Mountain Pine Ridge

The Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the oldest areas of Central America; after the tectonic plates pushed granite up from the ancient sea. The mountain that was exposed as a result created a series of waterfalls, steams and rivers. The Reserve was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native pine forest. Its boundaries are estimated to cover an area of 106,352.5 acres (430 km²) with two types of pine. Within the reserve, researchers have found rocks that date to 340 million years old, the oldest rocks of Central America. You will also find one of the tallest waterfalls at an impressive 1000 ft high. While in Mountain Pine Ridge, you will visit three of the most impressive destinations in inland Belize: Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, and Big Rock Falls.