Mayan Jungle Ride with Caracol excursion Interior Belize Enjoy an amazing adventure vacation in the jungles of western Belize. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to ride to hidden caves, remote waterfalls & more. This trip is an excellent blend between cultural activities, adventure and nature immersion. You will have the opportunity to see many birds and possibly other wildlife such as Howler Monkeys, Jaguars, Puma, Ocelot, Tapir and more. You will also discover Mayan ruins and remote villages. The avid swimmers, will be fully satisfied with many occasions to cool off in beautiful and remote water holes. Your evenings are spent in an award-winning ecological lodge surrounded by the Jungle. You will remember this enchanting place forever! Accommodations consist in tastefully decorated rooms with a comfortable bed and ensuite facilities. The sounds of nature will ease you to sleep every night. One of the highlight of your trip will be the visit to the beautiful Maya archeological site of Caracol! Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Belize City Airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize (BZE) Transfer: Belize City Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 25 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity: 10 % (to be paid locally)

 

Rates Note:

Possible upgrade to other room categories at extra cost - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize (BZE). Transfers can be arranged at any time of the day.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
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 (Zoo closes at 3:30 pm) for an extra fee. 
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 private hammock. Enjoy your first dinner & cocktails in the open-air fine dining restaurant.  Alternatively, an intimate private deck dinner service can be arranged for an extra fee (to be paid at the lodge).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to an ancient Mayan cave 
Breakfast is served starting at 6:30 AM.  At 8:00 AM, a driver will transfer you the ranch. Please be ready in your riding cloth. We will provide water, lunch, a small saddle bag, a beach towel and poncho. You will receive an oral orientation before being introduced to your horse and embarking on a full day of horseback riding. Today's ride is through the rainforest to an ancient Mayan cave. You will explore and discover interesting formations and evidence of the Mayan culture in pottery remnants and potsherds that are hundreds of years old. 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 ranch between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. After a refreshing beverage, you will be driven back to the Lodge, a 30-minute drive. Return to your Cabana to freshen up for dinner and lively conversation with your hosts and other guests.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 3 (Monday): Barton Creek 
Morning routine repeats. You take a tour of the ranch on horseback, learning about our off-grid system and visiting the ponds where you might see birds and wildlife.
After lunch in the Cantina, we will drive to Nohoch Sayab River cave at Barton Creek. 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 enter 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 if you wish. Then back to the lodge for another unique meal and relaxation time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 4 (Tuesday): Half-day Jungle Ride & Visit
This day begins with a beautiful half-day jungle horseback ride followed by lunch at the ranch's cantina. 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. During the ride, there are excellent opportunities for seeing birds and possibly wildlife as the valley is home to Howler Monkeys, Jaguars, Puma, Ocelot, Tapir and more. There are opportunities to canter in some places. 
After lunch, your guide will accompany you on a tour of Cahal Pech followed by shopping or optional cultural tours in San Ignacio or simply experiencing the ambience 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.
Riding time: approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 5 (Wednesday): Visit of Caracol (no riding - min 2 pax) 
Today, you will visit Caracol (Spanish for “snail”), located about 2 hours' drive away from the Lodge.  Caracol is the most spectacular Mayan site in Belize, as well as one of the most impressive in Central America.  Once home to as many as 200,000 people–more than half of the entire modern-day Belizean population, Caracol was a metropolis with five plazas and thirty-two large structures covering almost one square mile including Belize’s tallest manmade structure, the temple of Ca’ana.  Altogether there are some 35,000 buildings at the site, though only a handful have been fully excavated. Your day will end off with a leisurely stop at either Rio On Pools or Big Rock Falls for more breathtaking scenery and a swim. Be sure to have your camera batteries fully charged and a fresh memory card available, as not only the grand Mayan architecture but the surrounding jungle and wildlife will keep you snapping photos all day long. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Adventure Level: Moderately strenuous.  An amazing, but very bumpy 2-hour drive on unpaved road takes you through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Elijio Panti National Park, and the lush broadleaf rainforest of the Chiquibul National Park.  Choose to climb to the tops of the temples to add an even greater adventure level.
What to Wear: Shorts or lightweight long pants, shirt, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring along your bathing suit to change into for swimming after touring the ruins. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended, as well.
Restrictions: This tour is not for those who suffer from car-sickness. Rio On Pools is the recommended choice for those with more limited mobility and for children under 5 years of age.

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride to Falls  
Today is a full day of riding to gorgeous waterfalls. The trail winds through varied ecosystems and terrain while your guide points out features and explains traditional uses of rainforest plants.
Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch and swimming at the waterfalls, relax awhile and then mount the horses for a rejuvenating ride home.
Riding time: approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Ride through Slate Creek Preserve 
Your last day of riding will be another jungle ride, an immersion into the rainforest and a visit to a lovely hidden valley filled with giant fruit trees. This is the heart of Slate Creek Preserve, the creek of the same name meanders through this incredibly rich and beautiful valley surrounded by forested hills.  Your guides will continue to show you traditional uses of the plants and trees you are passing. You will return to the ranch's cantina for lunch and say goodbyes to your guides and other staff.  Travel back to the Lodge for a free afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
The time of departure will depend on your plans or flight times. Transfer from the Lodge to International Airport or Belize City by vehicle is included.  Contact us for rates to other desired destinations.  There is a local airport, Maya Flats, outside San Ignacio if you want to fly to the islands or other destinations offered by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.
Meals included: Breakfast

Note:  The order of the rides in this package can be changed at the operator's discretion.  We will do our best to offer all activities but there will be no refund for services we are unable to perform due to circumstances out of our control, such as weather or other abnormal events.



Self-guided on-site activities (included in your package):
o Upstream Canoeing
o Lazy River Tubing
o Hiking
o Birding
o Farm Animal Feeding
o Swimming in the Macal River and Jungle Infinity Pool

Activities & Services offered for an extra fee:
- Babysitting
- Half-day canoe trips to San Ignacio with a naturalist guide
- In-Room Massage

                                                Belize City area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	83	84	86	88	89	89	89	89	89	87	85	83
Average Low Temperature (°F)	68	70	72	75	77	78	77	77	76	75	72	70
Average High Temperature (°C)	28	29	30	31	32	32	31	32	32	31	29	28
Average Low Temperature (°C)	20	21	22	24	25	25	25	25	25	24	22	21
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	12	6	4	4	6	11	14	13	14	15	13	11

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Belize has 2 distinct seasons: 
- The rainy season (varies considerably month to month) occurs between June and January with rainfall averages ranging between 60 inches/1,524mm in the north to 160 inches/4,064mm in the south. The rainfall is variable from year to year. The number of rainy days varies considerable from place to place. Many of these rainy days are insignificant though, with early morning showers (called "night rain" by the locals). These "night rains" are caused by cool air moving down from the mountains which cools the air along the cost causing a light rain. Hurricanes may occur between June and November.
- The dry season usually spans from February to May.

The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical and it is cooled by the trade winds from the Caribbean Sea. The humidity while high is seldom oppressive for long and is most noticeable along the coast.
During the winter months (November through mid-March) Belize can experience the influence of cold fronts from the north (bring warm clothing such as fleeces, sweaters, and wind breakers if travelling during that time). In general, the hottest days can be expected during the end of the dry season, from the end of April to May.


Special note - Insects
Although we do our best to keep insects to a minimum, this IS the jungle and insects, as well as other wildlife, are part of our surroundings and help keep nature in balance. Most insects are harmless and merely a nuisance, such as the doctor fly (deer fly), which can leave you itchy but doesn’t carry disease. But there are other bugs, such as scorpions or bees, which can give a painful sting or be a special concern for those guests with allergies.
We recommend wearing insect repellant which contains a small amount of DEET and/or baby oil (baby oil keeps your skin slick so small insects like no-see-ums can’t land on you), checking your shoes and shaking out your clothes and bath linens before putting them on or using them and pulling back your bed linens before climbing in.
Find a staff member to help remove an insect if you are not comfortable doing so, or to treat a bite or sting if necessary.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Jeans – single seamed or jophurs

Light boots or ankle high shoes

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Light cotton clothing

Long and short sleeved t-shirts

Long pants

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Tennis shoes for camp

Bathing suite

Bandanna

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun protection  and lip balm

You will entering a sub-tropical rainforest environment.  It may rain, it may be hot. We will do our best to keep you comfortable, but please come prepared with the following items:
- Hat
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunscreen. Use a UV factor 15 or better sun block.
- Insect repellent. Please use care when using the repellent. It is best to spray repellent on while outside.
- Prescription or over-the-counter meds you use regularly
- Extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars & cameras
- Long pants & shorts
- Swimsuit
- Long and short sleeved shirts
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
- Sandals or flip-flops & water shoes

We recommend to dress lightly, preferably with cotton clothing rather than synthetics.  Casual dress is the order of the day and evening, with shorts acceptable everywhere, and you may need a light jacket during the months of June-August, and November-March, preferably waterproof.
For any explorations on foot, we recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots with a good tread.
On the rides, you must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots. 
We also recommend you bring a swimsuit with you on the rides (placed in the saddlebag) as there will be many swimming opportunities. 

We can provide the following items during the rides:
- a poncho, in case of rain
- fresh/pure water for our guests. No need to take water filters/purifiers. 
-  saddle bags. 

It is possible to store passport, extra money and other small valuable items in our safe. 
 

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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
You are accommodated in an award-winning environmentally sustainable lodge, located on 105 of Nature Reserve surrounded by the jungle.
The owners wanted to create an eco-friendly lodge and therefore the lodge produces its own electricity thanks to solar panels. For this reason, the standard electric outlets have been replaced by USD outlets. This means that hairdryers and curling irons cannot be used. We do have, however, a room where guests can charge their computers or other electronics through standard outlets.
Each of the 10 spacious cabanas are elevated and designed to naturally stay cool, taking advantage of natural ventilation and convection, as well as cooling river breezes. To supplement our ‘natural breeze’ cooling system we have industrial ceiling fans in all cabanas. 
It should also be noted that our running water is supplied by rain water and water from the nearby river.

Complimentary WiFi is available free of charge in guest common areas.
The Internet is made possible by multiple towers beaming the signal to us from town. This connection can be affected by rainy and windy weather, as well as by local anomalies such as power outage in town or the number of people using the system at the same time, so it may be slower or unavailable from time to time.

Please, note that there is little to no cell service available at the lodge.

International Phone Service  is available for an additional fee.
Laundry service is available at BZ$20 per load (wash, dry, and fold), and is sent out to our laundry facility in Cristo Rey Village each day.

Room Options
- Garden View Cabanas (1 Queen bed) - can accommodate up to 2 people
- River Valley View Cabanas (1 King bed + 1 futon ) - can accommodate up to 3 people
- Jungle View Cabanas (1 Queen or King bed + 1 futon + enough room for a 2’ x 6’ camp cot & a 4” foam mattress) - can accommodate up to 5 people (ideally, 2 adults and up to 3 children)
- Rainforest Cabin (1 large bedroom with a king bed + 1 small bedroom with bunk beds) - can accommodate up to 5 people


Garden View Cabanas (“Aracari” & “Kiskadee” Rooms) - can accommodate up to 2 people
The 2 adjoining Garden View Cabañas share a single building and palm-thatched veranda overlooking the tropical flower garden. They are within easy walking distance of the dining room and bar. These rooms each have 1 Queen sized handcrafted four-poster bed made from indigenous My Lady trees, tiled floors, private hot water bath with a large river stone-lined shower and an industrial ceiling fan.


Jungle View Cabanas (“MotMot”, “Oropendola”, & “Great Currasow” Rooms) - can accommodate up to 5 people (ideally, 2 adults and up to 3 children)
Larger and more private than the Garden View Cabañas, the Jungle View Cabañas are spacious, stand-alone rooms offering either a queen-sized or king-sized handmade four poster bed, full sized futon, private thatched roof veranda, and gorgeous views of the surrounding jungle. These rooms all have tiled floors, private hot water river stone-lined showers, 2 industrial ceiling fans and a hammock.


River Valley View Cabana (“Laughing Falcon,” “Little Blue Heron,” “Purple Gallinule”, & “Kingfisher” Rooms) - can accommodate up to 3 people
Our most secluded and spacious rooms, these cabañas are prized for their stunning views of the Macal River Valley. Each room is equipped with industrial ceiling fans and private hot water baths with large river stone-lined showers. They feature a large, palm-thatched veranda, a king-sized four poster bed, 1 full-sized futon, and hardwood floors.


Rainforest Cabin - can accommodate up to 5 people
Formerly the abode of the owners, this 2-bedroom/one-bath cabin features a covered veranda, multiple ceiling fans, and mixture of hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. The master bedroom contains a king-sized bed and panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. The smaller second bedroom is perfect for the kids, with one set of bunk beds. The bedrooms are linked by a half-bath, and there is a second sink basin and separate stone-lined shower room to help as everyone is trying to get ready at the same time.

Room Occupancy
Please, let us know what is your preferred room type at the time of booking. Also, note that we do not take solo travelers at this time.
Children under 18 years of age can stay in the parents’ room free of charge (including the addition of one camp cot). If additional beds are needed to accommodate children of any age, then an additional fee applies. Cots and additional bedding arrangements must be requested in advance.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day. Breakfasts and Dinners will be taken at the lodge, while lunches will be provided by the ranch during day rides.
Please, note that desserts and drinks are not included in your package.

At the lodge, the chefs combine the freshest local products and their skill to serve guests with delicious dishes. The majority of fruit, herbs and vegetables come from our working farm, and our eggs are delivered by our free-range chickens. We use local fishermen and fish farms to provide fresh fish and seafood, and we purchase all meats locally. Whenever available, ingredients used in our gourmet dishes are produced within Belize.
The lodge's farm is currently cultivating Valencia oranges, Key and Tahitian (Persian) limes, several varieties of mango, and coconuts. Additionally, we produce our own avocados, chaya (a local green favored by the Maya), star fruit, sapodilla, grapefruit, craboo, breadfruit, and soursop (guanábana). During different times of the year we also grow a small selection of vegetables and fresh herbs. All of the flowers and plants you see at the lodge are grown on the farm in our very own landscape and flower nursery. We encourage guests to walk around the farm via the main road and to help themselves to any of our tropical fruits. Our only rule is that you must eat what you pick!

Early Breakfast: Packed breakfasts are available for departures prior to 6:45 AM and when ordered at least one day in advance.
Full and Continental Breakfast: Served between 6:30-9:30 AM. Menu changes daily & offers a choice of 4 items.
Snacks & Homemade Desserts: Served all day.
Dinner: Served between 5:30-8:30 PM. Menu changes daily and offers a choice of two starters and two entrées with special selections for specific dietary needs. Private candlelight dinners are also available for a small fee and with advanced notice.

During full day rides, you will be provided with a packed lunch. In case of half-day rides, lunch will be cooked at the ranch's Cantina. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions if notified prior to arrival.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western Wintec
Horses:		Spanish quarterhorse local breed mix
Pace:		5 - 6 hours some canters ! | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 25

Riding Experience
Riders must be comfortable at a walk, trot, and canter. It is important that riders are capable of strenuous uphill hikes in order to reach the waterfall and caves.

Pace
The ride will move slowly up and down any steep, rocky paths and will increase in speed to include canters and maybe gallops once a plateau is reached. Our half day and full day rides include breaks for swimming, caving, and picnic lunches.

Terrain
We select only the most interesting routes, passing through varied ecosystems, which our knowledgeable guides carefully explain. We will identify traditional uses of plants, visit Maya ruins, and of course enjoy the exhilarating experience of riding through a pristine environment.

Horses 
We started a breeding program about 10 years ago for American Quarter Horses crossed with regional stock. We currently have 25 horses leaving on a 150 acre ranch. Being well-trained and cared for, the horses have a gentle disposition, are sure-footed, and are conditioned for stamina and endurance. We take care to match the rider with the most suitable horse.

Equipment
It is important that riders wear riding boots, hiking boots, or tennis shoes (with socks), and long (preferably single-seamed) trousers or jodhpurs.

Insurance
Please make sure you are covered by travel and medical insurance for unforeseen situations. 

Passports

Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart.



Passport Note

All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above and nationals of their overseas territories for stays of up to 30 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).



Types of Visa and Cost

Single-entry: £60; Multiple-entry: £110. Handling fee of £5 for all applications.



Working Days Required

Most visas are issued the next working day. Some applications may require authorisation from the Director of Immigration and the Nationality Service in Belize; this will take up to four weeks. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No/1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.