Mayflower Bocawina National Park National Park

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a protected area in southern Belize that conserves tropical lowland rainforest, waterfalls and remnant Maya archaeological sites. The park combines natural attractions with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

The park’s highlights include rainforest trails, waterfall viewpoints and small archaeological sites associated with the Maya. Guided hikes and canopy activities are available through local operators and lodge providers.

The protected area was established to conserve the region’s forest and cultural resources and to support low-impact tourism and local guides. Management and visitor services are provided by local conservation organisations in partnership with landowners.

The park lies in southern Belize, inland from the Caribbean coast, within the broad landscape of Belize’s southern forested districts. Access is typically by road from coastal towns and nearby villages.

• Activities: Trails range from short walks to multi-hour hikes and include several waterfall viewpoints and a canopy zip-line operated by private operators within the park.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is reached from southern Belize by road: drive from Dangriga or Hopkins on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway (Southern Highway) toward the Mayflower area, then follow local gravel roads and signed access tracks to the park - the final stretch is on unpaved roads. Because public bus service does not run directly to the park, most visitors arrange a local taxi, shuttle, or tour from Dangriga or Hopkins for the last leg.

• Start hikes early in the morning to reach waterfalls (such as Bocawina and Big Rock Falls) before midday heat and heavy insect activity, and to avoid the busiest parts of the day.
• Hire a local park guide at the ranger station for rainforest trails and Mayan‑site visits-guides improve route-finding in the steep, wet terrain and provide cultural and natural-history context.
• Expect unpaved, rough access roads in the region; factor extra travel time from nearby towns (e.g., Hopkins) and confirm current road and trail conditions with park staff before setting out.