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Description
The Macal River winds through large expanses of primary and secondary growth broadleaf tropical forest, including a substantial tract of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The watershed consists of closed canopy upland forests as well as a fertile floodplain, which is often overgrown with dense jungle vegetation trailing into the verges of the river itself.
There is abundant birdlife in the Macal Basin; for example, in the Mountain Pine Ridge sub-watershed alone are found: the Rufous-capped Warbler, Pine Siskin and Eastern Bluebird. Raptors hunt among the valleys of Mountain Pine Ridge, and affords the most probable location in Belize to observe the Orange-breasted Falcon.
The massive trees on the river banks in the lower reach are home to breeding Keel-billed Toucan, Belize's national bird, as well as other toucans like Collared Aracari and Northern Emerald-Toucanet .
Along the river itself various species of kingfisher and flycatchers are present.
Details
Access
Whilst the highest reaches of the watershed are only accessible to the most hardy of hikers, the Mountain Pine Ridge area is available to travellers by auto (not bus). Most of the recreation in this reach is within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a national Park of Belize. In addition to hiking trails into the wilderness, this reach is the location of Belize's largest limestone caverns. The most extensive of these aqueous caverns is the Rio Frio area.
In the lowest reach there are a number of jungle resorts which offer access to the banks of the Macal for flotation or canoe trips to San Ignacio. Except for the peak flow periods of June to October, it is feasible to canoe upstream against the current in this reach.
A good site near the river is the Belize Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens do not give access to the river itself but the adjacent Sweet Songs resort does.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , RiverConditions
Mountainous , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Boat , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesLinks
- Wikipedia
- Belize Botanical Gardens
- Alma del Rio
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- Bird Observations