"In The Jungle of Western Belize" Cayo District by ymike2000

Cayo District Travel Guide: 332 reviews and 805 photos

Mountain Pine Ridge is an odd section of Belize. One minute you're traveling through tropical jungle, the next you're in Vermont. Not really, of course, but the abrupt change in vegetation made me think for a moment we'd just entered the Green Mountain state.

At the official entrance to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve you'll stop at a gate where a ranger will record your vehicle information. This is to monitor camping and logging, and also for authorities to know exactly who is in the reserve. It's not unheard of for tourists to get lost or get stuck on the muddy roads.

Sadly, the area is not as green as it once was. Apparently the pine trees are under attack from a certain species of beetle. What was once dense forest now has many bare spots. Hopefully measures will be taken to control the pests and restore the region to it's full beauty.

Mick's Place

While travelling on Chiquibul Road towards Mountain Pine Ridge, our guide Mick stopped to give us a tour of his own property, where he intends to build a resort. The property is near the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch.

You can arrange to visit through Dr. Johnson at Iguana Creek Resort, see the info on my Ontario Village pages.

Last visit to Cayo District: Jan 2003
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (13)

Arachnophobia? Warnings Or Dangers (2)

This little fellow startled us as we explored St. Herman's Cave. Tarantulas don't really produce enough venom to kill... more travel advice

Kelly enjoying the Blue Hole - Cayo District

Blue Hole National Park Things to Do (8)

At the second entrance to the park (the first one leading to St. Herman's Cave) you find a stairway that will take you... more travel advice

Entrance to St. Herman's Cave - Cayo District

St. Herman's Cave Things to Do (8)

This cave is one of the highlights of the Blue Hole National Park. You can venture a good 1/4 mile into the cave on a... more travel advice

A friendly reminder... Favorites (1)

Sound advice to follow no matter where you go! more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
A Little Slice of Hollywood

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Just beat your own path!

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (11)

Bwana_Brown Dec 13, 2005 at 8:18 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips Mike!! This page is a great overview of some of the many things to enjoy (or not!) in the San Ignacio area! I just booked a few days in Feb/06 at The Trek Stop close to the Guatemala border.
windsorgirl Feb 13, 2005 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tips, I'll be in Belize soon so I appreciate the info!
Paperina Sep 28, 2004 at 2:35 PM Report Abuse

Hi Mike, great landscape, beautiful pictures! I wish you a great time on the tour with the band! :-)
florry May 27, 2004 at 4:26 AM Report Abuse

HI, i love your photos, great caves!! Greetings from ireland...
Sharrie Feb 26, 2004 at 10:13 PM Report Abuse

I've been to many places but not a jungle. Blue Hole looks like some place special!
vesna04 Sep 18, 2003 at 7:46 AM Report Abuse

Awesome photos, good tips.
grandmaR Jun 2, 2003 at 7:50 AM Report Abuse

Loved your comments, esp trap tip. When we were at Hidden Valley we met 3 folks from the lodge on bikes - they had been told it was about a hour's ride. Took them 4.
MalenaN May 31, 2003 at 11:54 PM Report Abuse

Excellent tips and photos! I havn't been there but it looks like nice places.
diver-x Mar 27, 2003 at 6:28 PM Report Abuse

Great pages! Thanks for the info and love the photos! I hope to go this year!
yeah_baby Feb 26, 2003 at 4:52 PM Report Abuse

caves, waterfalls and the jungle! everything needed for great adventureland, thanks for sharing!!