Exploring Belize: Directions To The Majestic Davis Falls

One of Belize's most beautiful and remote waterfalls, Davis Falls is a must-see for anyone travelling to the country. Located in the Stann Creek District, it is the second-largest waterfall in Belize at around 330-500 feet (100-120 meters) tall. The journey to Davis Falls is an adventure in itself, involving an eight-mile drive over rough terrain in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, followed by a two-mile hike through the rainforest.

Getting to Davis Falls by car

Davis Falls is located in the southeastern Stann Creek District of Belize, near the town of Dangriga. The trip to Davis Falls starts at mile marker 14.5 of the Hummingbird Highway, about eight miles from Dangriga. This initial leg of the journey can be completed by car, but the road is extremely rough and inaccessible to most vehicles. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to navigate the eight-mile stretch of rough terrain, which includes several river crossings. Even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the road may become impassable following heavy rains.

The eight-mile drive is just the first part of the journey to Davis Falls. After parking your car, you will need to hike for two miles to reach the falls. This hike can be challenging and may include clambering over rocks and jumping across streams. It is important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, such as long pants and hiking shoes, and to bring insect repellent.

The entire journey to Davis Falls, from the start of the initial eight-mile drive to the end of the two-mile hike, can take up to two hours. It is an adventure in itself and offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Belize, including the nearby citrus orchards and tropical forests. The remote location of Davis Falls means that it is never crowded, and visitors often have the entire waterfall to themselves.

It is important to note that the trip to Davis Falls is not a well-marked or well-maintained route. The road is full of boulders and deep ruts, and there are few places to turn around if necessary. It is easy to get lost, as there are multiple roads that turn into the jungle or orchards, and the correct path is not always clear. It is recommended to hire a guide or join a tour to ensure you don't get lost and to make the journey safer and more enjoyable.

Overall, getting to Davis Falls by car is an adventure in itself and requires careful preparation and the right equipment. The journey is challenging but rewarding, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Belize and enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters of the falls.

Hiking to Davis Falls

Davis Falls is located near Dangriga in southeastern Belize. It is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the country and the second-tallest waterfall in Belize at around 500 feet (120-330 meters). Due to its remote location deep in the rainforest, the entire area is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Belize. The nearby citrus orchards add a delightful perfume to the air, and the 75-feet deep pond at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing swim.

To reach Davis Falls, you will need to embark on a journey that combines off-road driving and hiking. The road to Davis Falls begins at mile marker 14.5 of the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga. From there, you will need to drive for eight miles on a rough and challenging road that is only accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles. This portion of the trip can be an adventure in itself, as you will be traversing through rugged terrain and fording multiple river crossings. It is important to note that during the rainy season, this road may become impassable, and even a four-wheel-drive vehicle may struggle.

Once you have reached the end of the accessible road, the final leg of your journey to Davis Falls will be on foot. Prepare for a two-mile hike through the lush and vibrant rainforest of southeastern Belize. This hike will take you through diverse vegetation and offer opportunities to spot the local wildlife. It is recommended to wear long pants, hiking shoes, and fly repellent for this trek. The hike can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area, so consider joining a guided tour or hiring a local guide to ensure a safe and informative experience.

After completing the hike, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Davis Falls. Take a dip in the refreshing waters at the base of the waterfall, or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. You can also explore the marked hiking trails in the area to learn more about the flora and fauna or join a guided tour that will educate you about the wildlife and indigenous practices, such as harvesting edible jelly coconuts.

Whether you choose to explore Davis Falls on your own or with a guided tour, remember to pack a picnic basket and make a day of it. Enjoy the natural beauty, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and breathe in the fragrant air of the citrus orchards. Hiking to Davis Falls is an adventure that combines the thrill of off-road driving with the serenity of a tropical rainforest, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.

The best time to visit

Davis Falls is accessible all year round, but it's important to note that the access road may become impassable following heavy rains. The spring is a great time to visit, as you'll find more favourable lodging and attraction rates, and San Ignacio won't be crowded, so you may have the place to yourself!

The eight-mile drive to the falls is along a rough road, and the route includes seven river crossings, so it's important to be prepared for the conditions. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential, and you may want to consider an ATV tour. The rainy season can make the route even more challenging, and it may be impossible to access in a car.

If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, you're likely to find fewer crowds at Davis Falls. One reviewer notes that it's "never crowded, you usually have the whole Fall to yourself".

Tour options

Davis Falls is located in the Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize, about eight miles from the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga. The remote location of the falls means that the journey there is an adventure in itself. The road is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, and even then, it is a challenging drive with river crossings and rough terrain.

There are several tour companies that offer excursions to Davis Falls, including Untame Belize and Awe Jungle Excursions. Both companies provide transportation to and from the site, and guides who can educate visitors about the local flora and fauna.

Untame Belize offers comfortable vehicles with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, as well as English-speaking guides. They also provide car seats for children and prioritise safety.

Awe Jungle Excursions offers a tractor ride through Belize's orange orchards and rainforests, with the option of hiking through the river to reach the waterfall. They provide a custom-built trailer for the tractor ride and include a stop at their property, Misty Vale, before the hike to the falls.

In addition to these companies, there are also private companies that offer guided ATV tours of the area. These tours include transportation using rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the river crossings.

The cost of these tours varies, with prices ranging from $110 to $230 per adult, depending on the group size and specific activities included.

It is important to note that the road to Davis Falls may become impassable after heavy rains, so it is recommended to check the weather conditions before planning your trip.

What to bring

Davis Falls is located in the remote rainforest of southeastern Belize, so it is important to be well-prepared for your visit. Here is a list of essential items to bring:

• Transportation: A four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to navigate the eight miles of rough terrain leading to the falls. Private companies offer guided ATV tours and transportation using rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles, which is recommended for those who do not have their own suitable vehicle.
• Clothing: It is recommended to wear long pants and hiking shoes for the hike to the falls. The hike can be challenging, so ensure your clothing is comfortable and suitable for the terrain.
• Insect Repellent: Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Swimming Gear: The 75-foot-deep pond at the base of the falls is ideal for swimming, so bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to take a dip.
• Food and Water: Pack a lunch and plenty of water for the day. There are no restaurants or shops along the way, and it can take up to two hours to reach the falls from the highway.
• Sun Protection: Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during your hike and swim.
• Camera: You'll want to capture the beauty of the falls and the surrounding rainforest, so be sure to bring a camera or fully charge your phone before you set out.
• Cash: There is a BZD $10 fee to enter the Davis Falls area, so bring cash to cover this cost.
• Guidebook: Consider bringing a guidebook or downloading an offline map of the area to help you navigate the trail to the falls.
• First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit is always a good idea when venturing into remote areas.
• Torch: If you plan to spend the whole day at Davis Falls and return after dark, bring a torch or headlamp to illuminate your way back.

Frequently asked questions