Big Rock Falls: A Hidden Gem In Belize's Rainforest

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is considered a hidden gem, with its magnificent and monumental presence, standing tall with a small pool at the bottom that flows into a bigger cenote. The closest large town to the waterfall is San Ignacio, which is approximately a 30-40 minute drive away. There is a 3.8-mile trail near San Ignacio that leads to the waterfall, which takes an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. This trail is considered moderately challenging and is popular for hiking and walking.

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Big Rock Falls is a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is a spectacular natural wonder, offering a powerful example of nature's majesty. The waterfall is part of the Privassion River and is known for its towering height and the dramatic rush of waters over its rock formations.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve spans 300 square miles of deep and dense pine forest, featuring Jurassic Age limestone and granite boulders, hills, and valleys. The journey to Big Rock Falls is an adventure in itself, as visitors traverse the challenging terrain to reach this hidden gem. The best way to access the waterfall is by booking a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide and travelling in a 4WD vehicle.

Big Rock Falls is an excellent destination for those seeking a unique outdoor experience. Visitors can enjoy a steep hike down to the waterfall, where they will be rewarded with stunning views and a refreshing swim. The pool at the base of the waterfall is deeper than it appears, offering a bracing dip. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for cliff jumping and jungle picnics.

The Cayo District, where Big Rock Falls is located, offers a range of attractions and activities. San Ignacio Town, in particular, is a convenient base for exploring the area. From there, visitors can easily access the forest and waterfall while also enjoying the town's amenities, such as fine dining and shopping. Adventure seekers can also arrange bird watching, hiking, zip-lining, and other thrilling activities to add variety to their trip.

Big Rock Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Western Belize. It is often included in tours of the Mountain Pine Ridge and Caracol, offering a scenic and action-packed experience. The trail to the waterfall can be steep, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning views and refreshing swim at the end. So, be sure to include Big Rock Falls on your itinerary and prepare to be awe-struck by the beauty and power of nature.

It's a great spot for cliff jumping, swimming, and picnicking

Big Rock Falls, located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize, is a spectacular 150-foot waterfall that is perfect for those seeking adventure or a relaxing day in nature. The falls are known for their impressive height, as water rushes down from the Maya Mountains over giant granite rock outcroppings, creating a powerful display of nature's majesty.

The site is an excellent spot for cliff jumping, offering a thrilling experience for adrenaline-seekers. The falls feature two large, deep emerald pools filled with spring water, providing a refreshing and invigorating swim. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the surrounding rocks offer a perfect spot to wade or lie down and take in the breathtaking views. The soothing sounds of rushing water create a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a peaceful picnic.

To reach Big Rock Falls, visitors should be prepared for a bit of a trek. The journey typically involves a guided tour, with a drive through the dense pine forest in a 4WD vehicle. The footpath to the falls is approximately a 15-minute hike, including a steep climb down hand-hewn stairs to the valley below. The trail can be moderately challenging, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Once at the bottom, visitors are greeted by the roaring sounds of the waterfall. The pool at the base of the falls is much deeper than it appears, offering a bracing swim. The surrounding area is also ideal for picnicking, with the opportunity to enjoy a meal amidst the beauty and serenity of the jungle waterfall setting.

Big Rock Falls is a hidden gem, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Western Belize, providing a combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural scenery.

The closest large town is San Ignacio, which offers amenities like fine dining and shopping

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. The closest large town is San Ignacio, which is a hub for travellers interested in ecotourism and ancient Maya sites. The town also serves as a cultural-economic hub for the Cayo District and western Belize.

San Ignacio has a vibrant restaurant scene that rivals cities many times its size. The town offers a range of dining options, from comfort food to high-end fare, including international cuisine and traditional Belizean dishes.

For fine dining, the Running W Restaurant at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers a sophisticated setting and a menu featuring quality meats and fresh, local ingredients. The Cooling Rack at Cahal Pech Village Resort is another upscale option, offering stunning views of the Belize River Valley and a diverse menu of international and Belizean cuisine.

If you're looking for unique Asian cuisine, Ko-Ox Ha-Nah (or Ko-Ox Han-Nah) serves dishes like lamb curry and BBQ ribs. For seafood lovers, D Catch Sea Food Bistro serves fresh seafood dishes like shrimp, octopus, and conch ceviche. Erva's is another great choice for seafood, with an open kitchen so you can watch your meal being prepared.

For more casual dining, Mr. Greedy's offers pizza, wings, and burgers, along with free Wi-Fi and Belikin on tap. The Burnz is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, known for its fun atmosphere, cold drinks, and a menu of easy bites.

San Ignacio also has a variety of shopping options, as it is a cultural-economic hub for the region. The town caters to locals and tourists alike, with a range of local businesses, shops, and tour operators.

It is best to visit Big Rock Falls with a guide who is familiar with the area

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Western Belize. The best way to get to Big Rock Falls is by booking a tour with a guide who is familiar with the area.

The waterfall is located within a deep and dense 300-square-mile pine forest, filled with Jurassic Age limestone and granite boulders, hills and valleys. It is a challenging trek to reach the waterfall, and a guide will be able to navigate you through the terrain in a proper 4WD vehicle. A guided tour will also allow you to learn about the history of the land, which was first declared a protected preserve in 1944.

The trail to Big Rock Falls has a steep hike down at the end, with many wooden stairs and railings that can be broken and treacherous. A guide will be able to prepare you for the hike and ensure you have the correct footwear. The rocks towards the falls are also very slippery, especially after rain, and a guide will be able to advise you on the best route down.

A guided tour will also allow you to make the most of your time at Big Rock Falls. You can spend half a day at the falls, enjoying the chilling water and launching yourself off the rocky cliffs into the pool. If you would prefer a more relaxing experience, you can wade amongst the rocks and dip into the big cenote at the foot of the falls. You can also lie on your back and stare at the sky as you float, or place yourself near the rocky walls and let the cascades give you a natural massage.

A guide will also be able to advise you on other stops to make along the way. A Mountain Pine Ridge/ Caracol tour typically leaves San Ignacio at 7 or 8 am and includes stops at the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools, as well as opportunities to hike, swim and spot wildlife.

The trail to the waterfall is generally considered moderately challenging and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is considered a hidden gem, with its magnificent, monumental, and massive structure, standing tall with a small pool at the bottom that flows into a bigger cenote. The trail to the waterfall is generally considered moderately challenging and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

The trail to Big Rock Falls is a 3.8-mile out-and-back route near San Ignacio, Cayo. It is a popular area for hiking and walking, offering a well-maintained and picturesque trail along the Privassion River. The trailhead is accessed through the Blancaneaux Resort, which is private property, and permission can be requested at the front desk of the Lodge. Alternatively, one can drive approximately 2 miles west on the Blancaneaux Line road from Chiquibul Road to the Big Rock Falls parking lot and then descend the stairs to the River.

The hike to Big Rock Falls takes you through a deep and dense pine forest, populated with Jurassic Age limestone and granite boulders, hills, and valleys. The trail includes numerous wooden stairways plunging into the forest until you arrive at the bottom where the waterfall stands. The entire hike takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and it is considered moderately challenging.

Once you reach Big Rock Falls, you can launch yourself off the rocky cliffs into the pool, or simply wade among the rocks and dip into the cenote. The falls are also a great spot for swimming, cliff jumping, and having a jungle waterfall picnic. The surrounding area offers opportunities for bird watching, hiking, zip-lining, and other adventure activities.

Overall, the trail to Big Rock Falls in Belize is a moderately challenging hike that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. It offers a rewarding experience with the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and enjoy a variety of activities.

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