About
Jam-packed into 7,000 acres are hiking trails, wildlife, 300 species of birds, waterfalls, and Maya sites. With so much to see, do, and experience, it’s no wonder that the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a must-do when in Belize!
Located within the foothills of the Maya Mountains in the Stann Creek District of southern Belize, the park takes its name from two of the Maya ceremonial sites found within its boundaries: Mayflower and Maintzunun. A third site, T'au Witz, meaning "at the foot of the mountain," rounds out the trio.
Archaeologists date these sites back to the Classic Maya period, roughly between 300 and 900 AD. While the structures remain largely unexcavated and covered by forest, their plazas and mounds offer insight into the people who lived along these waterways.
Belize established the park in 2001 to protect the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The move toward conservation helped safeguard both the ruins and the surrounding ecosystem.
The park's geography makes it a magnet for adventure seekers and nature and wildlife lovers. Streams feed the Silk Grass Creek, which carves through the landscape and forms the magnificent waterfalls. Trails wind past these falls and lead deeper into terrain that shelters jaguars, white-tailed deer, ocelots, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species.
Few places in Belize let you walk past centuries-old Maya mounds and stand beneath a towering waterfall in the same afternoon. That combination has made Mayflower Bocawina an iconic landmark.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The park's headline attraction is Antelope Falls, a multi-tiered cascade that rises 1,000 feet up the mountainside. The hikeis ranked “hard” on AllTrails even though it’s a 2.1-mile out-and-back trek. The reason it's difficult is that you’ll climb 623 feet on some slippery ground, with the last portion climbing stairs with the assistance of a rope. But for those who make it, enjoy swimming in its pool, taking in views of the Caribbean, and listening to the waterfall’s roar.
A moderate-rated hike that’s a 3.5-mile out-and-back is the Tears of the Jaguar Falls and Bocawina Falls. You’ll reach the Lower Bocawina Waterfall, which is considered the easiest to access in the entire park with a natural pool. If you continue, you’ll reach the Upper Bocawina. If you’re fit and seek more adventure, continue up the steep climb through dense jungle to the Tears of the Jaguar waterfall.
If hiking isn’t your thing, book an adrenaline-pumping ride on Belize and Central America’s longest zipline course! Choose from the daytime or evening package, featuring 14 platforms and 9 runs.
Another activity for outdoor adventurers is rappelling down Bocawina Falls. These packages combine zip-lining, a hike, rappelling, and swimming in the natural pool. From ½-day to full-day, there’s a package for every level and budget.
For those seeking a more low-key experience, bring binoculars to search for more than 300 bird species, such as toucans, hummingbirds, trogons, and raptors. The diverse ecosystems attract a variety of birds, making this a bird lover’s paradise.
If you enjoy wildlife, a quiet morning stroll often brings sightings of howler monkeys, deer, and the elusive jaguar.
The Maya sites add a layer few other Belize parks can match. Walking trails connect the ruins so that you can pair a cultural stop with your waterfall adventure. The Maya Plaza complex of Maintzunum near the Visitor Center features 11 structures, two pyramid mounds and reservoirs, and a formal cluster. Artifacts found at the site include hammer stones, pottery shards, crushed vases, an effigy censer, a mortar cup, and a stone bead.
Whether seeking a challenging hike, a birdwatching excursion, or a zip line rush, Mayflower Bocawina National Park delivers an experience you'll never forget.
Local Tips
- Arrive early to beat the heat and catch the best wildlife sightings.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and pack water, insect repellent, and a swimsuit.
- Hire a guide to find the Maya sites and spot unique wildlife.
- Zip line and rappel tours require reservations.
