Rio Blanco Falls

April 24, 2024
by Belize Hub +

Rio Blanco Falls is a very scenic series of waterfalls located inside the 500-acre Rio Blanco Falls Park in the southern part of the country. The park was founded in 1994 and is currently being managed by the Rio Blanco Mayan Association.

Why You Have to Visit Rio Blanco Falls On Your Vacation

The waterfalls run in a series of cascades at a gentle angle, allowing visitors to swim in the plunge pool at the bottom. The pristine natural beauty of the area is popular for bird watching, enjoying a picnic meal, or simply soaking up the quiet ambiance. More adventurous visitors can climb to the top of the waterfalls and use a stone ledge to jump directly into the plunge pool at the base.

To reach the falls, visitors need to hike for about a mile up a narrow trail and then climb a series of steps cut out of the stone. At the entrance to the park, there is a visitor center where travelers can learn about the park as well as browse through traditional Maya handicrafts that are for sale.

Where in Belize Is Rio Blanco Falls Located?

The falls are located inside the Rio Blanco Waterfall Park approximately six miles south of the village of San Antonio and 30 miles north of Punta Gorda in Belize’s southern Toledo District. The entrance to the park is just a short walk from the village of Santa Cruz. From the entrance, you’ll need to travel approximately one mile into the park to reach the well-marked stairs that lead to the falls.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Rio Blanco Falls

The narrow trail that accesses the park cuts through the jungle and may be difficult to traverse following heavy rains. The water levels of the falls, however, remain sufficient enough to enjoy swimming and diving into the plunge pool all year round.

Best Way to Get to Rio Blanco Falls in Belize

Part of the attraction of the Rio Blanco Falls is its quiet, natural beauty, so it isn’t easy to get to this area with a vehicle. Most visitors travel to San Antonio and then proceed to the entrance of the park by personal vehicle or on foot.

Best Way to Experience Rio Blanco Falls

Belize has many beautiful waterfalls, but Rio Blanco is a great way to enjoy a peaceful ambiance far from the bigger crowds that can be found at other sites. If you’ve got time to spend a day relaxing in nature and marveling at the quiet beauty and active bird life, Rio Blanco Falls is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and a refreshing swim on a hot day.