Waterfalls in Belize: Nature’s Coolest Invitation
There’s something about chasing waterfalls in Belize that feels like a return to yourself. Maybe it’s the sound—soft or thunderous—or the wild green world around you. Maybe it’s the cold splash on your face after a jungle hike. I’ve led travelers to hidden cascades, jungle pools, and misty overlooks since 2010—and each time, it feels new.
This is my updated guide to the top waterfalls in Belize—not just the famous ones, but the sacred, the social, the overlooked. Based on real guest experiences, seasonal beauty, and local knowledge from 2023 to 2025.
🏞️ Mountain Pine Ridge: Where the River Meets the Sky
The Cayo District is home to Belize’s most famous waterfalls. Cool pine forests, granite boulders, and clear river systems make this area a waterfall-lover’s paradise.
🌊 Big Rock Falls (Top Pick)
- Height: ~150 ft
- Why Go: A short hike, stone steps, and a powerful fall crashing into a perfect swimming hole.
- Alvin’s Note: This is the one that gets guests to say “wow.” I visit often, especially March–June.
🏔️ Thousand Foot Falls (Tallest in Central America)
- Height: ~1,600 ft
- Why Go: Breathtaking from a distance; remote, raw, and beautiful.
- 2025 Update: Road access has improved—still wild, but more reachable.
🌿 Butterfly Falls (Secluded & Serene)
- Height: ~80 ft
- Access: Hidden Valley Inn (private property)
- Why Go: One of the quietest and most photogenic falls in Belize.
💧 Five Sisters Falls
- Feature: Five side-by-side streams feeding into a large pool
- Why Go: Easy to reach, family-friendly, and scenic.
- Alvin’s Tip: Visit after light rain for better flow, then have lunch at Gaia Lodge.
🪨 Rio On Pools
- Feature: River slides, shallow pools, and granite outcrops
- Why Go: A relaxed vibe and a great spot for quick dips or photo ops.
🕯️ Waterfalls and Xibalba: The Spirit Beneath the Flow
In ancient Maya belief, caves and waterfalls weren’t just landscapes—they were portals to Xibalba, the underworld. Even today, some elders won’t swim near dusk or alone.
“If the water feel too still, too cold—leave it be. Something watching.”
— A whisper I once heard while hiking in Cayo
Whether you believe or not, it’s worth feeling the presence. That’s the beauty of Belize—you don’t just visit nature, you enter into its story.
🌿 Inland Gems: Village Falls & Hidden Cascades
🫗 Actun Chapat Waterfall (Inside the Earth)
- Where: Vaca Plateau near San Jose Succotz
- Why Go: A rare underground waterfall hidden deep inside a ceremonial cave.
- Access: Only by special guided expedition.
🚶♂️ San Antonio Falls or Sapadilla Falls (Cultural Stop)
- Where: San Antonio Village, Cayo
- Why Go: Gentle, overlooked, and often used by locals. Pair with pottery or lunch in the village.
🌊 Cristo Rey Falls (Local Favorite)
- Where: Just outside San Ignacio
- Why Go: Easily accessible, with a shallow river-style cascade perfect for kids and families.
- Local Vibe: On weekends, you’ll find Belizeans swimming, cooking, and playing music on the rocks.
- Good For: Cooling off after the San Ignacio market or a Maya ruins tour.
🌴 Stann Creek District: Jungle Thrills Near the Coast
Close to Hopkins, Dangriga, and Placencia, these waterfalls mix well with reef trips and adventure activities.
🐾 Antelope Falls (Best Adventure Combo)
- Height: ~1,000 ft
- Where: Mayflower Bocawina National Park
- Why Go: Waterfall climb, optional rappel, epic zipline, and sweeping views.
🌿 Bocawina Falls (Upper & Lower)
- Why Go: Gentle hikes, freshwater pools, and a jungle feel without the uphill strain.
- Good For: Kids, elders, or chill-day explorers.
find them on google maps
🛞 Davis Falls (Remote & Rewarding)
- Height: ~500 ft
- Access: 4WD + hike
- Why Go: Off-grid and mighty—few visitors make it here, but it’s unforgettable when they do.
🧺 Maya King Waterfalls
- Where: Just off the Southern Highway
- Why Go: A favorite for locals—easy access, good for BBQ, swimming, and music.
🐆 Southern Belize: Deep Forest and Indigenous Land
🌳 Tiger Fern Falls (Double Cascade)
- Where: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Why Go: Hidden twin falls deep in jaguar territory. Moderate hike, pure reward.
🌱 Ben’s Bluff Falls
- Also In: Cockscomb
- Why Go: Smaller, quieter trail. Great for reflection or birdwatching.
🌊 Rio Blanco Falls
- Where: Rio Blanco National Park, Toledo
- Why Go: Cliff jumps, local-run park, and near the ruins of Lubaantun.
💧 Golden Stream Waterfall
- Where: Golden Stream Corridor Preserve
- Why Go: Eco-hidden, untouched, and rarely listed. A birdwatcher’s dream.
💡 Why People All Over the World Chase Waterfalls — And Why Belize Might Be the Best Place to Do It
From the fjords of Iceland to the rice terraces of Bali, waterfalls are among the most sought-after experiences in nature travel today.
Why?
Because whether you’re hiking in Thailand, swimming in Costa Rica, or standing at the base of a fall in Cayo, Belize—something shifts when you hear water crash through jungle stone. It’s not just travel. It’s awakening.
🌍 Around the World:
There’s something about waterfalls that speaks to people, no matter where they come from.
For some, it’s the sound — like the world exhaling. For others, it’s the power, the mist, the sudden stillness inside.
That’s why you see waterfall photos everywhere — not just on Instagram or TikTok, but in the stories people carry home.
In places like the U.S., tens of millions of people seek out waterfalls every year.
Young travelers call them the most “Instagrammable” nature spots — but deeper down, they’re remembered as places of peace.
The kind of memory that stays with you long after the trip is over.
And still… most people don’t know Belize has these moments too.
Waterfalls you can swim in. Picnic by. Hike toward. Breathe beside.
Not as a tourist.
But as someone who’s finally made time to feel the world again.
What makes Belize different?
- You’re not just watching a waterfall—you’re walking into a story.
- Some are hidden inside sacred caves (Actun Chapat) or flow through Maya lands (Rio Blanco).
- Some come with hammocks and punta beats (Maya King, Cristo Rey), others with silence and birdsong (Butterfly Falls).
In Belize, waterfalls aren’t background—they’re invitations.
To climb, to cool off, to connect.
🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Belize?
Waterfalls in Belize flow all year—but the experience changes with the season.
Dry Season (February to June)
Trails are easier to hike. Water clarity is higher, especially at places like Big Rock, Butterfly Falls, and Cristo Rey Falls. Great for swimming, photos, and reaching remote sites like Actun Chapat or Davis Falls.
Green Season (June to early December)
This is when waterfalls are at their most powerful. You’ll hear them before you see them. Some trails may be muddy, but the forest is alive. It’s the best time to feel the full energy of places like Antelope Falls, Rio On Pools, and Tiger Fern.
Alvin’s Tip:
Visit just after the first rains of June or July—when everything is lush, but rivers haven’t risen too high. That’s when the jungle breathes back.
🧭 Stay Safe & Share the Falls With Respect
Belize’s waterfalls are for everyone. Here’s how to enjoy them safely and respectfully:
✅ Safety First
- Wear proper hiking shoes—rocks can be slick
- Watch river levels after rain
- Avoid swimming after heavy lunch or near dusk
- Travel with a guide in remote areas
🎶 What to Expect on a Weekend
- Local families love their waterfalls too—especially Rio On, Maya King, and Cristo Rey
- You may hear music playing (reggae, punta, soca) from a speaker near the rocks
- It’s a lively vibe, not a silent retreat. Be friendly, and you’ll be invited to share food or a drink.
Looking for quiet? I’ll guide you to early morning or hidden waterfalls where the only sound is the forest breathing.
🗺️ Waterfalls by Region
| Region | Top Waterfalls | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Pine Ridge | Big Rock, Thousand Foot, Butterfly, Five Sisters, Rio On | Scenic hikes, forest pools |
| Inland Cayo Villages | San Antonio, Actun Chapat, Cristo Rey | Cultural day trips, local energy |
| Mayflower/Bocawina | Antelope, Bocawina, Davis Falls | Zipline, waterfall rappelling |
| Stann Creek Coast | Maya King | Music, locals, swimming |
| Cockscomb Basin | Tiger Fern, Ben’s Bluff | Wildlife tracking, twin falls |
| Southern Toledo | Rio Blanco, Golden Stream | Cliff jumps, off-grid exploration |
🛶 Featured Tour: Xunantunich + Big Rock Falls (with Picnic Lunch)
Looking for a blend of culture, nature, and a splash of fun? This combo delivers both story and scenery.
- 🚩 Start the day at the Maya city of Xunantunich, crossing the hand-cranked ferry and climbing El Castillo.
- 🌿 Cool off afterward at Big Rock Falls—my favorite waterfall for swimming, photos, and the jungle soundscape.
- 🍽️ Includes a picnic lunch by the river with local snacks and fruit.
🔆 Recommended For:
- Millennials and Gen Z travelers looking for immersive fun
- Families with older kids or teens
- Adventurers who want waterfalls and Maya ruins in one day
“This tour is exactly what people mean when they say best of both worlds.”
➡️ Book This Combo Tour Now or ask me to customize it just for your group.
🚙 Let Me Show You My Favorite Falls
I don’t sell tours—I share experiences. If you want to see the falls with someone who knows the trail, the story, and the timing, walk with me. I offer custom routes that include:
- Waterfalls + Maya ruins
- Swimming + jungle zipline
- Sacred sites + local lunch
