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Mayan
Woman Making Crafts for Sale |
Established in 1994 and managed by the Rio Blanco Mayan
Association (RBMA), residents of Santa Cruz and Santa Elena
Villages in Toledo are very proud to share with visitors
the natural splendor of the Rio Blanco National Park. Covering
500 acres, the Park is located approximately 30 miles, traveling
northwest from Punta Gorda Town. Boasting a series of waterfalls,
the largest and most popular cascading 15 feet into a deep
pool at its base, the Park provides an excellent recreational
spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who
simply want to relax in the peaceful ambiance of a lush
tropical forest setting.
A small sign points visitors in the direction of the Park’s
entrance. About one mile in along a narrow jungle trail
(which may be inaccessible for larger vehicles) visitors
will come across two flights of stone steps leading to the
waterfalls.
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Rio
Blanco Falls (dry season) |
A Visitor Center is on property that displays an array of
local Mayan craftwork and provides visitors with information
about the park. Park wardens are also available to assist
guests at the visitor center. The main attraction of the
park however, is of course the waterfalls. A natural 20-foot
stone ledge towers above the main waterfall providing the
ultimate platform for leaping into the deep pool at its
base. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this picturesque
waterfall and its invigoratingly cool waters is the perfect
place to marvel in Mother Nature’s awesome creations.
When you tire of swimming in the natural cascades, you can
take a walk along the river upstream and observe the abundant
bird life in the area. The huge slabs of sandstone rocks
also provide the perfect place for a picnic.