Mayan Jungle Ride

Saturday: If you arrive by International flight, you will be met outside the arrival zone at the Airport by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it. Alternative pickup locations can be arranged and rates may vary. A stop at the Belize Zoo can be added to your arrival or departure transfer depending on arrival time. The Zoo closes at 3:30 pm. This would need to be arranged with the lodge when making your reservation. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy some of the lodge activities such as: a refreshing swim in the pool, a hike on the trails, river tubing, canoeing and more. Or relax and decompress to the sounds, smells and views of the jungle river valley from your own verandah. Enjoy your first dinner & cocktails in their open-air fine dining restaurant.   Alternatively, an intimate private candlelight dinner service can be arranged for a fee to be paid at the lodge.

Sunday: Breakfast is served starting at 6:30 AM.  At 8:00 AM, a driver will arrive to take you to the riding center.  Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a heel. Water, lunch, a small saddle bag, beach towel and poncho will be provided.  You will receive an oral orientation before being introduced to your horse and fitted to the saddle for a full day of horseback riding.  You will ride through the rainforest to an ancient Mayan cave.  Explore and discover interesting formations and evidence of the Mayan culture in pottery remnants and potsherds that are hundreds of years old.  (Please don’t touch them!) After the cave, refresh yourself with a cool dip in the crystal clear waters of Butterfly Falls and feast on a gourmet picnic lunch.  Return to the stable between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. After a refreshing beverage, you will be driven back to your accommodations, a 30-minute drive.  Return to your Cabana to freshen up for dinner and lively conversation with other guests.

Monday: Morning routine repeats.  Another full day of horseback riding to Nohoch Sayab River cave at Barton Creek. The trail meanders through the village of El Progresso, where refugees from Guatemala and El Salvador settled over 30 years ago. The trail then passes through a Mennonite community where you can observe ancient farming practices such as horse-drawn buggies, plows, and mills. As you make your way down the steep narrow road to the valley floor, you will be astounded by the size of fruit trees and tropical flora in the fertile Barton Creek valley. Arriving at Mike’s Place, you will board a canoe and paddle across the creek, then suddenly disappear, paddling deep into the sparking stalactite formation river cave. When you return to the mouth of the cave, enjoy a swim and a delicious lunch before returning to the stable. Then back to the lodge for another unique meal and relaxation time.

Tuesday: This day begins with a beautiful half-day jungle horseback ride followed by lunch in the stable’s Cantina and then a vehicle tour to a Mayan Site and the town of San Ignacio. The destination for the half-day ride is a secluded hidden valley where you will ride along a winding creek and enjoy the exotic tropical vegetation and excellent opportunities for sighting colorful rainforest birds and iridescent butterflies. After lunch, you will return to your accommodations for a chance to shower and change clothes. Your guide will then accompany you on a tour  to a Mayan site followed by shopping or optional cultural tours in San Ignacio or simply experiencing the ambiance of the lovely town of San Ignacio at the confluence of the Mopan and Macal Rivers where they merge into the Belize River. You will return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Wednesday: Today is a full day of riding to the Big Rock Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The trail winds through varied ecosystems and terrain while your guide points out features and explains traditional uses of rainforest plants. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and swimming at the beautiful waterfalls, relax awhile and then mount the horses for a rejuvenating ride home.

Thursday: Day of departure. The time of departure will depend on your plans or flight times. The transfer from the lodge to the International Airport or any other location in Belize City by vehicle is included. Contact us for rates to other desired destinations or for an alternate flight from San Ignacio to Belize City (additional fees apply).