MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA NATIONAL PARK

  The Bocawina National Park is a beautiful place with many natural wonders. The rangers are friendly and the price of visiting is more than reasonable. Since it is... read more in the jungle I made sure to wear proper clothing and footwear and doused myself and family with insect repellent. Unfortunately I found out days later that this was not enough as five big bumps that itched came out on me and as time went by the pain I experienced was terrible! One other person from our group of five also got a bite. Being from the city I did not know what bit me or how to get rid of it and most people could only give vague suggestions on what it was and what to do. I eventually found out it was locally called beef worms, otherwise known as human botfly larva! Unfortunately for me my body's reaction to these bites led me to having to visit two doctors which costed me a great deal of money, weeks of being unable to work, great mental stress and pain. Most people will probably visit this park and not be bitten but for those of us who are not so lucky it is a very stressful, expensive and unnecessary experience that I believe could have been minimized. This experience can be improved by having APAMO and the management at the Bocawina National Park take seriously the suggestion to have information on the website about the possibility of being bitten by different jungle insects while visiting the park. Giving names of the insects, how to prevent being bitten and what to do if you are bitten. I have contacted both organizations but none have seen fit to even answer my emails. This review is not to discourage people from visiting the park but rather to be INFORMED, so as to be aware of what can happen and so take as many preventive precautions to minimize the risks and if bitten having the knowledge to know how to respond.

  I suspect you could spend a couple of days exploring the park, but if you can't and you are up for the challenge, I recommend Antelope Falls. From the Visitor's... read more Center it's about a 45 min hike, if it is dry. We walked up the trail in a downpour and to ensure we were safe on the rocks and trails, we took our time. It was a very challenging hike (and climb in some places) so be prepared with something that comes over the toes--stubbed piggies are guaranteed otherwise.

There are two key things to see on this hike. The scenic view and the pool. The Falls are just gorgeous and the view is absolutely magnificent and the rain had stopped for us to be able to take it in! The pool is another 15-20 minutes further up, but should not be missed! We were the only ones there (who else would make the hike in a downpour?) and it was tranquil bliss! The pool was a cool treat for washing off the sweat and mud from the trail!

The climb down was still a bit treacherous because everything was still wet, but we persevered and had a very safe trip down.

Thanks to Israel, who was manning the Visitor's Center. He gave some great suggestions and helped us make the decision to try Antelope Falls!

Bring closed toed shoes, bug spray, swim suit, camera.

  First off, it is a long uphill hike. Bring good shoes and be prepared to climb steep parts at certain times. We did as a family with a 15, 13,... read more and 11 year old. Took about 1:05 minutes to climb to the pool. IT WAS...More

  We enjoyed our visit to Bocawina where we hiked, took an exciting rapel tour down a waterfall and did some birding.

  Unlike my first zip line experience in Alaska, this one put me more in control because I got to brake myself. I also enjoyed the hiking in between rather than... read more going from platform to platform. The guides added humor as they provided information. They were...More

  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.

  I have hammock camped on this property now twice in three years. They keep doing more and more to this park and I love it! Upon arrival we were given... read more a very good explanation of all the falls and nature around us, the guy upfront was very passionate about it. We hung out hammocks under a shelter for $10 a night and were very safe. We had a security guard there all night. The trails to the falls are superb! Our only complaint is the restaurant at the resort not telling us meals were in US dollars. I have spent 4 months in Belize and this was a first for us. I will be back.

  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.

  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

  Wear lots of bug repellent with high levels of DEET. Stunning beauty, great hiking, jungle pools, waterfalls.

  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.

  With weather complications and a reschedule we finally were able to have this amazing adventure!! The hike up and repelling were sensational, we felt safe and well taken care of!... read more But honestly our guides Victor and Donald were just simply awesome, fun, educational and became our friends instantly!!
Marco and Terri, Austin

  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

  The hike only takes about 30-35 min, but we were doing it with a 2 and 4 year old so our experience was a bit more challenging. The last... read more 100 feet are a bit demanding but it was well-worth the effort. Beautiful spot and not another soul in sight

  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.

  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

  Belizean Dreams resort booked this hike to the waterfall. The words they used to describe it, treacherous! That’s definitely fitting. My tour
guide Bruno knew exactly what he was doing... read more & showed us animals & plant life. It rained numerous amount of times during the climb making it even more slippery & dangerous. I’m in shape & the next day I was sore & it was hard. You had to put your whole body into that climb. Literally sometimes I was on all fours. There are some ropes thank god, but u still got to put work in to get up. The climb down was even more difficult than the climb up. The waterfall itself is a beautiful experience. The fish bite at your feet & you can jump from the top. The views from up above are unique & unforgettable. If you have children younger than 16 I would say it’s a no. Also if your older and not in shape I would not suggest doing this. I am so glad I did do it because the pictures are so amazing. Of course accomplishing it also makes you feel good. If you don’t mind getting dirty & working hard do it! More

  If you're willing to push hard, you will be rewarded! This is a STEEP trail that climbs pretty much parallel to a waterfall. you end up at a very pretty... read more swimming hole just below a nice waterfall. a minute before reaching the waterfall there's another...More

  Visited for the day and absolutely loved this park. Did the hike to Antelope Falls with great views towards the Caribbean. Tough, steep but not long. Went towards the Bocawina... read more Falls too and saw armadillos in the forest! Grey fox later as well on the...More

  We had so much fun here. The hike to antelope falls is well worth it! The Wild Fig restaurant was great and affordable. The manicured grounds of the resort are... read more nice.