Mountain Pine Ridge

8 Hours

Tour Duration

Moderate

Tour Intensity

Min of 2

Number of persons for the tour

What to bring/wear

  • Good Hiking shoes
  • Bug repellent
  • Bathing Suit 
  • Extra pair of dry clothing
  • Towel
  •  Extra water
  • Snacks
  • Camera

What we provide

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fee
  • Lunch
  • Gear

Brief information

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Tour Description

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, known locally as “Pine Ridge” was established in 1944. Its location is in the Cayo District. The Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Tour is a full-day trip to look at some of Belize’s finest wilderness, is approximately 270 square miles, that’s over 150,000 acres of protected forest. The best way to get to Mountain Pine Ridge will depend on your location. The most popular option is staying in or near San Ignacio and taking a guided tour to the reserve. The area is mainly granite and limestone, and the area is home to numerous rivers, springs, waterfalls, and caves. Top. On this tour of the reserve, you will be going to the three best spots. This pine tree-dominated forest, in recent years decimated by the pine bark beetle, is more than just a vast wooded area. Tourists and visitors find gorges and deep ravines, traverse dramatic granite expanses atop the Maya Mountains and observe meandering rivers, streams, waterfalls and pools amid. 

The Rio Frio Cave

This cave is considered one of the best cave systems in Belize. It is one of the top attractions within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The view of the entry of the cave is in itself amazing, standing 65 feet tall. What awaits inside is nature at its most spectacular forms and has a length of around a quarter-mile. Explore the many natural fresh-water pools, waterfalls and stalactite formations found inside the cave.

The Rio Frio Cave is considered one of the best caving systems throughout Belize. With a length of around a quarter mile, there is no shortage of natural wonders along the way. Explore the many natural fresh-water pools, waterfalls and stalactite formations. This is one of the top attractions within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and is easily accessed at the entry point of the reserve.

The Rio On Pools

The Rio On Pools is a scenic view North of Douglas D’Silva Ranger Station in the Cayo District, hidden in the hills of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is the invigorating spot of Rio on Pools., with its granite, rocks and ledges that form the most aesthetic waterfalls and fresh-water pools. The river banks feature the perfect picnic locations with excellent views of the area. 

The pools are refreshing for a dip and the smooth slabs of granite are perfect for stretching out to dry off. It’s a remote location but a popular spot for tourists to enjoy. Locals also visit the area on long weekends.

 

Big Rock Falls

 Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District of Belize. Big Rock Falls is a large waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve that attracts a number of visitors who enjoy swimming and cliff jumping.

This waterfall was carved from some of the oldest rocks found in Central America. This waterfall is the most photograph falls in all of Belize and relaxation cool spot. Part of the Vaca Plateau in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Big Rock Falls is an impressive waterfall boasting two large, deep emerald pools filled with spring water perfect for swimming or, for the more adventurous, cliff jumping.  The water from the peaks of the Maya Mountains rushes over giant granite rock outcroppings and down the waterfall.  The footpath to the falls is a 15-minute hike and involves some difficult climbing down hand hewn stairs to the valley below.  Once to the water, you must walk over the large slabs of not-so-flat and sometimes slippery granite to reach the falls.  This site is amazing, but only for those who are in moderate physical condition.

Map

Our Clients Reviews

  • star rating  The most memorable experience in Belize - Just came back from our ATM cave tour with Orlando from Kaatz Witz Tours . Pick up from the guest house where we are staying, nice air-conditioned van with lunch... read more

    avatar thumb Tedi932
    April 24, 2024

    star rating  The best tour for ATM and Xunantunich!!  - Absolutely amazing day with Orlando guiding my husband and I through the ATM Cave and Xunantunich! He’s been guiding for 20 years and is truly an expert with so much... read more

    avatar thumb Amy H
    January 27, 2024

    star rating  Orlando was our guide for the ATM caves. He was an excellent guide and the tour was a really fun and interesting experience. Would highly recommend booking.
    - He... read more

    Anna F
    August 2, 2023
  • star rating  We had Orlando as our ATM cave guide. He was a wonderful guide, and happily answered all my questions, made sure the group was doing ok at every turn, and... read more

    avatar thumb RebeccaB375
    August 22, 2022

    star rating  Orlando took us on an amazing trip to the ATM caves!! We enjoyed the day with him learning about the jungle, caves and history of the Mayan people. Orlando was... read more

    K8599TEkatiee
    June 14, 2022

    star rating  Have you ever walked away from something and said to yourself "WOW!! that experience could not have been any better and it's all because of the person who was gracious... read more

    joellenandjoe
    April 16, 2022
  • star rating  Excellent! Orlando explained the history and cultural relevance of the site! Highly recommend this personalized tour of this Underground Maya Ruin

    Curiosity34833282414
    January 23, 2022

    star rating  We went on this adventure with an expert on the ATM cave who told us a lot of interesting facts and stories about its magical history. Any question we asked... read more

    ScaniaSt
    December 25, 2021

    star rating  Our trip to the ATM cave with Orlando from Katz Witz Maya Tours was nothing short of mind blowing!

    Orlando’s knowledge of every detail in the ATM cave,... read more

    Jbrosious
    November 26, 2021
  • star rating  The ATM cave tour was the highlight of our week in Belize! Our guide, Orlando, was very patient and informative, giving us direction on where to place our hands... read more

    Roving731607
    November 11, 2021

    star rating  We had an excellent time with Orlando exploring the ATM caves. He is a very knowledgeable tour guide and we felt extremely comfortable exploring the caves with him!! ... read more

    343karah
    November 2, 2021

    star rating  My 18yo son and I were guided by our new friend Orlando into an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. We learned and experienced so... read more

    Jackie M
    September 7, 2021