Rio Blanco National Park

Rio Blanco National Park is a 105-acre protected area near the southern Belize village of Santa Elena. Recognizing the ecological diversity in the area, the park was established in 1994 to help create an economic alternative to logging in the Mayan Mountains area. Among the park's features are the 1.4-mile Jippi Jippa Nature Trail loop, a designated tent camping area, although with minimal improvements ($10BZ per night camp fee), a dorm bunkhouse at the ranger station ($20BZ per night), and a swimming hole and 15-foot waterfall.

A variety of tropical and flowering plants can be seen throughout the park, and the park has provided a changing room and covered sitting area near the swimming area. A platform just downriver from the falls allows easy access into and out of the river. Interpretive signs have been posted in areas throughout the park offering information on the flora encountered along the trails. Visitors can also visit the on-site crafts shop with gifts made and sold by local Mayan women. Daily park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park admission is $10BZ per person.