Located on the Hummingbird Highway at Mile 32, Five Blues Lake National Park can be reached by taking a local bus from the terminal in Belmopan to St. Margaret’s Village. Within the village, the park office is on the way to the park, but when I stopped there last it was closed up and surrounded by weeds.

When you can find them, local rangers are both knowledgeable and willing to help with questions that you may have. From the park office, a rutted, four-kilometer road leads to the park. This road can be hiked, or the rangers will be more than willing to provide transportation.

Within Five Blues Lake National Park, several Maya sites are accessible to visitors. Within the Duende Caves, ceremonial pottery can still be found. While some of the more significant sites are heavily regulated by the Belizean Institute of Archaeology, Five Blues Lake provides ample opportunity for visitors to witness Maya writings and pottery.

In 2006, a mysterious draining of some of the lakes occurred, as the earth sucked some of the famous blue water back into the limestone. In 2010, the water returned. Spooky. There are many birds and wildlife species here, including coatamundis, collared peccaries, and agoutis.

Entrance fees (US$5 pp) go toward supporting the park and can be paid to the ranger on duty. At the park’s entrance, a visitors center with maps of the trails is available, along with picnic tables. In addition, bathroom facilities are available behind the visitors center.

From the visitors center, you can take any of the park’s trails, or go directly to the lake. Be sure to explore St. Margaret’s Village and ask about camping and homestay accommodations.