Home to Belize’s only comfrey palm forests and towering 30+ meter (100+ foot) red mangroves, Sarstoon-Temash National Park protects one of Central America’s most pristine and least-visited wilderness areas. This 16,600-hectare (41,000-acre) sanctuary, nestled between the Temash and Sarstoon Rivers in southern Belize, offers adventurous travelers a rare glimpse into untouched ecosystems where jaguars still roam freely and scarlet macaws flash through the forest canopy.
Park Overview: Belize’s Hidden Wilderness Gem
Declared a protected area in 1992, Sarstoon-Temash National Park represents one of Belize’s most remote and ecologically diverse reserves. Located in the Toledo District near the Guatemala border, this park encompasses 13 distinct ecosystems ranging from broadleaf forests to wetlands and mangrove swamps.
The park is defined by its two namesake rivers—the Temash River with its ancient red mangrove forests, and the Sarstoon River which forms Belize’s southern border with Guatemala. Between these waterways lies a unique landscape of shallow sand bars, grassbeds, and pristine habitats that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
“The beauty of the Temash river lies in the old red mangrove trees that tower alongside both river banks, sometimes reaching more than 100 feet. Orchids and bromeliads thrive on the thick roots of these mangroves.”
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching this remote paradise requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. The park is located approximately 21 km (13 miles) south of Punta Gorda, the southernmost town in Belize.
Transportation Options
By Air
The nearest airport is in Punta Gorda (PND), which receives daily flights from Belize City. From there, you’ll need to arrange boat transportation to the park.
Find the best flight deals to Belize City and connect to Punta Gorda:
By Road & Boat
If driving from elsewhere in Belize, you’ll need to reach Punta Gorda first. From there, boat transportation is essential as the park is only accessible by water. The boat journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on conditions.
Need a rental car to reach Punta Gorda?
Tour Arrangements
The most practical way to visit Sarstoon-Temash is with a local guide from Punta Gorda. Guides can arrange boat transportation and provide valuable insights about the park’s ecology and history. The Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management (SATIIM) can help connect visitors with knowledgeable local guides.
Book Your Guided Tour
Experience the wonders of Sarstoon-Temash with expert local guides who know the rivers and wildlife:
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Dry Season (December-May)
The dry season offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the park. With less rainfall, river levels are lower, making navigation easier. Temperatures typically range from 21-32°C (70-90°F).
February to April provides optimal conditions with sunny days and cooler evenings. Wildlife viewing is often better during this period as animals gather near water sources.
Wet Season (June-November)
The wet season brings lush, vibrant vegetation but also challenging conditions. Heavy rains can make river navigation more difficult and some trails may become muddy.
However, this season offers its own rewards: fewer visitors, more active wildlife, and spectacular thunderstorms. Temperatures remain warm at 24-34°C (75-93°F) with high humidity.
Weather Tip
Regardless of when you visit, bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing, sun protection, and insect repellent. A light rain jacket is essential year-round, as brief showers can occur even during the dry season.
Top Activities in Sarstoon-Temash National Park
The park’s pristine rivers and diverse ecosystems offer unique experiences for nature enthusiasts. Here are the best activities to enjoy during your visit:
1. River Tours & Kayaking
Exploring the Temash and Sarstoon Rivers by boat or kayak is the quintessential park experience. Glide beneath towering red mangroves that create natural tunnels over the water. The rivers offer calm conditions perfect for paddling, with occasional wider sections where you can appreciate the scale of the surrounding forest.
Book a guided river tour with experienced local guides:
2. Wildlife Watching
The park hosts an impressive array of wildlife. Patient observers may spot elusive creatures like jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The rare white-faced capuchin monkey and scarlet macaw make occasional appearances. Bring binoculars to spot tropical birds including toucans, herons, and ospreys hunting over the rivers.
“Rarely seen birds and animals such as the scarlet macaw and the white-faced capuchin monkey have been spotted here. The presence of ospreys and other seabirds indicate the quality of fishing.”
3. Manatee Watching
The river mouths and quiet bays of Sarstoon-Temash provide perfect habitat for West Indian manatees. These gentle marine mammals feed on the rich grassbeds and often calve in the protected oxbows of the rivers. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chances for manatee sightings.
4. Fishing
The rivers of Sarstoon-Temash offer excellent fishing opportunities. Large snook and tarpon cruise these waters, providing exciting catches for anglers. Local guides can arrange fishing excursions and help you find the best spots while ensuring sustainable practices.
5. Nature Walks
While much of the park is accessed by water, there are limited opportunities for short guided walks near the river banks. These excursions offer close-up views of the park’s remarkable plant diversity, including orchids, bromeliads, and the unique comfrey palm forests along the Sarstoon River.
Experience Sarstoon-Temash’s Natural Wonders
Book a comprehensive tour package that includes river exploration, wildlife watching, and guided nature walks:
Where to Stay
While there are no accommodations within Sarstoon-Temash National Park itself, nearby Punta Gorda offers several comfortable options that serve as excellent bases for day trips to the park.
Accommodation Options in Punta Gorda
Eco-Lodges
Several eco-lodges around Punta Gorda offer sustainable accommodations with rainforest views. These typically feature private cabanas, local cuisine, and can help arrange park tours.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Punta Gorda town has a selection of hotels and guesthouses ranging from budget to mid-range options. Most are within walking distance of the waterfront where boats depart for the park.
Find Your Perfect Stay
Browse accommodations in Punta Gorda to serve as your base for exploring Sarstoon-Temash:
Cultural Significance & Local Communities
Sarstoon-Temash National Park holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous Maya and Garifuna communities who have lived in harmony with this land for generations. The tiny Garifuna fishing village of Barranco (population approximately 160) serves as one gateway to the park.
The Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management (SATIIM), formed in 1997, plays a crucial role in park conservation while honoring indigenous rights. This community-based organization received recognition from the World Bank for its innovative approach to sustainable management.
“This sacred land had always been under the purview of indigenous Maya and Garifuna people. Thanks to SATIIM’s intervention, détente between the government and these ancestors was declared.”
Visitors interested in cultural experiences can arrange community visits through local guides. These provide opportunities to learn about traditional practices, sample local cuisine, and perhaps witness cultural performances.
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Reusable water bottle
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with zoom lens
- Dry bag for electronics
- Light rain jacket
Health & Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Apply sunscreen regularly
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
- Stay hydrated in the tropical climate
- Follow guide instructions at all times
- Inform your guide of any medical conditions
- Bring any necessary medications
Communication
Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent within the park. Inform someone of your itinerary before departing, and consider arranging specific pickup times with your boat operator.
Responsible Tourism
Help preserve this pristine environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Take all trash with you, stay on designated trails, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and support local communities by hiring local guides and purchasing local products.
Park Location
Sarstoon-Temash National Park is located in the Toledo District of southern Belize, approximately 21 km (13 miles) south of Punta Gorda.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
Lubaantun Maya Ruins
Located about 31 km (19 miles) from Punta Gorda, these impressive ruins feature unique stonework built without mortar. The site is famous for its association with the mysterious crystal skull allegedly discovered here in the 1920s.
Nim Li Punit
This archaeological site, about 36 km (22 miles) from Punta Gorda, is known for its impressive stelae (carved stone monuments). The name means “Big Hat” in the local Kekchi Maya language, referring to a royal headdress depicted on one of the stelae.
Blue Creek Cave
Approximately 27 km (17 miles) from Punta Gorda, this impressive cave system offers swimming and exploration opportunities. The “wet side” of the cave features an underground river and waterfall.
Extend Your Belize Adventure
Combine your Sarstoon-Temash visit with tours to nearby Maya ruins and natural attractions:
Experience Belize’s Last Wilderness Frontier
Sarstoon-Temash National Park represents one of Central America’s last truly wild places—a pristine wilderness where ancient forests meet winding rivers and rare wildlife still thrives undisturbed. While reaching this remote paradise requires some effort, the rewards are immeasurable: towering mangroves draped with orchids, the chance to spot elusive creatures, and the profound sense of connection with an ecosystem that remains largely as nature intended.
By visiting with respectful awareness and supporting local conservation efforts, you contribute to preserving this ecological treasure for future generations. Whether you’re paddling beneath a cathedral of mangroves, watching for manatees in the quiet river bends, or learning about indigenous cultural connections to this sacred land, Sarstoon-Temash offers experiences that will remain with you long after your journey ends.
Ready to Explore Sarstoon-Temash?
Begin planning your adventure to one of Belize’s most pristine natural wonders:
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