If you’re traveling from Belize Airport (BZE) all the way down to Punta Gorda, you’re in for one of the most beautiful long-distance drives in the entire country. Punta Gorda—often called PG by locals—is the laid-back cultural heart of southern Belize. It’s where Garifuna, Maya, Creole, East Indian, and Mestizo communities blend into a slow, peaceful coastal town surrounded by rainforest, cacao farms, and untouched natural beauty.
A private shuttle is the easiest, safest, and most reliable way to get from the airport to PG, especially since it’s the furthest major destination from the airport. Whether you’re heading to Copal Tree Lodge, Hickatee Cottages, BlueBelize, or one of the Maya villages nearby, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Throughout the blog, you’ll see natural interlinks to our main transfer hub and blog center:
How Far Is Punta Gorda From Belize Airport?
The journey from BZE to Punta Gorda is approximately 315 km (196 miles) and takes 5 to 5.5 hours by private shuttle.
It’s long — but it’s spectacular.
You’ll travel down the entire Hummingbird Highway, through citrus groves, valleys, blue mountains, winding river crossings, and villages known for some of the best roadside food in Belize.
Route Overview
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Philip Goldson Highway → George Price Highway
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Pass the Belize Zoo and Belmopan
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Connect to the legendary Hummingbird Highway
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After Dangriga, continue south toward Hopkins Junction, Placencia Junction, Maya Center, Big Falls, then finally Punta Gorda
This route is considered one of the most scenic in Central America.
What the Drive Is Like: A Southern Belize Journey
Traveling south gives you a true look at Belize’s culture, industries, and geography.
Landmarks & Villages You’ll Pass:
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Belmopan – Belize’s capital
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Valley of Peace farmland areas
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Hummingbird Gap & Maya Mountains
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Pomona, Middlesex & Alta Vista citrus region
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Dangriga – the spiritual home of the Garifuna
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Maya Center Village – gateway to Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
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Big Falls, San Pedro Columbia & Silver Creek – cacao country
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Punta Gorda coastal road – fishing boats and sea breezes
No other drive in Belize gives you this much variety.
Quick Local Fact
Punta Gorda was once a major port for cacao traders, and today Toledo District produces some of the world’s finest chocolate. If you love chocolate, this area is the source.
Why Private Transfers Are Best for Punta Gorda
PG is more remote than most destinations in Belize, making logistics trickier. That’s why travelers overwhelmingly choose private shuttles.
1. No multiple bus transfers
To reach PG by bus, you’d need to:
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Taxi to Belize City
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Navigate the main bus terminal
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Take a bus to Belmopan
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Transfer again to a southbound bus
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Ride 4–6 hours depending on stops
With luggage, kids, or late arrivals — this is extremely difficult.
2. Comfortable, air-conditioned long-distance ride
Southbound buses can get full, hot, or delayed.
A private shuttle gives:
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Personal space
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Air conditioning
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Room for luggage
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Secure handling of equipment (dive gear, fishing equipment, etc.)
3. Scenic stops on your schedule
Many guests choose to stop at:
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St. Herman’s Cave / Blue Hole National Park
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Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
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Marie Sharp’s Factory Tour
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Maya Center Artisan Market
A private shuttle lets you treat the trip like a bonus sightseeing day.
4. Direct drop-off at hotels and eco-lodges
PG has many remote jungle lodges requiring rural roads — your shuttle goes exactly where you need.
How Much Does a Private Shuttle to Punta Gorda Cost?
Because PG is the southernmost point, pricing is higher than northern or central destinations.
Typical ranges:
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1–2 passengers: $325–$375 USD
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3–4 passengers: $395–$450 USD
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5+ passengers: $50–$75 USD per additional traveler
If you’re going to outlying villages such as:
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San Pedro Columbia
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Big Falls
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Indian Creek
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Laguna
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Golden Stream
…there may be a small added cost for distance.
For updated rates, see our main transfer hub:
Travel Tips for the Long Distance to PG
1. Bring snacks and drinks
There are great food spots along the way — especially in Dangriga and Maya Center — but having water and snacks is helpful.
2. Plan for daylight travel if possible
Highway wildlife crossings increase after dark. Daytime travel gives you both views and safety.
3. Ask your driver about the citrus season
If you’re visiting between October and February, you’ll pass trucks filled with oranges and grapefruit headed to the factory.
4. Watch for the distant Maya Mountains
The mountains fade in and out as you travel south, creating some of the best views in Belize.
5. Cockscomb Basin Info
Learn more about Belize’s famous jaguar preserve:
Is Punta Gorda Worth Visiting? (Absolutely.)
PG is one of Belize’s hidden gems — slower, quieter, and more culturally mixed than anywhere else.
Top Things to Do in Punta Gorda
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Chocolate tours in San Pedro Columbia
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Rio Blanco Waterfall
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Nim Li Punit Maya Ruins
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Lubaantun Maya Ruins
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Fishing charters
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Island-hopping to Snake Cayes
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Shopping the PG Farmers Market
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Cultural village experiences
It’s authentic Belize at its finest.
Final Arrival: Welcome to PG
When you reach Punta Gorda, you’ll notice the change instantly — coconut trees, boats bobbing in the water, Maya mountains behind you, and a calm, friendly town ahead. Your driver will help unload your bags and make sure you’re fully settled before ending the trip.
Southern Belize might be remote, but that’s part of its magic.
Ready to book your private shuttle from Belize Airport to Punta Gorda?
Uncharted Jewel offers safe, friendly, reliable service; every time.