Chiquibul National Park

Chiquibul National Park is one of Belize's largest and most remote protected areas, encompassing over 260,000 acres (107,000 hectares) of pristine tropical broadleaf forest in the southwestern Cayo District, near the Guatemalan border. The park protects the upper watershed of the Chiquibul River and the massive Chiquibul Cave System, one of the longest caves in Central America. The landscape is rugged limestone karst terrain with deep valleys, sinkholes, and underground rivers — largely unexplored wilderness that is home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

The park is not easily accessible and has very limited infrastructure — there are no roads, trails, or facilities inside the park boundaries. Visits require advance planning, a licensed guide, and usually involve multi-day expeditions. The Chiquibul Cave System (also known as Cebada Cave) is the park's most famous feature, with over 8 km of mapped passages containing massive chambers, underground rivers, and spectacular formations. The park is also a critical habitat for the scarlet macaw, one of Belize's most iconic birds.

When to come: The dry season (February–May) is the only practical time for most visits, as the terrain becomes extremely difficult in the wet season. Cave conditions are best in the dry season when water levels are lower. Layout: The park has no internal roads; access is from the edges via rough tracks or river routes from the Cayo District.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, about 3 hours northeast. From there, travel to San Ignacio or Spanish Lookout as a staging point for park expeditions.

By Train

By Car / Road

There is no direct road access to Chiquibul National Park. The park is accessed from the western Cayo District via rough tracks from San Ignacio, Spanish Lookout, or Barton Creek. Travel within the park requires a 4WD vehicle, and some areas are only accessible on foot or by river. The journey from San Ignacio to the park boundary takes approximately 1.5–3 hours depending on the access point and road conditions.

All visits require advance arrangement with a licensed tour operator. The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) manages the park and can help arrange permits and guides.

There are no roads, trails, or infrastructure inside Chiquibul National Park. Movement is entirely on foot via rugged limestone terrain, or by canoe/kayak on the rivers. A licensed guide is mandatory for all visits. Multi-day expeditions require camping equipment, food, and water — everything must be carried in.

• Chiquibul Cave System — one of the longest caves in Central America, with massive chambers, underground rivers, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The cave is only accessible with experienced caving guides and proper equipment.

• Pristine tropical forest — the park protects one of the largest intact tracts of broadleaf forest in Central America, with towering trees, dense canopy, and extraordinary biodiversity.

• Scarlet macaws — the park is one of the most important nesting sites for scarlet macaws in Belize; these spectacular red, blue, and yellow parrots are best seen in the dry season (February–May) around the nesting cliffs.

• Wildlife — jaguars, Baird's tapirs, howler monkeys, ocelots, peccaries, and hundreds of bird species inhabit the park.

• Karst landscape — dramatic limestone formations, sinkholes, cenotes, and underground rivers create a spectacular terrain.

• Cave exploration — multi-day caving expeditions into the Chiquibul Cave System, requiring technical equipment and experienced guides. This is serious adventure caving, not a casual tourist activity.

• Birdwatching — the park is one of the best places in Belize to see scarlet macaws, as well as hundreds of other tropical bird species.

• Jungle trekking — multi-day hikes through pristine forest, camping along river courses.

• Wildlife observation — the park's remoteness means wildlife is abundant and less habituated to humans than in more accessible areas.

• Photography — the park's landscapes and wildlife offer extraordinary photography opportunities.

There are no restaurants or food services in or near the park. All food must be carried in for multi-day expeditions. Tour operators typically include meals in their expedition packages. Bring high-energy, non-perishable food and water purification equipment.

• All water must be carried in or purified from streams. Bring water purification tablets or a filter.
• Water safety: Do not drink untreated water from streams or caves.

There is no accommodation in or near Chiquibul National Park. All visits involve camping in the park — bring a tent, sleeping gear, and all supplies.

• Budget: Camping in the park (free but requires a permit from FCD). Bring all equipment.
• Mid-range: Stay in San Ignacio (1–3 hours from the park boundary) at hotels from US$50–100/night and arrange day or multi-day expeditions.
• Upscale: Chaa Creek or other luxury lodges near San Ignacio from US$200–400/night, with guided park expeditions arranged through the lodge.

There are no shops or commercial establishments in or near the park. All supplies must be brought from San Ignacio, Spanish Lookout, or Belmopan.

• San Ignacio — 1.5–3 hours from the park boundary; the main tourist hub of the Cayo District.
• Caracol — Belize's largest Maya archaeological site, located on the park's eastern edge; accessible by rough road from San Ignacio (about 2–3 hours).
• Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve — adjacent to the park's eastern boundary; pine forest with waterfalls and swimming holes.
• Barton Creek Cave — a canoe-accessible cave near the park's northern edge.
• Spanish Lookout — a Mennonite farming community that serves as a staging point for park expeditions.