Punta Gorda is a small, laid back town, with some of the most colorful, interesting and diverse people imaginable.  It is worth the trip to this southern coastal outpost and jump-off point for Guatemala, just to see the people.  Like other parts of Belize, Punta Gorda was used as a port town to move valuable mahogony from the jungle areas out on to the sea, for shipping to Great Britain, and other British colonies.  Many of the people are  former baymen, and "pirates."  On an average day, you will see Garifuna (dark skinned people of West African decent), Creoles- lighter skinned people of Afro-Caribbean decent, Meztizo- Latino/native american people,  East Indian (originally from India), and your occasional Guatemalan.    Two groups of Maya, the Ketchi and Mopan Maya have lived in villages outside of town for thousands of years.  Many bring wares to the downtown market on the pier on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Most houses are made of simple boards with tin roofs.  The more affluent Belizeans have cement houses.  You will see lots of young children, teenagers, mothers, and elderly.  Many of the working age men take jobs where they can, usually in Belize City or points north, and sometimes in the States.  The society is very matriarchal- people trace their lineage through their mothers, and yet the male "machismo" culture always comes out.  If you like simple meals, with lots of "pepper sauce,"  cultural events such as pagents and night Punta Rock dancing, and a great chance to meet Mayan people and go stay in "the bush,"  stay in Punta Gorda a few days.  Puerto Barrios and the ferry to Guatemala can wait!