Macal River

The Macal River ranks in 1st place on the list of the longest rivers in Belize. It flows through Cayo District in western Belize. The historic Mayan settlement of Cahal Pech and the Belize Botanic Gardens are both located along the river. The Macal River flows into the Belize River. The Macal River has multiple tributaries, including the streams Privassion, Rio On, Rio Frio, Mollejon, and Cacao Camp.

The watershed basin of the Macal River is approximately 1492 square kilometers in size. The Macal River begins in a steep section of the Maya Mountains and runs north to join the Mopan River to form the Belize River. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Refuge, located to the east of the Macal River Basin, is the main sanctuary constructed particularly for jaguar conservation.

The Macal River is vulnerable to rapid stage height rise because to the steep terrain of the headwaters region and the considerable rainfall of the upper Macal Basin, contributing significantly to downstream flooding of the Belize River. According to mythology, the river is named after a beautiful young lady named Macall, which is a rare name. [Citation required] Canoes are used to navigate the lower river all year.

Length: 320 km (200 mi)