Trailblazer Jungle Ride

Introduction
Interior Belize
Situated on the mighty Belize River and central to all of Belize, the ranch is a place where the horses roam free and huge iguanas laze in the branches above the bamboo. The land here is surrounded by evidence of both the ancient Maya and a historic logging tradition. Nestled in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of birds and other tropical wildlife, the jungle ranch resort features delightful accommodations that blend with the local landscape and culture. Home to the finest equestrian center in Belize, here you will experience something different from the familiar. If you've ridden over mountains, prairies and park lands we know your expectations are high. Can the tropics show you anything you haven't already seen? Absolutely!

You awaken to the shimmering glow of dawn materializing through the tropical haze. Horses are roaming freely and grazing in green pastures surrounded by large palms. The day is young and a sudden rush of excitement fills the air. It's time to ride! The ranch is big, beautiful and boisterous. Miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting you. There are opportunities to experience horsemanship in a variety of ways, from setting your own trail itinerary to participating in structured instructor lessons. The well kept horses, quiet river, gentle breeze, flocks of parrots, saturated sunsets, delicious meals, friendly people, and exotic surroundings will sooth your soul.

In addition to the day to day riding tours, you have the opportunity to participate in a hands on experience with the horses here. In the arena or on the trail, communication between horse and rider begins to meld. The concepts we follow are those of natural horsemanship, as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli, two of the most popular horse clinicians in the United States, and are the basis for horsemanship at the ranch - even down south here in Belize! Key words are communication, trust and discipline. Of course you may just opt for just some exciting trail riding instead.

While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of English saddles and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails in and out of the forest canopy. Nice long canters along jungle trails can be an exhilarating experience.  This is a place far from the real world and near to the things you've dreamed of. An exciting, yet peaceful place. You will be taking more than pictures home. You'll have memories to last a lifetime!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so nights will be spent in the same location.

Description
Nestled near the river in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of birds and other tropical wildlife! The tropical jungle resort features delightful accommodations that blend with the local landscape and culture. You will stay in standard rooms in the main lodge or in cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch and are uniquely designed. Built by local craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves each works of art. All standard rooms and suites are equipped with A/C for your comfort (we also have some rooms in the cabanas with A/C). The cabanas and chalet rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and / or standing fans. On site you'll enjoy a swimming pool, bird sanctuary, and 14" Meade telescope for star gazing at night. Wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and in the Chateau Brio building. Laundry is also available.


Standard Rooms
Beautiful stained glass windows and solarium bathrooms make theses all delightful places to stay. The unique use of sea shells in a bathroom mirror, Carolyn Carr art, artistic tiling, local arts and crafts, honor the Belize culture and beauty in these designer rooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a reading desk, comfortable easy chair, as well as a queen bed, and most of them have a single bed as well. Four of our standard rooms are in the lodge which has a communal sitting area, adjacent to a patio that overlooks the river. The other two standard rooms are in our Chateau Brio. The building features curved stairs with beautiful banisters and amazing masonry around all the windows. On the second floor there is a large patio where evening conversation can be enjoyed. Inside the rooms you can relish the view of the beautiful landscaping and pool through arched, stained glass windows.


Cabanas
With roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatching are uniquely designed. Crafted by the Banana Bank craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in themselves works of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting room, and two bedrooms, each room with a queen size and single bed. Four to six family members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each cabana. Carved doors, original oil paintings and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if you are traveling as a single rider.
Triple occupancy is possible.



Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included.

The dining room has an exotic feel to it. The tone is set by the soaring thatched roof. Carved banisters, pink gypsum stonewalls, and rich local hard wood paneling make this a beautiful place to enjoy. Our meals are served family style and are widely reported to be some of the best in Belize. The family atmosphere provides a setting for lively discussion between guests from different parts of the world and diverse interest. Menus vary but center around the kind of home cooking we call "grandma's food" although our girls cook up some of the best local cuisine found in Belize.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding
Your Belize horseback riding vacation will be unlike any other vacation you have had before. We offer the best horseback riding in Belize with miles of jungle trails combined with years of experience, on the 4000-acre property. Allow us to show you the thrill of riding through the tropical broad leaf forest as we point out birds, wildlife, trees and medicinal plants. Learn about the culture and the beauty of Belize.

Pace
Rides can vary from 2-hour rides to 4-5 hours in the saddle. For the all-day rides we offer two options. You can either go out to ride in the morning – come back to the lodge for lunch – and then continue the ride in the afternoon, or, you can carry a picnic lunch with you and go a further distance riding. With so many trails and activities, it is all up to you!



Horses
About a hundred horses of thoroughbred mixed with quarter horse breeds are found at our farm. Years of careful hands on training from when they are foals, provide trustworthy but agile mounts that will easily carry you through the jungle trails. We train our horses as per horse whispering concepts and methods. We are experts at matching horses and riders.

Tack
While we mostly ride western, we do have two sets of English saddles and tack for your use.

Staff
Our cowboys are eager to meet you and take you on memorable rides throughout the many trails. Cesar, Sherman, John and Chico will show you the joy of riding through the jungle. All our cowboys not only conduct the rides, but they train as per horse whispering methods and John Carr horsemanship practices, all our born and bred horses.
 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
We will meet you at the airport. After check-in, you can tour the grounds and get acquainted with our own horses and wildlife. Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
Meal included: Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2 (Sunday): Full day Ride
Horse enrichment connection and horse introduction and learning about a trust relationship between you and your horse. Groom, saddle and mount, and 3 hour introductory trail ride including checking the cattle. The day usually starts at 9 am and ends at about 4:30 pm.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 3 (Monday): Morning Ride and Mayan Temple Visit
Saddle up for a morning ride to Tiger Creek, our wrangler will provide tips and pointers as you ride the trail. After lunch we will head 35 miles to Xunantunich, the most famous and visited Maya Temple in Belize.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to the Three Sisters Maya Temple
We'll start with some work in the round pen and you will be connecting with your horse in a special way. Then off to the 3 Sisters Maya Temple (undeveloped) for an all day ride where you will unsaddle, have lunch and then ride back to the lodge.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 5 (Wednesday): Half-Day Ride and Sightseeing
Saddle up for a trail ride to check on the cattle and horses. Then, we will head for the arena to do barrel racing, pole bending and other Gymkhana events – you may have never done this before and we don’t generally use a watch. In the afternoon, we go to the beautiful Hummingbird Highway for chocolate growing and tasting exhibit and then special ice cream and swim in the beautiful inland Blue Hole.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 6 (Thursday): Belize River Boat Ride
For a change in pace, we will board the boat at the Cawich Bridge where you will be guided along the Belize River. It will be a wonderful river trip where we usually see howler monkeys, bats, beautiful trees and multitude of birds. Iguanas dart along the paths and scamper up the trees while you observe hundreds of botanic wonders. After lunch back and an afternoon of relaxation, we'll saddle up for an evening ride.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Ride to Belmopan market and Roaring River
Swim our horses across the Belize River and have lunch at the Belmopan Market (Belmopan is the smallest capital in the world) then out toward the Roaring River to explore caves and spend a little time with your horse in the water. Back to the lodge at around 4:00-4:30pm.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour at the Belize Zoo on the way back.
Meal included: Breakfast



Optional Tour - Tikal (4-5 hours)
There is an option to visit Mayan Temples of Tikal (Guatemala) during the week or we can add a day for you.
There is an extra charge (145 USD pp) and we will need a minimum of 3 participants. 

Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is located in the archaeological region of the Petén Basin in what is now northern Guatemala. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico.

Tikal is the best understood of any of the large lowland Maya cities, with a long dynastic ruler list, the discovery of the tombs of many of the rulers on this list and the investigation of their monuments, temples and palaces. An early breakfast prepares you for a 'must see' trip to visit the Temples at Tikal in Guatemala. Your English speaking guide will lead you through the 5 major temples built around 700 AD - he dominant features of the city, identified only by numbers. Two of them stand in the middle of the square which can be viewed only from the top of the temple number 2. The top of this temple reaches the height of 38 m. Temple number 1 is not accessible, for safety reasons. The north acropolis stands among these temples. Archaeologists uncovered layers of earth, and thus proved that the Maya had lived here before Christ. The current appearance of the acropolis comes from the 8th century AD. Nowadays, Tikal has become a part of the Tikal National Park , and in 1979 it has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
 


Optional Tour - Caracol (full day)
There is an option to visit Mayan Temples of Caracol during the week or we can add a day for you.
There is an extra charge (130 USD pp) and we will need a minimum of 3 participants. 

Join your guide into the incredible history of the Maya in Belize. Caracol is embedded in the lush jungles of the Mountain Pine Ridge. You will learn of CAANA (Sky House) and the important role of it's king - Lord Can ll. Caracol is credited with the conquest of Tikal and Naranjo in AD562.

Rates and Dates for Trailblazer Jungle Ride

Dates Note: Available every week from Saturday to Saturday.

Other Info
Meeting: Belize City
Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Transfer: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA)

Climate:
                                                Belize City area