From flat savannah and wetlands to dense broadleaf tropical forests to rugged pine forests, Belize has an impressive range of environments to explore in a relatively small territory. Add the fact that 30% of its territory is protected and it becomes easy to see why Belize is a great destination for hiking. Maybe you want to discover hidden waterfalls and secluded natural pools. Or, maybe you’re hoping to view wildlife and a treasure trove of tropical flora. Perhaps you just want a good old-fashioned challenge and to be out in nature. Whatever your desires, Belize has a trail for you to blaze. Here are some tips for hiking in Belize and which trails are best for beginners.
Know Before You Go
Photo by Andrea Murray
Belize has a variety of nature paths and hiking trails to choose from. Consider not only the length of the trail but also the terrain when picking your path. The heat and humidity can make your trek more challenging, so it is advisable to start slow and low before tackling harder hikes. While you can hike any time of the year, most people prefer the cooler months of Dry Season (December-March) when they’re the least likely to be pestered by mosquitos. The Green Season holds its own allure. The forests are at their most lush and waterfalls cascade at their most magnificent, but trails can be slippery so extra caution may be required while traversing slopes.
Be Prepared
Photo by Carolee Chanona
Pack appropriately for your outing. Many of Belize’s National Parks cover large areas and can be quite remote with limited amenities nearby, so take a day pack with plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, and any medication you might need. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking material and a sturdy shoe. Don’t forget to bring along your camera!
Best Trails for Beginners
Shipstern Nature & Wildlife Reserve- Chiclero Botanical Trail.
Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
This 20,000+ acre park in Northern Belize is situated around the Shipstern Lagoon, one of the largest inland lagoons in the region. It is most renowned for its birding and unique forests. The park’s visitor center is near the village of Sartaneja or about an hour’s drive from Orange Walk Town. You can combine the easy Botanical Trail with a visit to the nearby butterfly center. The park’s centerpiece is its observation tower for panoramic views of the area and its wildlife.
Billy Barquedier National Park- Waterfall Trail.
Billy Barquedier National Park, photo courtesy APAMO Belize
This small park on the Hummingbird Highway sits near the communities of Steadfast and Alta Vista. It is a wonderful choice for novice hikers and families. The simple trail to the waterfall and picnic area takes a mere 15 minutes. But, if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, try the Jaguar Trail. The 60-minute climb takes you to the highest point in the park. There, an observation tower overlooks the forest and surrounding agricultural fields.
Mayflower Bocawina- New Waterfall Trail.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Photo by Hamanasi
This park has miles of hiking trails and oodles of waterfalls. The New Waterfall Trail is one of the less challenging. It can be accomplished in about an hour for an out and back, not counting the time you spend refreshing yourself in the Fall.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary-Ben’s Bluff.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve. Photo by Oliver Pilcher
The world’s only Jaguar Preserve, this park is expansive and offers some of the country’s hardest hikes. That includes a multi-day challenge to Victoria Peak, Belize’s second-highest point. Novice hikers can enjoy several low-land trails and relaxing river tubing but worth the try is the moderate Ben’s Bluff Trail. The payoff is a great view of the pristinely forested basin and the namesake ridges of mountains resembling a rooster’s crown.
Mountain Pine Ridge-Big Rock Falls.
One of the most popular sites in an area that boasts loads of impressive vistas, caves, and waterfalls. The Mountain Pine Ridge area of Cayo District calls nature lovers and adventurers with the allure of its rugged landscapes and vast wilderness. The trail from Blancaneaux Lodge to Big Rock Falls follows the picturesque Privassion Creek about three kilometers to the huge natural pools at the bottom of Big Rock Falls.
St. Herman’s Cave and Blue Hole National Park- Lowland & Highland Trail Loop.
St. Herman’s Cave. Photo by David Unger / Hamanasi
Visit one of the country’s most assessable caves and marvel at the geological formations that have taken centuries for nature to build. To reach the cave, simply enjoy the easy hike along the well-marked path which forks to create a lowland or highland loop.
Featured Photo by Quilz Tamay Photography
