Magnificent Prize Awaits at the Top of Antelope Falls Mayflower Bocawina!

A hiker enjoys the emerald pool at the top of Antelope Falls Mayflower Bocawina

©Article and Photo By David Gobeil

The hike to Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina National Park has long been one of my recommended “must do” walks for trekkers in Belize. I’ve done the hike many times over the years, and offer my review of the excursion here. The hike to Antelope Falls is about 1.5 miles from the park entrance and is rated as not difficult.

Ranger station in Mayflower Bocawina National Park

With the recent addition of the “longest zipline in Belize” at nearby Mamanoot’s Resort, the trip to Mayflower Bocawina National Park can now be an enjoyable full day’s adventure for those brave enough to try ziplining over the the jungle canopy before or after your hike to the falls.

Mayflower Bocawina was designated a National Park in 2001 and is comprised of about 7000 acres of tropical broad-leaf forest set over a semi-mountainous terrain. The park was named after some Mayan ruins that were discovered there near the turn of the century but have only recently been explored and excavated. There are many trails throughout the park, most terminating near rivers and waterfalls where hikers can take a well deserved and refreshing swim.

The prize that awaits hikers that make it to the top of Antelope Falls Mayflower Bocawina

The walk begins on a well cleared path which winds its way over mostly flat terrain for approximately three-quarters of a mile before reaching a clearing which is the bottom-most base of the waterfall. Many elderly or not-so-fit hikers wisely decide this is far enough for them and make the return trip back to the park entrance. For those seeking a little more adventure (and exercise!) a trail continues winding upwards towards the top of the Falls for another three-quarters of a mile.

Ropes installed by park rangers help when the going gets rough

Since this section of the trail is less travelled, it also less maintained so care must be taken while climbing over fallen trees and branches. There are several sections where the grade becomes quite steep, and the park rangers have kindly provided thick manila ropes tied to higher trees and roots so you can pull yourself up. It is here I think less fit or elderly hikers may some problems.

After about 800 meters or so of climbing you reach a small clearing which provides a breath-taking look-out point over the jungle canopy below.
The last 400 meters are perhaps the most difficult, with the grade steadily increasing until you reach the top. But a very nice reward awaits those who make it—a beautiful, emerald fresh-water swimming hole.

After a very refreshing swim, the hike back down is easier, but no less challenging since there is the very real risk of falling while lowering yourself with the manila ropes.

The view from the top of Antelope Falls overlooks the jungle canopy far below

The hike is definitely worthwhile and I consider it to be one of the more enjoyable walks I’ve done in Belize. If you are a bird-watcher, you will be in for a treat since there are dozens and dozens of exotic birds to be seen in Mayflower Bocawina Park. I’ve also seen wild pigs, coatimundi, blue foxes, snakes, and weasels while hiking in the park.

But I think I would rate it as “intermediate” instead of “not difficult” because of the rope climbing and possibility of falling. If you are in the Stann Creek District and looking for a fun and somewhat challenging half-day excursion, (now full day if you go to Mamanoot’s and do the ziplining) I would definitely recommend the hike to Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina Park.

How to get there:

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located just off the Southern Highway at about Mile 6, before you reach the village of Silkgrass. (Mile 0 starts at the Hummingbird Highway/Southern Highway junction) The turnoff is clearly marked with a large “Mamanoots Resort” sign, as well as a smaller “Mayflower Bocawina National Park” sign. The park ranger’s station is located about four miles down this very bumpy road, and Mamanoots is located one more mile further into the park. From Dangriga it’s about 20 minutes drive, from Hopkins about 15 minutes, from Placencia about 1 hour.