The Ultimate Guide to Billy Barquedier National Park, Belize

Just a fifteen minute hike right off of Belize’s scenic Hummingbird Highway you’ll find a small, but gorgeous waterfall with a perfect swimming hole below!

Situated in Belize’s Billy Barquedier National Park, this waterfall is definitely worth a stop. In fact, it was my favorite place along the Hummingbird Highway, and one of my destinations in all of Belize even after exploring this country for over a month.

If you’re considering stopping to see the Billy Barquedier waterfall, or go on any of the other hikes at Billy Barquedier Park, this article is for you!

👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛

🌺 My Belize Favorites 🏝

🤿 Barrier Reef Snorkeling & Diving: Belize has the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced! You can book guided snorkel and dive trips from Hopkins, San Pedro, or Caye Caulker. Browse Belize snorkel and dive trips.

🌲 Escape to Mountain Pine Ridge: Climb up in elevation to a cooler (and less visited) area with gorgeous waterfalls, fun swimming holes, Mayan ruins, and so much more! You will need a vehicle with 4WD here, but this day trip from San Ignacio is also an option.

🥾 Cave Adventures: Cave tubing is an adventure unique to Belize, and many people come all the way here to experience the ATM Cave, where you can witness human remains and Mayan artifacts.

🚙 Explore the Hummingbird Highway: This breathtaking lush scenic drive connects the Cayo District and the Caribbean coast. Stop along the way at waterfalls, a cenote, a chocolate workshop, caves, and more! My guide to the Hummingbird Highway.

🌴 Where to Stay: A sustainable jungle treehouse beside the beach in Hopkins at Hamanasi, a quiet breezy room at Weezie’s on the vibrant small island of Caye Caulker, or a luxury bungalow overlooking waterfalls at Gaia Riverlodge. My guide on Where to Stay in Belize.

☀️🌺🌿 Article Outline (Jump Ahead)

The Ultimate Guide to Billy Barquedier National Park (Belize)

First designated as a Belize National Park in 2001, Billy Barquedier National Park is still a bit of a Belize hidden gem. The park’s pristine jungle, rich biodiversity, and spectacular waterfall make it well worth a stop on any Belize road trip, especially for nature lovers like me!

The hike to the falls is easy and rewarding, with a refreshing natural swimming pool waiting for your at the end! Best of all, it is easy to get this place to yourself if you visit on a weekday morning. And even if you visit on a weekend or afternoon, there won’t be any crowds, especially since there is only room for about four cars in the parking lot!

Where is Billy Barquedier National Park?

Billy Barquedier National Park is located in Belize, Central America, in the country’s Stann Creek District in the town of Alta Vista. Notably, the park is located right along the Hummingbird Highway, a scenic drive that is a must-add to your Belize itinerary!

The Hummingbird Highway runs between Dangriga and Hopkins on the Caribbean coast, and Belmopan, Belize’s capital city. The drive is a popular route for folks connecting between southern Belize (often Placencia or Hopkins) and the popular Cayo District, which is a hotspot for jungle adventures.

Billy Barquedier National Park is only about one hour and forty minutes from Belize City and an hour and a half from San Ignacio.

How to get to Billy Barquedier National Park

Directions from San Ignacio, Belize (1.5 hour drive)

To take a day trip to Billy Barquedier National Park from San Ignacio, drive east out of San Ignacio toward Santa Elena town and the George Price Highway.

In Belmopan, turn right at the roundabout toward the Hummingbird Highway. Then follow the Hummingbird Highway for about 58 kilometers until you reach Billy Barquedier National Park on the lefthand side.

Directions from Hopkins, Belize (38 minute drive)

Exit Hopkins and drive west along Hopkins Road. At the fork, turn right onto the Southern Highway and follow it for about 16 miles until you reach the Hummingbird Highway.

Then drive about 18 kilometers along the Hummingbird Highway. Billy Barquedier National Park will be on the right.

Directions from Belize City

There are two ways to get to Billy Barquedier National Park from Belize City. The fastest is along the newly paved Coastal Highway (1.5 hour drive). Alternatively, you can drive along the George Price Highway to Belmopan and then take the Hummingbird Highway (2 hour drive).

What to Expect When Visiting Billy Barquedier National Park

Billy Barquedier National Park is open daily from 8am-4pm. It costs $10 BZE ($5 USD) to visit and you can pay in either Belize dollars or US dollars.

The park is directly off of the road and has a small parking area. As soon as you pull off the highway, a park ranger should come out to help you and collect the entry fee.

From the parking lot you can hike 15 minutes to the waterfall, or about an hour to a scenic viewpoint.

The waterfall itself is small, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. And the pool below is a refreshing place for a dip after the hike up to the falls.

If you visit on a weekday morning, you can probably get the place to yourself, but you may run into some other tourists and locals if you stop by in the afternoon or on the weekend.

How to See the Billy Barquedier Waterfall

The fifteen minute hike to the Billy Barquedier Waterfall starts with an incline up a steep but short hill. At the top of the hill you will turn left and follow the trail and signs for the waterfall.

Make sure you follow the correct trail as there are other hiking trails at Billy Barquedier Park. You’ll journey through lush rainforest before reaching a river crossing. There is a rope strung across the river to help with the crossing, but the river itself is fairly small.

Keep in mind that the conditions may be a little different if there has been heavy rain recently — if you’re uncertain about anything, ask the park ranger for help.

After the river crossing, follow the rivers edge for a few more moments and you’ll reach the waterfall.

What to Bring to Billy Barquedier Park

👙 Swimsuit: Soaking in the pool beneath the Billy Barquedier waterfall is one of my favorite things to do on the Hummingbird Highway. Make sure you have a bathing suit so you can take a dip!

💦 Travel towel: I love this fast drying, sand resistant travel towel. I bring it everywhere!

🩴 Hike-friendly sandals: I wore my EVA Birkenstocks on the Billy Barquedier waterfall hike and they were perfect since they can get wet and slip on so easily. You could also wear some more sturdy sandals like Teva’s if you want more support.

🐛 Natural bug repellant: I highly recommend this natural insect repellant balm, it is easy to apply, good for your skin, and actually works!

🥑 Drinking water and snacks: Make sure you have a reusable water bottle full of fresh water, plus snacks in case you get hungry! In fact, the waterfall at Billy Barquedier National Park would be a great picnic spot for lunch!

🩹 Travel insurance: While it is not a physical item to pack, please don’t forget to purchase travel insurance in case something happens! I always buy a policy with SafetyWing.

Billy Barquedier National Park FAQs

Is Billy Barquedier National Park worth visiting?

Yes! The waterfall at Billy Barquedier National Park is one of the best stops along the scenic Hummingbird Highway. If you have an hour or more to spare, definitely check out this small but picturesque waterfall.