Exploring The Waterfalls Of Belize: A Natural Paradise

Belize is home to a plethora of waterfalls, most of which are conveniently located inside the country's many national parks. With over 15 waterfalls to discover, here are some of the most notable ones:

- Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina State Park, which, at nearly 1,000 feet tall, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Belize.

- Davis Falls, the second-largest waterfall in Belize at nearly 500 feet tall, located in the Stann Creek area.

- Thousand-Foot Falls, also known as Hidden Valley Falls, is the tallest waterfall in Belize and all of Central America, cascading nearly 1,600 feet.

- Big Rock Falls, a gorgeous 150-foot waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, is among the largest falls in Belize.

- Bocawina Falls, located inside the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, features three waterfalls: Bocawina, Three Sisters, and Antelope Falls.

- Butterfly Falls, located on the border of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, is accessible only by guests of Hidden Valley Inn.

- Maya King Waterfalls, located near the fishing town of Placencia, offers eco-related activities such as hiking, climbing, and snorkelling.

- Tiger Fern Waterfall, a double waterfall located in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, is a steep and strenuous two-kilometer hike through the rainforest.

Belize's waterfalls: easily accessible vs extensive hikes

Belize is home to a plethora of waterfalls, most of which are conveniently nestled inside the country's many national parks. From easily accessible falls to those requiring extensive hikes, here is a guide to Belize's waterfalls:

Easily Accessible Waterfalls

Big Rock Falls

One of the most popular and Instagrammable waterfalls in Belize, Big Rock Falls stands at 60 feet (or 150 feet, according to some sources) and features water cascading into a small pool at the bottom, which then flows into a larger cenote. The surrounding rocks may appear climbable, but they are deceptively slippery. The pool below is ideal for a family swim and picnic. The waterfall is easily accessible via a well-maintained trail that winds through the gorge and down wooden stairways to the base of the falls.

Cristo Rey Waterfalls

This hidden gem, also known as "The Showers" by locals, is a small waterfall near San Ignacio in Cayo. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty, with its water boasting a lovely blue sheen and gentle cascades ideal for children to swim in.

Bocawina Falls

Located within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Bocawina Falls is an impressive 100-foot-tall waterfall with a deep pool at its base, perfect for swimming. It is fairly easy to access, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations around Hopkins. A guided tour is recommended due to its hidden location in the surrounding forest.

Billy Barquedier Waterfall

Located within the Billy Barquedier National Park, these falls are conveniently situated in the country's popular Stann Creek area, making them an excellent choice for a day trip. The trail can be challenging in some sections, but the refreshing pool at the base is well worth the effort for a refreshing swim.

Waterfalls Requiring Extensive Hikes

Antelope Falls

Antelope Falls, nestled within the Mayflower Bocawina State Park, boasts a height of nearly 1,000 feet, making it one of Belize's tallest waterfalls. The hike to the falls is challenging due to steep sections that can become slick after rainfall. However, the panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Caribbean Sea from the crest make the trek well worth the effort. There is an upper and lower portion to the falls, with the latter being more easily accessible.

Tiger Fern Falls

Located in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Fern Falls is a double waterfall that requires a steep and strenuous two-kilometer hike through the rainforest. The trail passes through exotic flora and fauna unique to the park. The waterfall's remote location means visitors often have the area to themselves, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim.

Thousand-Foot Falls

Despite its name, the Thousand-Foot Falls measures closer to 1,600 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Central America. It is located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, about an hour and a half from San Ignacio Town. The hike to the falls is long and moderately difficult, but the magical views of the cascading water make the journey worthwhile.

Butterfly Falls

Butterfly Falls is nestled within the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, surrounded by lush forests and greenery. The waterfall is accessible through a guided tour or a challenging 30-minute hike through a jungle trail. It plunges approximately 80 feet into an emerald green pool, creating a spectacular hidden gem.

Davis Falls

Hidden deep in the hills off the Hummingbird Highway, Davis Falls is Belize's second-tallest waterfall, with a 500-foot cascade. The trek to the falls is demanding, requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a strenuous half-day hike. However, the effort is rewarded with a secluded waterfall and a natural pool surrounded by pristine jungle.

Belize's waterfalls offer a range of experiences, from easily accessible spots for relaxation to challenging hikes for those seeking adventure. Each waterfall boasts its own unique charm, making them well worth exploring.

The best waterfalls in Belize for swimming

Belize is home to some of the most majestic and soothing waterfalls, with each waterfall boasting its own unique beauty and personality. Here is a list of the best waterfalls in Belize for swimming:

Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls is a popular and Instagrammable waterfall that stands at 60 feet tall. The water falls into a small pool at the bottom and flows into a bigger cenote that leads to a creek full of rocks, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. The waterfall is easily accessible along a well-tended trail that leads to the foot of the falls. The pool at the bottom is a great place for a family swim.

Antelope Falls

Located in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Antelope Falls is a challenging 1.5-hour hike away. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. At the base of the falls, there is an emerald-coloured freshwater swimming hole where you can take a dip to cool off.

Rio On Pools

Rio On Pools is not your typical waterfall, but rather a series of small waterfalls cascading into connecting freshwater pools. Surrounded by pine forests and located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it offers a breathtaking view of wide-open expanses of pine forest, small waterfalls, and granite rocks. A short hike down leads to a swimming pool wonderland, where you can sit under a waterfall or slide over the smooth rocks.

Butterfly Falls

Butterfly Falls is a stunning cascade located on the private property of the Hidden Valley Inn in the Maya Mountains. The water falls nearly 80 feet from its crest into an emerald green pool, surrounded by lush jungle. This waterfall is considered one of the prettiest in Belize and is accessible only to guests of the inn.

Maya King Waterfall

The Maya King Waterfall is a majestic waterfall located in a privately owned park in Placencia. With a height of about 70 feet, the waterfall's water drops from the forest above into a scenic pool filled with refreshing water. The natural pool is excellent for swimming and the waterfall is the perfect balance of size and power.

Cristo Rey Waterfall

The Cristo Rey Waterfall, also known as "The Showers", is a hidden gem located near San Ignacio in Cayo. Although it is small compared to other waterfalls in Belize, it makes up for it with its beauty. The water has a lovely blue sheen and the gentle cascades are ideal for children to swim in.

The tallest waterfalls in Belize

Belize is home to some of the tallest and most majestic waterfalls in Central America. Here is a list of the tallest waterfalls in Belize:

Thousand-Foot Falls

At nearly 1,600 feet tall, Thousand-Foot Falls is not only Belize's tallest waterfall but also the tallest in Central America. It is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, within 1,290 acres of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, about ten miles off Chiquibul Road. Due to its height, it can often be seen from afar, especially when driving through the valley below. The turnoff to the viewpoint is clearly signposted from the road, and the viewpoint is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The hike to the falls is long and moderately difficult, but visitors are rewarded with magical views.

Davis Falls

Davis Falls is Belize's second-tallest waterfall, with a 500-foot cascade. It is located in the Stann Creek area, deep in the hills off the Hummingbird Highway near the town of Dangrea. The trek to the falls is challenging, requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle to cross seven rivers, or a strenuous half-day hike. However, the effort is worth it, as you will have the waterfall almost to yourself. There is a small entrance fee to access the falls.

Antelope Falls

Antelope Falls, located in Mayflower Bocawina State Park, is nearly 1,000 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Caribbean Sea from its crest. The hike to the falls is challenging due to steep sections that become slick after rain, but the reward is a beautiful vista and an emerald-coloured freshwater swimming hole at the base of the falls. The park is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and there is a small entrance fee.

Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls is a mesmerizing and magnificent 150-foot waterfall located on the Privassion River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The surrounding rocks give the waterfall a unique V shape, and the pool at the bottom is easily accessible and great for swimming. The trail to the falls is well-tended and winds through a gorge with wooden stairways. Despite being a popular spot, it is rarely crowded. The reserve is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Bocawina Falls

Bocawina Falls, located in Mayflower Bocawina State Park, stands at nearly 100 feet tall and boasts a deep pool at its base that is perfect for swimming. The park is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and there is a small entrance fee.

Butterfly Falls

Butterfly Falls is a stunning 80-foot cascade located on the private property of Hidden Valley Inn in the Maya Mountains. The fall sits on the border of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and is surrounded by lush forests and greenery. The hike to the falls can be challenging in places, especially after rain. Butterfly Falls is accessible only to guests of the inn.

Waterfalls in Belize with ancient ruins

Belize is known for its diverse landscapes and rich history. The country is home to several majestic waterfalls, many of which are located within its many national parks and protected jungle reserves. Here is a list of waterfalls in Belize with ancient ruins:

Bocawina Falls, Mayflower Bocawina National Park

The Bocawina Falls are located within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, which is home to an array of bird species, Mayan ruins, and the longest zip line in the country. The falls themselves are impressive, standing at nearly 100 feet tall, with a deep pool at the base perfect for swimming. The park offers guided bird-watching, zip-lining, and hiking tours to ancient Mayan ruins. The entrance fee to the park is USD $5 per person, and it is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Antelope Falls, Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Antelope Falls, also located in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, is one of the most challenging hikes in Belize due to its steep terrain. However, the reward is worth the effort, as visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. The park also offers zip-lining and hiking tours to ancient Mayan ruins. The entrance fee is USD $5 per person, and the park is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.

Davis Falls, Stann Creek District

The Davis Falls are located in the southern district of Stann Creek, hidden deep in the hills off the Hummingbird Highway near the town of Dangrea. With a 500-foot cascade, it is Belize's second-tallest waterfall. The trek to the falls is quite challenging, involving a four-wheel-drive journey across seven river crossings or a strenuous half-day hike. The entrance fee to the Davis Falls area is USD $5, and it is a great spot to spend the day swimming and picnicking.

Big Rock Falls, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Big Rock Falls are a spectacular 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. A challenging hike through the rainforest leads to this hidden gem, where visitors can swim in the crystal-clear water or relax on the boulders. The falls are easily accessible along a well-tended trail that winds into the gorge and down wooden stairways to the base of the falls. The reserve is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Belize is home to many more waterfalls, such as the Thousand-Foot Falls, Butterfly Falls, and Tiger Fern Waterfall, each offering its own unique experiences and natural beauty. These waterfalls are a testament to the country's understated beauty and are definitely worth exploring.

The best waterfalls in Belize for birdwatching

Belize is a small Central American country that is home to some of the tallest and most majestic waterfalls in the region. The country is also a birdwatching paradise, with over 600 native bird species. Here are some of the best waterfalls in Belize for birdwatching:

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

This park is home to Bocawina and Antelope Falls, as well as an array of bird species, Mayan ruins, and the longest zip line in the country. With nearly 300 species of resident and migratory birds, it is an excellent place for birdwatching. The park offers guided bird-watching tours, and the entrance fee is a modest USD $5 per person.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary, commonly known as the "Jaguar Preserve", is located in the heart of Belize and is home to the Tiger Fern Waterfall. The park has an excellent trail system through a tropical forest inhabited by hundreds of bird species, five feline species, howler monkeys, tapirs, and toucans. The entrance fee is USD $5, and the park is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Located just south of San Ignacio, this reserve protects a vast area of pine forest, rivers, and waterfalls, including the impressive Big Rock Falls. It is home to toucans, parrots, and motmots. The reserve is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Rio Bravo Conservation Area

Located 33 miles west of Belize City, this 260,000-acre reserve is one of the country's best forest reserves. With over 400 species of avifauna, it is a birdwatcher's dream. The site is also adjacent to an additional 250,000 acres of private reserve.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary, located 33 miles northwest of Belize City, contains a 16,400-acre wetland and forest habitat. Resident bird species include the Jabiru Stork and the Northern Jacana. Tours of Crooked Tree can be conducted by boat or on foot.

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