Hi there,
We are thinking about busing from BC to PG. Anyone know how long this takes?
Is the trek to Punta Gorda worth it? Any one stayed at Hickatee cottages or know anything about the Red Bank Scarlet Macaws?
How often do the buses run to Placencia from PG and how long is the trip?
Thanks!
The James Bus Line buses go from BC to PG.
The Regular bus (non-express) is about 6.5 hours. The express bus is just over 5 hours.
If you get any other bus from Belize City, you'll have to change at Belmopan making the trip longer.
James Bus operates about 10 daily buses (except Sunday) from PG to Independence where you get the Hokey-Pokey water taxi across the lagoon to Placencia. By Regular bus (non-express), the trip to Independence is about 2 hours. If you get an express bus, it's about 30 minutes quicker.
Here's a link to the James Bus schedule:
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
And the Hokey-Pokey water taxi:
http://www.aguallos.com/hokeypokey/
I don't know if there are any other buses that go from PG to Placencia. The people at Hickatee would know.
Kate at Hickatee is very knowledgeable about the region. Contact her directly.
I haven't been yet but we've reserved a cabin at Hickatee for a stay in August. Check out the reviews and awards on Trip Advisor - it's been named one of the top 10 inns in all of Latin America. Kate is very quick to respond and happy to answer questions. Happy trails!
Hickatee Cottages is great. I've stayed there a number of times. Kate and Ian are great hosts, and Kate is an excellent cook -- try to have dinner there at least once.
--Lan Sluder
If you want to see the Scarlet Macaws, stop at Maya Centre on your way and spend a day or two there. Ask for Gregorio. He is a guide and knows where to find them.
The exit fee from Punta Gorda is $37.50Bz - has been since they finished the new concrete Immigration and Customs building a year or two ago.
Of course I am biased, as I settled here, but YES PG is worth a visit! Sure, it doesn't have busy backpacker bars or the more upmarket tourist's equivalent, but if you want to chill with the locals and get to know the real Belize without being hassled all the time because you're a tourist, then you'll like PG. It has some cool local bars (Bamboo Chicken - right on the sea front - often has live music), a great range of eating options - you can get a HUGE plate of food for lunch for only $5Bz! A small but bustling local food market Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat mornings.
Activities in town and around:
Taking a Garifuna drum lesson at Warasa Garifuna Drum School (www.warasadrumschool.com), Cotton Tree Chocolate factory by the sea
We Art Gallery on Far West Street,
Hiring bikes from Benjamin's bike rental and cycling to the nearby Mayan village Boom Creek,
Hiring kayaks from TIDE or Garbutt's marine and kayaking up the Moho river or along the coast,
Taking a fishing tour or tour to the nearby unspoilt Snake Cayes or further afield Sapodilla Cayes
DIY tour of the Mayan villages by taking the local chicken buses - explore waterfalls and Mayan ruins!
As above, but on an organised tour
Learn how chocolate is made from scratch at Cyrila's in San Felipe village
Learn more about the Garifuna culture in Barranco village
Visit Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun Mayan ruins
Be a Ranger for a Day with Yaaxche Conservation Trust
There are lots of little local shops to by handmade arts and crafts, and a range of accomodation options - give PG a chance!!!