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Parks Map
(Stop 10 of 21)
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Go To Parks Map |
FIVE BLUES LAKE NATIONAL PARK (Stop 10 of 21) |
| Five Blues Lake National Park was established on Earth Day 1991 as the only National Park in Belize to be managed by a community-based organization. The many cultures of nearby St. Margaret - Spanish, Creole, English, Garifuna, Mayan and Mennonite - came together and committed themselves to protect the beautiful lakes called Five Blue Lakes. | ||
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| The park is 4292 acres of rugged karst (limestone) terrain and lush broadleaf forest. The lake spreads over 10 acres and is an estimated 200 feet deep in one spot. The limestone hills surrounding the lake contain numerous sinkholes, caverns and underground streams. Basically, Five Blues Lake is an exceptionally large "blue hole" or sinkhole filled with water. | ||
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A unique forested island sits in the middle of the lake. Access to the island is possible across a shallow ledge protruding from the bank on the eastern side of the lake. This island is called "Orchid Island" for the profusion of orchids which grow throughout the small forest covering the island. | ||
| Two hundred seventeen species of birds have been identified in the park and all five of Belize's wildcats make their home within the park's boundaries. Other mammals include howler monkeys, tapir, gibnut, pecarry and armadillo. The forest surrounding the lake is a tangle of broadleaf trees, lianas, and lots of orchids and bromeliads. | |||
| Access to the park is from a road off the Hummingbird Highway near "Over-the Top". The park is completely managed by the locals of St. Margaret Village. The local population has set up camping sites, and numerous small bed & breakfasts have sprung up to accommodate visitors to the park. |
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| Activites at the park include swimming in the lake. Many nature trails criss cross the park and guides are available at the village. Nearby flows Indian Creek, a drainage that leads into the Sibun River. Along the course of Indian Creek lie a series of seven caves. | |||
 
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