Established as a reserve in 1944, the 100,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge is easily the most breathtaking scenery in all of the Cayo District, if not Belize. The Chiquibul Road will lead you through pine forests, waterfalls, cascading water pools over granite boulders and the Maya Mountains in the distance—it’s a sight to be seen.
There are numerous ways to visit the park, though it’s generally easier to opt for a tour. Tours can be either relaxing, with swims and picnics, or bordering on extreme adventure—such as hiking to Thousand Foot Falls, Central America’s largest waterfall, or spelunking in the Rio Frio Cave. There are also opportunities to spot the rich wildlife in this area, including tapirs and toucans, though jaguars only come out at night.
- Mountain Pine Ridge is a must-visit for nature lovers or anyone looking for a chance to spot wildlife in Belize.
- Bring sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- Most activities require some mobility and many are not suitable for children.
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located in the lush Belizean inland, about a 3-hour drive southwest from Belize City or around 1.5 hours by car from San Ignacio. There’s no real public transportation in the area, so those wanting to explore the reserve will need to join a tour or rent a car.
The best time to visit the reserve is during the dry season, which runs from the end of November and continues through around the middle of April (although it’s also the busiest time of year). Note that the road can get fairly difficult in the wet summer season and requires strong knowledge of the area as well as a good dose of patience.
Visiting Belize’s largest Mayan site, Caracol archaeological Reserve, requires passing through the Mountain Pine Ridge, and it’s certainly worth a stop if you’re a fan of history (it’s also a de facto stop on many tours). Here you’ll find thousands of structures, five plazas, and numerous intricate carvings. Historians believe that this area was occupied as far back as 1200 BC.
