Are you looking for a tropical vacation that includes amazing adventures, cascading waterfalls, warm people and lots of local history? Look no further than the Mayflower Bocawina National Park in east-central Belize, Central America.
Established in 2001, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is situated on over 7,000 acres of lowlands and highlands. The park’s ecosystems serve as the bridge between the Mayan Mountains to the east and the coastal regions in the west. It is easily accessed from Belize City or Dangriga to the north or from Placencia in the south. The mission of the park is to conserve the integrity of Belize’s diverse ecosystems while educating the public. Your visit to the Mayflower Bocawina National Park helps fund research opportunities and helps ensure that its existence is sustainable for future generations.
There are many ways to explore the park on your own, as part of a tour, or with a guide. A hike is a good way to explore the forest and its vast array of mammal wildlife, such as howler monkeys, ocelots, deer, and foxes. The forest is also home to several species of bats, several endangered animals, and the near-threatened jaguar. If you’re an avid bird-watcher or new to the hobby, you will appreciate birding with an experienced guide. Bird enthusiasts have identified over 200 different bird species in the park, including toucans, oreoles, woodpeckers, and the rarely-seen spectacled owl. Many tour operators offer day and night tours.
The park has three waterfalls known collectively as the Three Sisters Waterfalls. You can access the lower and upper Bocawina falls by a short hike on a well-maintained trail. Your trek to the upper falls is rewarded by a dip in the cool pool at the base of the 50-foot falls. The more intrepid hikers can continue to the 100-foot Antelope Falls, the top of which allows for stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. You can find a tour guide that will provide safe and professional rappelling activities at each of the three waterfalls for every skill level. For a more exciting experience, you and your family can try exploring the forest with the longest zipline course in Belize.
During your hikes through the lush rainforest, you will see Maya ruins, unexcavated Maya temples, and other Maya sites that have yet to be explored. Once excavations are completed, scientists believe that the ruins will represent one of the largest Mayan ruins sites in the country. The park includes a teaching center displaying numerous artifacts found within the park’s boundaries, exhibits about the history of the Maya people in the region, and interactive activities for young visitors.
Although the park does not have overnight accommodations other than camping, there are several hotels nearby. Located approximately eight miles south of the park in the laid-back village of Placencia, Chabil Mar is a full-service luxury beach resort. Access to on-site concierge and beach captain services are included in your stay. Enjoy activities such as swimming in the infinity pools, biking along the beach, and dining at the resort’s restaurant. You are minutes away from shopping, listening to music, or sightseeing in the nearby village.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on southern Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
