They are magical; they are mystical, they are magnificent. Who doesn’t like visiting waterfalls? Big or small, there is just something awe-inspiring about them. When we are out on a road trip, we are always on the lookout. Belize is full of them and while some take hour hikes to access, there are some just footsteps away from the road. Rio Blanco Falls is one of them.
We just took the highway while exploring southern Belize and kept our eyes open for any great adventure we could get into. We were told there are beautiful waterfalls in the area. Signs on the road alert of waterfalls and the Rio Blanco Falls was easy to find.
The falls are located in a national park that was made a protected area in the early 1990’s. Rio Blanco contains a series of waterfalls dropping 15-20 feet into a deep pool. It is a popular swimming and picnic spot for locals, as well as tourists. It is designated as an Indigenous People’s Park and is managed by Santa Cruz and Santa Elena Villages.
Two dollars allows you access to the falls that has changing rooms, picnic areas and stairways to access the waterfall; there is a ranger who overlooks the park.
Jumping in and cooling off the the best part of it all.
Time for a Dip, Rio Blanco Falls is COLD!!!
Not sure if it was safe to jump from the top of the waterfall, I decided to take the steps down to the pool below. There is a platform with a few steps leading into the water. IT’S COLD, well like all river water. This island boy is used to the warm Caribbean Sea, but never shy of a refreshing dip in the river; no matter how cold or dark the water. Brrrrr!
Rio Blanco Falls During Dry Season
It’s a totally different landscape when the falls stop running. The large waterfall at Rio Blanco disappears during the dry season. We first visited the park in May of 2016 and the waterfall was non-existent, except for a tiny stream depositing into the large pool.
We were bummed but took advantage of climbing onto the rocks and explored other pools farther upstream. It’s still beautiful to enjoy a picnic and a refreshing dip.
Come June (the start of the rainy season) the waterfall is active and the soothing sounds of the cascade are therapeutic. What a difference one month and some rain makes. So if you want to experience the waterfall and you are visiting the area during the dry season, its important that you ask your tour guide or local villager if it has rained lately.
