Travel over Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize

Belmopan, Belize: Belize has a broad mixture of forest reserves, marine reserves, parks, wildlife sanctuaries, private reserves and archaeological reserves. The whole of Belize Barrier Reef was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of them, which is a must-visit destination, especially for travel enthusiasts who are curious to explore the country’s natural wonders.

This reserve showcases some of the picturesque spots in all of Belize and is home to various species of wildlife, including ocelots and jaguars.

It is the largest pine forest, which covers 300 square miles.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, famously known as “Pine Ridge”, has its roots since 1944. It is one of the finest wildernesses, consists of various places to hike and swim and offers many picnic spots.

The highest point of the country, Badly Beacon, can be witness to its treeless hilltop. The forest reserve offers a cool temperature and discloses magnificent natural monuments. 

One can enjoy the tour of this forest reserve on mountain bikes on horseback; horses can be hired on-site and on foot. 

Doyle’s Delight, which is the highest mountain in Belize, is located near the Maya Mountains. Travellers can explore the colourful vegetation, animals and various species of birds while wandering among the pines. Animals like cougar, jaguar, ocelot and tapir could be easily examined there. 

The Pine Ridge is the region where one can unite with the nature. Visitors may witness deep ravines and gorges across the granite expanses atop Maya Mountain and discover zigzag rivers, waterfalls, pools and streams in this area.

Landscape: Pine Ridge

The Landscape of Pine Ridge includes an extensive pine forest dredged over granite hillsides. Its beautiful and cool area, along with uniform pine, is occasionally dissected by fire breaks and showcases a broadleaf gallery forest.

Birds in the reserve’s wildlife could hardly be seen as they used to secrete away in the scrubs around the pines. At the same time, travellers can observe Woodpeckers at the buildings. 

Other reserve avian species include- Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Stigeon Owl, Rufous-capped and Eastern Bluebird. Visitors will see the Chipping Sparrow and Hepatic Tanager during the Autumn and Spring. 

The most explored species in Raptors prowl valleys are Solitary Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Crested Eagle, Orange-breasted Falcon and Black and white Hawk-eagle.

Baldy Beacon

A unique part of the reserve is the Baldy Beacon. Certain speculations are held in the context of infertile soil that the soils are too poor to support trees.

The most verified explanation for infertility lies in geological history when the rest of Central America was protected from the elements while remaining underwater; these parts were still above sea level. 

The fertile land of the Baldy Beacon was exposed to erosion and filtration for millions of years, which were longer than anywhere else.

Thousand Foot Falls

The tallest waterfall of 1000ft falls can be insight from this place. It is a man-made building of about 90 floors. Travellers can examine the site easily with upgraded roads and tourist facilities implemented by the government.

Despite its name, the actual height of this waterfall is about 1600 ft. It is also considered to be the highest waterfall in the entire Central American region. 

Rio on Pools

The Rio On Pools showcase a wide shallow stream spilling over the granite rock formations, mini waterfalls on the overhands and forming pools in the deeper crevices. 

Travellers need to be very careful as the area features fast-moving water along with a few deep holes that can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and children.