Exploring Belize: Discovering Big Rock Falls

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 and is a great spot for those seeking adventure or relaxation. The best way to get to the falls is by booking a tour with a guide who can navigate the terrain with a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, you can drive from San Ignacio, which is the closest large town to the waterfall. The journey to the falls is approximately 2 hours long and includes winding through red-dirt roads before arriving at the national park. From there, it is another 4 miles to the trail leading to the top of the steep stairs that descend to the waterfall. The trail to the falls is considered moderately challenging and takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

Getting there: book a tour with a guide or drive from San Ignacio

Big Rock Falls is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. The closest large town is San Ignacio, from where you can book a tour with a guide or drive yourself to the site. Here are some options for getting to Big Rock Falls from San Ignacio:

Booking a Tour with a Guide

This is the recommended option by some as it can be challenging to reach the falls without a proper 4WD vehicle. Booking a tour with a guide who is familiar with the area will ensure you reach the waterfall safely and efficiently. The guide will also be able to provide interesting information about the history and ecology of the area. Tours typically leave San Ignacio early in the morning and include opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. In addition to Big Rock Falls, you will likely make stops at other nearby attractions such as the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools.

Driving from San Ignacio

If you prefer to drive yourself, be prepared for a challenging trek through the dense and rugged Mountain Pine Ridge Forest. The road to the falls is mostly paved, but the last couple of miles are unpaved and tricky to navigate. A ranger station will greet you when you enter the park, and from there, signage will guide you the four miles to the trailhead. From the trailhead, it's a steep hike down to the falls, which are about 150 feet tall. Keep in mind that the rocks can be very slippery, so wear proper footwear and proceed with caution.

Whether you book a tour or drive yourself, Big Rock Falls is definitely worth the effort to reach. It's a great spot for swimming, jumping off cliffs, and having a picnic. The surrounding area is also rich in natural wonders, with nearby attractions such as the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools.

The trail: a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail, moderately challenging

The trail to Big Rock Falls is a 3.8-mile out-and-back route that is generally considered moderately challenging. The trail takes, on average, 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. The trailhead is accessed through the Blancaneaux Resort, which is private property. Permission to access can be requested at the front desk of the Lodge. The trail follows the Privassion River and is well-maintained and picturesque.

One can also drive approximately 2 miles west on the Blancaneaux Line Road from Chiquibul Road to the Big Rock Falls parking lot. From there, it is a short walk to the river; just descend the stairs. The river is dotted with pools for a refreshing dip in the cool water. The trail has plenty of wooden stairways that plunge into the forest. At the bottom is the 150-foot waterfall with a small pool at the bottom that flows into a bigger cenote.

The trail is popular for hiking and walking, so you are likely to encounter other people while exploring. It is also a bit treacherous, with some missing railings, so good footwear is recommended. The rocks towards the falls are super slippery, so be careful not to fall.

The falls: a 150-foot waterfall with a small pool at the bottom

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Western Belize. It is considered a hidden gem and is described as magnificent, monumental and massive. The waterfall stands tall with a small pool at the bottom, flowing into a bigger cenote that rushes over large rocks.

To get to the falls, you will need to drive through red-dirt roads and wind through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for a couple of hours. You will then arrive at the entrance to the national park, where you will need to check in with the park ranger. From there, you will drive another four miles to reach the trail that leads to the top of the steep stairs. The trail has a steep hike down at the end, with numerous wooden stairways plunging into the forest. The stepped path down can be treacherous, and the rocks towards the falls are super slippery, so it is recommended to wear good footwear.

Once you reach the bottom of the waterfall, you can either launch yourself off a rocky cliff into the pool or wade amongst the rocks before dipping 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 to experience a natural massage from the cascades. Big Rock Falls caters to both adrenaline-seekers and those seeking relaxation.

It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water, as there are no services available at the falls.

Activities: swimming, jumping off cliffs, wading, and lying on the rocks

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot-tall waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Western Belize. The falls are known for their impressive height, the surrounding natural beauty, and the two large, deep emerald pools at the bottom, fed by spring water.

The journey to Big Rock Falls is an adventure in itself. After a couple of hours of winding through red-dirt roads from the nearest large town, San Ignacio, you will reach the entrance to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. From there, it is another four miles to the trail that leads to the falls. The trail involves a steep hike down numerous wooden stairways through the forest. The stairways can be treacherous, with some missing railings, and the rocks towards the falls are often slippery, so good footwear is essential.

Once you reach the bottom, there are a variety of activities to enjoy:

Swimming

The pools at the bottom of the falls are perfect for swimming, with refreshing, cool water. The water in the pools is deep, and the current can be strong, so basic swimming skills are recommended.

Jumping off Cliffs

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Big Rock Falls offers the thrilling experience of jumping off the rocky cliffs into the pool. This activity is not for the faint-hearted, as the cliffs are high and the rocks below can be slippery.

Wading

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can simply wade among the rocks before dipping into the larger cenote at the foot of the falls. The water in the cenote is shallower and provides a calmer experience.

Lying on the Rocks

For the ultimate relaxation, lie back on the rocks and let the cascades provide you with a free, natural massage. Float on your back, stare at the sky, and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Big Rock Falls is an excellent destination for both adventure seekers and those seeking a tranquil escape. The journey to the falls and the activities once you arrive provide a unique and memorable experience in the heart of Belize's natural wonders.

Nearby: Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, Caracol Archaeological Reserve

Big Rock Falls is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. The closest large town is San Ignacio, from where you can take a guided tour to the site. The journey to the falls involves a 45-minute to 2-hour hike through the forest, with numerous wooden stairways to descend. The falls are a great spot for swimming, jumping off cliffs, and having a picnic.

There are several nearby attractions that can be visited in addition to Big Rock Falls. Here is some information about Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, and Caracol Archaeological Reserve:

Rio Frio Cave:

Rio Frio Cave is a large limestone cave system located in the Pine Ridge area. It is known for having the largest cave entrance in Belize. The cave is often included in tours of the Mountain Pine Ridge and Caracol, along with Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools.

Rio On Pools:

Rio On Pools is a series of natural swimming holes located in the Pine Ridge area. It is a great place to cool off and relax in the clear water after exploring the nearby ruins and hiking through the forest.

Caracol Archaeological Reserve:

Caracol is an ancient Maya city located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, within the Mountain Pine Ridge area. It is known for its impressive architecture and sophisticated engineering, with the tallest man-made structure in Belize, Canna, standing at 143 feet above the plaza floor. The site also provides insight into the fierce and warlike nature of the Maya center, with evidence of captives and a victory over Tikal in 562 AD. The drive to Caracol from San Ignacio takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside.

Frequently asked questions