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A series of waterfalls, cascades and natural freshwater swimming pools formed where Rio On crosses a broad exposed granite riverbed. Smooth granite ledges create picnic areas and places to relax beside the water. Some pools are shallow while others are substantially deeper.
A spectacular waterfall dropping about 150 ft over granite into a large pool. The descent involves numerous stairs and the return climb can be strenuous. Swimming is popular, but water depth and currents vary with rainfall.
Rio Frio Caves
A huge river cave roughly a quarter-mile long. Its enormous entrance rises about 65 ft and admits enough daylight that much of the main passage can be explored without undertaking a technical caving expedition. The Rio Frio flows through the cave among pools, sandy areas, stalactites and limestone formations.
A shallow natural swimming area where Pinol Creek crosses a granite base. Sand accumulated around the pools creates a small beach-like setting. The Forest Department notes that its comparatively shallow water makes it popular with families, although children still require close supervision.
1000 Foot Falls
Despite its name, the waterfall is now estimated at roughly 1,600 ft and is generally described as Belize's highest waterfall. The protected natural monument covers about 1,290 acres. The principal attraction for most visitors is the distant overlook. It is technically a separate protected area associated with the wider Mountain Pine Ridge landscape rather than simply another roadside pool within the forest reserve.
A secluded luxury lodge established in its modern form by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Thatched cabanas and villas overlook Privassion Creek, with restaurants, swimming, horseback riding and guided excursions. It is a destination property rather than merely somewhere to sleep between sightseeing trips.
Small lodge perched above the Five Sisters Waterfalls. Accommodation is in individual cabanas, with an on-site restaurant, river access and an electric tram between the upper lodge and waterfall area.
A smaller lodge surrounded by forest with cabanas, an on-site restaurant, pool and easy access to Mountain Pine Ridge attractions. It is particularly convenient for travellers who want to spend most of their time exploring rather than staying at a large resort.
Hidden Valley
Remote wilderness lodge surrounded by a 7,200-acre private forest property with an extensive private trail network, numerous waterfalls and swimming areas. Several of its attractions are on private land and are primarily for lodge guests rather than general visitors to the government forest reserve.
By car
There are two common approaches from the San Ignacio area.
By taxi
A taxi can be arranged from San Ignacio, but Mountain Pine Ridge is too spread out for a simple point-to-point taxi ride to be particularly useful.
By organized tour
Numerous tour operators in San Ignacio run Mountain Pine Ridge excursions.
By bicycle
Mountain biking is possible and is promoted as a recreational activity in the Mountain Pine Ridge region.
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Dangriga · Regional · DGA
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Articles and travel topics about Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Belize.
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