Protected Area Cayo District Waterfalls Natural Swimming Pools Mayan Ruins Arqueological Exploration
Things To Do In Pine Ridge Forest
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located in the Cayo District and offers a unique landscape of pine forests and cooler temperatures that contrast to Belize's typical tropical rainforest. It's a popular spot for full-day tours from nearby San Ignacio, where most tours are centered around its natural wonders.
This reserve is Belize's oldest and largest protected area and visitors will have many things to do and explore. Visitors can enjoy diverse trails for hiking and nature walks, suitable for both casual strolls and more challenging treks. It's also an excellent destination for bird watching with unique bird species such as the Orange-breated Falcon,Stygian Own and the Red Crossbill. Other popular activities include visiting the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch to learn about butterflies and observe hummingbirds, as well as exploring the Belizean countryside on horseback riding tours.
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Travel Guide for Pine Ridge Attractions & Activities
Waterfalls
The reserve is famous for its stunning waterfalls and swimming pools. Hidden Valley Falls is considered the tallest waterfall in Central America and has a spectacular sight. Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall that you can hike down for a refreshing swim at the bottom.
Explore the Caves
The reserve is home to impressive cave systems, which were considered sacred by the ancient Mayas. Rio Frio Cave has a big arched entrance where you can walk right in and explore the impressive stalactite formations and the underground river that runs through it. On Barton Creek Cave you can canoe through a large ceremonial cave.
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Best Pine Ridge Full Day Tours
Caracol Mayan Ruins
This is the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize. Located deep within the Chiquibul Forest, the road to Caracol goes through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. This tour will allow you to see the towering "Caana" (Sky Palace) pyramid and learn about this once-powerful city.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM)
Considered one of the world's most impressive caves, the ATM Cave is an adventurous tour that involves hiking, wading, and swimming to reach a ceremonial chamber containing ancient Mayan artifacts and the famous "Crystal Maiden," a calcite-encrusted skeleton.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Xunantunich is the modern name of this ‘Lost City" and is located near the Guatemalan border. Here you can climb to the top of "El Castillo", the main pyramid, for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Mopan River.
Tour The Caracol Mayan Temple
Explore this ancient Mayan world only 45 minutes away from Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, home to the largest Maya ruin in Belize and full of adventures!
Where is Mountain Pine Ridge located? + Map
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located in the Cayo District of southern central Belize. It is most commonly accessed from the town of San Ignacio, which is a 50 kilometers drive and takes about 1 hour. A 4x4 car is highly recommended, especially during the rainy season, as many of the roads within the reserve are unpaved and can be rough or muddy.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest
Cayo District
Western Belize
Baldy Beacon: 1017 mts
FAQs About Visiting Pine Ridge Forest
What is the climate like in Mountain Pine Ridge?
The climate is subtropical with a rainy season from July to February. During the dry season (February to May) temperatures may reach 39 °C (102 °F) with a humidity level of 70%.
What is Mountain Pine Ridge known for?
Mountain Pine Ridge is famous for its waterfalls and natural swimming spots. If you're into cooling off after a hike, head straight to Rio On Pools. This spot features cascading pools perfect for a refreshing dip, and the smooth granite rocks make it easy to relax between swims.
What to pack to Mountain Pine Ridge?
Pack a swimsuit, water shoes, towel, lightweight clothing and a change of clothes. Sturdy hiking shoes and a rain coat are important to pack during the rainy season.
Is it safe to visit Mountain Pine Ridge?
Traveling to Mountain Pine Ridge is generally safe if you are traveling with a reliable tour company. The reserve entrance has an official government checkpoint where visitors must register, and vehicles are subject to search.
When hiking or swimming, be mindful of your surroundings. Rocks around waterfalls can be slippery.
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