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Experience the excitement of the jungle, hear the
sounds of the wild,
see the colors and feel the ambiance of a land and culture seeped in
tradition and diversity. |
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Belize
Trailblazer Ride
Horseback Riding and
Cultural Tours in Belize
Situated on the Mighty Belize River and central to all of
Belize, Banana Bank is a place where 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 tropical jungle resort, Banana Bank, features
delightful accommodations that blend with the jungle landscape.
Home to the finest Equestrian Center in Belize, Banana Bank will give
you something different. If you've ridden over mountains, prairies and
parklands we know your expectations are high. Can the tropics show you
anything you haven't already seen? You awaken to the shimmering
ethereal glow of dawn materializing through the tropical haze. Horses
are roaming freely and grazing in green pastures surrounded by palms.
The day is young and a sudden rush of excitement fills the air. It's
time to ride! Banana Bank 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
itinerary to participating in structured lessons. The well kept horses,
quiet river, lush pastures, gentle breeze, ancient trees laden with
bromeliads, flocks of parrots, flaming sunsets, delicious meals,
friendly people, and exotic surroundings will speak peace into your
soul.
We will offer you an opportunity to participate in a hands on experience
of interacting with horses. In the arena and round pen, communication
between horse and rider begins to meld. Making it easy to do the right
thing and difficult to do the wrong thing. These concepts, as presented
by John Lyons and Pat Parelli, two of the most popular horse clinicians
in the United States, are the basis for horsemanship at Banana Bank. Key
words are communication, trust and discipline.
A variety of activities can include barrel racing, gymkhana events,
overnight rides, While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of
English saddles and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails
often times under the forest canopy.
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!
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 IT-BESR01B
Rates Include accommodations and meals,
horseback riding, all transfers in Belize, all excursions as per
itinerary and all taxes.
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,425
Single: +$ 355
Triple room: $ 1,280 pp
... with trip to Tikal (Guatemala) on Friday
... add +$150 (Single +50) |
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2006/07 Dates:
Weekly Sa to Sa all
year
Meeting: Belmopan
Airport: Belize City
Transfer: included
Pace: Slow to Moderate with canters
Level:
B+ to C
Tack:
Western Wintec
Horses:
Local Criollo Cross
Min/Max Riders: 1-12
Itinerary
DAY 1 (Saturday):
We will meet you at the Municipal or International Airport and
transfer you to Banana Bank Lodge. If you arrive early enough you
may choose to visit the Belize Zoo. Upon your arrival at Banana
Bank, you can take a tour of the local sites. (It's a jungle out
there) Oops, time for dinner already! (7:00...ish)
DAY 2 (Sunday):
After breakfast, selection and introduction to your partner (your
horse) for the next few days. Learn pointers in the round pen and
have "barrels of fun" in the arena. Time for lunch. Tiger Creek
Trail ride winding up at dusk at the lagoon and birding tower. Take
your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
DAY 3 (Monday):
By now you and your horse are buddies. Head off for your second and
challenging Beans Walk Trail ride. Picnic lunch on trail. Afternoon
river swimming at Sandy Bay (optional). Evening relaxation and
dinner.
DAY 4 (Tuesday):
Your skills by now are tops and you
may want to try a different horse, however, your buddy might get his
feelings hurt. Maya Trail and Colorado Lagoon. Picnic lunch on the
way. This trail tests your endurance. However it's a winner for true
jungle experience. Back to lodge for a hearty meal and a good
night's sleep in your cabana.
DAY 5 (Wednesday):
We ride off into the western
horizon towards the Roaring River Cave. Explore a seldom visited
cave containing artifacts and exquisite Mayan presence. Lunch on the
trail. Excellent swimming spot so be sure to take your swimming
gear. Evening to chill out at the Equestrian Center.
DAY 6 (Thursday):
Glide down the Belize River and
then take a guided tour of the Guanacaste Park. (10" diameter tree
and lots of birds). Count how many iguanas you can spot along with
hundreds of botanic wonders. Lunch served. Saddle up in the evening
for a sunset ride.
DAY 7 (Friday):
Morning is spent by testing and timing your skills on the obstacle
course, barrels, and so forth. You will be awarded with a score,
certificate, and an opportunity to win a prize for your
achievements. Afternoon scenic drive down the Western Highway, with
stops at the historic town of San Ignacio. You will be intrigued by
the fascinating Butterfly Farm and Xunantunich, (Maiden of the
Rocks), Belize's most visited and restored Maya ruin. - optional you
can visit the Tikal ruins in Guatemala this day (extra).
DAY 8 (Saturday):
Breakfast at Dining Room. Your
options - 45 min. farewell ride or visit Belize Zoo or tour Belize
City. We will then transfer you to the airport (International or
Municipal) or wherever you want to go within our transfer range.
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Accommodations:
Cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch are
uniquely designed. Crafted by 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 with queen and single bed. Four to six family
members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily
accommodated in each cabana as each room has a queen size
bed and a single bed. Carved doors, original oil paintings
and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.
The dining room is full of exotic presence. 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 of different locations and
interest. Menus vary but center around the kind of home
cooking we call "grandma food" although our girls put on
some of the best cuisine found in Belize.
Club House - The old original ranch headquarters,
with a long, fascinating colonial history from the mahogany
logging days, was the Carr family pioneer home some 20 years
ago. It is now a clubhouse called "The Headquarters". A
café, beverage bar and lounge provide the perfect location
to recount the adventures just experienced or look forward
to new adventures the next day. The clubhouse is slated for
completion by summer's end.
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The Lodge
 Nestled
near the river in a quiet jungle settle, in the midst of
birds and other tropical wildlife...
...the tropical jungle resort, Banana Bank features
delightful accommodations that blend with the jungle
landscape. Cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf
thatch are uniquely designed. Crafted by 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 with queen and single bed. Four
to six family members, friends or groups traveling together
can be easily accommodated in each cabana as each room has a
queen size bed and a single bed. Carved doors, original oil
paintings and jungle ambiance create a truly memorable
surrounding. |
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| Room Options
Caracol Room - The soft rounded shape of this room
with it's creamy rose color, stained glass windows, bamboo
ceiling and solarium bath room make this a delightful place
to snuggle in. The unique use of sea shells in a stunning
mirror is another feature that lets you know this is a
designed room. It has the option of a ceiling fan or air
conditioning. The room has a reading desk, a tea kettle for
that hot cup of late night tea and a comfortable easy chair.
This room has only a queen size bed. |
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Maya Room- This room is a
tribute to the Maya heritage of Belize. There is a Maya
fresco in the bath and a solarium tub with stained glass
windows. Maya pottery, carvings and paintings decorate the
room. There is a ceiling fan or optional air conditioning. A
tea kettle is included. This room has a queen size and a
single bed. |
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Creole Room- With dark
burgundy lace curtains and bed spreads, the mood is set for
the sensual mystery of the creole culture. Authentic accent
pieces , a hand hewn paddle, a rice beater, and whisky crock
take you back to the logging era. The beautiful hand carved
mahogany headboard clearly expresses why so many struggled
so hard to harvest this precious wood. The solarium bath
with the stained glass windows and delicate curves is a work
of art. A tea kettle is included. There is the option of
ceiling fan or air conditioning. The room has a queen sized
bed and a single bed. |
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Sunshine Room- The minute
you enter this room you know you are in a special place. As
the name implies, it is joyous. The large bath is a molded
artistic expression of curves and stained glass . Rich
fabric and carved furniture complete the feeling that all is
right with the world.There is the option of ceiling fa n or
air conditioning. In this room is a queen sized and a single
bed. |
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 Chateau
Brio - A 3 story building, houses our newest
accommodations. These units will satisfy the guest that
prefers to be above the jungle floor, in an environment less
organic. Presently there are 3 rooms, more will follow in
the next 6 months. Things are always changing at Banana Bank
and we invite your inquires to help us meet your specific
needs. |
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