Sarstoon-Temash National Park National Park

Address: Sarstoon-Temash National Park, Toledo District, Belize

Website: https://www.nationalparks.org.bz/

Hours: Daylight hours (no fixed gate hours; access via river)

Admission: Park entry typically free; river transport fees apply for border crossings or guided trips

Sarstoon-Temash National Park is a large protected area in southern Belize’s Toledo District that conserves lowland tropical rainforest, wetlands and extensive mangrove and coastal systems. The reserve protects biodiversity-rich habitats and cultural sites within a remote, largely roadless landscape.

Key features include intact lowland rainforest interior, extensive coastal mangrove stands and waterways such as the Sarstoon River, which helps define the parks southern boundary. The park supports traditional livelihoods and conservation objectives and is managed to balance protection with community uses.

The park was designated to preserve Belizes southern lowland ecosystems and to maintain watershed and coastal integrity; it has been managed with attention to indigenous and local community access and customary use.

Sarstoon-Temash occupies Belize’s southernmost coastal area in Toledo District and borders Guatemala along the Sarstoon River; because there are no roads into the park most visitor access is by boat from nearby coastal communities.

• Location and access: The park is Belizes southernmost protected area and borders Guatemala along the Sarstoon River; access is generally by boat.

What to See#

• Mangrove forests: Coastal mangrove forests that fringe tidal creeks and estuaries and provide habitat for fish, crustaceans and birdlife.
• Lowland rainforest: Interior lowland tropical rainforest containing mature canopy and wetland habitats, largely intact in the parks core.
• Sarstoon River and waterways: Sarstoon River and associated waterways that form part of the park boundary and are used for boat access into the reserve.

The park is accessed by river from the coastal towns of Punta Gorda or from upriver landings; the journey often requires hiring a local boat and guide. Travel can take several hours depending on launch point and river conditions.

• Arrange river transport from Punta Gorda or Barranco-trips can be long and depend on weather and tides.
• Respect local customs and the sensitivities of communities-this is a living landscape with indigenous presence.
• Bring waterproof packaging for gear-the river and rainforest are relentlessly wet.