Rockhounding Belize: 10 Must-Visit Ideas For Those Who Love Rocks and Travel

Are you a rock hound planning to visit Belize but not sure which locations to see?

Don’t fret. In this article, we share some “must-visit” ideas for people like you.

After reading, you will find out why there is a lot you can do in this Central American country.

Rockhounding Belize (A Guide)

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

“There is no place like Belize”, there is no statement of truth like this one.

Only a few small countries have such rich rockhounding opportunities, and natural beauty to boot.

This favorite destination for many rockhounds lies in Central America, between Mexico and Guatemala.

In the colonial days, Belize was called British Honduras.

The country will only adopt the name Belize in 1981.

The history of Belize dates back thousands of years ago, and its culture draws from many nations, including Garifuna, Creole, Indian, Mayan and European cultures.

Around 1500 BC and 1200 BC, the Mayan civilization flourished in Belize, but it fizzled out around 1000 AD.

Belize’s cave network

If you are into thrills, dramatic hiking, awe-inspiring scenery, then you should check the Belize cave network.

When you travel to Barton Creek, there is a lot that you can do.

From paddling a canoe by torchlight to taking in the view of the limestone maze.

There are about 84 mountains in Belize.

Besides, Belize’s coastline is characterized by multiple lagoons and wetlands.

Interestingly, Belize doesn’t have land along the Pacific Ocean.

Here are 10 must-visit ideas in Belize for rockhounding you should consider:

Western Belize

You can start by visiting the inland jungle region of the Cayo district.

This breathtaking outdoor spot has a sprawling cave network that will appeal to anyone who is into rockhounding.

Western Belize also has robust birding culture and cenotes that will take your mind off the bustle of city life.

It will take ages for you to forget what you will experience in this part of Belize.

You will feel like you have hit the jackpot when you spot some of the most exquisite stones that you can’t find anywhere.

Plus, your haul won’t be limited to the usual beach stones.

You will always have a rock to pick, whether you visit a cave, rivers, or the reef.

The Mountain Pine Ridge

Another spot you will love is the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

It offers one of the refreshing sceneries you have never seen before.

The temperatures are just what any rock-hounding soul will hope for: calming and peaceful.

You will forget about the blistering hot sunny days and mosquito bites and relish the excitement of being surrounded by gushing rivers, waterfalls, pools, and caves.

You and your pals can hike among the pine forests and get a clear view of Belize.

One of the must-see spots are the caves where the Mayas once used to bury the dead.

There is a river that runs through the center of the cave.

Or go to Hidden Falls, and you will be stunned by thousand-foot Falls surrounded by fantastic trails.

Here you will see a stunning myriad of rolling hills, peaks, and gorges formed from some ancient rocks.

You will get an opportunity to explore 300 square miles of unpaved roads and nature trails. Apart from that, you will spot some rare stones that you can pick.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is one of the places you should consider visiting in Belize.

In this part of Belize, you will get a chance of exploring a couple of things, such as inside the sacred cave.

Inside, you will find Maya ceramics, a sign that the Maya once lived in Belize.

There are other ancient passageways that you can navigate and see the infamous Mayan princess burial scene.

Big Rock Falls

This place is one of the wonders of Belize that any rock-hounding tourist should see.

It is splendid and a joy to watch any time of the day.

Hike lazily over the granite rock along the banks and come to the water’s base, and this will bring you to the bottom of the waterfall.

Here you will see the water rushing down over rock formation and falling into the deep round pool.

The Rio Frio

Have you ever been into a gigantic cave?

Then, you must check out this cave.

When you walk inside, the first thing you will notice is stalactites hanging from the massive cathedral-like vault.

They were part of a cave system that the Maya used to bury their dead.

Hokeb Ha Cave

Hokeb Ha Cave is another rock worth visiting, but be ready for a 20-minute hike from Blue Creek village.

Or you can access it by swimming through and finding yourself in the chambers of the care.

Maya Mountains

There is also the Maya Mountains, where you will find some fascinating rocks.

These hills extend to 70 miles on the Guatemalan border and into central Belize.

It is the only organic pine forest in Central America and the best spot to do your hiking.

The tour includes horseback riding, bird watching, canoeing, and visiting ancient Maya sites such as Lubaantun and Cahal Pech.

Victoria Peek

If you are comfortable hiking, you should visit the Victoria Peek, and it is the second-highest mountain in Belize.

You will enjoy this 3-5 hour expedition hiking through dense rainforest, and it will help you unwind and take in the beauty of nature.

Baldy Beacon

Here you will experience the most breathtaking views, and trek up to Baldy Beacon.

Everything is bare, hence the name baldy, and it has some exalted high above the treetops, on a cluster of hilltops.

Last Thoughts

What you should know about the Belize mountains is that they have nearly 2500 meters of rocks that tell the geologic story of the country, which dates back from 300-130 million years ago.

Just make sure that you plan your travel well.

Enjoy!