19 Dec 2021
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
THOUSAND FOOT FALLS
We’re starting off with the 2nd largest waterfall in Central America which, unlike its name, actually measures nearly an epic 1,600 feet tall. Found deep within Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, enjoy 1000 Foot Falls from its viewing area—accessible through the unpaved wilderness—or a downhill hike to its invigorating gorge.
BUTTERFLY FALLS
Plummeting 80 feet from crest to crystal-clear basin below, the pristine Butterfly Falls is the exclusive, private access waterfall hidden within the Hidden Valley Inn of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Guests can hike 2.5 hours straight from the lobby, or walk a mere 20 minutes from the last access point by car.
BIG ROCK FALLS
As the Privassion River cuts through the pines within Mountain Pine Ridge, fresh spring water culminates with a 150-foot drop to gigantic boulders below: Big Rock Falls. Make the steep descent down its wooden, handmade staircase or for even more thrills, on horseback.
FIVE SISTERS WATERFALLS
As the Privassion River cuts through the pines within Mountain Pine Ridge, fresh spring water culminates with a 150-foot drop to gigantic boulders below: Big Rock Falls. Make the steep descent down its wooden, handmade staircase or for even more thrills, on horseback.
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
Tiger Fern waterfall by Mustafa Kothawala
Chase waterfalls in Belize. Photo courtesy Belize Tourism Board
Billy Barquedier National Park, photo courtesy APAMO Belize
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
TOLEDO DISTRICT
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:
