Here are 4 hard-to-reach destinations in Belize that are worth the trek!
To travel is to live; Some corners of the world defy human interference. The following remote locations aren’t easy to reach, but they are well worth the extra effort. To get to some of the locations mentioned below, you have to take an all-terrain vehicle, a helicopter, a long hike, or a horse. These are sights that will stay with you the longest, and after the journey you’ll have a greater appreciation for smooth rides.
1. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
This reserve is recognised as the world’s first jaguar preserve. It is known for its scenic edge, allowing you to see and experience immaculate waterfalls, mountain views, nature trails, birds & an array of other flora & fauna. It all started in the early 1980’s when concerns for the Belizean jaguars was raised from two different places. A citrus farmer approached James Hyde to express his concern for Belizean jaguars when he encountered jaguars in his orchard. Through an ecological study conducted between 1982 and 1984, Dr. Alan Rabinowitz observed that this area had the highest density of jaguars ever recorded. You may not get to see tapirs, deers, jaguars, and other wildlife that roam the reserve, however you are able to appreciate the tracks of these, sometimes fresh and other times not so fresh.
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is much more than just a nature reserve set aside for jaguars. Upper watersheds of important river systems that deliver ecosystem services to people are protected by this reserve. A ridge of land separates Cockscomb’s two distinctive basins.
2. Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
Belize is full of nature reserves, and Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the most heavily visited ones. This reserve is home to spectacular attractions, including Caracol Mayan Ruins, 1,000 ft Waterfalls, Rio Frio Cave, Butterfly Falls, Big Rock Falls, and Rio On Pools just to name a few. Guests can appreciate how rapidly one moves from broad-lead rainforest to pine forest, and the dirt roads in the area make for great stories, especially when it’s rainy.
and then there was water………oh water, fresh, clean, natural water!
3. Actun Loch Tunich Sink Hole
Considered as the “mother of all caves” in Belize, this black hole drop is the perfect off-the-beaten path adventure to get your adrenaline fix! The sink hole is not actually black, but it definitely adds excitement as you can’t see the bottom from the start. The edge of this sink hole actually sits 300 ft. above the basin, just to give you a perspective. The first 10 feet takes care of the adrenaline, the rest, well, you actually get to enjoy the birds eye view on the flora & fauna found in this area. Are you in other parts of the country? Our local carrier Tropic Air offers the tour, too! They can fly you from any district in the country to Belmopan and take you there.
4. La Capitana Pontoon on the Vaca Lake
If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences, you will love this one. There are two ways to go about this day; you either ride on La Capitana, a pontoon boat equipped with icebox and a barbecue grill for lunch of your choice, or by canoe. If you enjoy adventure, the latter works best! This sits on the Vaca lake, where the Vaca Hydroelectric Plant is, and is home to crocs, iguanas, birds and other flora & fauna. The reserve gives you a choice of up to 3 or 4 waterfalls, each requiring you to hike a couple of minutes to get to them, but totally worth it! This is what we mean by worth it:
Apart from adventurous, this place can be romantic as well. Anything secluded, private and fun can turn romantic easily. And by that we mean:
Belize is one of those countries you visit if you want to satisfy your cravings for new experiences with a “wildly civilised” approach. We are the perfect mix of Caribbean Hospitality with Central American Adventure, and we mean it.
Are you looking for your next off-the-beaten path adventure?! look no further, we’d love to help you! Send us an e-mail or call us at +1-877-709-8708 for more information.