Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Set aside in 1944, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is Belize’s oldest and largest protected area, spanning 300 square miles (777 square km). Unlike other parts of Belize, where tropical vegetation dominates the landscape, the reserve consists of primarily Honduras pine, a Caribbean species of pine tree. The reserve is characterized by deep ravines, large granite outcrops, rivers, and vistas.
This diverse ecosystem provides a habitat for a large array of wildlife including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, endemic crocodiles, and a wide variety of neotropical bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature-loving travelers will appreciate the remote nature of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
The entrance to the reserve is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) up a the windy, pothole-filled, and often muddy Chiquibul Road. There are only a few select eco-lodges available along this road and within the reserve itself, and apart from these lodging options, services are virtually nonexistent. The closest town is San Ignacio.
Travelers staying in or near the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve can arrange a number of tours through their lodging operator. One of the most popular spots within the reserve is the viewpoint overlooking Thousand Foot Falls, where visitors can see the tallest waterfall in Central America. There is no direct access or swimming opportunities at the Falls, however. Those who want to swim in the reserve’s chilly waters generally go to Rio On Pools, a series of small cascades broken up by large granite rocks that form several attractive swimming holes. Staying in the reserve also puts guests closer to Caracol, an impressive ancient Mayan site that contains the tallest pyramid in Belize.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
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Beaches to Mayan Ruins
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Where to stay in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
At this lodge you will experience a completely unique hotel setting. Located in the middle of the Belizean Jungle the combination of nature and luxury service is unparalleled.
Chaa Creek Lodge
This lodge is in an untamed corner of Belize’s rainforest, near the misty foothills of the Maya Mountains. This resort has an impressive amount of activities on its grounds, and will pack your vacation full of the sites and sounds of the erstwhile kingdom of the Maya.
Cahal Pech Village Resort
This resort is situated near some of the Cayo District’s most interesting natural and cultural attractions. Staying in the jungle will give you the chance to experience the landscape of the ancient Maya.
San Ignacio Resort
For a convenient and luxurious base camp in the Cayo District, this family-friendly resort offers everything travelers need to make adventure easy.
Cassia Hill Resort
Indulge in onsite massages and unwind by the outdoor pool at Cassia Hill Resort. Enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi and convenient concierge services during your stay.
Midas Resort
This resort is conveniently located for visiting some of Belize’s most interesting Maya ruins and the small city of San Ignacio. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the resort into downtown – you’ll stroll past the Macal River Park on your way to the local cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Blancaneaux Lodge
This Francis Ford Coppola-owned property is luxurious to the last detail. The resort is certainly not rustic, though nestled in the lush vegetation of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it gets the best of both nature and human ingenuity.
Flora & fauna in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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