Bocawina is the only lodge in Belize within the boundaries of a protected national park

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park was first established in 2001 to protect and manage the archaeological site and surrounding rainforest biodiversity. Bocawina is tucked in the Maya Mountains and forms part of the Maya Forest Corridor, which connects the forests of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala. This area is the largest stretch of jungle in Central America. It’s also part of the greater Belize Maya Forest, one of the world’s last big wild forests—and an important home for jaguars and other endangered animals.

The Park

The park is situated on the eastern end of the Maya Mountains next to the Sittee River Forest Reserve in southern Belize. This national park connects a region between the Maya Mountains and the coastal plains. This 7000 acres park, primarily consists of tropical evergreen broadleaf, lowland and hill forest ecosystems.  

It is one of the best choices for leisure and adventurous explorations. The park offers excellent wildlife observation and birding opportunities as well as access to several Mayan sites and beautiful waterfalls via a system of maintained trails through the rainforest. 

Mayan sites include the main Mayflower Plaza, Maintzunun temple mound and T’au Witz. Waterfalls include Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls, Antelope Falls, Peck Falls and Big Drop Falls.

 
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Bocowina- Wildlife
 

The Wildlife

While generally secretive, the park provides a sanctuary for iconic species such as the Baird’s tapir (Belize’s national animal), Yucatan black howler monkeys, and the big cats of the rainforest, including jaguars and ocelots. Visitors may also encounter white-tailed deer, coatis, white-lipped peccaries, pacas, agoutis, kinkajous, gray foxes, and northern tamanduas, along with an astonishing variety of bat species that thrive in the forest canopy and caves.


For birdwatchers, Bocawina is a true paradise, with over 300 bird species recorded within the park. The diversity ranges from colorful tanagers and hummingbirds to raptors soaring above the treetops. Highlights include all three species of motmot found in Belize—the blue-crowned Motmot, the tody motmot, and the rare and striking keel-billed motmot. Other notable sightings include keel-billed toucans, scarlet tanagers, black-and-white hawk-eagles, great curassows, trogons, orioles, woodpeckers, owls, tanagers, kiskadees, hummingbirds, and kingfishers. Learn More


This extraordinary birdlife, combined with the park’s mammals and rich ecosystem, makes Bocawina one of the most rewarding destinations for wildlife enthusiasts in Belize.


Close-up of a jaguar with its mouth open and tongue out, showing sharp teeth, in a natural green environment.
Close-up of a bright green frog with orange eyes and yellow limbs, perched on a pink leaf with water droplets, surrounded by pink foliage.
A black gorilla resting on a tree branch amidst green foliage, gazing thoughtfully.
A jaguar peeking out from dense jungle foliage, partially obscured by leaves and trees.
A colorful hummingbird perched on an orange flower with its wings partially spread against a black background.
A colorful bird with yellow, black, and blue feathers perched on a tree branch surrounded by large green leaves.
Young black monkey sitting on a tree branch among green leaves in the rainforest.
A toucan with a large, curved beak, black body, and yellow and red chest, perched on a branch next to a cluster of colorful berries, with a blurred green background.
A colorful bird perched on a branch against a blurred green background.
Colorful toucan sitting on a tree branch against a blue sky.
Small bird perched on a large green banana leaf in a lush tropical forest.
A bird with black and gray feathers, a bright blue ring around its eye, and yellow underparts perched on a branch.
Close-up of a brown gecko on a mossy rock surface showing textured skin and detailed eye.
A baby bird with its beak wide open, nesting among green leaves.
A black howler monkey with thick fur climbing on branches in a green forest.
A night-time photograph of a creature with glowing eyes peering through foliage, surrounded by leaves and branches.
 

Hiking Trails

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering a captivating network of trails suitable for various skill levels. The park features the family-friendly Bocawina Falls Trail, ideal for a leisurely hike, and the more challenging Antelope Falls Trail, renowned for its breathtaking views.

Adventure seekers can test their limits on the strenuous Big Drop Falls Trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall. Additionally, the park offers the Bird Loop Trail, a paradise for birdwatchers, where the diverse birdlife of Belize can be observed in its natural habitat.

Each trail in this vibrant tropical rainforest promises an immersive experience into the unspoiled beauty of Belize, with opportunities to witness majestic waterfalls and rich biodiversity, making Mayflower Bocawina National Park a treasured destination for nature lovers and trekking aficionados.

Download our hiking trails map here

Mayan Heritage

The park has two unexcavated Mayan Temple Mounds, as well as many other unexplored Mayan sites. A small teaching center is located in the plaza area, with an exhibit that includes a brief history of the local ancient Maya, as well as modern man’s impact on the area.

Near the visitor center, the Maya Plaza complex of Maintzunum meaning “small hummingbird” includes 11 structures, with two pyramid mounds, a formal cluster, and two ancient water reservoirs.  Artifacts found at the site include hammer stone, pottery shreds, crushed vases, an effigy censer, a mortar cup, and a stone bead dating back to the Post Classic Period (late 800–900 AD).   

Though smaller in scale compared to Belize’s more famous Maya cities, the site is nationally significant for its role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

With several unexcavated mounds and unexplored areas still hidden in the forest, Bocawina continues to hold untold archaeological secrets waiting to be discovered.

Entrance Fee $5US

 
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