10 Pristine Waterfall Adventures in Belize

by Carolee Chanona
ROEming Belize travel agency Gaia

While most people travel to Belize for its breathtaking coastline and cayes, few may realize that Belize also boasts some of the tallest waterfalls in Central America. Varying from awe-inspiring 1,600-foot tall cascades to humble jungle showers, these pristine natural formations in Belize should be on every traveler’s itinerary.

CAYO DISTRICT

DAVIS FALLS.

After an 8 mile off-road drive from the Hummingbird Highway that fords several rivers and streams along the way, you’re rewarded with this estimated 500-foot Southern gem—second in size only to the Thousand Foot Falls.

ANTELOPE FALLS.

Trust us, the effort is worth the reward to trek further into the Mayflower Bocawina National Park for the impressive Antelope Falls. Hikers can enjoy its magnificence from below, or head up for a stellar 180 view—best enjoyed in its plunge pools above.

TIGER FERN WATERFALL.

Hidden within the vast 128,000 protected areas of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), the Tiger Fern Waterfall is a must-visit in Southern Belize. Up the ante with its 4.3-kilometer out-and-back trail which gives hikers two options: a 360 vista of the Cockscomb Basin atop its summit campsite, or a double-waterfall adventure.

THE FALLS AT BILLY BARQUEDIER.

Access to this remote beauty is off-the-beaten-path: the short, 20-minute hike from the highway entrance is best in the dry season in its eponymous National Park.

MAYA KING WATERFALL.

Made of two cascading tumbles, this perfect balance of size and power is an easily accessible waterfall in the South. Plus, there’s a photo-op at every curve, like passing through its overhanging bamboo fronds

Rio Blanco Falls water
Rio Blanco Falls in Toledo, Belize. Photo via Tahnee Wilson/IG @tahneealanawilson

RIO BLANCO FALLS. Thirty miles northwest from Punta Gorda and wedged by 500 protected acres inside its namesake National Park, the Rio Blanco Falls is a southern gem. Water flows through wide, shallow pools and over smooth slabs of sandstone; its rushing water pours over a 15-foot ledge into a deep, limestone boulder-lined pool. Did someone say cannonball?

Written by Carolee Chanona for the 2021/2022 Belize Gold Book.
Header image of Five Sisters Falls © Roeming Belize. Article found on page 50 of the 2021/2022 Belize Gold Book. Read more articles from the #BelizeGoldBook below:

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