I love Belize, but I have some extra love for the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. What is it about it that catapulted it to the top of the pile? Stunning caves like the Rio Frio cave, waterfalls, river pools, and a blanket of pine trees covering the mountains. Need I say more?
I’ll start with Rio Frio cave, the furthest stop from the reserve entrance, and follow with the other attractions you can find on your way back.
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These are the amazing outdoor adventures you can enjoy at the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize.
Table of Contents
Rio Frio Cave
Wow, wow, and wow. That’s all I was able to say when I crossed the entrance of the limestone cave, with vines longer than a Sperm whale hanging in front of the big opening. Inside the massive cave a gazillion stalactites hang from the 65-foot tall arch, reminding me of an upside down meringue cake.
Thanks to the two monumental openings the interior is bright enough to see the magnificent formations and its reflection on the pools created by the river, but dark enough to keep a sense of mystery.
Rio Frio Cave is located about halfway into the reserve. You’ll drive along the main road, reach the Douglas Da Silva Forest Station and turn right following the sign. At the end of the road you’ll find the parking lot within a short walk along the river to the entrance of the cave.
Domingo Ruiz Cave
Drive a few minutes on the main road from the Rio Frio Cave (on your way back) to find the secondary road to the Domingo Ruiz cave, where you’re up for a more intimate experience.
After a short walk in the jungle you’ll find the opening to descend into the cave, where you’ll see right away the calcium carbonate formations resembling frozen waterfalls.
As you walk a few feet further inside the cave (bring a flashlight) you’ll see more formations -some of them sparkle like diamonds- and baby stalagmites resembling milky puddles.
Rio On Pools
Sit on the multilevel granite terraces to glance at the gentle cascades formed by Rio On or take a dip in the calmer pools.
Whatever you do, be careful when you step because the wet stones can be slippery like a floor covered in banana peels (great for sliding your way through the cascades, though). Water sandals with a good grip may help.
Walk around the access road for a beautiful view of the pools in the distance and the scenic mountain range.
Rio On pools, along with Rio Frio Cave, are popular stops included with tours to the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.
Caracol Maya Ruins Tour including Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools: swim in Rio On Pools after visiting this amazing cave and seeing the amazing pyramids of Caracol.
Explore Mountain Pine Ridge with this tour, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 155 reviews.
Pinol Cascade
Pinol cascade may not be as impressive as other falls in the reserve, but it’s still a beautiful spot to visit if you have time to spare.
Pinol Sands
Unlike Rio On pools, these natural (and small) pools feature sand instead of granite. This is a popular site with families as the swimming area is safer for small children.
Big Rock Falls
Get off the main road at Blancaneaux Line and drive until you see the sign for the bumpy road ending in the Big Rock Falls parking area. You’ll find a short trail ending in a series of steep and narrow stairs that will take you down to Privassion Creek.
Hop from boulder to boulder to get close to the scenic Big Rock Falls and take a dip in the cold water.
From the parking area you can access another hiking trail that leads to the pine forest and to beautiful views of the mountain.
It’s also great for birdwatching.
1000 Foot Falls
This is an off-the-beaten-path spot in an already off-the-beaten-path reserve in Belize as it’s more than 30 minutes from the main road.
We didn’t have the chance to visit the falls, but if you have enough time you can venture out to this scenic overlook (a 4X4 SUV isn’t optional).
But there’s something you need to know before you go.
If you’re looking forward to seeing a 1000-foot waterfall up-close you may be disappointed as the lookout is far from the falls and the lower section of the fall is hidden by the forest. Check out pictures online and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
If a scenic view of the mountains is what you’re after, then you’ll be happy.
Where to Eat and Stay in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
If waking up in this slice of paradise sounds like a dream come true you have several options that will make it happen. This is also a great place to stay if you want to visit Caracol (the largest of all archaeological sites in Belize) as here you’ll find the closest accommodations.
If you’re coming only for a day trip, you can stop by these lodges for a drink and a bite to eat while you relax in their beautiful gardens and installations.
Pine Ridge Lodge: we loved the delicious food in this place and enjoyed walking around the bountiful gardens. The place is not on the luxury side, it’s an excellent option if you’re on a budget but still want good service. Rooms are colourful, with a desk, Wi-Fi, and private bathroom.
Stay at this lodge, with a rating of 9.6 based on more than 90 reviews.
Gaia Riverlodge: a truly scenic location with views of the river and the mountain, offering spacious rooms, free bikes, a bar, terrace, lounge, and a restaurant.
Book a stay at Gaia, with a rating of 9.4 based on more than 80 reviews.
Blancaneaux Lodge: this is a more luxurious option, owned by the Coppola family, if you want to splurge on upscale accommodations with amazing food. We stopped here for a drink and we were impressed by the gardens and the stylish facilities.
Stay at Blancaneaux, with a rating of 9.6 based on more than 50 reviews.
How to Get to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
The entrance to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a 30-minute drive from San Ignacio or Georgeville. If you want to explore all the gems of the reserve it’s better to rent a 4X4 SUV as most roads aren’t suitable for a car.
Ziplining Close to Mountain Pine Ridge
Craving for some adrenaline after visiting Mountain Pine Ridge?
Leave the reserve and 15 minutes later you can be ziplining above the jungle canopy or cable walking in Calico Jack’s Resort and Zip line.
We stopped here for a tasty late lunch on our second trip to Mountain Pine Ridge.
Pass the reserve entrance and take Chiquibul Road and then turn right on 7 Mile El Progresso Road, which leads to the resort.
If you want to be close to Mountain Pine Ridge you can also stay at Calico Jack’s Resort.
If you want to experience caves, waterfalls and natural pools in one place, surrounded by a unique environment in Belize, head straight to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. You can spend a whole day exploring all it has to offer, and even stay overnight for a complete off-the-beaten-path experience.
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Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading!
Our world is beautiful! We started to travel more this year, and I enjoy discovering new places. I have never been to Belize, but maybe when the kids will be older.
You may enjoy it more with older kids
This is a good adventure and would love to go there one day. I love hiking and discovering new places. Thank you for sharing this guide.
Belize offers many spectacular hikes where you can see wildlife.
What an amazing place! You have truly captured the beauty!
Thanks! Belize makes it really easy to take decent pics
Wow this looks stunning, amazing caves..
Rio Frio and the ATM cave are the most popular ones.
I loved reading about your trip to the Rio Frio Cave and the Mountain Pine Ridge in Belize. Your photos are breathtaking!
Thank you! The beauty of Belize makes it easier.
I love nature and I definitely need to visit
Belize is for nature lovers!
Your pictures do such a great job of showing the adventure! Thanks for taking us along the journey! The Ruiz cave looks like it’d be so fun!
Thanks! The Domingo Ruiz cave is kind of mysterious. I loved the sparkly frozen waterfall.