Blue Creek in Toledo Belize is a popular adventure place for many tourists. Get to know some of the sights and activities that await you in this adventure vacation in Belize.
Blue Creek is found in Toledo Belize
Blue Creek in Toledo Belize is a mixed Mopan and Kek-chi village, which is formed by families moving from Aguacate and San Antonio attracted by the crystal clear waters and fertile land of
its namesake creek and a small Mennonite community just a short distance. The Blue Creek is a 200-acre rain-forest preserve and wildlife sanctuary and is a mere 15-minute hike along a beautifully planted trail leading to the Research Center and a deep pool of clear water that is great for swimming.
There are some refreshments available in the Center and visitors are welcome to use their deck jutting over the river for a small fee. It offers a wonderful view of the rainforest canopy, and the antics of iguanas dropping in the river just to clamber ashore and laboriously climb trees, and then repeat the whole process over again. The crystal clear waters of the creek are great for a refreshing swim, and you an immediately make friends with small fishes who will definitely come to investigate.
The lush forest of the preserve is home to huge orchids, bromeliads, heliconias and cohune palms, with numerous vines weaving their way through the jungle and a guided hike to reveal numerous medicinal plants. This place is home to so many birds, including the keel-billed toucan, and you can hear the distinct roar of howler monkeys a short distance away. These monkeys are popular in the country, and are named because of the loud howls that they make.
Blue Creek is also home to the Hokeb Ha Cave. This cave features a large entrance from the summit of a hill where the creek gurgles up right from underground. Many Late Classic Maya ceramics have been found inside the cave and an altar. Archaeologists believe that the cave was specifically used for ceremonial purposes. Continuing upstream from the Center’s dock, you clamber on the rocks of a dry creek bed to reach the river emerging from the cave. The limestone caves are teeming with pristine crystal-clear mineral pools and lagoons, with a constant water temperature of 75 degrees.
With headlights and life jackets, you can swim into the cave and visit a couple more waterfalls, and enjoy the view of the stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Although not recommended, it is possible to visit the cave all on your own, and although the calm water at the main entrance is great for swimming for most of the year, heavy rains can cause a sudden rise in water levels. You have to be accompanied by a guide if you want to explore the inside of the cave system. You can arrange this either at the Research Center or in the village.
Blue Creek in location Toledo Belize is located about 25 miles north-west of Punta Gorda Town. There is a village bus that leaves at around 11:30 AM during Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Get off the bus at the low cement bridge that spans the creek and take the trail from the car park on your right where you will reach the research center in about 15 minutes. For your return journey, you can eitehr hitch a ride or negotiate a fare back at the Southern Highway, and then catch a regular James Line bus to Punta Gorda.
You can avail of combination tours of Blue Creek from Punta Gorda that already includes entrance fees, guide fees and lunch. You can take your pick from Blue Creek and the Cacao Trail or Blue Creek and Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary. Ask your Belize hotel concierge if they offer any of these packages, or contact a reputable tour company near you. Give yourself a great adventure vacation in Belize and visit Blue Creek in Toledo Belize.