Mountain Pine Ridge

The Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the most unexpected landscapes in Belize: a rolling plateau of pine trees and red earth in the Maya Mountains, where the air is cooler and the scenery looks more like the southern United States than the Caribbean. The forest reserve covers a large area south of San Ignacio and is known for its rivers, waterfalls, granite pools and caves, which are reached by unpaved roads through open pine forest. The tour we link is a guided day trip from San Ignacio that takes in the highlights of the reserve, which commonly include the Rio On pools, waterfall stops and the Rio Frio Cave, depending on the day, with a focus on scenery, swimming and a break from the heat. It is a good complement to a Maya site or a cave day, and it suits anyone who wants to see inland Belize without a hard hike.

What you see. The Rio On pools are a series of smooth granite slabs, cascades and natural pools where you can slide, swim and sunbathe, and they are one of the most relaxing stops in Cayo. Big Rock Falls is a powerful waterfall with a deep plunge pool, and the Rio Frio Cave is a large, walk-through cave with a river flowing across its floor and beautiful light.

On a clear day, the viewpoints show the pine ridge rolling into the distance, and some trips mention the high waterfall viewpoints of the reserve. Which stops you visit depends on the operator, the season and the conditions, so ask what is on the itinerary for your day.

The setting and the climate. The reserve is higher and cooler than the lowlands, which is a pleasant change after the humid coast, but nights and mornings can be fresh, so bring a light layer. The soils are sandy and the forest is open, with pines and ferns replacing the dense broadleaf jungle, and fires and pine beetles have shaped parts of the landscape over the years.

Birds are common, and the reserve is a favourite with birdwatchers. Roads are unpaved and rough in places, which is why a guided trip with a good vehicle is the easy way to see it.

Practical tips. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sturdy sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket. Check whether entrance fees and lunch are included, and carry some cash for extras. The pools and falls are at their best in the dry season, from roughly February to May, when the water is clear and the roads are easier, and after heavy rain the rivers can be high and some stops may be closed.

The trip is gentle enough for most families, and it combines well with Barton Creek Cave canoeing or a Maya site.

If your priority is the largest ruin in the country, Caracol also crosses the reserve, and many Caracol trips include the pools on the way back. If you only have one inland day and cannot decide between scenery and history, remember that the two are not exclusive: several operators combine the pools with a Maya site, and Caracol itself sits on the far side of the reserve. A guide with local knowledge can tell you which stops are flowing well in the current season and adjust the route accordingly.