Exploring Elijio Panti National Park: A Hidden Gem of Culture, Jungle, and Healing
On June 7, my son Aayden and I joined fellow members of my tour guide class for an overnight camping trip to Elijio Panti National Park—a lesser-known but extraordinary destination tucked deep in the Maya Mountains of western Belize.
🏞️ Where Nature Meets Tradition
Located just 30 minutes from San Antonio Village or an hour from San Ignacio, Elijio Panti National Park covers over 13,000 acres of lush rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient healing trails. The park is named in honor of Don Elijio Panti, Belize’s most respected traditional healer and a guardian of ancient Maya medicine.
Today, the park stands as a community-managed conservation area, home to sacred caves, medicinal plant trails, and abundant wildlife. It was officially declared a national park in 2001, thanks to the efforts of the Itzamna Society and the local community of San Antonio.
🚙 Getting There
To reach the park, visitors must travel a rugged dirt road—passable only with 4×4 vehicles. On our trip, we met up in San Antonio and traveled with the park rangers who guided us into the forested valley nestled between two hills.
At the ranger station, you’ll find basic facilities including a cooking area, restrooms, showers, and campsites. The water is gravity-fed, and the site blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. During our stay, we spotted a miniature kingfisher near the stream and enjoyed the sounds of jungle life all around us.
🌌 Camping and Night Hiking with Kids
This was Aayden’s first real camping experience—and he was both excited and nervous. Once we arrived and set up camp, he quickly made friends with other children in the group. While I pitched our tent, he played football with the others under the canopy of trees.
At sunset, we set out on a guided night hike with the rangers. We heard two species of owls, saw salamanders, millipedes, and the ever-present pauraque—a nocturnal bird commonly found in Belize. One of the most memorable sightings was a baby fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper), coiled quietly just off the trail—a powerful reminder that the forest is alive in ways most people never see.
The fer-de-lance is one of Belize’s most venomous snakes, but also one of its most ecologically important. Our guides gave it plenty of space and used the opportunity to teach the group how to move respectfully in snake territory. When we returned to camp, the kids were thrilled to spot two kinkajous in the trees directly above our tents.
These experiences show why the park is such a rich destination for biodiversity. The nearby creek teems with crabs, freshwater shrimp, and small fish, making it an ideal place for families and nature lovers alike.
💧 Sapodilla Falls: A Hidden Jungle Treasure
The next morning, the group split into two. Some of the adults hiked three miles through the jungle to a hidden waterfall, while I stayed with the group that took the truck two miles down the trail, then hiked the final stretch on foot with the kids.
The destination: Sapodilla Falls, named for the many sapodilla trees in the area.
The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking. Aayden was thrilled—and so was I. We spent over three hours there enjoying a picnic lunch, swimming, and exploring the area. This is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to combine nature and tranquility on a single trail.
💡 Want to explore the waterfall? Guided ATV waterfall tours are available. Contact Alvin to arrange your adventure.
🌿 The Healing Legacy of Don Elijio Panti
Elijio Panti wasn’t just a healer—he was a living library of Maya medical knowledge. Born in 1893 and raised in San Antonio, he learned herbal healing through oral tradition. Over his lifetime, he treated thousands of people using herbal remedies, abdominal massage, and spiritual prayer.
His wisdom attracted researchers from the New York Botanical Garden and the National Cancer Institute, with whom he collected over 500 medicinal plants—some still being studied for their healing properties.
One of his apprentices, Dr. Rosita Arvigo, helped document his knowledge in books like Rainforest Remedies and Sastun. Together, they founded the Ix Chel Tropical Research Center to protect and teach these traditions.
Today, his legacy continues through:
- Youth bush medicine camps
- Medicinal plant trails in the park
- The Terra Nova Reserve, protecting endangered healing plants
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
Park Entrance Fee: $15 BZD per person
ATV Waterfall Tours: Available with Alvin (message to book)
Facilities: Ranger station, restrooms, showers, cooking area, interpretive trails
Recommended: 4×4 vehicle, camping gear, binoculars, flashlight for night hikes
🗺️ For general park information, contact the Elijio Panti National Park office. For guided experiences, ATV tours, or customized family trips, reach out to Alvin.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Elijio Panti National Park is more than just a nature reserve—it’s a living classroom for cultural heritage, jungle biodiversity, and community-led conservation. Whether you come for the waterfalls, the wildlife, or to walk in the footsteps of Belize’s greatest bush doctor, the experience is unforgettable.
Want help planning your visit or bringing your family on a guided overnight tour? I’m here to help you experience the heart of Belize—one trail at a time.
