IN THE TOLEDO DISTRICT

Blue Creek

 

Blue Creek is located about 45 minutes by car from the clinic, along an unpaved road leading into the rural part of Toledo District.  Travelers to Blue Creek first reach a small Mopan Mayan village, where they can leave their vehicle.  After a 15-minute walk along a dirt path through the rainforest, they will reach a clearing with a small Mayan-run ecolodge, a few small thatched huts, and a dock stretching over the creek.  This is an excellent swimming spot: the water is usually cool and remarkably clear, and in addition to jumping off the dock, there is a rope swing for catapulting yourself into the water.  Continuing along the path away from the village, visitors can hike for another 20 minutes to reach a cave, where they can swim in a pitch-black pool or (carefully!) enjoy a waterfall during the rainy season (the current can be quite strong after heavy rains).  More adventurous types can hire a guide at the lodge and climb through the cave, exiting on the opposite side high above their starting point.

 

Lubantuum and Nim Li Punit

 

Lubantuum and Nim Li Punit are Mayan ruins located in the Toledo District.  The turn-off for Lubantuum is along the same road as Blue Creek, and thus this site makes a good side trip during a visit to Blue Creek; it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach by car from the clinic.  Lubantuum has a small museum on-site detailing its history and recent excavations.  Nim Li Punit, a smaller site, is located along the Southern Highway, most of which is paved between the clinic and the ruins; a trip to Nim Li Punit (by vehicle) takes approximately 45 minutes. 

 

San Antonio Falls and Santa Cruz Falls

 

These two waterfalls are located in the rural part of Toledo District, and are reached via unpaved road.  San Antonio takes approximately 1 ? hours to reach by car, and Santa Cruz is about 30 minutes farther, so both can be easily visited in a day trip.  San Antonio Falls, right off the road, is a small waterfall with a little area for swimming.  Santa Cruz Falls is much larger, with a number of falls, and is surrounded by limestone cliffs; visitors can jump from heights of 20 feet into the water below.  The drive to both waterfalls passes through a number of small Mayan villages, some of which are locations for the clinic’s mobiles; thus, a trip to these falls can offer an opportunity to see the village’s everyday patterns of activity.