Deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the breathtaking Thousand Foot Falls has long captured the imagination of Belizeans and travelers alike. Standing at around 1,600 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Central America and a symbol of Belize’s natural richness.
While the waterfall’s name has always sparked a sense of wonder, the road to reach it was often a challenge in itself. Years of erosion and neglect had made access difficult, limiting tourism and complicating conservation efforts.
Before long, the entire site was abandoned, and everything began to fall apart. The visitor center became unsafe, its zinc roofing rusted through, support beams rotten and collapsed, and the restrooms left without running water.
August 2024 marked the new chapter for the site, as co-management was officially granted to the local Non-Governmental organization (NGO), Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC). Since taking the reins, BKHC has made impressive strides in restoring and revitalizing the area. The long-neglected visitor center received a much-needed makeover, rusted roofing and rotten wooden beams were replaced, a new water tank and collection system was installed, and the bathrooms were repaired and fully restored.
They also rebuilt some of the steps leading down to the scenic viewpoint and added sturdy railings for safety. Picnic tables were set up for day visitors, new trails were created, fresh signage was added throughout the site, and the welcome area received a vibrant splash of paint. They also installed directional signs along nearby roads to help visitors find their way.
However, the most ambitious and expensive undertaking was the repair of 2.5 miles of severely damaged access road. Once deemed “impassable” by many, especially those driving standard SUVs or small vehicles, this stretch of road had long discouraged potential visitors. Restoring it was essential to reconnecting people with one of Belize’s most breathtaking natural landmarks.
Now, thanks to the support of MayaWalk Tours, 2.5 miles of the rugged roadway leading to the site has been repaired making the journey to this remarkable natural monument a lot smoother, literally.
“That last stretch was brutal even in the dry season! Well-deserved improvement.” said a local property owner.
“Great Job! My family and I went yesterday, the roads were smooth and accessible. We had such a great time, and made great memories. Thanks for all the upgrades!” said a local traveller.
“Great work indeed, been so inaccessible for years without 4×4.” said another.
More than just a photo op, Thousand Foot Falls is also a critical ecological site. The cliffs that flank the waterfall serve as nesting grounds for the critically endangered Orange-breasted Falcon (OBF), a bird so rare, its global population is estimated in the low hundreds. Protecting this habitat is vital not only for Belize but for global biodiversity.
The repaired road doesn’t just reconnect visitors with a national treasure, it revives opportunities for eco-tourism and local economic growth. Leaving the managers with a great opportunity to put sustainable tourism into practice. Visitors can feel good knowing that a portion of their tour fees directly supports the ongoing protection and monitoring of the OBF.
MayaWalk Tours is proud to resume guided excursions to Thousand Foot Falls, where guests can once again witness water cascading dramatically into mist-filled canyons, framed by the towering pines of Mountain Pine Ridge. Along the newly restored trail, visitors can take in sweeping views and may even spot the elusive Orange-breasted Falcon in flight, a rare and unforgettable sight.
About MayaWalk Tours
MayaWalk Tours is the #1 Ranked Tour Operator on TripAdvisor, it is an eco-friendly, locally owned and operated tour company based in San Ignacio, Belize. For over 25 years, it has specialized in immersive, expertly guided adventures across Belize’s most iconic inland sites from ancient Maya cities to waterfalls and underground caves.
Our team is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the long-term preservation of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot and home to the world-renowned Actun Tunichil Mucnal (ATM) Cave. A portion of our tour proceeds contributes directly to on-the-ground conservation efforts, including infrastructure improvements, community outreach, educational programs, and ongoing initiatives that help protect Belize.
With MayaWalk, every adventure you take helps protect the places you love to explore.
