Thousand-Foot Falls

The Thousand-Foot Falls, also known as "Hidden Valley Falls," are much taller than their name would imply. They cascade approximately 1,600 feet. According to estimates, it is Central America's tallest waterfall. Because of its extreme height, it can be seen from a distance, especially when traveling through the valley below.

The views of the falls are breathtaking, but most people can only get a close-up look because they are situated ten kilometers off Chiquibul Road in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The roadside signage makes it simple to see the turnoff to the viewpoint. After leaving the highway, the road continues for another 6.5 kilometers to a lookout and picnic spot from which you may see the falls from the opposite side of the gorge during misty breaks.

It will take several hours to descend and then return from the foot of the falls if you want to get a closer look, so be prepared to put in the time for a lengthy and relatively strenuous ascent through the park. The view here is magical.

Location: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Springfield
Time open: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM