#HandWrittenMaps

[travelingdancer]

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE RESERVE.

Thinking about visiting the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in Belize? Keep reading for some helpful travel tips!

Spending the night in San Ignacio the night before driving into the reserve is a good idea. My partner Tristan and I took the chicken bus from Belize City and stayed at Bella’s Backpackers for the night. We loved the hostel, met some great people, and even stayed there again when we visited Caye Caulker.

Before going into the reserve, I highly recommend renting a car. From my understanding, there is no public transportation getting into and out of the reserve, apart from large tour groups and charter buses. Tristan and I found that driving around the reserve was our favorite part: the roads are not well maintained, with several potholes and muddy areas, but totally drivable with 4-WHEEL DRIVE. We rented our car at Flame’s Auto Rental with no problems: in fact, I’m surprised at how easy it was! We rented a black, Jeep-like car and named it Black Bean. Flame’s photocopied one license (even though we both expressed interest in driving...), asked us if we had car insurance at home (and didn’t follow up with what kind of insurance...), had one person sign a waiver & sent us on our way. Flame’s did do a vehicle inspection before we left the parking lot but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take some notes and pictures for yourself, of the car. It sounds scary, renting a car in another country and driving into a forest reserve, but believe me, it’ll be worth it!

We downloaded google maps before starting our journey.

Once you make it to the entrance of the reserve, you will have to sign in. Someone will give you the chance to take a picture of a hand drawn map of the area. It was pretty neat! Once you’ve done those two things, you’re set to start your adventure!

Tristan and I decided that we wanted to spend our time hiking and swimming, so we didn’t make it to Caracoal: the historical Mayan pyramids at the end of the road. Instead, we spent two days visiting Big Rock Falls, Río on Pools, Río Frío Cave & 1,000 ft. Falls!

Big Rock Falls, a not-so-hidden gem, was my favorite swim spot. The water was a warm green and a comfortable temperature. Río on pools was great for photos and lounging. At Río Frío Cave we were met with some authentic mountain lion roars & while driving to 1,000 ft. falls black bean’s “check engine” light went off right as we almost got her stuck in the mud. But hey, we made it & so will you!

In the reserve, we spent the night at Káne villa, which I highly highly recommend! The villa was completely solar powered and maintained beautifully. There were private hiking trails that led to different waterfalls and there was an outdoor pool shared by the other two surrounding villas. Jaime, the on-site host, was so kind and amicable. The space was incredibly well-kept with tropical and resort-like vibes. It’s not typically the kind of thing Tristan and I go for, but it was a neat, new and memorable experience for us.

If this is your first time going into the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, like Tristan and I, you might enter at your own risk: with little information and lots of nerves. Hey, that’s okay. I do hope though that you leave like us: with new memories, uncontrollable laughs, local friendships, breathtaking views, unbelievable photos, & all in one piece (which includes the car!)

As always, please please please reach out with any questions or travel updates! Blogs are what get me through my travels & I write in hope that these posts return the favor for other young souls!

Location: Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize.