Encompassing a spectacular range
of rolling hills, peaks and gorges formed from some
of the oldest rocks in Central American, the Reserve
covers nearly 300 square miles of unpaved roads and
nature trails. The karst limestone terrain is especially
suited for, Horseback-Riding, Hiking
and Caves.
are
a continuous series of pools formed by large granite
boulders. Many of the pools are connected by small
waterfalls. The smooth surface of the boulders make
natural water slides and a great place for a swim or
a hike.
is
located less than a mile from the Pine Forest Headquarters
in Augustine. Stepping-stones lead inside the
most easily accessible of Belize's river caves.
Everything is big in this cave! The two 65-foot arched
entryways
leave you in awe. Huge stalactites hang from the massive
cathedral-like vault, which is part of a cave system
the Maya used to bury their dead. Room size
boulders are strewn throughout the cave and a
stream flows through, forming pools with cascading
falls.
Openings at both
ends make flashlights unnecessary for viewing the
cave's formations during daylight hours. There
is a beach area with a foot bridge for crossing the
stream and getting to the other side, which leads to
the exit opening.
It is a quarter mile through
to
the other side, another equally impressive opening.
(Do bring a flashlight to watch your footing as you
walk through to the other end and to explore other
caves in the area). At the exit opening, look for
a well-maintained nature trail, one of which leads
to a nearby cave, Cuevas Gemelas. A second trail leads
back to the parking lot.
Laughing Jaw and
several other caves are also
located nearby. The trails are marked; and you can
explore them on your own, or with your guide.
,
also known as Thousand-Foot Falls, is believed to be the highest waterfall
in Central America and is actually over 1,500 ft.
to
the bottom. A viewing platform overlooks the falls.
There is a short scenic trail around the escarpment
for taking in the valley view.
is
somewhat off the beaten path. You'll need a guide
or
good directions. Here you can contemplate nature, hike
downstream or go swimming at the falls.
Mountain Pine Ridge - Day
Tours
Combine Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools,
or Big Rock Falls with one of the following:
1,000 ft. Falls (Where avid birders wait for a glimps of the elusive Orange-Breasted Falcon), Barton
Creek Cave, Green Hills Butterfly Ranch or the San Antonio Women's Co-op for a farm tour and tamales making.
The road
beyond the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve continues
south and on to Caracol,
located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is the
largest Maya Archeological site in Belize.
Tours to Caracol include a stop, on the return leg to either Big
Rock Falls or Rio
On Pools.
Along the Way ....
Barton Creek Cave access
is through a picturesque Mennonite farm community. See large and colorful formations, burial remains,
and pottery.
Green
Hills Butterfly Ranch is
a research center and botanical collection. There are
more than 25 species of butterflies on display in the
breeding facility and landscaped flight area.
San Antonio Womens Co-op, featuring handmade crafts and pottery for sale is a good place to stop for a short visit to look for gifts or to spend a day trying your hand at pottery, tamale making and a tour of the farm.
See our Cayo Activities & Tours page
for more ideas. |
