Blue Hole National Park is a national park in Belize in the Cayo District.
background
history
In 1965 the Blue Hole and the surrounding area were registered for the first time as a suitable tourist location. Initially, a small part was declared a national park in 1968. In 1978, the area first became a nature reserve and was then declared a national park on November 23, 1986. In 1988 the first paths and stairs to the Blue Hole and St Herman's Cave were made. In 1994 the park was expanded to 16 square kilometers. As the popularity of the Blue Hole Natural Monument The name of the national park was changed to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park in 2005. The park is under the administration of the Belize Audubon Society [1]
landscape
Flora and fauna
climate
getting there
By car
We recommend arriving by car. There are two parking options here. The first is from Belmopan coming on the right at St Herman's Cave. In addition to picnic areas, there is also the visitor center and a souvenir shop. The second is also one mile further on the right at the Blue Hole. There are also picnic areas here. Since both are connected to each other via a hiking trail, both are equally advantageous to visit.
By bus
All buses that drive along the Hummingbird Highway stop here on request or on hand signals.
Fees / permits
Admission is 8 BZ $ for foreigners and 2 BZ $ for Belizians
mobility
From the parking lots you can walk through the park. The opening times are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tourist Attractions
- Blue Hole. Here a river emerges from the underground and disappears again after a few meters. The water is refreshing and gives the park its name with its bluish color. Furthermore, it invites you to swim and snorkel.
- St. Herman's Cave. This approx. 1.5 km long cave is accessible and has some beautiful stalactite formations. Numerous Maya artefacts have also been found in it and can still be seen. The first 250 meters are accessible without a licensed guide. In a guided tour it is possible to see the entire cave.
- Mountain Cow Cave. This cave is only accessible via a guided tour. The cave, which is still regarded and used by the Mayans as a sanctuary, is also known as the crystal cave.
- Lookout Tower. Here you have a perfect view of the treetops and bird life.
- trail. There is a loop path around the Blue Hole and a connecting path between Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave. Since these lead through the rainforest, they are ideal for studying fauna and flora.
- Picnic area. Picnic opportunities are available at the Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave. An ideal resting point for travelers along the Hummingbird Highway.
activities
- Discover - Especially the caves invite you to do so.
- hike - The possible routes do not correspond to a day tour, but they are ideal for stretching your feet after a long drive.
- swim - Here, too, the short, refreshing dip in the refreshing water is a dream. But you should go for a beach holiday San Pedro (Belize) prefer
- Snorkeling - It is interesting to snorkel the origin of the river here
- picnic - The places are nicely laid out and can be reached quickly from the highway.
- Wildlife observation - Especially the hiking trails and the tower show the entire fauna of Belize in the morning hours.
to buy
There is a souvenir shop at the visitor center
