Billy Barquedier National Park — Attraction in Stann Creek District

The Real Deal!

Being a local and experiencing what my country has to offer is an UnBelizeable Experience.

I have read many reviews on this secret hide away but they still did not prepare me for what I expected.

This is how it went 🙂

This gem can be overlooked by passers-by easily. Traveling from Dangriga i kept my eyes out for it. We drove in a couple yards in from the highway where we were able to park. Our 15 minute journey started instantly as we hiked up a steep hill for about 5 minutes (depending on how fit you are). The terrain is rocky so I advise you wear suitable footwear. (I had an unfortunate incident, hitting my toe on a rock.) There are 3 benches along the hillside for you to take a quick rest and gather yourself to continue the journey. As you get deeper in the jungle you have to be very careful and watch your steps. They are some wooden bars to hold on to. At last! All the sweat and shortness of breath came to be worth your wild as you take a dip in the cool, relaxing water or go up on the deck and...

This was such a gem! At the trailhead, there are washrooms and a small building with a park employee who talked about the various snakes and bugs that live in the area, with jars of specimens to show. He was kind and knowledgeable. There are two hiking options. We didn’t climb the jaguar trail to the summit (approx 1 hr hike), but opted instead to walk the short 15-20 minute hike to the swimming hole/ waterfall. The trail was in good condition and easy to walk. There is a wooden deck with benches where we could place our things while we took a dip in the water. We had the swimming hole to ourselves and found the water to be clean, clear, and refreshing. The hole is occupied by mountain sardines and catfish. Early in the trail, we picked up some figs that had fallen off a nearby tree, not realizing that the sardines absolutely love figs, and were thrilled when we started breaking off pieces and tossing them...

A nice small park. The price per person is now rather steep 10 BZD.

The park's ranger gave one entrance ticket for a payment of 10 USD (2 persons) explaining that there are not enough tickets. I thought that was suspicious but did not argue.

The Jaguar trail is very steep: no zig-zags whatsoever. It just goes straight up the mountain. As others explained, people with motion difficulties should not attempt that. Bring the hiking poles: they help especially on the way down plus the missing/disappearing steps. The trail should be maintained better.

The waterfall trail is easier and you may swim in the hole...