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| San Pedro Columbia | ||
| District | Toledo District | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 35 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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San Pedro Columbia is a Maya village in Toledo District in Belize.
background
This place is the oldest Kekchi Maya settlement in all of Belize. These are from the 19th century El Peten in Guatemala immigrated. In the meantime, some Mopan Mayans have married in as well. This village is known for the handicrafts and the cultivation of organic cocoa. In recent years eco-tourism has also become an important source of income. The center of the Maya ruin is very close by Lubaantun. There are also many structures to be found in the village.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is in Punta Gorda (Belize). From here you will arrive by road.
In the street
There are easy bus connections from Punta Gorda (Belize). So if you come from further on by bus, you have to go to this place first.
For self-drivers there is the possibility of coming from the north on the Southern Highway just before the village Big Falls Turn right towards Silver Creek or, coming from Punta Gorda after approx. 20 km, take the Southern Highway left towards San Antonio (Toledo). Here the Southern Highway makes a sharp right turn and in this curve there is a gas station. Then keep to the right.
By boat
The next larger port is in Punta Gorda (Belize). From here you will arrive by road.
mobility
The place is clear and can be explored on foot. The canoe helps for the goals on and near the river
Tourist Attractions
- Cocoa Trail. Here cocoa is grown in harmony with nature. In addition to direct consumption, this is also used to make chocolate and wine. The farmers here also offer the so-called cocoa trail. Here you are guided through the bush and, in addition to the different cultivation phases, a lot of other useful and edible plants are shown and offered for consumption.
 Small cocoa seedlings |  Cocoa tree with fruits |  Opened cocoa pods |  Roasted beans |  Cocoa grinder |  The cocoa drink |
- Lubaantun. Here the Mayans built an impressive city in just 150 years, which can be visited as a ruined city. The crystal skull that served as a template for the fourth Indiana Jones part is said to have been found here. The ruins are about a 30-minute walk from the town center. Just follow the path over the bridge over the Columbia River.
- Source. A few kilometers from the village center, the Columbia River rises from the underground and that is quite impressive. In general, the term "source" is used here simply and aptly. On request, some villagers offer to bring tourists there by canoe.
- Uxbentun. This small Mayan ruin site can also be reached by canoe, and only this way. But here you are guaranteed to be alone.
activities
- Culture - The cocoa cultivation invites you to linger and gives an insight into the life of the Mayans. But you can increase this and simply stay with a host family for a few days (see accommodation). This gives you a good impression of the Mayans' daily life.
- Wildlife observation - The village lies at the foot of the Maya Mountains in the rainforest. Leaving the town center leads directly to the natural paradise. Here the extraordinary flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest await hikers, photographers or explorers.
- Discover - With two Mayan ruins in the immediate vicinity, there is plenty to discover here. Many structures are not yet or partially exposed and small ruins can be found near the town center on the roadside.
- canoeing - The Columbia River is namesake and runs directly past the village. Here you can explore paradise from a boat.
shop
kitchen
nightlife
- Club Medellin
accommodation
health
Practical advice
trips
literature
Web links
- http://www.southernbelize.com/vil_sanpedro.html - Official website of San Pedro Columbia
