Waterfalls & Stops Along the Hummingbird Highway

The best Hummingbird Highway stops turn a 54-mile drive from Belmopan to Dangriga into a full day of jungle waterfalls, swimmable pools, limestone caves and mountain viewpoints. This curated stop list covers where to pull off, what each place is, whether you can swim, and how much time to budget, so you can plan a scenic, unhurried trip across Belize's most beautiful road.

Key Takeaways

• The Hummingbird Highway links Belmopan (Cayo) to Dangriga (Stann Creek District) in about 1.5 hours without stops; give it a full day to enjoy the parks.
• Top swimming stops are Blue Hole National Park (the inland Blue Hole), Billy Barquedier National Park and Five Blues Lake National Park.
• Entry fees are modest, typically USD $4-$5 per person, and most parks are open roughly 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Bring cash (USD or BZD), water shoes, insect repellent and a towel, most sites are cash-only.
• Add roadside citrus stands, Marie Sharp's factory and "the gap" viewpoint for local flavor and photos.

The Stops at a Glance

Blue Hole National Park & St. Herman's Cave

Officially St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, this reserve near Belmopan is the classic first stop. The inland Blue Hole is a turquoise sinkhole pool fed by an underground river, ringed by moss and jungle, and one of the most refreshing swims on the route. It is entirely separate from Belize's famous offshore Great Blue Hole.

• What it is: Natural sapphire swimming pool plus a network of limestone caves.
• Swim: Yes, at the Blue Hole pool.
• St. Herman's Cave: Dramatic Maya-era cavern; a guide is recommended and sturdy footwear is a must.
• Time: 1-2 hours; fee roughly USD $4.

For a deeper look at the cave, trails and cave tubing, see our dedicated guide, Blue Hole National Park & St. Herman's Cave.

Five Blues Lake National Park

Around Mile 32, near St. Margaret's Village, a rough side road leads through citrus plantations to Five Blues Lake National Park, a quiet karst lake named for the shifting shades of blue it shows through the day. It sits among limestone hills riddled with caves and sinkholes.

• What it is: Deep, spring-fed collapse lake in a limestone landscape.
• Swim: Yes; kayaks and mountain bikes may be available at the visitor center.
• Access: High-clearance vehicle recommended for the unpaved approach.
• Time: Half a day if you hike or paddle; open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Because tour buses rarely come here, it is one of the most peaceful stops on the highway.

Billy Barquedier National Park

Closer to Dangriga in the Stann Creek District, Billy Barquedier National Park is a local favorite and, for many, the highlight of the drive. A short jungle trail leads to a lovely tiered waterfall spilling into a clear natural swimming pool.

• What it is: Community-managed rainforest park with a swimmable waterfall.
• Swim: Yes, in the pool beneath the falls.
• Hike: About 15 minutes to the waterfall; a longer trail (roughly an hour) climbs to a viewpoint.
• Practical: Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; entry about USD $5 (BZD or USD accepted); a ranger collects the fee at the small parking area. Restrooms and changing rooms are on site.
• Time: 1.5-2 hours.

Scenic Viewpoints and "The Gap"

The Hummingbird Highway is arguably Belize's prettiest road, and the stretch where it crests between the Maya Mountains and the citrus valley, known locally as "the gap," delivers sweeping green views. There are no formal facilities, so pull off safely at a wide shoulder.

• Best for: Panoramas of forested ridgelines and orange groves.
• Photo tip: Morning light is clearest before valley haze builds.
• Time: A quick 10-15 minute stop.

Roadside Citrus, Fruit Stands and Food Stops

This valley is Belize's citrus heartland, and the roadside reflects it. Between parks you will pass fruit stands and small eateries worth a pause.

• Citrus & fruit stands: Fresh oranges, grapefruit and seasonal fruit, often with just-squeezed juice; cash only.
• Marie Sharp's Factory (near Alta Vista): Home of Belize's iconic habanero hot sauces, with tastings and tours.
• Village food: Look for local tamales, stew chicken and rice-and-beans; carry small bills, as stands are family-run and informal.

Davis Falls and Other Cascades

For adventurous travelers, Davis Falls near Alta Vista is a towering multi-tier cascade often cited among Belize's tallest. It is a more committed detour, typically reached with a local guide or arranged tour rather than a simple pull-off.

• What it is: Dramatic high waterfall in the Maya Mountain foothills.
• Swim: Yes at the base, conditions permitting.
• Access: Guided/tour access; confirm cost and timing in advance.
• Time: Half to full day.

To sequence all of these into one smooth route, follow our Belmopan to Dangriga: A Road-Trip Itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hummingbird Highway stops let you swim?

The inland Blue Hole at Blue Hole National Park, the waterfall pool at Billy Barquedier National Park, and Five Blues Lake all offer swimming. Davis Falls also has a pool at its base when conditions allow.

How much do the parks cost?

Fees are modest, generally around USD $4-$5 per person. Bring cash in US or Belize dollars, as card payment is rarely available.

How long does the drive take?

Belmopan to Dangriga is about 54 miles and roughly 1.5 hours without stops. Budget a full day to enjoy the waterfalls, caves and viewpoints.

Do I need a 4×4?

The highway itself is paved and easy. However, side roads to Five Blues Lake and some falls are unpaved, so a higher-clearance vehicle is safer, especially after rain.

Are guides required?

St. Herman's Cave and Davis Falls are best done with a guide for safety. The Blue Hole pool, Billy Barquedier and Five Blues Lake can be enjoyed independently.

Conclusion

The Hummingbird Highway packs waterfalls, swimmable pools, caves and mountain views into one unforgettable drive across the Stann Creek District. Pack cash, water shoes and a towel, start early, and let each pull-off set the pace. If exploring this corner of Belize has you dreaming of staying longer, explore homes and land for sale near the Hummingbird Highway on Habvia, the MLS marketplace built for Central America, where tropical real estate is redefined.