Mountain Pine Ridge Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Mountain Pine Ridge is a stunning nature reserve located in the Cayo region of Belize. It is known for its lush pine forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls. The reserve covers over 300 square miles and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
One of the most iconic attractions in Mountain Pine Ridge is the breathtaking Thousand Foot Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Central America. Visitors can take a hike to the top of the falls for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The area is also home to Rio Frio Cave, a massive underground cavern with a river flowing through it, offering a unique and adventurous experience for visitors.
For those seeking adventure, Mountain Pine Ridge offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in the natural pools and waterfalls. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, and a diverse array of bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mountain Pine Ridge is also home to several archaeological sites, including the ancient Maya ruins of Caracol. This ancient city was once one of the largest in the region and is now an impressive site to explore, with towering pyramids and well-preserved stone carvings.
Visitors to Mountain Pine Ridge can also enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the reserve by staying in one of the many eco-lodges or campsites available in the area. These accommodations offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the reserve while also supporting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Cayo
Mountain Pine Ridge Attractions - What to See and Explore
Mountain Pine Ridge offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Belizian pine forests, Big Rock Falls. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Mountain Pine Ridge
Learn when is the best time to travel to Mountain Pine Ridge weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Jaguar
The jaguar is a large cat native to the Americas and the only member of the Panthera genus found in this region. These majestic creatures can be found from the southwestern United States through Central and South America, thriving in tropical and subtropical forests.
Mammals
Baird's tapir
Baird's tapir, also known as the Central American tapir, is a remarkable mammal native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It holds the title of the largest land mammal in Central America and is named after the American naturalist Spencer...
Mammals
Puma, Mountain Lion, Cougar
The cougar, also known by names like puma, mountain lion, red tiger, and catamount, is a remarkable big cat native to the Americas. Scientifically known as Puma concolor, this majestic animal roams from the Canadian Yukon all the way down to the southern Andes in South...
Mammals
King vulture
The king vulture is an impressive bird from the New World vulture family, Cathartidae. This notable scavenger inhabits tropical lowland forests stretching from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. As the sole surviving member of the genus Sarcoramphus, the king...
Birds
Ocelot
The ocelot is a small wild cat that inhabits the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. It is easily recognizable by its striking coat, adorned with solid black spots and streaks, as well as its round ears and white neck...
Mammals
Cayo