With over 7000 acres
of preserved low and highlands, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is one of the best choices for leisure or adventurous explorations
MBNP
The National Park...
MBNP
MBNP was established in the 2001, initially with a focus on the Mayflower Archaeological Site. Its purpose was expanded to encompass its natural resources including its ecosystem, biodiversity, flora and fauna and its scenic physical attributes.
Willdlife
What can be seen...
WILDLIFE
The national park offers excellent wildlife observation and birding opportunities. With such the faunal diversity is high and it can be characterized by the diverse fauna that inhabit the national park.
Activities
Things to do...
MBNP
Along with birdwatching and camping for those wishing to visit overnight, MBNP has four hiking trails and several waterfalls known as the Three Sisters Waterfalls.
PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE
The national park offers excellent wildlife observation and birding opportunities as the faunal diversity is high. The MBNP forms part of the Maya Mountain Massif –an area of crucial importance to wildlife conservation, supporting the largest population of jaguars within Belize
PROTECTION OF FLORA
A Rapid Environmental Assessment was conducted within the MBNP and a total of 228 plant species were identified. However, this number is not exhaustive as many more plants, especially herbs remain to be recorded. But at least, some of the more dominant tree species can be expected to have been identified
PROTECTING WATERSHEDS OF FRESHWATER CREEK AND NORTH STANN CREEK
Watersheds play an important role in the formation of biological corridors, survival of endangered species, and help determine the health of the barrier reef. Within the MBNP there are tributaries that form part of the Freshwater Creek, North Stann Creek, and Sittee River.
LIMIT DEFORESTATION FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES
There is evidence of illegal logging taking place in the park. Therefore, the park rangers are the frontline in terms of surveillance and security and as such their primary duty is to maintain a presence at the park and conduct patrols to detect possible encroachment, deforestation, illegal agriculture, logging, and to monitor fires.
PROVIDE INCOME-GENERATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ECOTOURISM FOR BUFFER COMMUNITIES
MBEDG engages the community in economic activities when possible and provides workshops and training exercises for residents to support capacity building. The park also provides employment to community members as Park Rangers and Park Manager.
PRESERVATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
This goal is pursued through activities such as reducing the direct pressures on biodiversity by promoting sustainable use of the buffer area, enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services, safeguarding the ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
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I spent three nights at Bocawina as part of a group tour. The grounds of the National Park are gorgeous, the cabins are comfortable despite the absence of air-conditioning, and... read more the chef and kitchen staff turn out beautifully presented, delicious food. Our activities included a...More
Janet D
April 8, 2018
It’s a good hike up to the top of Antelope Falls but very well worth it. The first reward is a swim in the natural “pool”. So clean and refreshing.... read more After a light lunch of panini, home baked cinnamon roll and fresh watermelon you will...More
Susan S
November 29, 2018
We booked this tour through our resort and my husband who wasn't big on the idea of zip lining was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was! We had... read more such a great time zip lining through the canopy of the rain forest. The guides...More
lashleyb4
August 24, 2018Terri M
This is a great little park not far from Hopkins. The Antelope Falls hike is difficult at the end, but I made it and so worth it when you get... read more to the swimming hole at the top. You swim in a waterfall. It's so clean and the little fish will give you a free pedicure! They have several other hikes as well. I wish I had more days to explore! We met some other hikers on our way up and down but had the waterfall pool to ourselves. It was amazing. So refreshing! Bring at least one, if not two water bottles. (I froze them overnight before this!) Bring bug repellent also.
June 2, 2025 -
We were really excited about going to Bocawina and hiking through the jungle. It didn't surprise us that the lodge would be a bit pricy. However,we were shocked... read more to find how much it costs for a guide tour! Basically, by the time you pay US$140/night...More
SMLBill
January 31, 2017mariu40
Nature at its best. The park is easily accessible, the road is not paved but maintained. Remember this is rural Belize! Ample parking and covid complaint . The staff is... read more very welcoming and knowledgeable. After a brief explanation of all the trails you can be on your way. We chose the antelope fall which was marked as steep and labeled at 45 minutes, which is accurate . The first portion of the trail is very easy and then it gets inclined but not difficult. The second portion in my opinion is very dangerous. Go free hands, because you will need to use both hands , there is a special difficult spot with almost no area to walk on. If you have an accident here not sure how you will be rescued. Once you finally get to the top of the water fall and pool are gorgeous and you go for a swim. We were very disappointed to see that some visitors left garbage behind. Take into consideration that the same way you went up is the same way down.
September 13, 2021
The hike to the waterfall starts easy but gradually gets strenuous, the last 30min feels like its straight up hill. The pools at the very top are crystal clear and... read more cold but refreshing after the hike. You can climb that fall and see another small...More
AmandaLea93
April 11, 2019
I went with three teenagers for the combo Antelope waterfalls rappelling, lunch and zip lining. The guides were entertaining and knowledgeable. We hiked up the mountain in pouring rain (odd... read more for “dry season”), swam in a pool below a smaller waterfall then rappelled down. Great...More
Phil P
April 6, 2018 - Z4418ZJrachelr
We hiked, swam in the waterfall pond, repelled down the waterfall and did zip lining. It was a fun filled, adventurous day! The staff was great and so helpful and... read more friendly. The Noseeums were vicious so I’d not only wear bug spray, but wear long sleeves and pants as well.
December 21, 2025
Had a few hours as I was driving back to Belmopan. So I stopped in for a bite at the resort. Then I just walked around a bit taking in... read more all the flowers and beauty that is Bocawina. No waterfalls or zip lining this time....More
TravelQ6492QE
August 20, 2018Lisa Y
Beautiful rainforest setting with friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable staff. A great place for a three-generation family gathering. The teens and their parents enjoyed zip lining and rappelling down a waterfall... read more while the adults loved early morning birdwatching and guided hikes. We got the all-inclusive package and took all our meals on site. The food was outstanding, with lots of variety, local ingredients, and accommodations for the vegetarians and gluten free eaters in our party.
January 8, 2025beanfarmer2018
Drove to Bocawina from Hopkins, which is an easy and short drive, to go hiking. Decided to hike the Antelope Falls trail. The trail to the bottom of the falls... read more is a moderate hike and has beautiful views once there. The hike to the pool...More
June 25, 2019 - BackRoadBruce
I enjoyed my visit to Mayflower. Park staff was welcoming and helpful. The hiking to Antelope and New Waterfall was rewarding. The view from the top of... read more Antelope Falls is spectacular. The ropes along the steep trail sections were much appreciated. The hike out to New Waterfall is easier and very peaceful. I though the waterfall was beautiful.
After the hiking, a bowl of ice cream at the restaurant at the in park resort tasted extra good. I look forward to returning and hiking the many additional trails in the park. I stayed in Hopkins. The park is a 20 - 30 minute ride away.
February 16, 2022adkwilderness
We spent a whole day here hiking and exploring. Just ask the guys at the front desk, they can provide you with helpful information and suggestions. If you're in shape... read more you can do all the hikes much faster than the time limits they suggest. If you want to do an all-day loop, seeing a bunch of awesome waterfalls, I recommend getting there as early as possible.
The swimming holes are fantastic. The views are fantastic. There were no crowds when we were there. I highly recommend!
December 7, 2019kf648
Easy to get to from Hopkins and you don't need a tour guide. Just get a ride there or drive yourself and you can do hikes and swims and see... read more some great jungle scenery. There's a lunch spot at the Lodge which is more expensive than town but great food and friendly staff. You can tell your ride person to pick you up later on and that means not having to go on a tour and not having to rent a car. We hiked to Antelope Falls which they say is tough but not really if you are in shape and then to lower Bocawina Falls and didn't have time to get to the other two falls above that. Great day?
March 15, 2020
We drove from Hopkins to the park and walked up the trail to lower Bocawina falls for a swim. It was a decent walk, not strenuous at all. ... read more The water is crystal clear and cool, but it feels great. After a nice swim in the...More
joshuar682
July 13, 2016 -
The forest here is still untouched and beautiful. The resort is clean and the staff are excellent. The restaurant makes very good food and the service was great ( thanks... read more Reina ! ). The front desk staff are professional and ultra helpful. The waterfall rapelle...More
cannandale
March 2, 2019E8702QDtoms
Wonderful hike to and through (unexcavated) Mayan ruins took us through dense and beautiful tropical forest where we saw all kinds of flora, termite mounds, toucans... I wore long plants... read more and a long-sleeved shirt despite the warmth, and I'm glad I did as other members of my party suffered bug bites. The trail was muddy in spots so good hiking boots/shoes are recommended. There's a variety of hikes to choose from. facilities are primitive. Accessing the park requires a long drive down dirt roads.
February 16, 2023Joe H
Not sure if I was going to make it to the top . Quite a climb. It was worth the struggle . great pool very pretty. water a little... read more refreshing . could have stayed there ALL day
August 24, 2019
The hike to Antelope Falls is a wonderful adventure. The hike is 1000 feet up. The first third of the hike is relatively flat, the next third is stairs and... read more the last third is climbing on large rocks and roots using ropes to assist you....More
TanyaOkemos
April 21, 2018