Maya Mountains

The Maya Mountains are a rugged mountain range occupying much of southern and central Belize and extending into adjacent Guatemala, noted for dense tropical forest and karst limestone features. The range includes some of Belize’s highest terrain and several large protected reserves.

Large tracts of rainforest, steep river valleys, waterfalls and caves draw visitors for hiking, birdwatching and canyoning; notable attractions within the range include the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Ancient Maya sites such as Caracol and Lubaantun are found on the range’s slopes and foothills, providing archaeological interest alongside natural attractions.

Geologically the range is composed of granite and other older rocks uplifted in deep time, and it supported Maya settlement and resource use for centuries before and during the Classic period. In modern times the area has been designated in parts for conservation, with several reserves established to protect wildlife and watersheds.

The Maya Mountains occupy the interior of southern Belize across the Cayo and Toledo districts and extend toward the border with Guatemala; the terrain is remote in places and accessed from regional towns and park gateways.

• Highest point: Contains Belize’s highest landforms including Doyle’s Delight at about 1,124 metres, and supports extensive rainforest and cloud forest habitats.
• Protected areas: Hosts important protected areas such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, both popular for hiking and wildlife viewing.

What to See#

• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established as a jaguar reserve and known for dense rainforest and well-marked hiking trails.
• Mountain Pine Ridge: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a highland area with pine forest, waterfalls and cave systems used for hiking and birdwatching.
• Caracol: Caracol archaeological site, a major ancient Maya city located on the western flanks of the range with large plaza complexes and causeways.

The Maya Mountains are accessed from Belize City or Belmopan by road; journeys to interior sites like Caracol often require 4x4 transport and can take several hours. Local guide services and tour operators in San Ignacio and other Cayo towns arrange multi-day treks and site visits.

• Hire a guide if exploring ancient Maya sites in dense forested sections; trails can be indistinct and terrain challenging.
• If combining with Caracol or Mountain Pine Ridge visits from Belize City, allow multiple days - travel between sites is slow.
• Bring insect repellent and sturdy footwear: the rainforest floor is uneven and humid year-round.
• Ask local guides about recent archaeological discoveries - Belizean archaeological work is ongoing and guides often have up-to-date stories.