Rio On Pools

Tourist attraction · Cayo

Rio On Pools

Tourist attraction · Cayo

X2PC+QXX, Douglas Da Silva, Belize

Highlights

Escape to these stunning natural swimming pools with charming mini-waterfalls, where you can relax and cool off—just watch your step on the slippery rocks!

X2PC+QXX, Douglas Da Silva, Belize Get directions

travelbelize.org

@afar

"While much of Belize is tropical, at a slightly higher altitude in the west of the country, you can also find an idyllic pine forest with naturally formed swimming holes fed by crystal-clear waterfalls. Located in the Cayo District, the area is noteworthy for its evergreen trees and the granite Mountain Pine Ridge. It is also home to wildlife, including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, white-nosed coatis, and Baird's tapirs. Spend the afternoon sunbathing on the rocks or cooling off by exploring the different pools. The Rio On Pools are accessed by a short walk from the designated parking area off the main road. Signage and directions can be a bit tricky, and you may want to arrange for a driver or guide who is knowledgeable about the area to lead you to this surprising corner of the country. To learn more about the many adventures waiting in the seven regions of Belize, visit travelbelize.org . Sponsored by Belize"

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David Tofan

Google

The road to Rio On Pools is still under construction (as of February 2025), but it’s safe and easy to drive. Parking is a bit tight, and some road edges have holes, so be cautious. The walking path is clear and easy to navigate. Changing rooms are well-maintained and seem mostly clean, though the toilets are unfortunately quite dirty: something that depends on visitors being considerate (leave them as you’d like to find them). Despite this, Rio On Pools is spacious, offering plenty of room to swim, walk around, relax, and even stand under a small waterfall for a refreshing massage or great photos.

AJ Miller

Google

Wow, this place was awesome and free. Newer highway made it ultra easy. Wish we brought camping gear to camp near or along highway. Everything about this area was awesome. If you see my photos and want to go there just head down river, but be careful. Some rocks are slippery, especially after rains.

Paul D

Google

The swimming is amazing. Definitely worth stopping by after visiting Caracol. I cannot emphasize this enough- don’t go to the bathrooms!! Never in all my life have I ever seen anything so vile. You will have nightmares.

Rian Allen

Google

A great place to spend a few hours swimming and lounging on the rocks. It was free and not busy before noon. The bathroom is putrid, so be prepared.

Jon Forshee

Google

Took about 45 minutes from San Ignacio by private car. The place is nice and secluded. Honestly I expected a bit more. The water was VERY brown supposedly from the recent rains. The rocks that are under water are EXTREMELY slippery with algae! I hurt my wrist slightly trying to brace myself moving thru the different pools. Overall I would think twice about coming back unless I knew in advance the water conditions. There are areas where you can put out a blanket and have a picnic. Entrance and parking is free.

Jess Plummer

Google

So beautiful! The perfect place to relax and swim on a hot, humid day. Bring lots of water and sunscreen, there is no drinking water here and lots of sun exposure. Parking is free. It's about a 5 minute, easy walk from the car to the pools.

Rebecca Miniscalco

Google

The pools are great, didn't go into the restroom closet to the pools themselves, so I can't speak to those, but the ones near the picnic area are gross and not functional or maintained. Nice that there are changing rooms near the pools you can use, just recommend using a bathroom before or after visiting

Jodi Sharp

Google

Absolutely gorgeous. It was pretty busy, but there's so much space along the river you could still find a spot that was private. There are no vendors or anything (so bring your own snacks), but changing rooms are provided. Lots of parking space along the road and just a short walk into the pools. A wonderful thing to do on a hot day.