Belize Rock Climbing

This small Central American country (formerly known as British Honduras) has a host of limestone formations that are suitable for caving and climbing. There are currently about 100 established rock climbs at more than 20 areas in the Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts (states) ranging from about 5.3 to 5.12b.

Belize will never rival Yosemite, Spain or France as a world class climbing destination, but there is plenty of good rock to climb if you have the desire.

Historically, the dry season has run from roughly early December to May. In recent ye3ars, this seems to have shifted to a bit later (February to June). The cliffs are typically driest in April and May, although moderate routes can be done at any time.

Adventure tourism is perhaps the number one industry in Belize and the Belizean adventure guides are well trained and must be licensed by the government. Rock climbing is relatively new to the country, but the guides are learning fast based in part upon their knowledge of cave and swiftwater rescue techniques. A rock climbing training program has been underway for the Belizean adventure guides since 2011.

A small rock climbing guidebook to Belize became available in August 2021 and is available at climbing shops in the US and through K Daniels Publishing.

Note that most of the areas are on private land and you'll need to hire a guide and/or secure permission before climbing. At some areas, you will need to pay a modest day fee to enter or climb, just like you do at some areas in the US (Gunks, Yosemite, etc.).

Whatever else you might consider, DO NOT ascend or descend a cliff in Belize (or Central America for that matter) without closely examining the cliff for Africanized bees. In separate, near fatal incidents, two professional US climbers rappelled down cliffs in Belize and encountered hives. One person, after having been stung an estimated 1,000 times and having his vital organs start to shut down, he was airlifted to the US and is lucky to be alive. DO NOT RAPPEL OR CLIMB WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING FOR BEES!!!!!!!

Thanks to Backcountry.com, Black Diamond, Blue Water Ropes, Cayo Adventure Tours, Fixe Hardware, Mad Rock and Petzl for supporting efforts to establish rock climbing and guided rock climbing in Belize!