Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve from San Ignacio
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape the heat of the lowlands and explore the nature reserve of the Mountain Pine Ridge. Discover where cool rivers flow through pristine forests and caves while waterfalls provide beauty and mystery. Swim, hike, and relax in the natural scenery on an outing into the more remote areas of Cayo District. Here ancient ruins and ancient geology combine in a modern setting for an amazing experience in nature!
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
What to bring: Hiking sandals or trainers, towel, small backpack, liter of water, bug spray, snacks, swim wear with shorts, camera
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Mountain Pine Ridge reserve is over 100,000 acres of protected forest. It is comprised mainly of Honduras pine and some wetlands, the Macal River valley and some subtropical forest. The area is mainly granite and limestone, and is home to numerous rivers, springs, waterfalls and caves. This is truly a nature lover’s haven! There is a small forest ranger post and very little habitation, except for a couple of isolated Maya communities and a small settlement of Mennonites. A former logging settlement at San Luis is now abandoned because the area has been protected since the 1940s. This stunning and unique natural habitat is home to numerous bird and mammal species, and is a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the peace of the natural environment. The first feature of the reserve that we will explore is the Rio Frio Cave, the source of the Rio Frio river and the largest cave entrance in Belize. Our next stop is the Rio On Pools, a series of shimmering natural swimming holes and rock water slides that allow for cooling relaxation and meditation. Enjoy a water massage from cascading waterfalls that run over a wide river bed and smooth granite rocks. Take a homemade picnic lunch break at the pools followed by a short drive to our next destination, the fabulous Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot waterfall on Privassion Creek. Here, the cool spray of mist from the waterfall refreshes swimmers in the clear, deep pool below. This day of hiking, spelunking, swimming and possible wildlife watching is not to be missed!
What‘s Included
Professional guide
National Park fees
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Round-trip transfer
Lunch with a drink
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE with LUNCH
Discover the magnificent Mountain Pine Ridge of Cayo District, Belize. Home to many amazing caves, waterfalls and rivers you can enjoy the natural beauty and take refreshing swims in clear waters.
Pickup included
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Save the forest
Oliviersamara,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Thanks to Ed, we had a relaxing and pleasant journey walking through the Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and discovering its beauty. We visited the Rio Cave to understand better what it meant for the Maya in time of crisis. Afterwards, we looked forward to enjoy a dip in the Rio on Pools and at the Big Rock Falls. It was great! Nic & Anne
Well worth doing
Harry J,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Alex was excellent, he knew a lot about the local flora, fauna and local culture. Our driver Jaheel was also very friendly and showed us round the town on the way back. The cave was amazing, the swimming spots were also great and very safe. The walk was easy, i would recommend this trip to anyone. It was nice to hear that 10% off the profits go to conserving the nature reserves too.
Family favorite
Stacey S,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing experience! If you’re a couple or a family that loves hiking, exploring, and being outdoors, this is definitely for you. It truly felt like we stepped into a different world. The tropical foliage slowly transitions into beautiful pine forests, and the waterfalls and swimming pools were stunning — even if the water was a bit cool in November. Our guide was incredible. He was so knowledgeable about the area, its history, and the biodiversity of the plants. His insights made the entire experience even better. I would highly recommend Mayawalk Tours to anyone. Their professionalism was top notch from start to finish.
Mountain pine ridge
marykV1324AJ,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked our tours on line and they did an excellent job of keeping us informed through email and WhatsApp.. For this tour our guide was Alex, He was very informative friendly, helpful, and making sure everyone was being taken care of. Our driver was Mr. Bol, (sorry if spelled wrong) the two were wonderful. I would highly recommend this agency. We went to 3 different places each filled with wonder. I couldn't be happier with the tours we had. Thank you Mary
Best tour guide in Belize
826cecilieh,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to Mountain pine ridge forest with our tour guide, Alex. It was such a beautiful and lovely experience and Alex shared all his knowledge of the culture and nature. He was super friendly and very flexible as we were only 2 people on the tour. Therefore it also became a really personalised tour. We also went river tubing but we would definitely recommend the mountain pine ridge forest and ask for Alex!
Local Guide - A Gem of San Ignacio
Q9565NRemilym,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on a day long birding tour with Richard from Mayawalks. He was outstanding! It was my first time birding and Richard was a wealth of knowledge, patient, and as equally excited about our experience as we were. His enthusiasm for birding was infectious. Would 100% bird with Richard and Mayawalk again!
Fantastic birding in MPR
stephaniew135,Apr 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was an outstanding guide. He taught us about birds, the country and conservation efforts in the country. We saw over 50 species together and we even saw an Orange Breasted Falcon! It was an incredible experience.
we had a great time with...
Bertus D,Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00we had a great time with our very nice, friendly and professional tour guide. The stair climbing was for us a little older heavy, but durable.
Great day at Mountain Pine Ridge
John B074,Jan 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day touring Mountain Pine Ridge with Emil. Hike to Rio Frio cave, the Rio On swimming pools, then more swimming at Big Rock Falls. We're not big on caves so we chose this over ATM. The Rio Frio Cave is a massive chamber but not deep at all. The hike to the cave was a little longer than expected but not at all a problem, a mile each way. Emil was very personable and very knowledgeable. Hope to see him again next time we're in Belize.
Beautiful, informative and fun day!
ellie marloww,Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day trip with Edeoni - couldn’t recommend it more!! From the start he was super friendly, organised and informative - even letting us tag along for his breakfast to a lovely place near the office to start the day right! The cave, waterfalls and river are all beautiful and we had them practically to ourself. Edeoni was incredibly knowledgeable and we both learnt loads about everything from the birds to Belize culture. The packed lunch was also amazing and massive portion sizes! A great way to see Mountain Pine Ridge with lovely company
From US$125.00
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Operated by MayaWalk Tours