Fun Spots at Better in Belize

Your Backyard Is the Adventure

Private waterfalls, a quiet stretch of the Macal River and 130 acres of living rainforest in the Maya Mountains. These are the places our owners and guests come home to every day.

3Private waterfalls
130Acres of rainforest
MacalRiver frontage
VacaLake at your door
Hidden Belize

Places most visitors never get to see

There is only one road in, and it runs through the Better in Belize gate. That means the river, the falls and the jungle trails around our community stay quiet, wild and close to private. Here are three favourites.

Pontoon boat cruising the Macal River past rainforest-covered hills Rainforest reflected in the still Macal River
01 — THE RIVER

The Macal River

The Macal begins in the forest reserve near Better in Belize, fed by springs and small mountain creeks. Downstream it joins the Mopan River from Guatemala to form the Belize River.

Our stretch sits between two dams with no public access points, so it is rare to see anyone out here. If you do, they came through our front gate or are out on a pontoon boat tour. Think of it as the community’s own playground.

  • Pontoon boat tours
  • Canoe & kayak
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
Waterfall spilling into a clear swimming pool near Better in Belize Swimmers at the base of a cascading waterfall
02 — THE FALLS

Three Private Waterfalls

Three picturesque waterfalls sit near Better in Belize, each with its own character. Two are reached by boat and one you can swim right up to. All three are worth the trip.

There are no trails or roads to these falls. The only road to the water that leads to them passes through the Better in Belize gates, so on most days you will have them to yourself.

  • Boat access
  • Swim-up falls
  • Natural pools
  • Photo spots
Rainforest canopy overlooking Vaca Lake at Better in Belize View across the rainforest canopy
03 — THE JUNGLE

The Local Jungle

This is nature at full strength: the rainforest of Belize, one of the most biodiverse countries in Central America. It is not the tooth-and-claw jungle of the movies, though it always deserves respect.

Wander by day or night and take in a healthy wilderness that you can call home. Watch for toucans, listen for howler monkeys and enjoy the cooler evenings that come with our elevation.

  • Birdwatching
  • Night walks
  • Wildlife
  • Hiking
More Ways to Play

Everyday adventures in the community

Life here is lived outdoors. A few of the things owners and Discovery Stay guests enjoy most.

Pontoon boat on the Macal River

Pontoon Boat Tour

Cruise the river, spot wildlife and stop at the falls for a swim.

Kayaker near a waterfall

Lake & River Paddling

Kayak, paddleboard or fish on fresh mountain water.

Horseback riding through jungle hills

Horseback Riding

Ride the hills and take in views of the Maya Mountains.

ATV on a jungle trail

Jungle Trails

Explore by ATV or on foot along rainforest tracks.

Jungle Splash Eco-Tours adventure on the river
Community Partner

Jungle Splash Eco-Tours

Our neighbours at Jungle Splash Eco-Tours know every bend of the Macal River. Better in Belize guests get 20% off their tours, so there is no better way to see the river and the falls.

See Wildlife & Adventure
See It for Yourself

Come stay, swim and explore

Book a 2-night Discovery Stay for two at Casa Santa Maria for $550 USD, including the pontoon boat tour. If you buy land, your $550 is credited toward the purchase. Lots start at $19,000 USD.