How to Visit Rio On Pools in Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize
Hoping to swim in Belize’s majestic Rio On Pools?
This Rio On Pool Belize travel guide is for you! Keep reading for everything you need to know before visiting Rio On Pools, including how to get there (and road conditions to be aware of), plus what to bring and other insider tips.
I recently spent a month exploring Belize alongside my family that lives in Belize. Rio On Pools was one of the places that really exceeded my expectations. Tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize’s Cayo District, these natural swimming holes along the Rio Frio river made me feel like I was in North Carolina, or Washington, not tropical Belize.
The thousands of natural pools that form along this part of the river are perfect for a refreshing swim — and some of the smaller pools even heat up quite a bit in the sun if you fancy a warmer bath.
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🌺 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.
Visiting Rio On Pools, Belize
The Rio On Pools are located in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, in the Maya Mountains of Belize’s Cayo District, close to the Guatemala border. This mountainous part of Belize is popular for its pristine nature and cooler temperatures.
Historically, many part of Mountain Pine Ridge have been inaccessible because of the terrible quality of the unpaved roads. However, the local government is currently paving roads throughout the nature reserve, so I expect Rio On Pools and the rest of Mountain Pine Ridge to become more popular in the years to come.
Swimming in the natural pools at Rio On Pools is one of the best things to do in Mountain Pine Ridge Belize. Even in the wintertime this area is still warm enough to go for a swim. I visited on a cold February weekend but still enjoyed swimming here!
The pools are part of the Rio On River (also called Pear River), which is a tributary of the Macal River.
Rio On Pools Visitor’s Information
📷 Features & attractions: Natural pools and small waterfalls along the river, plus beautiful mountain vistas
💵 Entrance fee: None (free to visit)
👍🏼 Onsite facilities: Changing rooms, bathrooms, picnic area, and fire pits
⏰ Opening hours: Open daily, no specific opening hours
🗺 Location: X2PC+QXX, Douglas Da Silva, Belize
🥾 Accessibility notes: 4WD vehicle required, short hike along a decently maintained trail (not wheelchair accessible).
How to Drive to Rio On Pools
If you want to drive to Rio On Pools independently, you’ll need a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. Although the main road in Mountain Pine Ridge was recently paved and is in great shape, the other roads, including the short road to Rio On Pools, are not paved and in poor shape. In addition, the Rio On Pools parking lot is in rough shape.
You can compare rental prices from various local Belize rental companies here. I usually end up renting from Crystal Auto Rental when I’m in Belize.
To reach Rio On Pools, head to Mountain Pine Ridge. The drive to the pools from the entrance of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve takes about 20 minutes. Follow the signs and turn off the main road. Then park by the trail to Rio On Pools.
The walk to Rio On Pools is along a short trail and takes about five minutes. Be careful as you walk since the rocks along the trail can get quite slippery. If it has recently rained, expect mud!
Tours to Rio On Pools
If you don’t have access to a 4WD vehicle or you’re traveling solo, I highly recommend going on a Mountain Pine Ridge day trip with this incredible local tour company. I’ve had great experiences with this company on their other tours, and their Mountain Pine Ridge experience has lots of five star reviews. You get to enjoy Rio On Pools and visit a few of my other favorite spots in Mountain Pine Ridge including Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock Falls.
This other Mountain Pine Ridge day trip is also an option, with lovely reviews. This day trip includes a visit to Rio Frio Cave, Big Rock Falls, and Rio On Pools.
What to Pack for Rio On Pools
👙 Bathing suit: Wear or pack a swim suit! There are changing rooms at the base of the river at Rio On Pools if you need them. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for afterward!
🥤 Drinking water and snacks: Mountain Pine Ridge is a nature reserve with very little development, and only a few restaurants at the lodges. Bring all the water you’ll need for the day, plus snacks and maybe lunch!
🥾 Water shoes, hiking shoes, or sandals: Pack some shoes you can walk in down muddy hills and along slippery rocks. I brought these shoes that are grippy and sturdy for hiking and double as water shoes!
💦 Travel towel: I love this fast drying, sand resistant travel towel. I bring it everywhere!
🎒 Dry bag: A dry bag like this can be very helpful to keep all your valuables safe and dry!
🐛 Bug spray and sunscreen: I didn’t have any issues with bugs while I was in Mountain Pine Ridge, but definitely experienced my fair share of itchy bug bites during my month in Belize. Always bring insect repellant just in case!
📷 GoPro or waterproof phone case: I have a GoPro Hero11, which has 27 megapixels and screens on both sides, and I love it!
🩹 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.
Left: The mouth of Rio Frio Cave, Right: Sipping a mocktail at Gaia Riverlodge
More Things to do Nearby Rio On Pools Belize
If you’re making the journey to Rio On Pools from San Ignacio, Belize City, or another part of the country, consider checking out some other gorgeous spots in the Mountain Pine Ridge area! My favorite things to do nearby include:
🔦 Seeing the Giant Rio Frio Cave: This massive cave is just a short drive away from Rio On Pools, and it is 110% worth visiting if you are in the area. However, do not go here if there has been rain and be careful driving as the road is in very rough shape! My full guide to visiting Rio Frio Cave.
👙 Swimming Beneath Big Rock Falls: This beautiful waterfall is the most popular attraction in Mountain Pine Ridge and is definitely worth a stop if you have time! My full guide to visiting Big Rock Falls.
🍹 Enjoy a Drink at Gaia Riverlodge: Slow down and take in the tranquility of Mountain Pine Ridge at Gaia Riverlodge’s boho luxury restaurant overlooking the Five Sister’s Waterfall.
🦋 Visit Green Hills Butterfly Ranch: Learn about the butterfly lifecycle and spot 7 species of hummingbirds here!
Read more about these Mountain Pine Ridge attractions and others in my full guide to the best things to do in Mountain Pine Ridge Belize.
Thanks for reading!
- Browse my favorite Belize tours and experiences.
- See the best hotels in Belize.
- Check out my other Belize travel guides.
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