7 Hidden Adventures in the Belizean Rainforest: Bocawina National Park
Easily reached from Hopkins or Dangriga, the 11-sq-mile Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers high-adrenaline adventure activities or old-fashioned jungle hiking to mountains, waterfalls, swimming holes and small Maya sites. Besides, it’s remote enough that you might find yourself alone (apart from the wildlife) on some spectacular hiking trails.
Explore the park with a guided hiking tour
An experienced local guide can teach you about the diverse plant and animal species you will see. There are both challenging hikes, such as the popular one to the top of Antelope Falls, and easier ones such as the trail to Bocawina Falls. In either case, make sure to bring your bathing suit so you can refresh yourself in one of the waterfall pools afterwards.
Take a night time hike
If you’d like to see the elusive jaguar, as well as other nocturnal animals such as the puma, ocelot, margay, bats, owls and jaguarundi, then you should ask your guide about a night-time expedition.
Go birdwatching
Inside the park, over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Even if you’ve never been interested in birdwatching, the vibrant local species will change your mind. You’ll feel thrilled to see toucans, orioles, tanagers, hummingbirds, kingfishers, owls and more.
Participate in the Bird-a-thon
The Belize Bird Conservancy hosts this annual fundraising event. True nature lovers can compete to identify the most species.
