17 Belize Waterfalls + Map
Belize, a Central American gem, is famend for its beautiful array of waterfalls, every providing a singular glimpse into the nation’s pure magnificence. From the towering cascades of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to the serene falls nestled inside the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize’s waterfalls are a must-visit vacation spot for nature fans and journey seekers alike.
Waterfalls of Belize with a Map
Belize, a small Central American nation nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, is a treasure trove of pure wonders. Recognized for its various ecosystem and cultural richness, Belize can be house to at the least 17 beautiful waterfalls concentrating across the central and southern areas.
Belize’s Greatest Waterfall Areas
Situated in Belize’s Cayo District, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is famend for its pure magnificence, encompassing 5 beautiful waterfalls also called “5 Sisters Waterfalls“. These embrace the majestic Huge Rock Falls, the towering Thousand Foot Falls (which can be the tallest one in Belize), the serene Butterfly Falls, the picturesque Rio On Swimming pools, and the charming Granite Falls. This reserve affords a various array of breathtaking landscapes and is a key vacation spot for nature fans near San Ignacio. Most eco-lodges in Belize are additionally situated on this space as effectively.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park within the Stann Creek District is the house of the “Three Sisters Waterfalls“, comprising the beautiful Antelope Falls, Decrease Bocawina Falls, and Greater Bocawina Falls. Amongst these, Antelope Falls stands out because the second tallest, providing a spectacular pure show. This park is a haven for guests not solely in search of the great thing about cascading waters however getting up shut with wildlife.
However the Stann Creek District can be a chief location for visiting a number of waterfalls in shut proximity. Billy Barquedier National Park, the breathtaking Davis Falls, the adventurous Angel Falls, and the enchanting Mayan King Water Fall are all situated right here. Moreover, it’s house to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary a haven for various wildlife and pure magnificence, that includes the serene Tiger Fern Falls, the picturesque Ben’s Bluff Falls, and the hidden gem of Bull Reef Falls.
Thousand Foot Falls – the very best waterfall in Belize
Proper off Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Thousand Foot Falls is the tallest waterfall in Belize. A river descends over a granite cliff, making a spectacular 1,600-foot cascade. The world is house to a wide range of wildlife, together with a various vary of hen species and majestic jaguars. The streams from Thousand Foot Falls connect with Roaring Creek, then to the Belize River, offering quite a few alternatives to swim and loosen up.
Find out how to get there? – It’s roughly 21 miles from San Ignacio. The drive will embrace a mixture of paved and filth roads, so it is suggested to hire a 4WD automobile or be a part of an organized tour.
Huge Rock Falls
Nestled within the coronary heart of Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Huge Rock Falls is a charming waterfall that’s roughly 150-feet tall. The path to Huge Rock Falls is a reasonable hike, providing guests an opportunity to witness the breathtaking surroundings and cascading water up shut. On the base, a big pure pool gives a refreshing swimming spot, making it a well-liked vacation spot.
Find out how to get there? – The closest city is San Ignacio. You’ll be able to attain the doorway of the path in below and hour. You have to verify in with the ranger on the entrance of the park.
Butterfly Falls
You can even discover Butterfly Falls within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This beautiful 80-foot waterfall is accessible just for the company of The Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. The serene pool on the base of the waterfall affords refreshing swimming alternatives.
Find out how to get there? – A brief drive of approx. an hour from San Ignacio will take you to the path main tot the Butterfly Falls. It’s on personal property, so you have to ask for permission if you wish to enter.
Rio On Swimming pools
Rio On Swimming pools is a pure surprise that boasts a sequence of small waterfalls and connecting swimming pools additionally within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The water cascades from granite boulders, creating the proper place for swimming and rest. Alongside the riverbanks, guests can discover excellent picnic places with glorious views of the world. Rio On Swimming pools is well accessible, making it a super vacation spot for households with children.
Find out how to get there? – Rio On Swimming pools is situated north of Douglas D’Silva Ranger Station within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. You’ll be able to attain it from San Ignacio inside an hour.
Granite Falls
Granite Falls, situated within the Cayo District of Belize, is a sequence of waterfalls identified for his or her rugged magnificence. These falls cascade over granite cliffs, creating a shocking visible show. The world is well accessible because it is part of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
Find out how to get there? – The closest metropolis or city to Granite Falls is San Ignacio. It’s lower than an hour drive from there.
Bathe Falls (+ Monkey Falls)
Bathe Falls, also called “The Showers” by locals, is situated close to Cristo Rey Village within the Cayo District of Belize. This waterfall is a brief 5-10 minute drive from San Ignacio, making it simply accessible for a fast go to. Bathe Falls is understood for its sky-blue swimming pools and is a well-liked native swimming gap. The falls are comparatively small in comparison with different waterfalls in Belize however provide a captivating and intimate setting for guests. Monkey Falls, typically talked about along with Bathe Falls, gives the same expertise.
Find out how to get there? – Bathe Falls and Monkey Falls are situated close to Cristo Rey Village, only a brief 10-min drive from San Ignacio.
Dreaming Large Waterfall
Situated within the coronary heart of Belize’s lush rainforest, Dreaming Large Waterfall is a hidden treasure providing a spectacular pure show. The waterfall is accessible via an adventurous hike beginning at Rancho Lomas Farm, taking roughly an hour and thirty minutes. The well-maintained trails lead via dense and pristine rainforest, unveiling the grandeur of the Dreaming Large Waterfall. This less-traveled path affords an intimate expertise with nature, making it an ideal spot for these in search of tranquility and a reference to the wilderness.
Find out how to get there? – It’s approc. 45-minute drive from Dangriga and an hour from San Ignacio. Guided tours are provided to mix it with cave tubing and kayaking.
Antelope Falls
Situated within the coronary heart of Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Antelope Falls is a formidable waterfall, standing practically 1,000 ft tall. It is likely one of the “Three Sisters Waterfalls”. The difficult hike, with its steep and rocky terrain, results in the bottom of the waterfall, the place guests can admire the majestic cascade and take a dip within the emerald pool. Along with its pure magnificence, Antelope Falls additionally affords rappelling opportunities for thrill-seekers, offering a singular expertise to get near the falls. Right here is an aerial view.
Find out how to get there? Accessible from Dangriga in Stann Creek District, guests want to finish a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail to get there. The doorway charge is USD 5.
Bocawina Falls
Decrease and Greater Bocawina Falls are additionally situated within the Mayflower Bocawina Nationwide Park. Their highest level stands at a formidable top of 50-foot. The path main as much as the waterfall is a moderately challenging 2.8-mile out-and-back route. Bocawina Falls is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, providing a refreshing swim in its pure pool. They’re a part of the “Three Sisters Waterfalls” along with Antelope Falls.
Find out how to get there? The closest main city to Mayflower Bocawina Nationwide Park is Dangriga, Stann Creek, with quite a few transportation choices accessible to succeed in the park entrance. There’s a small USD 5 entrance charge.
Davis Falls
Situated close to Dangriga however exterior of the Mayflower Bocawina Nationwide Park, Davis Falls is likely one of the nation’s most iconic pure points of interest. Towering at greater than 500 ft, it’s the second highest waterfall in Belize. The path to succeed in the waterfall consists of an 8-mile filth street and a 30-minute hike via the Belizean rainforest. On the base of the waterfall, a implausible pure pool awaits, excellent for swimming.
Find out how to get there? – The path to the falls begins close to Dangriga on the mile marker 14.5 of the Hummingbird Freeway. It’s an 8-mile filth street journey earlier than mountain climbing for half-hour.
Billy Barquedier Falls
Nestled within the Billy Barquedier National Park, Billy Barquedier Falls affords a fascinating expertise for nature lovers within the Stann Creek District. The waterfall, surrounded by greater than 1,600 acres of preserved tropical evergreen forest.
Accessibility is reasonable with two distinct mountain climbing choices. Take a difficult hike to the remark tower, which rewards you with breathtaking views, or go for a comparatively simpler path to the waterfall which lasts solely 15-minutes.
Find out how to get there? – Billy Barquedier Falls will be reached by way of the Hummingbird Freeway. Count on a 15-minute stroll off the freeway, with the trailhead marked by a signpost.
Angel Falls
Angel Falls in Belize is to not be confused with the well-known Angel Falls in Venezuela. This attraction is a part of a 200+ acre adventure park within the Stann Creek District that features zip-lining, rappelling, and swimming. The world round Angel Falls consists of a number of mountain climbing trails and platforms, surrounding a pure sinkhole. It’s a super vacation spot for journey junkies in search of an adrenaline rush in a spectacular pure setting.
Find out how to get there? – It’s close to Dangriga, on the Mile Marker 26 1/2 on the Hummingbird Freeway. Since it’s a part of an journey park, entrance charge is relevant.
Mayan King Waterfall
Situated within the mountains of the Stann Creek District, the Mayan King Water Falls are two cascading falls, making it an exquisite sight to behold, particularly in the course of the wet season. Accessibility is comparatively straightforward, and it is suggested for households with children. The waterfall affords a refreshing swimming expertise, with clear water tumbling over rocks.
Find out how to get there? – The closest city to Mayan King Water Fall is Santa Cruz. It’s only a brief 10-15 minute drive to the Falls. They’re on personal property, however guests can get entry after paying a small entrance charge.
Tiger Fern Falls
Nestled within the coronary heart of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar protect, Tiger Fern Falls is a magical hidden gem in Belize. With a double waterfall characteristic, the tallest cascade is roughly 60 ft. The world is teeming with various fauna, together with jaguars and a number of other hen species. Hikers can get pleasure from swimming within the spacious pool on the base of the falls.
The 1.8-mile hike to Tiger Fern Falls via well-maintained trails is a reasonably difficult journey, appropriate for guests with a good stage of bodily health.
Find out how to get there? Entry to the Tiger Fern Falls path begins inside the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which will be reached from the close by cities of Placencia or Hopkins. The doorway charge to the park is USD 10.
Ben’s Bluff Falls
Nestled within the coronary heart of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Ben’s Bluff Falls is a captivating, smaller waterfall that each locals and vacationers admire. It’s a reasonable hike with a rewarding vacation spot, best for these in search of journey and tranquility in Belize’s lovely panorama. Birdwatchers, specifically, ought to preserve a watch out for unique species. As you attain the highest, the path opens up, unveiling beautiful panoramic views of the sanctuary under.
Find out how to get there? Ben’s Bluff Falls will be accessed via a hike alongside the Ben’s Bluff Trail, ranging from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The doorway charge to the park is USD 10.
Bull Reef Falls
Bull Reef Falls, situated within the Stann Creek District of Belize, is located in a comparatively distant space of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This waterfall affords a serene and untouched atmosphere. The elevation and particular particulars in regards to the hike to Bull Reef Falls usually are not extensively documented, suggesting it is likely to be a lesser-known spot, best for these seeking to discover off-the-beaten-path locations in Belize.
Find out how to get there? – The closest metropolis or main city to Bull Reef Falls isn’t specified, however it’s situated within the Stann Creek District, which is understood for its pure magnificence and biodiversity. The doorway charge to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is USD 10.
Rio Blanco Falls
Rio Blanco Falls is a scenic sequence of waterfalls of 10-20 ft situated inside the 500-acre Rio Blanco Falls Park within the Toledo District of southern Belize. Its pure magnificence is enhanced by the cascading water down a sequence of steps, creating a singular and picturesque view. Guests can get pleasure from a refreshing swim within the clear waters on the base of the falls. They’re simply accessible, situated about 30 miles north of Punta Gorda, the biggest city in Belize’s southernmost district.
Find out how to get there? – One can drive from Punta Gorda and attain the Rio Blanco Falls in below an hour or be a part of a guided tour. The doorway charge to the park is USD 15.
San Antonio Waterfall
San Antonio Waterfall, a widely known swimming gap, is nestled instantly southwest of the village of San Antonio in Belize. This pure magnificence captivates guests with a small 8-foot fall flowing over a large stone wall, making a spectacular cascade. It’s a haven for vacationers, providing respite in the course of the moist season within the Toledo District. Though the falls decelerate considerably in the course of the dryer months, they nonetheless present an exquisite sight for guests.
Find out how to get there? – The San Antonio Waterfall is accessible by way of the Southern Freeway, situated southwest of the village of San Antonio, roughly 30 miles north of Punta Gorda. Guests must pay a small charge to get entry.
Golden Stream Waterfall
Nestled close to Toledo, the Golden Stream Waterfall is a outstanding, multi-tiered cascade that includes 5 separate streams. Surrounded by lush foliage, this majestic waterfall is one among Belize’s most treasured pure wonders. Situated simply off the Southern Freeway, the waterfall is characterised by its wealthy turquoise waters pouring into quite a few pure swimming pools typically frequented by native villagers for laundry garments or taking a dip.
Find out how to get there? – From Toledo, take the Southern Freeway and observe the indicators resulting in the waterfall. The drive will take roughly half-hour. The doorway charge is USD 15.
Security Concerns
When visiting Belize’s lovely waterfalls, it’s important to prioritize security whereas mountain climbing and swimming. To assist forestall potential dangers, take into account the next tips:
- Put on acceptable mountain climbing gear: Sturdy footwear, snug clothes, and a hat will shield you from sunburn and accidents. Pack a light-weight rain jacket in case of sudden showers.
- Carry important provides: Embrace water, gentle snacks, a primary support package, and a completely charged telephone for emergencies. Don’t neglect to use bug spray to maintain pesky bugs at bay.
- Observe designated trails: Stick with marked trails to keep away from getting misplaced or encountering harmful wildlife. Respect any closures or warnings posted within the space.
- Swim cautiously: Some swimming pools pose a danger for hidden hazards or robust currents. Assess the state of affairs fastidiously earlier than leaping in, and by no means swim alone.
- Pay attention to your environment: Take note of climate situations, as flash floods can happen throughout heavy rainfall. Preserve a protected distance from the sting of cliffs or waterfalls.
Greatest Time to Go to
The greatest time to go to Belize for waterfalls is in the course of the nation’s dry season, which usually runs from December via April. Throughout this era, there may be much less rainfall and the climate is extra predictable, making it best for out of doors actions, equivalent to mountain climbing and swimming close to waterfalls. Wet season will present for big cascades with potential ricks for flooding and muddy, impassable roads.
Do not forget that the busiest vacationer season in Belize is from December 15 to January 15, in addition to the weeks surrounding Easter in April. To keep away from crowds and doubtlessly larger costs, take into account visiting waterfalls in the course of the shoulder seasons of early December, late January, or early April.
FAQs
Huge Rock Falls and Antelope Falls are two of essentially the most common waterfalls in Belize, with their beautiful magnificence, picturesque environment, and ample swimming alternatives.
Antelope Falls, situated in Mayflower Bocawina State Park, is likely one of the tallest waterfalls in Belize, standing at practically 1,000 ft tall.
Huge Rock Falls is located inside the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and affords a 150-foot waterfall with environment filled with rainforest fauna. The hike resulting in Huge Rock Falls will be difficult. Guests can attain the doorway from San Ignazio in an hour.
Emese Maczko is a journey blogger behind Eco Lodges Wherever. Having explored a number of locations round Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the UK, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a eager understanding of various cultures and an appreciation for the great thing about every vacation spot she visits. She advocates for sustainable journey and ecotourism.