"In The Jungle of Western Belize " a Cayo District Travel Page by ymike2000

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.

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.