Not two, not three, not even four, but FIVE waterfalls for the price of one strenuous but worth-while hike. This waterfall expedition from Placencia with Barefoot Services delivers on the “wow” factor. Belize is blessed with oodles of refreshing and pretty waterfalls, often sheathed in lush jungle, but this is the first time I’ve found several spectacular falls stacked one after another. With just an easy drive and one hard hike, you reach 5 wonderful waterfalls with beautiful natural pools deep in the forests of the Maya Mountain Range.
The guys from Barefoot Services picked me up in the morning for this incredible day of exploring. We began with a super scenic drive along the Southern and Hummingbird Highways to reach our embarkation point for the Dreaming Giant Waterfalls hike, taking just under two hours (snack and bathroom break included). We donned our day packs with snacks and plenty of water for a moderately challenging 90 minute hike. Quality socks and sneakers or a sturdy water shoe is recommended as the route takes you through multiple stream crossings and across some slippery terrain. The hike’s payoff are these 5 secluded and remote waterfalls that you are all but guaranteed to have completely to yourselves.
Each waterfall has it’s own natural pool at the bottom, creating refreshing and unique swimming spots. There’s nothing I find more magical than floating in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall and staring up in to the surrounding forest’s canopy, the rhythmic rush of water the only discernable sound. THAT is my bliss! The water is so incredibly clean and clear you could probably drink it, and its amazingly refreshing after that hike but not too chilly. There are a few dicey bits of the hike that require you to use the assistance of ropes, railings, and ladders. If you chicken out of the climbing/ scrambling bits you can still enjoy the first Fall and pool and spread out your picnic snack on the rocks.
My favorite part of the day was jumping off the waterfalls into the deep pools below. There’s something so crazy, that makes you feel bad a$$, about taking a tall leap off a jungle ledge and plummeting 20 or 30 feet in to a crisp, clear basin. You only live once, right?!
