Top 6 of Belize's Hot Springs
Belize, a crown jewel nestled in the heart of Central America, beckons with turquoise shores, emerald rainforests, and ancient Mayan secrets. But hidden within its lush embrace lies a treasure less known, yet equally captivating: natural hot springs.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway
Each season offers its own unique charm at Belize's natural hot springs:
Dry Season (November-April): Enjoy dry and sunny weather, perfect for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially during holidays.
Green Season (May-October): Witness the rainforests come alive with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. The cooler temperatures can be refreshing after a hot soak, but some springs may have limited hours or be temporarily closed during heavy rains.
Shoulder Seasons (May & October): Experience fewer crowds and find the best deals on accommodation and flights. The weather is generally pleasant, offering a mix of sunshine and occasional showers.
Health Benefits
Belize's natural hot springs vary in their mineral content, each offering unique benefits:
Magnesium: Found in springs like Big Falls and Rio Blanco, magnesium can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Sulfur: Present in Black Creek and Mayflower, sulfur possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for skin conditions.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium in Five Blues Lagoon can contribute to bone health and muscle function.
Silica: Some springs, like those near the Maya Mountains, contain silica, known to improve skin health and hair growth.
Bicarbonates: Springs like those in the Coastal Belize region may contain bicarbonates, which can aid digestion and have alkalizing properties.
1. Big Falls Hot Spring (Toledo)
The Lodge at Big Falls, located in the heart of Toledo, southern Belize, is the district’s premier inland resort. The Lodge offers elegant accommodation, fine food and drink and relaxation in a peaceful riverside setting. The property is located on a meander of the river with almost a mile of river frontage. There are six individual cottage style cabanas (sleeping up to four persons) with a full ensuite bathroom providing hot and cold water. Each cabana is thatched with bay-leaf palm, a traditional Belizean thatching material.
Bath in the warm waters of the creek that is fed from a hot spring on the nearby hillside. The spring lies beside an unsigned dirt pulloff on the north side of the highway sitting about a half-mile west of the main Rio Grande bridge in the center of town. There are no improvements to the pool except for a few stones placed to help hold the water in the pool area.
Authentic cultural experiences can be found at the two Living Maya home visits in Big Falls and Ixcacao Mayan Belizean Chocolate in San Felipe village where guests learn to handcraft their own chocolate using traditional tools and methods. The Warasa Garifuna Drum School and Maroon Creole Drum School introduce the visitor to two drumming styles and traditions. The two Mayan sites of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit are within ten miles of the lodge.
Our tours are grouped around the three themes of culture, nature and adventure. Our birding packages that guests to the great variety of habitats in Toledo and our Monkey River tours offer the opportunity to see Black Howler monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and manatees as well as an abundance of wading birds and raptors.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, minor sediment, natural waterfall mist adds ambience.
Ease of Access: 2 stars - Moderate hike through rainforest, rocky terrain, good shoes recommended.
Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pool beneath waterfall, minimal crowds, unique experience.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable range, slightly cooler near waterfall, adjustable with proximity.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Moderate sulfur content, potential muscle relief and skin benefits.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Remote location, bring snacks and water, basic facilities nearby.
2. Hidden Valley Hot Springs & Eco Resort
Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is a luxurious eco-resort situated on a vast private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize.
While not a hot spring, you still enjoy the warm water in a rainforest setting - swimming pool, private plunge pools, a hot tub, elevated Belizean cuisine, and sustainable practices makes this the perfect balance between nature and luxury.
Located about 2 hours from the International Airport, it is the perfect escape into the wild. A well paved road leads your journey for most of the adventure, with a dirt road winding into the property for the last few miles.
Discover a variety of off-property tours available from Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Explore ancient Maya ruins at Caracol and Xunantunich, experience the wonders of cave tubing and ziplining, or visit the Green Hills Butterfly Farm and Barton Creek. Enjoy a scenic coffee tour and tasting, or venture into the depths of Crystal Caves and Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave). These tours offer a deep dive into Belize’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes, ensuring unforgettable experiences for every guest.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal clear, naturally filtered, multiple spring-fed pools.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk from resort, well-maintained paths, scenic surroundings.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Multiple pools with varying privacy levels, moderate crowds during peak season.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Diverse range, hot, warm, and cool pools available, personal preference catered to.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich mineral content, sulfur, magnesium, and silica, potential benefits for skin, muscles, and stress.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Resort facilities, spa services, restaurant, comfortable lodging options.
3. Black Creek Hot Springs & Forest
On the shore of an IUCN Category IV Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, where the Maya Mountains foothills come close to the Caribbean Sea, is this beautiful and wild property which we call, “Black Creek Hot Springs & Forest”. It has a half-mile of sand frontage on the Southern Lagoon. It is accessed by a public-access logging road from the newly-paved Coastal Highway.
From the Hot Springs Pool, Black Creek flows underground and into the 15-acre Black Lagoon. The creek then flows from Black Lagoon into the Southern Lagoon via a navigable channel. Black Lagoon can be accessed by boat from the Caribbean Sea, from Belize City, from the coral reef islands, and from anywhere.
All five species of Central America’s big-cat species thrive here, as do the natural habitat that they keep healthy. The rare and endangered Hicatee Turtle, Tapir, both Howler & Spider Monkeys, flocks of parrots and tropical birds live here. Recently-discovered plants grow along with as-yet unclassified species of frogs.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, slightly salty from ocean proximity, unique coastal setting.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Boat or long drive on rough road, challenging for some, planning crucial.
Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pool and beach access, privacy guaranteed, perfect for couples or small groups.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable range, hot spring and cool ocean nearby, choose your preference.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, potential relaxation and stress relief benefits.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star - Remote location, bring everything you need, no facilities or lodging nearby.
4. Benque Viejo Hot Springs
Benque is the western most town of Belize and still only 80 miles from Belize City on the eastern coast of the country. Benque Viejo means “old bank” and refers to the time when logging camps lined the river bank and the rivers of Belize were pretty much the only way to get around.
Newly renovated with luxury suites and Skydeck with view of Xunantunich pyramid ruins. Suites have River-view balconies, luxury beds, exotic hardwoods, 12 ft high ceilings, Wifi, safe and a/c.Nestled on the beautiful Mopan River, guests may inner tube the river to Xunantunich ruins from the hotel.
This is the closest hotel to the ruins of Xunantunich and also a good location for caving, jungle tours and cultural festivals.SPA in premises available great value on massage.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Noticeable sediment, strong sulfur smell, rustic Mayan experience.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by paved road, ample parking, clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone: 2 stars - Large communal pool, busy atmosphere, popular with locals and tourists.
Water Temperature: 3 stars - Hot pool can be slightly too hot for extended soaking, cooler options available.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - High mineral content, sulfur and silica, potential benefits for skin, muscles, and joint pain.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, shops, and hotels within walking distance, cultural immersion opportunity.
Belize's hot springs are just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Here are some additional experiences to enrich your journey:
Hike through the emerald landscapes: Discover hidden waterfalls, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and experience the beauty of the Belizean rainforest.
Explore ancient Mayan ruins: Belize is home to numerous ancient Mayan sites, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture.
Go cave tubing or snorkeling: Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the hidden wonders of Belize's caves
Are you traveling in other parts of Latin America? Take a look at more hot springs in Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Carribean, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
