The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located in the Stann Creek District of Belize at the base of the Maya Mountains. While the original attraction was the Mayflower Archaeological Site, it soon became apparent that the spectacular natural splendor of the region and in particular the many waterfalls cascading from the Maya Mountains this was an area of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Established as a National Park in 2001, the park is co-managed by local stakeholders, Friends of Mayflower Bocawina, the Forest Department and the Institute of Archaeology. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park supports the protection of the surrounding pristine wa.tersheds, and allows for low-impact nonextractive activities such as tourism, education, and research.
To get to Mayflower Bocawina National Park from the north, travel five miles down the Southern Highway and the access road is on your right, if you are travelling from the south soon after passing the village of Silk Grass watch for the signs and the turnoff is on your left. Follow this gravel road for four miles.to the park entrance. ‘ Over 7000 acres of pristine lowland broad leaf forest, six refreshing waterfalls, ancient Maya ruins and an abundance of wildlife awaits you. Also situated within the park is a full service eco-lodge where visitors can stay overnight, enjoy a meal or refreshment and sign on to guided trips with highly trained local guides to experience a 2.5 mile zipline, rappel down Antelope, Bocawina or Big Drop waterfalls and hike further and deeper into the surrounding rainforest.
There are many trails within the park catering for all levels of fitness and adventure, the two most popular trails are those leading to Antelope Falls and Bocawina Falls. The Antelope trail is quite steep and requires a good level of fitness as you climb to the top of the falls. End the challenging hike with a refreshing swim in the emerald pools below the falls. Take in the breathtaking scenery with panoramic views of the tropical rainforest & Caribbean Sea from the viewing spot just below the pool. The Bocawina Trail is less challenging but no less spectacular. A twenty minute hike over undulating terrain will find you below the beautiful Bocawina falls with its swimming pool and enchanting rainforest feel. Big Drop, is the grandest of the waterfalls within the park, and requires a full day hike (guides recommended) to access.
The park has a number of unexcavated Mayan Temple Mounds, Consisting of 11 structures, with two pyramid mounds, a formal cluster and two aguadas (water reservoirs). Artifacts found here include a hammer stone, pottery shreds, 2 crushed vases, effigy censer, a mortar cup and one light green stone bead. The site was occupied during the Post Classic Period (late 800/early 900AD). Several rare and threatened wildlife species seek refuge in the park, they include the Jaguar, Puma, Jaguarondi, Ocelot, Margay, Yucatan Black Howler Monkey, Spider Monkey, and Baird’s Tapir. A birdwatchers paradise, it has well over 200 different species of birds including Toucans, Trogons, Oreoles, Woodpeckers, Owls, Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Great Curassow, Crested Guan and Keel-Billed Motmot.
There is so much to discover in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park that many will want to spend more than a day. Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventures, is situated within the park so visitors can explore and fill their days with adventure, then relax and enjoy comfortable lodging by night. The area has several lodges with a range of accommodations to cater to your budget, stay in a beautiful deluxe suite or the more affordable Maya Rooms. Onsite at the park. Enjoy varied menus inspired by “farm to table fresh” using fruit and vegetables grown on the property or sourced from local farmers.