Thirty five minutes out of Punta Gorda Town, the Toledo District’s lush landscape opens up to the traveler. It reveals intriguing sights, among them the cascading, emerald pools at Rio Blanco. You will definitely be drawn to the RBNP to savor the Rio Blanco Experience, which includes hiking the nature trails, swimming in the Rio Blanco pools, savoring Mayan culinary delights, and immersing oneself into traditional Maya village life.
Park History
Declared an “Indigenous People’s Park” in 1992 and subsequently legally established as a protected area in 1994 under Statutory Instrument 41 of 1994. RBNP is managed through a co-management agreement between the Rio Blanco Mayan Association and the Forest Department. The Rio Blanco Mayan Association consists of representatives from the villages of Santa Cruz and Santa Elena.
Park History
Declared an “Indigenous People’s Park” in 1992 and subsequently legally established as a protected area in 1994 under Statutory Instrument 41 of 1994. RBNP is managed through a co-management agreement between the Rio Blanco Mayan Association and the Forest Department. The Rio Blanco Mayan Association consists of representatives from the villages of Santa Cruz and Santa Elena.
Location & Topography
RBNP is located in the western Toledo District (approximately 30 miles east of Punta Gorda) within indigenous Mayan communal lands between the villages of Santa Cruz and Santa Elena. The park consists of 105 acres of secondary broadleaf forest surrounding a waterfall with a natural pool that has long been used as a swimming hole. It was established to preserve this feature and to deliver ecotourism benefits to the adjacent communities. The economy of the area is based primarily on agriculture where slash and burn is the common practice and corn, beans and rice are the staples. The economic diversity in the district is limited, however tourism is a growing industry with tremendous potential given the district’s rich natural assets and culture.
Spectacular biodiversity draws in birders, hikers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. The main attraction is Río Blanco Falls, which is 100 feet (30 m) across and 20 feet (6 m) high following heavy rains. The large, calm pool at the base of the falls is surrounded by slabs of sandstone and offers scenic swimming opportunities.
Reaching the falls requires a 20-minute hike along a wide, forested path that begins at the grassy parking area. After exploring the park, make sure to stop in the small on-site craft shop where you can purchase handicrafts made by local Mayan women, including jewelry and woven baskets made from jippi jappa.
