Highlights
- Cacoa Products, Genuine Maya Chocolate, Maya Cocoa
- Tours of the Cacao Farms
- Live music, Drumming
- Fun Competitions
- Belize and Maya Art
- Dancing Lessons, Cultural Presentations, Chocolate-making Process Presentation, Commercial Exhibits
About Event
The Belize Chocolate Festival
Started in 2007 by a group of local cacao farmers and chocolate manufacturers, the Belize Chocolate Festival, or the Toledo Cacao Festival, in Southern Belize celebrates the Maya culture through traditional Maya Chocolate along with other chocolate-related products from local farmers and manufacturers. Belize’s Toledo District is world-renowned for having some of the finest quality cocoa in the international market.
The Belize Chocolate Festival was conceptualized for local cacao farmers and chocolate manufacturing businesses to showcase their premium cacao, cacao-products, chocolates and chocolate drinks. Since then, this Chocolate Festival has become popular to locals and travelers. Many would travel far and wide to be able to experience all things chocolate on this three-day event.
Along with consuming indulgent chocolate and chocolate products, this festival is also a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the Maya Culture through cultural presentations, dancing lessons, and traditional Maya chocolate-making demonstrations.
The 2023 Belize Chocolate Festival
The 2023 Belize Chocolate Festival is scheduled for May 19 to May 20, 2023. Embrace the Sweetness as the Belize Tourism Industry Association Toledo Chapter in collaboration with Toledo Cacao Growers Association (TCGA) presents an energizing two-day, three event festival to celebrate cacao, culture and Southern Belize!
Why should you attend the 2023 Cacao Festival in Belize?
The entire weekend will be filled with activities and entertainment. Each year the Chocolate Festival is filled with fun activities, cultural presentations and, of course, CHOCOLATE! Many travel to Punta Gorda to enjoy Chocolate Fest's educational and indulgent three-day event that features locally-produced cacao, chocolate products and chocolate-inspired dishes for a bargain.
Suitable for:
Kids Teens Adults Families Groups Couples Seniors
What to bring?
- Your appetite!
- Camera
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray
- Cash
- Tennis Shoes/Hiking Shoes
Activities:
Dancing Drumming Hiking Learning Nature Walk Offroad Photography Sightseeing Walking
| 5/19/2023 | Opening Ceremony & Cacao Symposium at Maya House of Cacao. Chocolate Gala at Copal Tree Lodge | | 5/20/2023 | Cacao & Culture at Santa Cruz Village. Celebrate Chocolate event at the Punta Gorda Town Welcome Center. |
Email:
info@chocolatefestivalbelize.com
Contact Number:
+501-614-7299
Address:
Punta Gorda Town, Toledo, Belize
Is Transportation provided?:
No
Transport Info.
Important Transportation/Pickup Information
1. Private Vehicle
2. Aircraft
3. Rentals/Charters/Shuttles
4. Public Transportation (Buses)
5. Taxi
6. Hitch-hiking
Read a detailed description for these transportation options in the FAQs below.
To book a rental/charter/shuttle, Belizing.com has a wide selection for you to choose from. See the options here:
(Shuttles) https://belizing.com/Shuttles/
(Rentals/Charters) https://belizing.com/RentalsCharters/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Private Vehicle:
a. If you own a vehicle or has access to a private vehicle and have a valid driver’s license, you can drive to the Chocolate Festival in Punta Gorda. This is the easiest and most recommended option for transportation.
2. Aircraft:
a. There are domestic flights to Punta Gorda (PG) available via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. With Maya Island Air, flights to PG are available through the Belize International Airport (BZE), Belize Municipal Airport (TZA), Savanna (INB), Dangriga (DGA), and Placencia (PLJ). If you would like to view the Maya Island Air flights schedule, visit http://www.mayaislandair.com/belize-flight-schedule. With Tropic Air, flights to PG are available through the Belize International Airport (BZE), Belize Municipal Airport (TZA), Dangriga (DGA), and Placencia (PLJ). If you would like to view the Tropic Air flights schedule, visit https://www.tropicair.com/download/tropic-air-schedule/.
3. Rentals/Charters/Shuttles:
a. If you would like to drive or be driven directly to the Chocolate Festival, you can rent a vehicle (make sure you have a valid driver’s license) or request a charter or shuttle to transport you to Punta Gorda Town. Arranging this option is easy, Belizing.com has a wide range of rental, charter and shuttle options to book today! See the options here: (Shuttles) https://belizing.com/Shuttles/ (Rentals/Charters) https://belizing.com/RentalsCharters/
4. Public Transportation (Buses):
a. On the mainland, buses can take you anywhere along the highways. Getting on a bus would require you to go to the town’s bus terminals or wait at a bus stop on the main road. If you are staying north of the country (Corozal or Orange Walk), you would have to take a bus to Belize City, (if you are residing in Belize City, then take a direct bus to Punta Gorda), then a connecting bus to Punta Gorda Town. If you are in western Belize (Benque Viejo del Carmen, Succotz, San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town, or other nearby villages) you would need to take a bus to Belmopan City and a connecting bus to Punta Gorda Town. Those living south of the country (Dangriga, Hopkins, or other nearby locations) take a bus to Punta Gorda town. Bus fares depend on where you are taking the bus and where you are stopping and whether if it is a regular bus or an express bus (non-stop). It should range from $2 BZD to $25 BZD.
b. If you are staying at one of the islands, there are water taxis available that travel to and from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City and Corozal. Water taxis should take you from the island to Belize City. Fares usually depend on which island you are at and whether if it is a one-way or round trip ticket. Upon arrival at Belize City, you can take a taxi (recommended) or walk to the bus terminal and get on a bus to Punta Gorda Town.
5. Taxi:
a. This option is quite costly if you are planning on taking a taxi cab to the Chocolate Festival. If you are staying in Punta Gorda Town or somewhere near Punat Gorda Town, this option is recommended; however, taxi fares would depend on the distance traveled.
6. Hitch-hiking:
a. When all else fails, and you really want to make it to the festival, you can stand at the roadside of a highway and catch a ride with someone who’s going to the direction of Punta Gorda Town. For safety and other reasons, this is not 100% recommended. The Chocolate Festival is a three-day event; so, if you missed the bus or can’t find a way to make it the first day or second day, you can always make it the following day.
No, this is a cash-only event.
Yes, tickets for the Chocolate Festival are available for purchase by the Toledo BTIA Chapter.
Places
Punta Gorda Town, locally known as "P.G.," is the capital of the Toledo District on the southern coast of Belize. Its tranquil atmosphere is perfect to enjoy the beautiful flora and ... morefauna of nature reserves and national parks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. To add a bit of excitement you can sign up for cultural tours and experience the lifestyle of the indigenous Maya groups or Garifuna settlements.
Punta Gorda Town is also home to a rich cultural heritage. The town is home to a number of Maya and Garifuna villages, and visitors can learn about the traditional culture and customs of these people. There are also a number of museums and cultural centers in the town that showcase the history and culture of the area.
If you are looking for a beautiful and culturally rich destination in Belize, Punta Gorda Town is the perfect place to visit.
Features: Phone Service, Restaurants, ATM services, Public Parks, Market
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