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Santa Teresa (Toledo)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Santa Teresa (Toledo)

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

This is a traditional Q'eqchi' Maya village; always ask for permission before taking photos of people or homes.
Modest clothing is appreciated by the local community when walking through the village.
Hire a local guide if you plan to explore the surrounding jungle trails to ensure you don't get lost.
Public buses run infrequently; double-check the departure times with locals to avoid getting stranded.

🍽 Food

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Caldo

A traditional Maya chicken soup, often found at local family-run eateries.

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Fresh corn tortillas

Made daily by local families, first-rate for pairing with soups or beans.

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Cacao drink

A traditional, slightly bitter unsweetened hot chocolate made from local cacao.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Jippi Jappa baskets

Beautifully woven baskets made by local Maya women from plant fibers.

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Maya embroidery

Traditional textiles and clothing often sold directly from artisans' homes.

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Moho River

A tranquil spot near the village first-rate for a refreshing and peaceful swim.

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Rainforest trails

Take a quiet walk on the paths surrounding the village to enjoy nature.

Santa Teresa is a remote Q'eqchi' Maya village located in the Toledo District of southern Belize, founded around 1933. The community is situated within an untouched tropical wilderness near the Moho River and is renowned for its preservation of traditional Maya ways of life. Geographically, the village sits at an elevation of approximately 69 meters above sea level, surrounded by dense rainforest. Its social structure is based on the traditional Alcalde system, a form of local self-governance deeply rooted in the region's history. The economy of Santa Teresa is primarily focused on subsistence agriculture, with cocoa, corn, and beans being the staple crops. In recent years, the village has emerged as a destination for cultural tourism, allowing visitors to experience traditional practices such as tortilla making and cocoa farming. Despite modern influences, the village remains a lively hub for Q'eqchi' traditions and artisanal skills. The population of approximately 344 residents lives in a close-knit community reliant on mutual support.