Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

This nature-filled expanse of 300 square miles is located in Cayo, Belize, and is known as the oldest and largest protected area of the sort in the entire country. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve was established in 1944 and has since then provided hundreds of thousands of visitors with some of the most absolutely gorgeous local views. Enjoy the overall sharp contrast to the surrounding Belize tropical landscape, the new scenery replacing frequent palm fronds with pine needles. The pine forest holds deep ravines, massive granite expanses, Mayan mountains, and countless meandering rivers, streams, waterfalls, and pools. This gorgeous area is also very close to the awe-inspiring 1,000 foot Valley Falls and King Vulture Falls.

Learn all about the local history and ecology of the reserve with several daily tours from San Ignacio enlightening you on all the interesting Mayan history, fire and logging facts, and local flora and fauna info. Be sure to bring your camera and capture all the wonderful species of birds, such as woodpeckers, warblers, crossbills, and Stygian owls, as well as several cougars, jaguars, ocelots, and crocodiles! Enjoy the numerous St. John's wort plants right alongside such spots as Baldy Beacon, a barren spot which is rumored to have been exposed long before the surrounding land, still immersed in the ocean in ancient times. You will hear facts all about the first Mayans here, the 1949 fire, and all about the surrounding trails, resorts, and outdoor recreation options.

For a bit more adventure save plenty of time to see Rio Frio Caves, the largest set of limestone caves in the country, as well as the deep pools and giant rocks of nearby Rio Pools.