Mayflower Bocawina National Park in Belize offers so much to experience and discover that you will want to linger there for a while. Unwind at the on-site Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventures or spend the day hiking trails or rappelling water features.
Experience trails ranging from moderate hikes to stunning waterfall pools to more demanding ones that lead to Antelope and Three Sisters Falls. Keep an eye out for Baird’s Tapir, Black Howler Monkeys and rare mammals such as agouti, white-lipped peccarys and Northern Tamanduas as you stroll.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park Overview
Established in 2001, Mayflower Bocawina National Park covers 7,107 acres of wild and untamed land covering diverse ecosystems such as rainforests. Administered by Friends of Mayflower Bocawina (an affiliate non-profit group of Friends of Mayflower Bocawina and APAMO; Belize umbrella association for protected areas), three Mayan temples such as Maintzunun and Tau Witz have been found within its boundaries – managing them is overseen by Friends of Mayflower Bocawina as an affiliate non-profit.
The lush rainforest in the park teems with exotic wildlife, offering tourists both leisure and adventure experiences. Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls and Antelope Falls are some of the more stunning natural waterfalls found within this natural park while birding enthusiasts will relish finding great green macaws, scarlet tanagers, orioles, crested guans and rare keel-billed motmots – among many other bird species – while on their journeys through it all!
Experienced guides offer guided hiking trails through this lush tropical jungle habitat and can teach about its diverse plant and animal species. Or relax by one of the waterfall pools – perfect for refreshing swims.
Rich History and Wildlife
Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP), situated near Silk Grass Village, boasts a magnificent landscape of lush rainforest and refreshing waterfalls that draw nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Established in 2001, initially focused on Mayflower Archaeological Complex but has grown over time to offer visitors various outdoor activities and attractions.
Guided tours with experienced local guides allow visitors to the rainforest to discover hiking trails leading to various waterfalls such as Antelope Falls, Bocawina and Pecky. Once there you can swim in their refreshing pools before climbing to the summit of Antelope Falls on an exhilarating waterfall rappelling adventure.
The park serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and home for more than 237 recorded bird species, making guided hikes through its rainforest an opportunity to spot them – Keel-billed Motmots, Crested Guans and Great Curassow are just a few species you might spot! For an exciting way to experience MBNP you might like a Jungle Explorer Tour from Hopkins or Dangriga!
Thrilling Adventures and Activities
Bocawina National Park offers 7,100 acres of lush jungle, picturesque waterfalls and evidence of an ancient Mayan city; making it one of the top leisure or adventure travel spots in southern Belize. Conveniently located 16 miles southwest of Dangriga and 12 miles northwest of Hopkins in Stann Creek District, it can easily be reached by car.
The park offers adrenaline-pumping adventure activities as well as traditional rainforest hiking to mountains, waterfalls, swimming pools and Mayan archaeological sites. Camping options provide visitors with a truly rustic experience.
Experience the flora and fauna of a national park with an experienced guide who can educate you about its diverse habitats. It is home to various birds and mammals such as Baird’s Tapirs, Yucatan black howler monkeys, Jaguars, White-lipped peccaries, deer, agouti paca and kinkajous among many others.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Mayflower Bocawina National Park is an astonishing combination of lush rainforest, captivating waterfalls and ancient Maya ruins, perfect for both leisurely and adventurous exploration. Covering 7,087 acres, it has numerous hiking trails designed for leisure and adventurous journeys alike; easily accessible paths lead directly to Bocawina Falls and Three Sisters Waterfall where travelers can swim at their base; for more intense journeys up Bocawina Hill Trail will reveal lower and upper Bocawina Waterfalls; while branch trails lead directly to Peck Falls and Big Drop Falls – something accessible paths won’t do!
Explore the jungle with an experienced local guide who will show you its abundant flora and fauna and provide historical details about this magical environment. Listen as they explain its rich past. Or for something a bit more thrilling, head out on Belize’s longest canopy zip line adventure featuring 14 platforms over 2.5 miles with 9 lines connecting 14 platforms; alternatively you may choose to rappel down Antelope Falls, Three Sisters Falls or Bocawina Falls for even more thrills that is safe and fun for all ages!
Ancient Mayan Ruins
Mayflower Bocawina National Park covers an expansive 7,000 acre rainforest that boasts three ancient Mayan sites and refreshing waterfalls, plus hiking trails and birding expeditions with experienced guides who will share stories about this rich region’s past and present. Visitors can also take part in birding excursions where knowledgeable experts share stories of its colorful past.
The Mayflower Plaza Site consists of 11 structures, including two pyramid temples, that were occupied between the 9th and 10th centuries. Although largely unexcavated, archeological finds such as hammer stones, pottery shreds and crushed vases have been discovered here. Nearby Tau Witz Temple dates from Terminal Classic times with 43×64 meters covered by one single-stela.
The park features three beautiful waterfalls: Bocawina, Three Sisters and Antelope – that make hiking to them well worth your while, offering refreshing swims in their emerald pools at their base. Hiking to these falls takes more effort, but hiking through is more than worth it for their beauty and reward of swimming in their refreshing pools! It is also home to over 200 bird species including rare breeds such as motmots and parrots; howler monkeys, anteaters, tapirs and jaguars can all be spotted within its borders – these animals being just part of its natural diversity!
Canopy Tours and Zip Lining
Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers something for every adventurer or nature lover; be it thrill seeking, relaxing or taking in the scenery. There’s so much to see and do here; hiking through lush rainforest trails to relaxing by swimming under waterfalls and viewing native wildlife species are among many activities on offer here.
One of the most beloved activities in Belize is experiencing its breathtaking rainforest canopy from an entirely new viewpoint via Belize’s longest zip line course, boasting 14 platforms and 9 individual runs spanning 2.5 miles of flying through and above treetops.
An exciting and novel activity to try in the park is rappelling down Antelope, Bocawina or Big Drop waterfalls – from beginners to advanced climbers alike, this activity provides unforgettable adventures for everyone in your family! Guided tours provide tours to take people safely down this unique water feature.
Responsible Tourism and Conservation
Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located in the southern district of Stann Creek and only 17 miles away from Dangriga and 12 miles from Hopkins, providing eco-friendly activities such as bird-watching or trekking to reach one of many spectacular waterfalls. Your participation in an organized nature tour helps preserve this 7000 acre sanctuary for future generations.
Staying at a resort within a national park also contributes directly to its upkeep; a portion of all resort profits is reinvested back into both community development and park maintenance. Each accommodation from luxurious deluxe suites to more cost-efficient Maya Rooms has been specifically designed to complement and accentuate its surroundings, contributing to its beauty while contributing directly.
Explore ancient ruins or test yourself on one of the challenging trails – visiting this stunning national park will create memories you won’t soon forget! Spend a day or make it an extended stay and explore this gorgeous Belizean national park!
Park Highlights and Recommendations
Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers something to appeal to every traveler. Whether your preference lies with adrenaline-packed adventure or leisurely jungle hiking to waterfalls, wildlife, and Mayan sites; this park has something special in store.
This national park encompasses more than seven hundred acres of pristine rainforest and features several Mayan archeological sites such as Maintzunun and Tau Witz, five waterfalls, hiking trails and numerous plant and animal species such as Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys, Baird’s Tapirs, White-lipped Peccaries, Jaguars, Coati Paca Agouti Agoutis and Northern Tamanduas – just to name a few!
Staying at a lodge within the park can be one of the best ways to experience its full splendor; Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventures or The Wild Fig Restaurant and Retreat offer convenient locations within it and offer various packages designed to make the most out of your vacation, including guided hiking tours, zip lining, or the chance to explore Mayflower Bocawina with an on-site guide.
