Benque Viejo del Carmen to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Benque Viejo del Carmen to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a protected area in the Cayo District of Belize. It is the largest forest reserve in Belize, and is home to a variety of plant and animal life.

The reserve is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. There are a number of trails that lead through the reserve, and visitors can choose from a variety of difficulty levels.

The reserve is also home to a number of Mayan ruins. These ruins are a testament to the rich history of the region, and visitors can explore them to learn more about the ancient Maya.

Language

The official language of Belize is English. However, many people in the country also speak Spanish, Creole, or Garifuna.

Currency

The official currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). The BZD is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD.

Distance

The distance from Benque Viejo del Carmen to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers).

How to Reach

There are a few different ways to reach the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve from Benque Viejo del Carmen.

• By car: The drive from Benque Viejo del Carmen to the reserve takes approximately 2 hours. The road is paved for most of the way, but there are some sections that are unpaved.
• By bus: There is a bus that runs from Benque Viejo del Carmen to the reserve once a day. The bus leaves from the Benque Viejo del Carmen bus station at 8:00 AM and arrives at the reserve at 10:00 AM. The return bus leaves from the reserve at 4:00 PM and arrives in Benque Viejo del Carmen at 6:00 PM.
• By taxi: A taxi from Benque Viejo del Carmen to the reserve costs approximately $60 USD. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

Expenses

The cost of visiting the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve varies depending on how you choose to travel and what activities you participate in.

• Entrance fee: The entrance fee to the reserve is $10 USD per person.
• Camping: There are a number of campsites in the reserve. The cost of camping ranges from $5 to $15 USD per night.
• Guided tours: Guided tours of the reserve are available for a fee. The cost of a guided tour varies depending on the length and difficulty of the tour.

Best time to go

The best time to visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During the dry season, the weather is generally mild and there is less rain.

What to Eat

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Visitors can find a variety of food options, including Belizean cuisine, American cuisine, and international cuisine.

Where to Go

There are a number of things to see and do in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

• Hike to the top of Victoria Peak: Victoria Peak is the highest point in Belize. The hike to the top of the peak is challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
• Visit the Rio Frio Cave: The Rio Frio Cave is a large cave that is home to a variety of bats and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the cave on a guided tour.
• Swim in the Big Rock Falls: The Big Rock Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
• Visit the Caracol Mayan Ruins: The Caracol Mayan Ruins are one of the largest and most impressive Mayan ruins in Belize. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn more about the ancient Maya.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

• Is the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve safe? Yes, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a safe place to visit. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions against crime.
• Can I camp in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve? Yes, there are a number of campsites in the reserve. Visitors can camp for a fee of $5 to $15 USD per night.
• Are there any guided tours of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve? Yes, there are a number of guided tours of the reserve available. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including hiking tours, cave tours, and birdwatching tours.