Big Rock Falls: A Belizean Adventure

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is reachable by a 45-minute hike from Blancaneaux Lodge, or by driving down Chiquibul Road from the Western Highway. The closest large town is San Ignacio, from where tours to the falls are organised. The falls are reached by a steep descent on foot, and the area features a small pool at the bottom, flowing into a larger cenote.

Big Rock Falls is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District

The trail to the falls is a steep descent down numerous wooden stairways that plunge into the forest. The steps can be treacherous, and the rocks towards the falls are slippery, so good footwear is recommended. At the bottom of the trail, you will find the 150-foot waterfall, with a small pool at the bottom that flows into a larger cenote. The falls are a great spot for jumping off cliffs, swimming, and having a picnic.

The closest large town to the waterfall is San Ignacio

The closest large town to Big Rock Falls is San Ignacio, which is about 63 miles (101 km) west of Belize City. San Ignacio is the second-largest settlement in Belize, after Belize City. It is the cultural-economic hub of Cayo District, which it shares with its twin town, Santa Elena, across the Macal River.

San Ignacio is a melting pot of cultures, with a largely Mestizo population, followed by Kriol, and some Lebanese and Mopan Maya. The town also has a large Chinese population and a Mennonite community in the nearby village of Spanish Lookout. The town's diverse population is reflected in its thriving restaurant scene, where you can find some of the most traditional Belizean dishes.

San Ignacio is a popular destination for eco-tourism, providing easy access to top jungle attractions in Cayo and nearby Guatemala. It is also a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. The ancient Maya ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar are all nearby attractions.

Big Rock Falls is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, about a two-hour drive from San Ignacio. The 150-foot waterfall is a hidden gem, with a small pool at the bottom that flows into a larger cenote. The journey to the waterfall involves navigating winding red-dirt roads and descending a steep staircase into the forest. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the falls and the opportunity for a refreshing swim.

The waterfall is reached via a steep set of wooden steps

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 to the waterfall is San Ignacio, from where it is possible to reach the falls via a guided tour or by renting a car. The trail to the waterfall involves a steep hike down at the end, with numerous wooden stairways plunging into the forest.

After the steep descent, visitors are rewarded with a magnificent view of the monumental and massive Big Rock Falls, with a small pool at the bottom flowing into a bigger cenote that rushes over large rocks. The falls offer a great spot for jumping off cliffs, swimming, and having a jungle-waterfall picnic. For a free, natural massage, place yourself near the rocky walls and let the cascades pummel your back while also refreshing your face.

The rocks around the falls can be slippery

Big Rock Falls in Belize is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District. The 150-foot waterfall is a sight to behold, with its small pool at the bottom flowing into a larger cenote that rushes over large rocks. To reach the waterfall, visitors must descend numerous wooden stairways that plunge into the forest. The journey to the waterfall can be treacherous, especially after rain, with slippery rocks and steep, not well-maintained stairs.

The rocks around the falls can be very slippery, so it is important to be cautious when exploring the area. Visitors should wear proper footwear to help with traction and avoid sliding around too much, as this can lead to injuries. It is recommended to stick to swimming in the pools if you want to play it safe.

One visitor to Big Rock Falls shared their experience, saying that they bruised their foot by slipping and falling on the rocks. Despite this, they described the waterfall as "impressive" and the swimming spot as "divine." Another visitor emphasised the slipperiness of the rocks, stating that many people were slipping and that someone almost got hurt. They also recommended sticking to swimming in the pools to be safe.

The journey to Big Rock Falls is an adventure in itself, involving a bumpy road and a steep descent. Visitors should be prepared for a challenging trek, especially if they plan to make the trip during or after the rainy season. However, the reward of swimming beneath the impressive waterfall and enjoying the surrounding nature is well worth the effort.

The access roads are unpaved and bumpy

Big Rock Falls is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. The closest large town to the waterfall is San Ignacio, from where it is a couple of hours' drive along winding red-dirt roads. The access roads are unpaved and bumpy, and it is best to navigate them in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The last few miles of the journey are particularly tricky, with one reviewer describing the road as "kind of tricky—not too much for our two-wheel-drive small SUV".

The unpaved roads are prone to becoming slick with clay after heavy rain, making the drive to Big Rock Falls "a little scary". The route to the falls involves driving through Chiquibul Road, which is accessible via an exit off the Western Highway. The route also involves driving through a river, which can be an awesome experience.

The unpaved access roads add to the sense that Big Rock Falls is a hidden gem. The falls are described as "absolutely stunning" and "beautiful", and well worth the journey.

Frequently asked questions