio Blanco
Signature waterfalls on the Rio Blanco
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