Visiting the inland rainforests and mountains of Belize is a wonderful way to discover another side of this diverse and beautiful Central American country. The rainforests of Belize are home to numerous exotic birds, incredible wildlife and ample opportunities for adventure from hiking to ziplining.
To help get you inspired, we thought we would share some ideas for things to see and do in the tropical rainforests of Belize:
1. Go Hiking To The Best Viewpoints in Belize
Hike to one or all of these 5 Best Viewpoints in Belize . One of our favourite hikes and viewpoints it to the top of Antelope Falls in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. This medium to difficult trail hike is incredibly rewarding. Once at the top of Antelope Waterfalls you will be treated to a beautiful view and a emerald green pool of fresh water to cool off in. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park has several miles of trails to hike and five beautiful natural waterfalls to explore
and swim in.
Another favourite viewpoint is from the Cahal Pech Village Resort . This beautiful lodge is carved out of the land and offers a stunning vista overlooking the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of the Cayo District in Western Belize.
Morning mist over the hills at Cahal Pech Village Resort.
2. Spot a Jaguar
The Maya Mountains supports the largest population of jaguars within Belize. This area includes the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary which is known internationally as the world’s first jaguar preserve.
At the end of 2017, Panthera Belize conducted a wildlife monitoring program in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Panthera Belize is an NGO dedicated to the conservation of the wild cats of Belize and in particular jaguars. Check out some of the amazing shots of jaguars and other wildlife found on their camera traps throughout the park.
Unfortunately, your chances of seeing a jaguar in the wild are quite slim. We suggest visiting the Belize Zoo . All the animals at the zoo are native to Belize and were orphaned, rescued or born at the zoo. We are proud supporters of the Belize Zoo and its incredible conservation efforts, and educational programs.
A jaguar at the Belize Zoo
3. Find A Hidden Waterfall and a Secret Swimming Spot
Check out this list of Belize’s Best Swimming Spots , many complete with cascading waterfalls. One of our favourite waterfalls is at the Hidden Valley Inn , a private nature reserve set on 7,200 acres of wilderness in the Maya Mountains.
Waterfall at the Hidden Valley Inn
4. Experience Birding at Sunrise
With over 600 species of birds in Belize, you’re likely to see something new and exciting each step of the way. Belize is home to an impressive number of species that vary from residents that stay all year around, to migratory species that may travel thousands of miles from their breeding grounds to overwinter in the neotropics. One of the best time to go birding is at the first light of the day.
Learn more about birding at the Mayflower Bocawina National Park in this video:
5. Wine and Dine in the Belize Rainforest
Belize has some incredible restaurants to discover, with menus inspired by using local and organic ingredients, often from surrounding gardens. We suggested trying out the following, all of which are set in glorious jungle settings:
- The Wild Fig Jungle Bistro & Bar at Bocawina Rainforest Resort
- La Ranita Restaurant the Mystic River Resort
- Mariposa Restaurant at Chaa Creek
- The Sleeping Giant Restaurant at the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
The Wild Fig Jungle Bistro and Bar at Bocawina Rainforest Resort
6. Visit a Butterfly Farm
With over 700 butterfly species to discover in Belize, one must do is to learn more about all the species at one of these Belize butterfly farms. One of the most well known butterfly farms in Belize is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, located at Chaa Creek. Guided tours are offered daily in conjunction with tours of the Natural History Centre.
Owl Butterfly in Belize
7. Rappel Down a Waterfall
For all the adrenaline seekers out there, waterfall rappelling in Belize is a bucket list activity. Waterfall rappelling tours are available from Bocawina Rainforest Resort . The tour starts with a hike through the magnificent rainforest and guides will tell you about the fauna, flora and the ancient Maya culture of the region. The adventure ends with a rappel down Big Drop Falls into the pristine blue pool at the bottom.
Find out more about waterfall rappelling in Belize:
8. Experience a Night Zipline and Hike through the jungle
The Belize rainforest comes alive after dark with nocturnal creatures such as howler monkeys, foxes, armadillo, paca, bats, and kinkajou. Listen to the noises of the night as you zip through the jungle with experienced guides. This Belize zipline tour is even more spectacular during a full moon.
Ziplining at Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Book Your Belize Jungle Tour
Contact one of our Belize trip planners at 1.800.667.1630 or email: info@islandexpeditions.com for more details and to book your rainforest adventure.