www.thelodgeatbigfalls.com, http://belizeexpertize.com info@thelodgeatbigfalls.com +(501) 732-4444 or +(501) 610-0126
Mayan Adventure Belize is truly “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret!” With a population of just over 300,000 and around 40% of its land area under protected status, Belize is a hidden gem in Central America. Sparsely populated and ethnically diverse, the country is rich in natural wonders from the barrier reef and coastal cayes to the Maya Mountains and inland rainforest. The southern district of Toledo is the Mayan heartland of Belize with more than 60 villages of Kek'chi and Mopan Maya. The Lodge at Big Falls is centrally located in the Toledo, and is the ideal base from which to explore this most unspoiled area of Central America. The lodge offers Mayan culture and an abundance of nature with myriad birds, butterflies, orchids and other wonderful creatures.Opportunities for adventure whether it be snorkelling on the cayes or caving and kayaking in the rainforest are at your fingertips here!
Day 1 Arrival at Philip Goldson International (BZE) airport in Belize City. Transfer to Tropic Air for the one hour flight from Belize City to the coastal fishing town of Punta Gorda, which is also the Toledo district capital. Here you will be met and transferred 20 miles to the Lodge. On arrival enjoy a welcome rum cocktail and settle into your cabana before dinner in our restaurant. Day 2 A day at Blue Creek, 15 miles south of the Lodge. The river flows from the mouth of Hokeb Ha cave, which was formerly used for ritual practices by the ancient Maya. You will swim upstream into the cave with headlamps and life vests, sometimes scrambling over rocks, as far as the pool where the river cascades from the side of the cavern. Enjoy a picnic on the river bank, where you can then swim, explore the riverside trails or climb up the side of the valley to get stunning views over the forested coastal plain. Make the day as active or relaxing as you like. Day 3 Begin the day with an early-morning bird walk around the Lodge property and through our gardens where you can spot colorful toucans, trogons, parrots, parakeets and many other exotic species. Today you will experience authentic Maya culture visitng a Mayan home in Big Falls village. The Cal family is eager to share with you the way in which the Maya lived and how they used the plants, trees and herbs for housing, furniture, food and medicine. Later, choose between a number of activities: tubing on the Rio Grande that runs around the Lodge, ziplining in Big Falls village (not included in package US$40) or taking mountain bikes to explore the locality. You can paddle upstream from the Lodge in our sit-on-top Hobie kayaks or just relax around the pool.
Day 4 This morning, with your guide, explore the Mayan archaeological site of Lubaantun where the crystal skull was discovered in 1924 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges who, as a teenager, was accompanying her father Frederick, an adventurer explorer. This magical site is beautifully preserved with a wonderful ambiance and few other travelers. From here, drive through the Mayan villages to the Rio Blanco National Park where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and can jump from the rocks into the deep pool below the waterfall. Cross the river on the cable bridge and trek the jungle trail that loops through the surrounding forest, keeping an eye out for small mammals and birds. Day 5 Today you will experience a different aspect of authentic Maya culture visiting the Chiac family who demonstrates their traditional craft making skills using palm leaf and other natural fibers and give you the chance to try your hand at weaving hammocks, baskets and bags. Juan Chiac actually produces the natural fibers from plants and vines collected in the rainforest and he will show you how this is done
Day 6 Breakfast and departure. If time allows, you will have an opportunity to explore Punta Gorda before your flight departs. The length of this visit will depend upon the time of departure of your flight either to Belize City to return home or onward to your next destination within Belize. This visit will include the fish, fruit and vegetable market, as well as a short tour of a small chocolate making facility. Those departing on early flights will not be able to take advantage of the Punta Gorda town tour.
Details / Restrictions The package is for two people for 6 days/ 5 nights and inclusive of luxury lodging, all meals, and activities as noted on the attached itinerary. Alcoholic beverages are additional. Reservations must be made 90 days in advance. There are no blackout dates, but reservations are subject to availability. Gratuities and airfare are not included. Additional nights or travelers may be added post-event at current market cost. Packages are non-transferable and expire one year from the date of the Derby Preview Party.