Would you use the following words to describe yourself: adventurous, curious, daring, up-for-anything? When facing obstacles, do your friends turn to you and say, “you first”? Are you the type to boldly venture forth, excited for the stories after? Well, Belize holds so many exciting challenges for you! Whether you seek a pleasant amble, just the thrill of discovery, or plan to brave a steep trail or two to dance under a waterfall, the experiences below will add to the chapters you’ll tell of your time in Belize.
Sleeping Giant Lodge Trails
The expansive property at Sleeping Giant Lodge offers a variety of onsite trails to enjoy. One of the most popular hikes is the Gazebo Hike, which takes you up to a gazebo that provides a panoramic view of the property and beyond. A moderate hike, this trail takes about 25 minutes for avid hikers and comes complete with ropes, cement steps and well-marked walking paths. The vistas once at the top are well worth the climb, especially as you can take in the sight of the resort’s namesake – the Sleeping Giant himself.
Sleeping Giant Lodge Trails
The expansive property at Sleeping Giant Lodge offers a variety of onsite trails to enjoy. One of the most popular hikes is the Gazebo Hike, which takes you up to a gazebo that provides a panoramic view of the property and beyond. A moderate hike, this trail takes about 25 minutes for avid hikers and comes complete with ropes, cement steps and well-marked walking paths. The vistas once at the top are well worth the climb, especially as you can take in the sight of the resort’s namesake – the Sleeping Giant himself.
Other scenic spots to wander through include four rope bridges. These bridges cross you over the river and into the jungle in the Maya Mountains. Of special note, however, are some fantastic art sculptures hidden throughout. Stunning pieces were created through the resort’s Artist in Residence program, which had its debut in 2023. The sculptures: Las Tres Marias by Lucia Meyers, and Qawa Ki’ché by Marcelo Patiño and Gabriella Giusti, were placed in their location by the artists themselves. As you wander through the area, seek out these pieces and learn a bit more about their design and name via the nearby signage.
Simply follow signs and when in doubt, ask one of the friendly staff for guidance!
Entrance Fee: None
Items to pack: Hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, bug spray
Billy Barquedier Hike
Take a drive down the Hummingbird Highway, and you’ll see the “Billy Barquedier National Park” sign at Mile 17.
A moderately challenging hike, plan for around 3 to 4 hours. You know the pace you generally go at, but bearing in mind that the trail offers a multitude of views, you may slow down and explore along the way. A well-marked trail, the Billy Barquedier can still be a bit slick after rain, with a steep terrain in some sections and uneven ground. As such, prepare for some agility lessons and a test of fitness!
Billy Barquedier Hike
Take a drive down the Hummingbird Highway, and you’ll see the “Billy Barquedier National Park” sign at Mile 17.
A moderately challenging hike, plan for around 3 to 4 hours. You know the pace you generally go at, but bearing in mind that the trail offers a multitude of views, you may slow down and explore along the way. A well-marked trail, the Billy Barquedier can still be a bit slick after rain, with a steep terrain in some sections and uneven ground. As such, prepare for some agility lessons and a test of fitness!
If you just want a quick refreshing dip, take the easy 15-20 minute trail that leads you right to the Barquedier waterfall. Enjoy a bit of the park without all the huffing and puffing – if that’s more your pace!
Entrance Fee: $4 USD ($25 USD if you decide to camp overnight).
Items to pack: Sturdy shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. Bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars for the birders, drinking water and snacks if you plan to stay a while!
Antelope Falls
Antelope Falls is one of the three waterfalls within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. (The other waterfalls are Bocawina Falls and Three Sisters Falls.) The park is located on the eastern end of the Maya Mountains, next to the Sittee River Forest Reserve in southern Belize. This can be roughly translated to about an hour’s drive from Placencia Village and off the Southern Highway past Hopkins.
Antelope Falls
Antelope Falls is one of the three waterfalls within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. (The other waterfalls are Bocawina Falls and Three Sisters Falls.) The park is located on the eastern end of the Maya Mountains, next to the Sittee River Forest Reserve in southern Belize. This can be roughly translated to about an hour’s drive from Placencia Village and off the Southern Highway past Hopkins.
Considered a rigorous hike, the trail to Antelope Falls is well worth the effort to scale the nearly 1000 feet, as it reveals a 100-foot waterfall, complete with scenic views from the bluff all the way to the sea. A guide is recommended to accompany you on the hike.
Entrance Fee: $10 USD
Items to pack: Sturdy shoes, long pants and shirt, bathing suit, towel, camera, sunscreen, bug spray, hat and binoculars.
Tiger Fern, Cockscomb Basin
Those who’ve hiked this trail describe it as one of the most stunning, worthy trails to go on. About 30 minutes away from Hopkins, Tiger Fern is located within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve in Stann Creek. The Tiger Fern Trail is described as a rigorous hike that sneaks up a bit on you. Starting off as a lovely walk, the steep ascent takes you up a mountain, and another steep descent lands you with the reward of two beautiful waterfalls and their accompanying natural pools.
Tiger Fern, Cockscomb Basin
Those who’ve hiked this trail describe it as one of the most stunning, worthy trails to go on. About 30 minutes away from Hopkins, Tiger Fern is located within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve in Stann Creek. The Tiger Fern Trail is described as a rigorous hike that sneaks up a bit on you. Starting off as a lovely walk, the steep ascent takes you up a mountain, and another steep descent lands you with the reward of two beautiful waterfalls and their accompanying natural pools.
A guide is now required to accompany hikers on this trail and can be hired at Maya Center.
Entrance Fee: $5 USD
Guide Fee: $70 USD for two people
Items to pack: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, swimwear for the waterfalls and pools, bug spray
Ya’axkin Butterfly Farm
With a focus on nature and conservation, Ya’axkin Butterfly Farm seeks to promote sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. Located in the village of Maya Center (near the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve), this farm allows you to appreciate Belize’s natural beauty while learning about the important role that butterflies play in local ecosystems.
Ya’axkin Butterfly Farm
With a focus on nature and conservation, Ya’axkin Butterfly Farm seeks to promote sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. Located in the village of Maya Center (near the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve), this farm allows you to appreciate Belize’s natural beauty while learning about the important role that butterflies play in local ecosystems.
A true treat that makes for amazing photo opportunities for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in Belize.
Entrance Fee: $6 USD (adults), $3 USD children
Items to pack: Water and camera
Ayala’s Natural Pools & Adventures
Boasting incredible blue freshwater natural pools and an array of additional activities, Ayala’s is one of the more family-friendly attractions in the Cayo District. Between Armenia Village and Springfield, Ayala’s property is expansive, with its signature pools meandering throughout, as well as a man-made pool complete with slides. BBQ grills are available for rent if you want to make it a full day, complete with a picnic.
Ayala’s Natural Pools & Adventures
Boasting incredible blue freshwater natural pools and an array of additional activities, Ayala’s is one of the more family-friendly attractions in the Cayo District. Between Armenia Village and Springfield, Ayala’s property is expansive, with its signature pools meandering throughout, as well as a man-made pool complete with slides. BBQ grills are available for rent if you want to make it a full day, complete with a picnic.
Ayala’s has expanded to offer kayaking, ziplining and even sky-biking for the truly adventurous. There’s even a mini pitch if you want to kick a football around! Truly, there’s something for everyone!
Entrance Fee: $7.50 USD (adults), $5 USD (children)
Items to pack: Swimwear, towel, good walking shoes (that you might get wet), sunscreen, bug spray, refreshments and snacks/food (especially if you plan to BBQ).
Clarissa Falls
About 7 miles from San Ignacio Town, Cayo, and along the Mopan River, Clarissa Falls offers the perfect escape from the heat and humidity of summer. Its pools and cascades are stunning and refreshing, and you can easily spend a few hours cooling off in this spot.
Plan your day complete with riverside picnic, or you may want to take some cash if you decide to eat at the restaurant nearb.
Entrance Fee: None
Items to pack: Swimwear, sturdy shoes for walking on river rocks, water shoes, sunscreen and bug spray.
Clarissa Falls
About 7 miles from San Ignacio Town, Cayo, and along the Mopan River, Clarissa Falls offers the perfect escape from the heat and humidity of summer. Its pools and cascades are stunning and refreshing, and you can easily spend a few hours cooling off in this spot.
Plan your day complete with riverside picnic, or you may want to take some cash if you decide to eat at the restaurant nearb.
Entrance Fee: None
Items to pack: Swimwear, sturdy shoes for walking on river rocks, water shoes, sunscreen and bug spray.
Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge
The Rio On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge are an especially appealing spot for families. Weekends will often see families loading up their coolers and children piling into the car for a picnic and swim. Large granite rocks and ledges carved by running water over millenia form an especially inviting grouping of waterfalls and pools (both shallow and not). Thick brown sugar sand along the banks forms a ‘beach’ perfect for a picnic. Enjoy a morning or afternoon of fun, swimming to your heart’s content.
Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge
The Rio On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge are an especially appealing spot for families. Weekends will often see families loading up their coolers and children piling into the car for a picnic and swim. Large granite rocks and ledges carved by running water over millenia form an especially inviting grouping of waterfalls and pools (both shallow and not). Thick brown sugar sand along the banks forms a ‘beach’ perfect for a picnic. Enjoy a morning or afternoon of fun, swimming to your heart’s content.
Getting there is easy, as the road to the Mountain Pine Ridge is paved and provides a smooth ride. Follow the signs directing you to the Rio On Pools, while bearing in mind that you will be going off-road. It is recommended to have a sturdy 4WD vehicle, and if there has been some rain, plan on some mud along the way.
Entrance Fee: None
Items to pack: Sturdy shoes, water shoes, swimwear, sunscreen and bug spray
Whether a first-time visitor or a regular to the country, it’s always a delight to take the road less travelled and immerse yourself in new, exciting adventures. These delightful locations and attractions are perfect for the solo traveller, families, and even a group of friends on a mission to discover the wild side. Whichever adventure you choose next, we hope you have an amazing time exploring Belize.
