About 1,000 Foot Falls
1,ooo Foot Falls Belize
Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument (TFFNM), established in 2004, covers 1,290 acres and is home to Central America’s tallest waterfall, plunging over 1,600 feet from the Maya Mountains. Managed by Belize Karst Habitat Conservation in collaboration with the Forest Department, TFFNM is part of the Mountain Pine Ridge/Chiquibul/Caracol Complex, one of the largest remaining intact tropical forests in Central America and a critical component of the Maya Mountain Massif. It also contributes to the Selva Maya, a significant rainforest extending across Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, playing a key role in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
TFFNM protects unique ecosystems and harbors endangered species such as the Scarlet Macaw, Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir, and the Orange-breasted Falcon, which nests on its steep cliffs. As part of Belize’s National Protected Areas System, the monument safeguards biodiversity, supports watershed health, and promotes education and research while prohibiting resource extraction. Surrounding communities, including San Antonio and El Progresso, benefit from eco-tourism connected to the monument. However, TFFNM faces threats from habitat changes, fires, and hurricanes, prompting ongoing conservation efforts to protect its ecosystems and wildlife.
Protecting and Preserving a Natural Treasure
Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC) is thrilled to announce the expansion of our conservation efforts through a new co-management agreement with the Government of Belize for the Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument (TFFNM). The Thousand Foot Falls actually measures 1,600 feet, making it the largest waterfall in Central America.
Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument plays a vital role in conservation, particularly in protecting three key targets: the falls itself, the Orange-breasted Falcon, and the steep ecosystems. These ecosystems are fragile and face threats from habitat changes, climate change, and land use pressures. Belize Karst Habitat Conservation focuses on research, monitoring, and public awareness to safeguard these natural features.
Conservation Goals:
Protect and preserve the scenic geographic landscape surrounding the falls.
Support the recovery and monitoring of endangered species like the Orange-breasted Falcon.
Maintain healthy ecosystems through active surveillance, research, and habitat restoration.
Visitor Information Section
Get Involved – Protect Thousand Foot Falls
Help us conserve this beautiful landscape and its wildlife. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply visiting, you can make a lasting difference in preserving Thousand Foot Falls for future generations.
The monument currently offers basic amenities, including restrooms and a small visitor center. However, several facilities are being rehabilitated to improve visitor safety and comfort. Planned upgrades include a new lookout platform designed for optimal waterfall viewing, hiking trail improvements, the establishment of an overnight camping area and eco-friendly restrooms. Additionally, there are plans to introduce on-site accommodation (Airbnb-style cabin), offering visitors a more immersive experience in the heart of the natural landscape.
By supporting the efforts of Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC), you are directly contributing to the conservation of the falls and its rich biodiversity, ensuring that this natural wonder remains protected for future generations. As a thank you, you’ll receive a beautifully printed, full-color ticket—a special keepsake to remind you of your role in safeguarding Belize’s natural heritage. Your donation makes a real difference in preserving the beauty and integrity of this remarkable protected area.
