Belize and Central America, in general, are home to numerous spectacular waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. On my frequent trips to the region, I try to chalk another off the list. In Belize alone, I’ve photographed over a dozen.
One place I keep returning to is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s tucked off the Southern Highway between Hopkins Village and Placencia, just past the turnoff to the small Mopan Maya village of Maya Centre. It was one of the first natural areas I visited in Belize, and it remains a favorite. Towering canopies, winding trails and the constant buzz of cicadas create an atmosphere that’s equal parts wild and sacred.
This particular waterfall – Ben’s Bluff Falls – isn’t the grandest I’ve seen, but it calls to me the most. A short, scenic trail climbs to a forest overlook before dropping into a lush, shaded ravine.
This visit was wilder than most. The air was thick with Saharan dust. Embers from distant wildfires drifted down through the canopy. The jungle was drier than I’d ever seen. When the skies opened and drenched the trail, it felt like a blessing.
I worked with my lightweight, weatherproof mirrorless setup and neutral density filters to soften the motion of the falls.
As a final parting shot, a massive tree fell across the exit road during the storm, forcing park rangers to clear the way with chainsaws before we could depart—a true Belizean adventure.
