Chasing Belize Waterfalls: Top Cascades to Visit This Spring

by Megan Rodden
thousand foot falls belize duarte dellarole

While Belize may be best known for its beach destinations and incredible barrier reef, the country’s interior boasts rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Central America.  From cascading torrents hidden deep within the remote and raw Mountain Pine Ridge to serene pools nestled among the verdant foliage of the Cockscomb Basin, these natural wonders offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Mother Nature.  Here are the best Belize waterfalls to visit this Spring.

Thousand Foot Falls

Thousand Foot Falls. Photo by Khaila Gentle / Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle

Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, Thousand Foot Falls is the highest waterfall in the country, and in all of Central America.  Plunging approximately 1,600 feet into a densely forested canyon, this majestic cascade is a sight to behold.  Accessible by a punishing drive in a 4 x 4 vehicle on a seasonal logging road through the reserve, intrepid visitors can admire the falls from a designated viewpoint.  One of the best ways to reach Thousand Foot Falls is through a guided tour with Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, the luxury resort whose property is adjacent to the Reserve.

Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls. Photo by ROEming Belize Travel Agency

One of the top attractions in the Mountain Pine Ridge area is Big Rock Falls. A 150-foot behemoth, Big Rock is jaw-dropping. The colossal cascade has a huge natural pool at the bottom that adventurous visitors can launch themselves into for a swim.  Feel the raw power of nature when trying to swim against the current and pounding torrents.  Big Rock can be reached via a short hike from the parking area; there is good signage and well-maintained stairs to help visitors navigate the steep path leading to the falls.

Billy Barquedier 

Photography by quilz tamay_billy barq.

Billy Barquedier National Park. Photo Credit: Photography by Quilz Tamay

Billy Barquedier National Park is a small but bio-rich habitat in the Mullins River Basin near the Steadfast Village on the Hummingbird Highway.  The beautiful park is best known for its diverse wildlife, critically important watersheds, and the easy-moderate hiking trail leading to a picturesque waterfall and swimming area.  The crisp, cool pool beneath the fall is rimmed by tropical broadleaf forest and is frequented by striking Blue Morpho Butterflies.

Antelope Falls

antelope waterfall

Antelope Falls of Mayflower Bocawina N.P. courtesy Scott Leslieante

The most popular hiking trail in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park parallels this impressive cascade.  Antelope Falls is broken into an upper and lower section. The lower section is the primary precipice where rappelling can be done. Meanwhile, the upper section offers a gentle cascade and peaceful natural pool in which to take a well-deserved dip after your 50-minute climb to the top.

Dreaming Giant Waterfalls

Dreaming Giant Waterfalls. Photo by Megan Rodden / Real Life Recess

Not one fall, not two falls, not even three, but five waterfalls are the reward for adventurous expeditioners who make the 90-minute hike to the knees of the Sleeping Giant Mountain.  Picture-perfect and wholly secluded, these waterfalls are an ideal location for a private picnic amid pristine nature.  Thrill seekers can jump off the rocks into the deep pools below or arrange a heart-pumping rappel.

Similar: Hiking in Southern Belize? Don’t Miss These Top Spots and Trails

Maya King

Maya king waterfall belize 2021

Chase waterfalls in Belize. Photo courtesy Belize Tourism Board

Great for groups, families, or anyone who doesn’t want to hike to reach a wonderful waterfall.  Maya King is easy to reach from the Southern Highway between Hopkins and Placencia. Visitors can pay an entrance fee and drive directly to the waterfall and picnic area.  Tables, toilets, and a covered pavilion are among the convenient amenities along with steps and handrails for negotiating your way in and out of the natural pools.

Davis Falls

waterfall Davis Falls

At roughly 500 feet, Davis Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Belize and one of the most scenic.  Getting there is an adventure in itself. The remote location requires a bumpy tractor ride through orchards and rough terrain. The pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring waterfall, however, make the journey more than worthwhile.

Which of these Belize waterfalls will you be heading to this Spring?

Featured: Thousand Foot Falls

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