North of Douglas D’Silva Ranger Station in the Cayo District, hidden in the hills of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is the invigorating spot of Rio on Pools. As the name suggests, numerous small waterfalls cascade into connecting pools which the river has sanded away from granite boulders. A perfect picnic spot for family and friends, the rocks make great tanning stations if visitors are looking to get a nice glow from the hot Belizean sun. The pools are a perfect getaway from the island-hopping and zip-lining most thrill-seekers indulge in at Belize. Rio on Pools may be just the opposite, but with the same amount of fun and thrill – just a different kind. The pools are all different sizes, so visitors can pick which one is the perfect match.

With the aquatic spot being remote, it is best to visit with friends and/or family as a much-deserved cooling off after hiking the ridges. The surrounding evergreens and sound of murmuring pools are sure to put visitors in a state of Zen. Or, for guaranteed bliss, standing under the waterfalls for a quick nautical massage is a free perk of visiting the site. Rio on Pools is probably one of the few nature sites where one can “beach bum” jungle style.

Rain should not affect one’s visit since they will be soaked anyway, but muddy roads can lead to an exciting off-road experience. At the end of the day, your destination is a therapeutic nature spa that is tucked among the rolling hills of Mountain Pine Ridge. Another option is hiking to the pools, which will make it that much more rewarding when arriving at the site perspiring and out of breath. Once relaxation and meditation is checked off the list, visitors can take the time to see the neighboring Rio Frio Cave, which is just a short hike from the pools.