Before getting invited to hike 🏔️ Victoria Peak, I honestly thought the trip wasn't worth the cost 💰 since I had hiked better trails in other countries. But, my mind changed.
Victoria Peak, to date, is the hardest three-day trek I've personally done – subject to change. Despite the slightly demoralizing hills and countless bush ticks, it's one of the best experiences I've had with a small group of strangers now turned friends.
Here's everything you might want to know before attempting VP 👇.
General Information
Hike Distance
54km Total (33.5 Miles)
Tour Cost
$250.00 USD
Essentials
Backpack, hiking, boots, water, food, hammock/tent
Tour Guide
Mandatory, see tour section
Amenities
Picnic shed, parking, camping grounds
Facts About Victoria Peak
- ⏰ Hiking Victoria Peak is possible between March to May (Dry Season)
- ⚠️ The peak is the second highest in Belize at 3,676ft (1,120m)
- 🏔️ The highest peak in Belize is Doyle’s Delight at 3,688 ft (1,124m)
- 👑 The name “Victoria Peak” was given in honor of Queen Victoria
- 🧐 A visually-impaired 12-year old boy climbed the peak in 2011
What Is Victoria Peak Known For?
Flora & Fauna
The trail is filled with plants and animals that will fill you with curiosity. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and will teach you so much.
Camping Grounds
Since the trip is 3 days, you stay on camp grounds located at kilometer 19. Here, you'll shower in a natural waterfall and share food.
Mountaineering
Rappelling up mountains is fairly easy if you can hold your body weight. Necessary safety rules are also implemented.
What To Expect
Victoria Peak is best suited for hikers with a deep love for both nature and mountaineering.
- Day 1: On the first day, we woke up at 5:00AM but left at 7:45AM since many of the hikers took a bit longer than usual to prepare breakfast and get ready. We arrived base camp at 4:00pm. The hike was strenuous on the first day. There were a few river crossings and snake sightings including a rat snake which was huge. There's also a natural shower at base camp that's literally a small waterfall.
- Day 2: We woke up at 5:00AM once again and started the hike at 5:42AM then we reached at 12:30Noon. The hike was fairly easy but the return was very tough because likely because of exhaustion. After arriving at a check point, we started doing some minor rappelling. The incline was relatively steep during but the first hour seems to have been especially tough since it was never ending. We also saw two fer-de-lance snakes which are highly venomous.
- Day 3: Today I started the hike with two strong hikers and ended up doing the entire hike back to Cockscomb in under 7 hours instead of the 9 hours initially taken on Day 1. It was a little tougher than usual since there was rain the day before and the trail had slightly higher river levels and debre on the trail. This also increased the probability for snake encounters but luckily we didn’t find any this time. As the leading team of 3, we set a fast pace and conquered the trail till kilometer 12 very easily. It was mostly flat after this but it was disheartening because we were extremely tired especially. Personally, I felt I had really bad pain in my toes. The trailing groups had a few injuries that made them reach later. All in all, it was a phenomenal trip.
Victoria Peak Insider Tips
- Get a solid pair of shoes preferable hiking but lightweight
- Sleep the night before at Cockscomb at a dorm for max comfort
- Trim toe nails to avoid blisters and nail damage
- Take twice as much energy bars as you think you need
- Have a water filter since main water source is from stream
- Stick to a subgroup that moves at a fast and fun pace
- Take earplugs to improve sleep because people snore horribly
- Read up on snakes to be able to identify poisonous ones
- Take moleskin for toes or bandages for blisters
- Go with an experienced guide like Benedicto Choc
- Use the restroom during the day if possible
- Read the packing list on this blog to see full list
- Be prepared to eat rice/beans/ramen as communal meal
- Look down when tired to avoid seeing overwhelming trail
- Take a blanket or emergency foil wrap for cold nights
- Take bug spray to prepare for a slew of ticks at base camp
How To Get To Victoria Peak
Since Victoria Peak is located in the Cockscomb Basin Reserve, you’ll have to travel to Southern Belize by getting there by car. Because you need you a guide, there is likely a few members of the hiking group that are heading to the site.
Alternatively, you can get a taxi from Hopkins which is the closest village in the area that has a variety of accomodation options.
Victoria Peak Tour
So how does one book a tour for Victoria Peak. While booking through Belize Audubon Society, I can personally recommend Mr. Benedicto Choc who has climbed the peak almost 100 times. His team is very knowledgeable and made the entire experience memorable.
Mr. Ben can be contacted at +501 667-7780 on Whatsapp and is also available for Cockscomb Basin Tours.
Frequent Questions
How high is Victoria Peak?
The peak's highest elevation is approximately 3,670 ft or 1,120m.
What is the highest peak in Belize?
Doyle's Delight, located in southwestern Belize is only 4 meters higher than Peak with an elevation of 3,688ft or 1,124m.
Comments
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